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Romeo and Juliette Retold: These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

17 Jul

Romeo & Juliette. Those who hear those names instantly know of Shakespeare romantic tragedy. There are countless movies about it with different takes and of course books with their own variation on the tale, including changes in the ending. In many ways, the play itself has become its own genre in terms of  the trope of star-crossed lovers. Many books will have similar themes to the play, but with their own set of characters and situations that differ but take inspiration from the source material. 

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong is one such tale. Taking place in a 1920s inspired Shanghai, it tells the story of Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov, both heirs to rival gangs, the Scarlets and the White Flowers. Juliette is a former flapper, who has returned to assume her role as heiress as head of the Scarlet Gang, whose power is higher than the law. Both the Scarlets and the White Flowers have fought for generations and the key player behind every move is the White Flowers heir, Roma. Both Juliette and Roma have a shared history as each other’s first loves that ended in betrayal. Things change when a mysterious contagion begins to make itself known and the stability of both gangs begins to crumble. Now Juliette and Roma must set their differences aside and work together before their gangs and the city are destroyed.

Gong weaves a bloody and fantastic narrative with great protagonists who are compelling as they are fun to read about.  The book also has several nods to its inspiration while still coming off as its own story as well, touching on various themes and topics that are woven quite well throughout the narrative. The mystery that makes up the primary plot of the novel is well paced and one that readers will either try to guess along the way or figure out immediately. 

There are many political references made through the book as well in regards to some of the things Shanghai was facing in reality during the 1920s, things the author handles very well and gives the readers something to think on in regards to history. 

Overall, the book is a thrilling read that will have you reaching for the sequel as soon as you reach the ending. These Violent Delights is available now along with its sequel, Our Violent Ends.

You can read several past Shakespeare inspired posts here and here and here.

Written by:
Lauren Lapinski
Information and Digital Services Library Assistant

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A New Adventure Based on an Ancient Story: Strike the Zither

8 May

Fantasy can be ground for many great and original works, many of which go on to become well beloved classics. It can also be grounds for retellings of fairy tales, legends, and mythology of all sorts, leaving for a different sort of take on a classic story. Love them or hate them, they are a staple that will continue for times to come. 

In this retelling of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, author Joan He tells the story of Zephyr, an orphan who would grow up to become one of the greatest strategist in the kingdom, serving under warlordess Xin Rin, whose loyalty to the puppet empress is a double edged sword that could put their survival in danger. When forced to infiltrate an enemy camp, Zephyr meets the mysterious Crow, a strategist from a rival kingdom who is her intellectual match. The destined meeting forces both of them to realize that there are more enemies around them and not all of them are human. 

If you are a reader who is not familiar with the story of the Three Kingdoms, this is a great book to learn about it while seeing the author’s take on this classic tale. Joan He’s narrative style is quite enthralling, pulling the reader right at the height of a danger, letting us see first hand just how skilled Zephyr’s skills are in the art of strategy and into her personality. Zephyr is quite a fun character to read about, confident to the point of arrogance, but still quite endearing at the same time. 

The second of our main cast of characters is Crow and from the moment he and Zephyr meet, there is immediate tension between them on a multitude of levels. They clearly match each other in terms of intelligence and the sparks of something more between them is undeniable. In terms of personality, while Zephyr is arrogant to an almost boisterous degree, Crow is much more quiet and mysterious, but still just as intelligent, and arrogant, as Zephyr. Of those she has encountered, it is only Crow that Zephyr considers to be a true rival. The plot is very well paced and has a great set of twists and turns that will make readers want to reach for the sequel, Sound the Gong, out now. For readers seeking a new adventure, Strike the Zither, is one not to be missed!

Written by:
Lauren Lapinski
Information and Digital Services Assistant

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