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These Violent Delights

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Chloe Gong

These Violent Delights

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

439

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Shanghai, China • 1920s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

890L

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Super Short Summary

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong follows Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov, heirs of rival Chinese and Russian gangs in 1926 Shanghai, who must set aside their past romance to combat a mysterious, madness-inducing monster threatening the city. Themes of violence, gang conflict, and self-harm are present.

Mysterious

Dark

Romantic

Suspenseful

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

159,395 ratings

67%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong captivates with its lush reimagining of 1920s Shanghai and a compelling storyline. Reviewers praise its intricate world-building, engaging characters, and the seamless blend of historical and speculative fiction. Criticisms focus on the pacing and occasional predictability, but overall it delivers an enchanting read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read These Violent Delights?

Fans of young adult, historical fiction, and romance will find These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong captivating. Those who enjoyed Romeo and Juliet, The Night Circus, or Six of Crows will appreciate the novel's blend of star-crossed lovers, 1920s Shanghai, and supernatural intrigue.

4.1

159,395 ratings

67%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Juliette Cai

Juliette is the 19-year-old daughter and heir of Lord Cai, leader of the Scarlet Gang. Having returned to Shanghai from New York City, she is determined to prove herself as the leader of her father’s gang.

Roma is the heir to the White Flowers gang and Juliette's love interest. He is Russian, raised in Shanghai, and often grapples with his distaste for violence while trying to solve the mystery of the madness.

Kathleen Lang is Juliette’s friend and confidante, and Lord Cai’s niece. She is a transgender woman who prefers peaceful solutions and supports Juliette while navigating the gang world.

Benedikt is Roma’s thoughtful and eccentric cousin, known for his loyalty and artistic pursuits. He is close friends and roommates with Marshall, with whom he shares a strong bond.

Marshall is a member of the White Flower gang and close friend to Roma. Originally from Korea, he is known for his humorous and mercurial nature, often using wit to navigate gang tensions.

Paul Dexter, known as the Larkspur, is a British antagonist who exploits chaos for personal gain. He manipulates the situation in Shanghai to benefit his interests, while pursuing Juliette.

Tyler Cai is Juliette’s cousin and a rival for the leadership of the Scarlet Gang. He is impulsive and quick to anger, and he frequently seeks power through violence and manipulation.

Book Details
Pages

439

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Shanghai, China • 1920s

Publication Year

2020

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

15-18 years

Lexile Level

890L

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