Some events are predictable, especially for readers familiar with the Shakespeare original, but they'll also have to keep guessing who's really working for whom. Teens will relate to Roma and Juliette's frustration with the unending cycle of violence, and with having no voice in decisions that affect their lives. Teens who like a variety of genres will enjoy this effective blend of romance, fantasy, and historical fiction, whether they've read Romeo and Juliet or not.Īction, excitement, and intrigue share the pages with sweeping and epic change in the politics and society of Shanghai at the time, as well as with the inner workings of the two rival criminal gangs. Reading the two volumes in order is a must, since it's one story told in two parts with a large cast of well-developed characters. The monsters are definitely still out there, but Our Violent Ends focuses more on the chaos, double crosses, secrets, and lies that surround the rival gangs and the two political factions fighting for control of the city. This continuation of an epic love story set amid social upheaval in 1920s Shanghai is a compelling, page-turning revamp of the classic Romeo-and-Juliet romance.
A positive representation of same-sex romance. Older teens drink alcohol but excess isn't shown. Gangster characters run brothels, casinos, and bars, and trading in opium is mentioned. Sexy stuff is fairly light, with some kissing, undressing, and implied sex. Strong language includes "s-t," and "goddammit." Some profanity in Chinese using pinyin isn't translated. People watch a house burn down with children and elders inside. A whipping mentions blood and screams of pain. There's also some large-scale, real-world violence including a massacre of unarmed protesters. Real-world violence is mostly gangster activity and includes shootings, stabbings, fistfights, and threats. Fantasy violence includes gory descriptions of people tearing their own throats out.
Here, the star-crossed lovers are from feuding families in 1920s Shanghai. Parents need to know that Our Violent Ends continues, and brings to a close, the retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, which began in These Violent Delights.
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