10 must-read new SFF book releases to cozy up with this November

These Violent Delights – Chloe Gong

This highly anticipated debut novel from Chloe Gong is many things – a Romeo and Juliet retelling, a period drama, a monster mystery, and a story of constantly shifting cultures in a part of the world struggling to hold on to its own distinct identity.

Set in 1920s Shanghai, the story follows the children – Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov – of two rival gangs, who also happen to be ex-lovers that share a complicated history of their own. As both attempt to figure out if they can – or want – to be the heirs their parents require, they must join forces to track down a dangerous threat that has been sighted in the Huangpu River.

Because a monster appears to be stalking Shanghai, leaving contagion, madness and death in its wake. (See, that part was definitely not in Shakespeare.)

The official synopsis describes the story in more detail.

"The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal. But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule."

These Violent Delights is available on November 17.