Author Chloe Gong on ‘Eyes of Kings’ ending, ‘Deadlock’ debut and how she wants ‘These Violent Delights’ adapted for TV or film

The author, who first gained widespread acclaim with her 2020 reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in 1920s Shanghai, These Violent Delights, has maintained a rapid creative pace that shows no signs of slowing. As of late August 2026, Gong is balancing the conclusion of one high-profile trilogy with the promotion of another, all while drafting multiple future manuscripts. This sustained output has solidified her position as a staple of the modern fantasy landscape, where she consistently bridges the gap between historical fiction, epic fantasy, and character-driven drama.

A Chronology of Recent and Upcoming Releases

Gong’s current professional trajectory is defined by a series of interconnected deadlines and high-stakes editorial milestones. The release of Eyes of Kings on August 4, 2026, served as the definitive conclusion to her Flesh & False Gods saga. Inspired by the political machinations and tragic romance of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, the trilogy pushed Gong into the realm of adult epic fantasy, a departure from her earlier, more YA-focused works.

The author is currently finalizing the third and final installment of The StrangeLoom trilogy. This project serves as the direct successor to her 2025 novel, Coldwire. The upcoming book, titled Deadlock, is scheduled for a November 17, 2026, release. According to Gong, the conclusion of a series presents a unique psychological and creative challenge. She describes the process of "getting deep in the weeds" of a finale as both exhilarating and taxing, noting that the narrative weight of closing out a multi-book arc requires a significant investment in world-building and character resolution.

Expanding the Genre Footprint

Beyond the completion of her established series, Gong is currently engaged in the revision process for an unannounced project that marks a significant departure from her previous work. While her bibliography has been defined by speculative fiction, historical settings, and fantasy world-building, this upcoming venture represents her first foray into contemporary literature.

Gong has provided a tantalizing, if unofficial, premise for the new work: a synthesis of an Emily Henry-style romantic narrative set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse. This pivot toward contemporary genre-mashing indicates a strategic evolution in her writing career, potentially aimed at capturing a broader demographic of readers who occupy the space between traditional romance and speculative horror. Industry analysts suggest that this type of "genre-blending" is becoming increasingly common among authors who have established a loyal following in YA, as they seek to transition into more mature, cross-genre audiences.

The Dynamics of Reader Engagement and Fan Reception

The reception of Eyes of Kings has been a focal point of recent discussions regarding Gong’s work. The author acknowledges that the conclusion of a long-running series often elicits visceral responses from her readership. Rather than seeking out direct criticism or "hot takes" on social media platforms, Gong prefers to maintain a degree of separation for the sake of her creative focus.

She notes, however, that her readers are highly engaged, frequently sharing emotional reactions via platforms like Instagram and TikTok. These reactions often take the form of aesthetic content—"bookstagram" flat lays or video testimonials—that underscore the emotional intensity of her writing. Gong maintains that she has been preparing her audience for the high stakes of her adult fantasy work since the inception of the series. By framing her work as "adult epic fantasy" and emphasizing that she does not intend to shield readers from the consequences of war or character loss, she has effectively managed expectations, allowing the audience to engage with the material on its own terms.

Industry Context and the Potential for Adaptation

The conversation surrounding the adaptation of Gong’s work remains a frequent topic of speculation. Despite her massive commercial success, including multiple bestsellers, her works have not yet reached the screen. These Violent Delights, which catapulted her to international fame, has been the subject of rumors regarding television or film development for several years.

Gong remains pragmatic about the realities of the entertainment industry. She confirms that while conversations are ongoing and interest in her intellectual property remains high, there are no concrete projects currently in production. Her stance on potential adaptations is notably flexible. Unlike some authors who maintain strict creative control over the translation of their work from page to screen, Gong characterizes herself as an "unfussy" collaborator. She acknowledges the inherent difficulties of adapting high fantasy, particularly regarding the use of CGI to represent magical or extraordinary elements, but she expresses a strong desire to see her worlds realized in a visual medium.

This professional openness is a strategic asset. In an industry where stalled adaptations are common due to creative friction between authors and studios, an author’s willingness to embrace the collaborative nature of film and television can facilitate smoother development cycles.

Market Implications and Future Outlook

The sheer volume of work being produced by Gong—four books in various stages of completion or release during 2026—highlights the increasing pressure on high-performing authors to maintain a consistent output to stay relevant in an algorithm-driven publishing market. Her ability to juggle multiple universes simultaneously, from the 1920s-inspired Shanghai of her early work to the adult fantasy landscapes of her later series, suggests a high level of technical discipline.

Furthermore, the shift toward contemporary settings with supernatural elements represents a broader trend in the publishing industry. As the "Romantasy" subgenre continues to dominate bestseller lists, authors like Gong are increasingly expected to oscillate between established tropes and experimental narrative structures.

The economic implications of her work are also significant. With a loyal, globally distributed fanbase, her releases serve as anchor points for publishing houses, driving sales through pre-orders and sustained social media engagement. Her transition from YA to adult audiences is a critical phase in her career, as it allows for greater thematic complexity and long-term sustainability as a professional author.

Conclusion: The Architect of Worlds

Chloe Gong’s career trajectory since 2020 has been marked by a transition from a breakout talent to an established industry pillar. By meticulously balancing the conclusion of major sagas with the exploration of new, genre-defying narratives, she has demonstrated a remarkable capacity for sustained creativity. Whether she is crafting the final, explosive chapters of an epic trilogy or drafting a contemporary romance set in a world of undead threats, her focus remains on the "words on the page."

As she moves into the final months of 2026, the publishing world will be watching to see how her upcoming release, Deadlock, performs and whether her long-rumored move into television production finally takes shape. For now, the author continues to define her own terms, keeping her secrets close while steadily building a body of work that continues to influence the trajectory of modern fantasy literature. Her ability to navigate the competing demands of the publishing industry, the expectations of her readers, and the evolution of her own creative voice underscores her status as one of the most vital voices in contemporary fiction.