Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS

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THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS

Chloe Gong

A reimagining of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai. (Ages 14 to 18)

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent killings, gun violence, attempted drowning, plague-related horror, criminal activity, political violence, and intense romantic and moral themes make this best suited to mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Violence5/5
  • Alcohol or drugs4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

Multiple named and unnamed characters die, including gang members, officials, Paul, Ren, and the monster; death and possible sacrifice are recurring themes.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Descriptions of self-inflicted wounds, decaying insects, and graphic physical transformation associated with the viral infection.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Some occasional harsh or profane language may occur, but the supplied evidence does not indicate frequent or especially strong language.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Includes LGBTQIA representation and same-sex dynamics, but these are secondary to the central rival-gang romance and mystery plot.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

The central plot follows former lovers Juliette and Roma as they reunite, cooperate, and confront their feelings amid rival-family conflict.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A plague causing madness, monstrous transformation, swarming insects, endangered civilians, and tense confrontations create sustained horror and suspense.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Includes romantic tension and occasional innuendo, but no explicit sexual activity or graphic content.

Alcohol or drugs4/5
Why this rating?

Opioids and narcotics drive major plot elements, including black-market trafficking, criminal distribution, addiction risk, and a drug-derived vaccine.

Violence5/5
Why this rating?

Gang conflict, executions, shootings, attempted drowning, killings, armed confrontations, and revolutionary violence are central to the plot.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Young protagonists repeatedly confront plague, monsters, armed enemies, family pressures, and political danger to save others and their city.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The imaginative reworking of Romeo and Juliet combines rival gangs, historical Shanghai, engineered insects, plague horror, and inventive scientific devices.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Diverse cast reflecting the cultural landscape of 1920s Shanghai, featuring well-rounded non-Western perspectives.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

The novel offers substantial historical atmosphere about 1920s Shanghai, rival factions, colonial influence, and political upheaval, within a fantasy adventure.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Characters protect vulnerable people, seek a cure, warn civilians, and cooperate across rival lines, though loyalty and compassion are mixed with violence.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes cooperation across rival groups, resisting exploitation, protecting civilians, and rejecting power gained through manipulation and mass harm.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Juliette and Roma show loyalty, ingenuity, and willingness to protect others, but they also kill, deceive, and make ethically difficult criminal choices.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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