These Violent Delights
Kids say
Based on 10 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Chloe Gong's These Violent Delights is a retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, setting the story of star-crossed lovers from feuding families in 1920s Shanghai. Lots of fantasy violence, including gory descriptions of people tearing their own throats out. Real-world violence is mostly gangster activity and includes shootings, stabbings, fistfights, an attempted drowning, and threats. Blood and pain are described briefly. The plot involves the spread of a disease to pandemic-like levels. An autopsy mentions pulling brain tissue out. Strong language includes "s--t," "ass," and "hell." Some profanity in Mandarin, French, and Russian isn't translated. Sexy stuff is fairly light, with two kisses, one of which describes tongue and teeth. Characters run brothels, casinos, and bars, and some scenes take place in them. They also process and sell opium. A fictional opium-like drug is introduced. Older teens drink alcohol occasionally, including one binge with many shots of tequila. A hangover is mentioned and other consequences have to do with the plot. A secondary character smokes. In terms of representation, one character is attracted to the same sex, and a conversation strongly implies that another is transgender; neither issue is explored in depth.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS tells the story of two crime families vying for supremacy over Shanghai in 1926. Attacks and retaliations have spilled a lot of blood on both sides. Roma Montagov is heir to the White Flowers gang, and Juliette Cai is heir to the Scarlets. Four years ago they met and fell in love, vowing to put a stop to the feud when they took over. But Roma betrayed Juliette, and Juliette's been living overseas for the last four years. Now that she's back in Shanghai, she hardly recognizes the city she left behind, and she hasn't been able to forgive Roma, either. Amidst the violence and chaos, a horrible disease begins to spread throughout the city, and rumor has it that it's caused by a mysterious monster that's been sighted in the Huangpu River lately. Realizing that neither family can rule over an empty, decimated city, Roma and Juliette agree to work together to stop the disease from spreading. But they don't agree to let go of the past, to forgive, or to forget.
Is It Any Good?
This is a strong, epic debut novel from promising college undergraduate Chloe Gong, who does an especially good job of bringing Shanghai in 1926 vividly to life. Her powers of description are best in creating atmospheres from the eerie river at night to elegant lawn parties in the French section of town. The large cast of characters are well developed and for the most part easy to keep track of. Teens will enjoy this retelling of the classic star-crossed-lovers tale whether they've read Romeo and Juliet or not.
Action, excitement, and mystery solving 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. It's a lot to take on, and it's pretty well balanced, although some readers may feel it slows too much when it delves into Shanghai history, the rising popularity of Communism, or the foreign powers all too eager to gain control of Shanghai for themselves. Overall the plot builds well to an exciting cliff-hanger of an ending that will have readers eager for the rest of the story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in These Violent Delights. How much is too much? Is reading about it different from seeing it in movies, videos, or games?
Romeo and Juliet is a lot of students' introduction to Shakespeare. What makes it so timeless? Have you read or seen the play, or a movie adaptation? Which did you like the best?
What about alcohol use in the story? Is it realistic? Is it glorified? What are your own and your family's attitudes and values about drinking?
Book Details
- Author: Chloe Gong
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, History, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon Pulse
- Publication date: November 17, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 464
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 3, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
-
Romeo and Juliet
Tragic teen love story stands the test of time.
-
The Last Magician, Book 1
Clever con schemes distinguish New York City fantasy.
-
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns: Rise of the Empress, Book 1
Vivid dark-fantasy series off to a compelling start.
For kids who love fantasy and stories with Asian characters
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate