These Violent Delights

These Violent Delights Series, Book 1

By: Chloe Gong

Narrated by: Cindy Kay

Length: 14 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 18-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.

©2020 Chloe Gong (P)2021 Tantor

Jesus

Why is she whispering me the book? 😬 It’s very annoying to be honest. The book is very good tho!

I struggled to finish!

I had a hard time finishing this book for several reasons. If I had known it had to do with insects I would never have chosen it. They creep me out. The narrator basically whispers through the entire story even when the characters should be shouting. In an effort to make a strong female lead, the author made her too tough with no redeeming qualities. She is basically not likable. Also there were barely any similarities between Romeo and Juliette other than the names. Overall I would not recommend.

These Violent Delights

I loved how descriptive the author is, and that’s why I’m so disappointed I didn’t like this book as much I wanted to like it!! I kept waiting for it to capture my attention and immerse myself in it but it never did. I was expecting so much more, I mean a Romeo and Juliet retelling!! Sadly the romance wasn’t nowhere near as dominant in the book, there was romance but I just didn’t feel it. I think my main problem with the book is that I never really connected with Roma and Juliette therefore the story never clicked for me.

Not what I expected

I never expected this and I couldn’t be happier. I usually hate retelling or reimaginings but it’s was really damn good

Highly rated book - boring listen?

I am not sure about other’s experience with this book for it to be highly rated. I wanted something dark fantasy - mainly looking for a really dark book. It was similar to the current outbreak - virus that spreads. The two gangs of Shanghai joining forces with a forbidden love honestly was so cliche. Long and boring to listen to. Maybe the voiceover was trying too hard, much like the author.

why does this narrator whisper the whole book?

it's kind of annoying. It story and writing are great though. can't wait it read the second one.

It was okay overall.

It was a fun, easy read.
I wasn't a fan of the narrator. Couldn't understand why she read like everyone was whispering. I stopped listening and read the book on my own.

Couldn't finish

It was very hard to continue reading this book. The description is really good, but, but the characters have little to no life in them. On top of that the Relationship that no one wants to happen happens. Juliet breaks her relationship off with Romeo for very good reasons, but there's always some kind of sexual tension and or want between them and its honestly really annoying. On top on top of that, this book is set in around in the 1920s and it just feels weirdly modern. i feel like the author had too many ideas for the plot, couldnt pick one and just used them all. Honestly couldnt finish.

So good!

The audio is a little strange at first the narrator almost whispers parts of the book but I could easily get past that because of how good the story is!

not what I was expecting

Upon the first very obvious Romeo and Julliet reference, I was prepared to dislike this book. I've never been much of a shakespear fan, but as the story progressed and it went from blatant reproduction (hello, Roma Montagov) to subtler hints at the story, I got hooked. she did a great job reworking the story to fit her needs and it was a nice little mystery. I will be continuing the story to see where we will go next.