Rooks and Romanticide by J. I. Radke

Posted July 28, 2015 by shooting in Uncategorized / 12 Comments

Rooks and Romanticide by J.I. Radke


Review by Lauren


Source: copy sent for review; all opinions are my own


Official Summary: In an alternate world, Romeo and Juliet are
gunslingers. Verona gives way to a steampunk Victorian London. The
victims of turf wars are dumped in an alley they call Lovers’ Lane, and
the moment the son of his family’s enemy touches his face, Cain’s
revenge is poisoned by love. Fate would have it no other way.


Levi Ruslaniv is the heir to the Ruslaniv family gang, but ridiculous
ancient feuds do not interest him. Cain Dietrich’s vengeful hatred for
the Ruslaniv family is rooted deep, since he believes the Ruslanivs
arranged for the murder of his parents. But his encounter with Levi
pierces him deeper than hatred ever could. 




With bullets and blazes of glory, schemes, spies, and pack
mentalities, loyalty runs as deep in the veins as passion or revenge,
and there is only one way to end the fighting. From the start it was
inevitable—a bloodstained fate for children with bloodstained hands, and
the streets of New London will never be the same.

Review: This is a fascinating alternate world and retelling of Romeo and Juliet. In this version of the classic tale, the feuding families help rule over New London and have been fighting and causing much bloodshed for years. Levi Ruslaniv’s face is hidden from all but his family and close friends. People know that Lord Ruslaniv has two sons but most could not identify them, including the Dietrich family. This family is ruled by Cain Dietrich, whose parents were brutally murdered three years before. Not knowing his enemies’ face allows Levi to get close to Cain, but it’s not long before the two of them are fighting feelings for one another.

Levi keeps his true identity a secret from Cain, but he also refuses to use his closeness to the Earl for any type of revenge, even though his gang, BLACK, is curious as to why not. As for Cain, he thinks he’s hired a rogue gunslinger, one who can go between New London and share information. Unfortunately, nothing can stay a secret for too long.

The romance between Levi and Cain is passionate and intense. Readers realize that Levi can’t hide for long, though, and so it’s always full of suspense when the two get together. The writing has a slight historical feel to the words, which creates a realistic sense to the time. It also keeps the romantic moments in the book from becoming too erotic or gratuitous. The attraction between Levi and Cain is an important part of the story, but it’s not the only thing. As these two families are enemies, it means readers cannot see a happy future. It means that there will continue to be bloodshed and violence throughout New London. Cain is desperate for revenge on those who killed his parents and imprisoned him for almost a year. Levi understands Cain’s pain, but he also has loyalty to his own family.

I enjoyed seeing the pattern of Romeo and Juliet take place in this novel, without it being too overly predictable. Instead, it’s a matter of events occurring and realizing it’s influenced by the original text. Rooks and Romanticide is a suspenseful, passionate, and exciting read. I would recommend it to many and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I’m curious to see what Radke writes next.

12 responses to “Rooks and Romanticide by J. I. Radke

  1. I adore retellings of this tale more than any others for some reason. Maybe it is the forbidden love aspect, I don't know but I so want to read this now. I love that you described it as a passionate, exciting, suspenseful read!
    Wonderful review!

  2. This sounds like a great read! I love that the author managed to not make it predictable , yet still had similar aspects to Romeo & Juliet! Excellent Review Lauren 🙂

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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