These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

Title: These Violent Delights

Series: These Violent Delights Duet

Author: Chloe Gong

Narrator: Cindy Kay

Release Date: November 17, 202

Publisher: print, Margaret K. McElderry Books; audio, Tantor Audio

Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Romance, YA

Source: audio, Libby

TW: violence, gun violence, death, racism, transphobia, blood, death of parent, drug use, homophobia

Synopsis

Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Descendant of the Crane, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.

The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. 

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang--a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette's first love...and first betrayal. 

But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns--and grudges--aside and work together, for if they can't stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.

Thoughts

I absolutely loved this book! It's such a clever and original take on *Romeo and Juliet*. The setting in 1920s Shanghai was so vibrant and colorful; I was completely immersed in the time period Gong chose for this story. The mystery throughout the plot was engrossing and, at times, genuinely horrifying. I found myself completely invested in the story from start to finish.

Roma and Juliette were fantastic protagonists. I adored their complex personalities, the weight they carried as heirs to their respective dynasties, and the intense feelings they harbored for each other. Their relationship was beautifully crafted and felt authentic to their circumstances. I'm eagerly anticipating how their story concludes in *Our Violent Ends*.

Unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed with the audio narration of this book. The narrator's delivery lacked variation in tone and inflection, which made the story feel flat and monotonous at times. This made it somewhat challenging to get through the audiobook. Based on my experience, I'd recommend reading the physical book rather than listening to the audio version to fully appreciate Gong's rich storytelling.