⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5

This book is an epic novel inspired by Romeo and Juliet set place in 1926 in Shanghai where heirs of rival gangs must come together to hunt down a monster.
When I first read the synopsis it had me immediately intrigued. Historical fiction is not something that I’ve often read. The same with Shakespeare retellings but it didn’t stop me from picking this book up and it didn’t disappoint!
I loved the atmosphere the setting, time and period brought in this book. I wasn’t really familiar with Shanghai during that period but definitely learned about it, something I really like in books.
Juliette and Roma both seem older than their age in the book. Something I understand given their circumstances. The romantic tension between the two springs out of the pages. I love how calculating, cunning, confident and intelligent they are. The other characters are also very interesting with their own vibe and story. I really enjoyed Kathleen’s and I’m a big fan of Marshall.
I really liked the plot. The two gangs, the madness, the drama and the world building really helped me to completely be sucked into the story. I had a very hard time putting the book down! I was anticipating a very tragic ending, like in Romeo and Juliet, but the ending only left me gasping for more. Although I am hoping for a happy ending at the end of book two!
Overall an absolutely wonderful debut book which makes my super excited for the sequel Our Violent Ends!