On Saturday, November 8, New York Times #1 bestselling author Chloe Gong spoke to readers at the King’s English Bookshop to discuss her new sci-fi cyberpunk novel, Coldwire. This event was the second to last stop on her United States Coldwire Tour.
Gong’s Works
The novel was released officially on November 4 and follows Eirale, Nik, Lia, and Kieran throughout the fictional countries of Medaluo and Atahua. Set in a fictional future that focuses on the concerns of corporate control, AI, class divisions, and the struggles of personal identity, Gong has once again created an incredibly immersive and engaging world for her newest trilogy.
Almost all of Gong’s previously published works are Shakespeare reimaginations. Her debut duology, These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends, is inspired by Romeo and Juliet, and the spinoff duology, Foul Lady Fortune and Foul Heart Huntsman, is inspired by As You Like It. Her adult debut trilogy, Flesh and False Gods, is inspired by Antony and Cleopatra, with the third book releasing next summer.Coldwire is the first book in the Strangeloom trilogy and will be the first installment of her work that is not inspired by a Shakespeare play.
The Coldwire Book Tour
At the event, Gong explained her process of writing Coldwire and just how many years the idea sat in her head and in her Notes app before it came to fruition. She explained that the idea for Coldwire was in her head before she even released her debut novel or decided on its sequel and spinoffs. Gong has been one of my favorite authors for years now, and getting to finally see her in person and hear her explain her process was an absolutely incredible opportunity.
At 26-years-old, Gong has skyrocketed into success thanks to her creative, comprehensible writing, relatable and comedic personality both online and in-person, and her dedication to creating books that are fun and entertaining while also allowing for examinations of heavy topics and values. I have read and loved every single one of her books since her debut novel. The event was personal, interactive, and intimate in a way I was not expecting from an author signing. The staff at the King’s English Bookshop were kind and efficient as they ran the event and made sure everyone attending got their copy of Coldwire for signing.
My favorite part by far was the opportunity to meet and talk with Gong. I have looked up to her for years and truly admire her craft. We were able to chat and laugh with each other for longer than I expected as she signed my copy of Coldwire and the paperback of Our Violent Ends that I also brought with me. I was so excited for the event and opportunity to talk with her, and I am so grateful that the signing exceeded my expectations.
Be sure to check out Chloe Gong’s Coldwire, available online and at bookstores now!
Check out Ella’s article on being infected in The Last of Us here!
