YA Any Day discussion

Discuss These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong in this topic!


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 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.

I liked this book. It's not a favorite and it didn't leave any lasting impression on me, but it was enjoyable and the struggles that Juliette went through as an Asian who lived in America are real and relatable. The themes of white people making natives feel like tourists are excellent, as well. I liked the ideas surrounding this book more than the novel itself.

Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I really liked this book. The commentary it had on gentrification and the way that hate can manifest in different ways were pretty interesting. I think the plot was the real gem of the book but the characters were also quite good. I gave it 5/5 but now that I reflect on that I think it was more of a 4.5/5

I finished this as well. How many is going to read this now in April?

I really liked this book and I'd rate it 4.5/5. The enemies to lovers plot was pretty good and I liked how the storyline fully played out. Although I am really glad for the epilogue and can't wait for the next book. Have to say I think Benedikt was my favorite character.

Emma wrote: "I really liked this book and I'd rate it 4.5/5. The enemies to lovers plot was pretty good and I liked how the storyline fully played out. Although I am really glad for the epilogue and can't wait ..."

I love Benedikt!!