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.

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.

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

- These Violent Delights was author Chloe Gong's debut novel and quickly became a New York Times Bestseller, drawing widespread attention for its unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy.
- The book is set in 1920s Shanghai, offering a rich historical backdrop that incorporates real events and locations from the tumultuous time period, including the presence of foreign gangs and political tension. 
- Chloe Gong began writing These Violent Delights while she was still a university student, balancing her studies with crafting the intricate plot and dynamic characters.

**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 Montagov**  
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**  
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 Montagov**  
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 Seo**  
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**  
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**  
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.

Chloe Gong

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These Violent Delights

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These Violent Delights summary: Dive into a world of gang rivalry and forbidden love in 1920s Shanghai with expert analysis on this gripping tale.

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Prologue-Chapter 3

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Chapters 4-8

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Chapters 9-13

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Chapters 14-18

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Chapters 19-23

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Chapters 24-28

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Chapters 29-34

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Chapter 35-Epilogue

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These Violent Delights

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