Read every series in the right order
These Violent Delights Books in Chronological Order – Complete Reading Guide
Table of Contents
If you’ve been searching for a historical fantasy series that blends the pulse of 1920s Shanghai with the star-crossed tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, you’ll find everything you crave in These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong. This duology is a heady mix of gang rivalries, political unrest, romance, and a lurking supernatural horror that threatens to consume the city itself.
Reading the These Violent Delights books in chronological order ensures you follow the dangerous dance between Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov exactly as Gong intended—each revelation, betrayal, and uneasy alliance building toward an explosive conclusion.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the series in both chronological and publication order, highlight key plot arcs, explore the different editions available, and even share what’s known about possible adaptations. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Gong’s Secret Shanghai universe or returning for a reread, this is your definitive reference to the series.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Books | 2 main novels (duology) |
| Pages | ~464 (These Violent Delights), ~496 (Our Violent Ends) |
| Total Reading Time | ~28–32 hours (avg. 60–65 pages/hour) |
| Reading Difficulty | YA/Adult crossover (dense political backdrop, historical setting) |
| Genre | Historical Fantasy, Romance, Retelling |
| Content Warnings | Violence, gore, murder, political unrest, death |
| Media Adaptations | None yet confirmed (film/TV rights interest reported) |
| Ideal Age Range | 16+ for mature themes and graphic scenes |
About the Book Series
First published in 2020, Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights duology quickly gained a devoted following for its lush depiction of 1920s Shanghai—a city in flux, caught between East and West, tradition and modernity, stability and revolution.
At its heart is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, but Gong isn’t content with a simple retelling. She transforms the Montagues and Capulets into rival crime families—the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers—each holding sway over their slice of Shanghai. In this volatile mix, Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov find themselves pulled between love and loyalty, their personal history just as bloody as the streets they walk.
And as if political upheaval and gang warfare weren’t enough, a strange contagion sweeps through the city, driving its victims to madness and self-destruction. This supernatural thread runs alongside the main plot, weaving mystery and horror into the romance and historical drama.
Books at a Glance (with Amazon Buy Links)
| Title | Publication Year | Pages | Goodreads ★ | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| These Violent Delights | 2020 | 464 | 3.8 | Buy On Amazon |
| Our Violent Ends | 2021 | 496 | 4.3 | Buy On Amazon |
Chronological Reading Order (Detailed Blurbs)
1. These Violent Delights (2020)
Setting: Shanghai, 1926.
Juliette Cai, recently returned from America, steps back into her role as heir to the Scarlet Gang. Across the city, Roma Montagov—the White Flowers’ reluctant heir and Juliette’s former lover—struggles to maintain control of his own faction. The blood feud between their families is as bitter as ever.
But something new stalks the streets: a mysterious contagion that drives victims to tear out their own throats. Rumors whisper of a monster in the Huangpu River.
To protect their people and their city, Juliette and Roma must broker a fragile alliance, one that forces them to revisit old wounds and confront truths neither is ready to face. The book masterfully balances romance, political tension, and creeping horror, leaving readers desperate for the conclusion.
2. Our Violent Ends (2021)
Setting: Shanghai, 1927.
The sequel wastes no time plunging back into chaos. Juliette has sacrificed her relationship with Roma to protect him, but in doing so, she’s convinced him she’s his enemy. Roma, grieving the loss of a friend, vows revenge—even if it means killing the girl he still loves.
But Shanghai is fracturing under political pressure. The Nationalists march closer, whispers of civil war grow louder, and gang power teeters on collapse. Amid this turmoil, a new threat emerges—one that forces Juliette and Roma to once again fight side by side.
Every decision now carries lethal stakes: for their city, their families, and their hearts. Our Violent Ends brings the duology to a shattering conclusion, intertwining personal tragedy with historical inevitability.
Series Timeline & Character Development
Across the duology:
- Juliette Cai: From glamorous flapper-heir to calculating leader willing to bear personal loss for the greater good of her people. Her arc is one of strategic self-sacrifice and political acumen.
- Roma Montagov: Initially torn between love and family loyalty, Roma evolves into a hardened leader forced to make impossible moral choices.
- Benedikt Montagov & Marshall Seo: Their subplot explores loyalty, identity, and love amid gang rivalry.
- The City of Shanghai: More than just a backdrop, the city itself changes—its political, social, and supernatural tensions escalating until neither gang can control the outcome.
Novels Sorted by In-Universe Events
- These Violent Delights – The alliance against the contagion and monster threat begins.
- Our Violent Ends – Political revolution, final confrontation with both the supernatural and family feuds.
Novels Sorted by Publication Order
- These Violent Delights (2020)
- Our Violent Ends (2021)
Companion Works
While the duology tells a complete story, Gong has expanded her Secret Shanghai universe with prequel and spin-off novels featuring other characters and timelines (Foul Lady Fortune series, for example). These are optional reads but add richness for fans.
Editions & Formats
- Hardcover – First printings often have exclusive dust jacket art; some indie bookstores offered signed copies.
- Paperback – Lighter, with updated cover typography in later runs.
- Kindle – Adjustable fonts, highlighting features, instant dictionary.
- Audiobook – Narrated with period-appropriate accents and strong emotional delivery.
- Special collector’s editions sometimes include sprayed edges or foil-stamped covers.
Why Read These Violent Delights Books in Chronological Order?
Reading the These Violent Delights books in chronological order is non-negotiable. The plot is tightly serialized—events of the second book depend entirely on the revelations and political shifts of the first. Skipping or swapping the order spoils critical twists and undermines the emotional weight of the finale.
Author Spotlight – Chloe Gong
Chloe Gong is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose books have been published in over twenty countries. Born in Shanghai and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, she studied English and International Relations at the University of Pennsylvania. Gong is known for her lush prose, sharp dialogue, and ability to weave historical realities into fantastical plots.
Her bibliography includes:
- These Violent Delights duology
- Foul Lady Fortune and its sequel
- Upcoming Flesh and False Gods trilogy
Gong remains an active voice in the YA community, engaging readers across social media and at literary festivals worldwide.
Media Adaptations
While no confirmed TV or film adaptation is in production as of this writing, the cinematic quality of Gong’s work—period setting, star-crossed romance, supernatural suspense—makes it a strong candidate for screen adaptation. Fans frequently fan-cast actors and speculate about which streaming platform might pick it up.
FAQs
Is this series appropriate for younger teens?
Due to violence, gore, and political themes, it’s best for readers 16+.
Do I need to know Romeo and Juliet to enjoy it?
Not at all, though familiarity adds depth to certain references.
Is the series complete?
Yes, the duology tells a complete story.
Are there signed or special editions?
Yes—check indie booksellers and special releases for exclusive covers.
Will there be spin-offs?
Yes—Chloe Gong’s Foul Lady Fortune series is set in the same universe.
Conclusion
The These Violent Delights books in chronological order deliver a reading experience that’s equal parts romantic, thrilling, and heartbreaking. Chloe Gong’s duology takes the bones of Shakespeare’s tragedy and dresses them in the silk and steel of 1920s Shanghai—resulting in a story that feels both timeless and urgent.
For the full impact of its twists and its finale, start with These Violent Delights and move straight into Our Violent Ends. Then, if you’re hooked on Gong’s world, explore her companion novels for even more Shanghai intrigue.
Have you read this duology? Which scene stayed with you the longest? Share your thoughts below, and don’t forget to check our full library of chronological reading guides for your next obsession.
These Violent Delights
