Probably a better read for everyone else than it was for me. My experience was somewhat dull, but I have no doubt this will be a hit with most other readers if they think they would like it!

Recommended: eh
For a glimpse into 1920s Shanghai, for a historical fantasy gangster story (not a common combo I think), for flavors of Romeo & Juliet but ultimately its own standing story

Thoughts:
Look, I know. This book has everything. Shanghai in 1920s, one of my favorite place-time combos. A basis in Shakespeare. A fantasy element of monsters. A touch of brutality and gore to darken the story.

So why didn't I love it???

I'm a bit baffled, honestly. I've tried to pinpoint what kept me from falling in love with this book, as I should have by all rights. I think my issue was partly that I wasn't expecting it to be intertwined with magic and I wasn't really in the mood for that -- and obviously that's a personal issue, nothing with the book. But the bigger issue I faced was that I just didn't really care about either of the main characters.

Poor communication is at the crux of both of Juliette and Roma's issues, which is a common trope but still one that immediately turns me off. Their relationship and history together was predictable -- and not just because it's based on Romeo and Juliet. The forbidden longing aspect was weak because of it, so that had no pull on me. The rest of their character - the powerful heir who doesn't want the job - was meh.

Give me more Marshall and Benedikt any day though! I adore them. 

Besides that this story shines in it's world building and portrayal of Shanhai at the time. It was truly a wild place, and not in entirely good ways. The chaos of competing powers between gangs, countries, and even government systems is captured exquisitely within. I could imagine every scene in the city so vividly, and that was what I loved most. The contrasts of the city were perfect.

Now if you're curious how much this really pulls from Romeo and Juliet, the answer is minimally. There are a few key elements to the original story that are reflected in here, but overall it is uniquely its own. To come in expecting a straight retelling is woefully misguided. This is a fresh new story; it just happens to throw some nods to relationships and plot points from the OG R&J.

So if you read the blurb of this book and think "hey I'll probably like that" then you probably will. This book has tons of action blended well with introspection and interpersonal development. My issues are mostly my own, and my "it was okay" rating (as always) reflects my own experience and not the objective quality of the book. ( )

I was not expecting to like this book so much. The setting was lovely. The characters were lovely. And despite the gruesome plot line, the book itself was lovely. A twist on Shakespeare and I definitely recommend. ( )

I see that other users have tagged this as romance (and I will begrudgingly do so because sure, there's romantic elements) but by and large, this is more historical fantasy/mystery. Always interesting to see what people do with retellings, and in this case changing who lives and who dies! This is half of a duology though, so we'll see what happens next and if it ends in tragedy like the original source play.

Monster/plague causing anxiety in the city layered on top of colonialism and factions wrestling for control makes a deliciously chaotic setting, and I appreciate having trans rep without it ending in tragedy.

The author's so young! an impressive debut. There's maybe too many teenagers with power but I am interested enough to finish reading the duology. ( )

I really loved this read. I thought it was such a unique take on the star crossed lovers element. This book was also so unique for is history filled setting and it captured me from page one. I really loved how this book tackled or used my favorite story element o second chance romance and also acted as s sequel to romeo and juliet. I also really loved the writing style as well and was suxed in by the quotes. it was such a fast pace read and I am really excited or the sequel. ( )

I really loved this read. I thought it was such a unique take on the star crossed lovers element. This book was also so unique for is history filled setting and it captured me from page one. I really loved how this book tackled or used my favorite story element o second chance romance and also acted as s sequel to romeo and juliet. I also really loved the writing style as well and was suxed in by the quotes. it was such a fast pace read and I am really excited or the sequel. ( )