Foul Lady Fortune

Foul Lady Fortune picks up 4 years after the events of the Violent Delights Duology and follows characters old and new. Now I will say these books are in no way perfect and they have their issues, but I find myself really enjoying them. I do believe Chloe Gong is evolving and improving in her craft but she does still have a ways to go. I do think the historical and political aspects of these stories is what I most enjoy. As much as I love the characters of Rosalind, Celia, and Alisa, it truly is Shanghai that is the shining star of these books. Foul Lady Fortune I did enjoy much more then the Violents Duology because it took the Sci-Fi focus out of the spotlight. It is still there but it isn't a central focus. Really looking forward to seeing how this duology wraps up and also really looking forward to Immortal Longings in June.

The third book in this series is a totally different vibe than the first duology and somehow even more fun?!Spies in 1930s Shanghai? Yes, please!An immortal assassin?! Well, I'll be!Like the first two, this one is a slow burn that relies a lot on character beats, but when the action starts it doesn't really stop til the end.It's a great thriller/murder mystery and I can't wait to read the next one!

The prologue tells of a painful scientific experiment on a person that has been strapped down. Then the story starts as Rosalind is trapping a criminal who is a member of the group responsible for the death of her cousin Juliette during a past act gone awry. She’s exacting revenge on those who were part of it. Political intrigue, spies, agents, Communists and Nationalists describe the characters in this book. Her handler pairs her with another agent, Orion, who has family issues as well. The two of them have to pretend to be married so they can infiltrate the newspaper company and try to discover information on the serial killer murdering people with a toxic liquid in syringes. What they discover turns their lives around and, unbeknownst to Orion and Rosalind, the reader is given the true identity of a mysterious agent, Priest. The author’s notes on Oriental history during the 1930’s are fascinating. Well-written, complex, beloved characters build a fun historical fiction fantasy. 5 stars!

way too slow. but otherwise, ok story.

Chloe Gong has such an incredible writing style! She seamlessly blends mystery, romance, humor, politics and relatable characters to create a world I never want to leave. This was a book I have waited all year for and it was even better than expected. Can't wait for the next!

This books holds your attention. Have to peal back layers like an onion to get to know the characters. Excellently written

I was so excited to read Foul Lady Fortune after reading the These Violent Delights duology not so long ago. It was a unique and engrossing story, as is this new book. The story weaves history, fantasy, and Shakespeare in such clever and seamless ways, the world-building is rich and immersive and vivid, and the symbols, imagery, and foreshadowing add so much to the story.Stylistically, it’s like These Violent Delights in its carefully woven plot and powerful, thought-provoking words and scenes. I love Gong’s way of telling a story, slowly unraveling and exposing the characters and taking the story to unexpected places. I also appreciate the little nods to Shakespeare and his plays, particularly As You Like It and Romeo and Juliet. Added to that, the dark, ominous tone and a plot filled with suspense, murder, assassins, spies, lies, manipulation, romance, and brewing war make for an exciting read.

This little thought came to me one day after reading Foul Lady Fortune, and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since: Foul Lady Fortune is the Secret Shanghai world equivalent of Avatar the Last Airbender if ATLA actually had a spinoff where Azula got her redemption arc. While Rosalind partly assumes the role of villain in TVD, in FLF we explore her in the aftermath of those events, and all she has done to move forward. My heart really goes out to her, she’s a character that you start to really care for though she may be initially unlikeable. Also, the demisexual rep in FLF is truly excellent; it’s a crucial part of Rosalind’s character and really made me feel things.There’s a large main cast, and I love them so much. I have to give a little shoutout to Phoebe, who is just so, so fun; I adore the breezy, mischievous younger sibling act she brings. As a side note, after reading the B&N exclusive short story, I love her all the more. These characters are all brilliant individually, but there’s something extra special about the way they fit as an ensemble cast. I especially loved all the family drama, angst, and dynamics, whether it was Orion threatening to kill Oliver or him insisting on shielding Phoebe from his work.As always, Chloe has also managed to weave historical, social, and political into this fantasy world, and the additional layers complement the drama of the story so well. In the end, all I can say is, go read Foul Lady Fortune. It may break your heart, but in the best way possible.

The book was great. Fast paced, action packed, beautifully written.but…I didn’t know it was a spin off and while it can be read as a stand alone, I really felt like I was missing big parts of the story without the previous books. It was hard to get attached to Rosalind and Alisa without knowing really anything about them.I have given it a 3 and that may improve if I read the other 2, but I’m not sure at this stage I will read the second book in the series.

Excited to see another fun take on the side characters from the first Duology. This was a quick read, with lots of new characters. The light mystery & suspense keeps you engaged, but it’s pretty obvious in the second half of the book where the author was heading.The romance and it’s development is rather predictable, at some point it felt almost like ok watching a ‘Korean drama’, not that it’s bad, just a little too on the nose for me, but if you enjoy that type of banter then you’ll enjoy this book.Overall, a light and entertaining read. Look forward to the next book!

Niente da dire riguardo al libro, perché Chloe Gong è sempre una certezza e il romanzo non mi ha delusa.Purtroppo, però, il volume è arrivato in pessime condizioni. La sovraccoperta aveva qualche piega, ma tutto sommato era intonsa. La rilegatura, al di sotto, invece, era tutta rovinata e strappata sui bordi, e l’ho notato solo una volta che ho rimosso la copertina per poterlo leggere.

At this point I'm pretty sure Chloe Gong cannot write a bad book, but this was so amazing!

this book is amazing! the book is in perfect condition and came in a day