Reviews

Can't believe it's over 😭 I didn't read the violent delights before this series and I still thoroughly enjoyed everything. Devoured both books in such a short amount of time. Its... impressive and concerning.

What a story. This will stay with me.

corinne_readsbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

karaisreading's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

i love rosalind and orion (and SILAS AND PHOEBE AND my babies roma and juliette)
i agree with some of the other reviews, the ending is a bit discombulated in my mind but there are so many good quotes!!!

i do like celia and oliver too but i feel like i was so focused on silas x phoebe because their dynamic was so exciting and new to me

hannb's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

ameydireads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“Don't tie yourself in knots trying to discover what you ought to do in this world. At the end of the day, every job is the same, but you only have one family.”

I enjoyed this book so much. A great series finale.
I loved all the characters. Allegiances prove to be fluid when they all come together to fight a common enemy. In the midst of all the chaos, there are also some pleasant experiences when love blooms. Celia and Oliver grow closer together and Phoebe and Silas have some more difficulties to overcome, owing to their secrets. Meanwhile, Rosalind is determined to save Orion and because he lost his memories, we see him fall in love again with Rosalind. And how cute that they actually met each other as children as well!

The historical setting of this book was also very interesting. That's something Chloe Gong has done wonderfully in the previous books as well. This story is set in a time when there was a lot of political turmoil after Japan invaded Manchuria. The International Settlement, falling under western jurisdiction, was excluded from the struggle. They were able to mentally and physically detach themselves from the ongoing struggle. And for many people seeking refuge, the International Settlement was a safe haven. I found this clear contrast between the International Settlement and the rest of China very sad. The sorrow of the Chinese people must have been unimaginable. I wish we all had more compassion and kindness for each other.
“The foreigners on the other side of the creek were said to have watched the battle from the International Settlement as though it was a sporting event.”

Content Warnings

arden_24's review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

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