A review by thebookssmuggler
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

adventurous emotional funny mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

These Violent Delights is everything I love in a book: historical fiction with a touch of fantasy, forbidden romance, political intrigue, and a brutal mystery that has the entire city unraveling Chloe Gong’s debut is captivating from the start, but it's those final 15-ish chapters where the tension really ramps up, and you just can’t stop reading. I read this when it first came out, and even rereading it now, years later, I still found myself surprised by so many plot twists. It really holds up! 🙏

Chloe Gong's writing shines in her characters and plot development. The way she slowly builds tension and reveals just enough to keep you on edge? Masterful. I also love how real the characters feel—flawed, layered, and emotionally compelling. You root for them, even when they make reckless decisions. The glimpses into the political unrest in China during that era were fascinating, and I do wish there had been even more world-building in that regard.

All in all, I’m a big fan of this book and of Chloe Gong’s writing in general. These Violent Delights is a compelling, addictive read that blends history, fantasy, and romance beautifully. 🥀✨️