Always keeping the readers shocked until the end, eh?

Foul Lady Fortune is the first of a new duology set four years after the end of the TVD duology. This time, we follow the prickly, untrusting Rosalind Lang, aka Janie Mead/Fortune, who is now an assassin and has to work with Orion Hong, a spy, on a mission to uncover who's behind the chemical killings across Shanghai while the Japanese are on the horizon, eager to invade China.

I admit that when I heard that Rosalind was leading the series, I was hesitant. I was incredibly eager to return to this world, but, having just stepped off the OVE train and was still screaming from its epilogue, I was left not feeling pleased with Rosalind. However, curiosity was gnawing at me, and I took a chance. I'm happy to report that I'm now a Rosalind fan. The girl is an assassin trying to piece together the broken vase pieces of Shanghai to make up for her past, for she believes she is the cause of the death blow strike that made the city shatter.

Now, devilishly charming characters have a spot in my heart, and Orion very proudly took command of my attention. But as always, all that suaveness hides the pain characters like him hide under their masks. In his case, it's his strained relationship with his older brother and his father that causes him grief.

I love the development of their relationship, how it all began with fake marriage, and how in the process, they help each other take care of past wounds. Of course, there was tons of bickering and bantering and teasing (which I'm a sucker for) which led to a soft glance here and a heartfelt comment there which THEN led to feelings of "wait WHEN DID I FALL FOR XX?"

As usual, great attention was paid to the details of 1930s Shanghai: the multiculturalism that breathes with its citizens and visitors, the imperialist atmosphere that makes some pull at their collar and others puff up with pride and weigh down the shoulders of others, the constant battle of wit and timing between political factions for power and control. Just like the TVD duology, real-life events were carefully integrated into the story, enhancing the themes/topics that the TVD world focuses on but never fully taking one's attention away from the characters or the main plot of the story. And once again, just like the previous duology, the rising action/climax of the book made my heart race. Just... well done!

Quick-fire notes:
- GODDAMN ALL THOSE OBITUARIES!! STOP MAKING ME *WANT* TO CRY.
- I enjoy following the cast of FLF but... I'm currently the most interested in Celia, Oliver and Alisa. Celia and Oliver certainly have an interesting relationship. I'm quite curious to see where it goes, considering each of their reservations and goals. Will their commitment to their beliefs get in the way of their feelings developing beyond friendship? As for Alisa, I'm sure her role will only get bigger. Phoebe and Silas on the other hand are cute as hell.
-I'M VERY HAPPY FOR BENEDIKT AND MARSHALL! (They were only mentioned once lol).

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for providing me with the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Omg Chloe Gong never disappoints, this book might be one of my favorites of 2022. The plot is amazing, all the new characters are so much fun, I'm so excited for book 2!!

I read this book through my pain and tears, and high anxiety— because yes it was a spy mission. I just finished FOUL LADY FORTUNE about 2 minutes ago, so I will not write an in-depth review as of now. What I will say is Chloe Gong creates an intricate atmosphere of 1930's Shanghai, where she explores a multitude of perspectives and uprisings. The reader is introduced to new characters, but I was glad to see some familiar faces too. The plot twists? They were mind blowing— I never expected them, and I'm usually good at predicting the plot. Rosalind Lang has had the best redemption ARC, and her romance with Orion was spectacular. I will not know peace until I read book 2, thank you for destroying me again miss Chloe. :')

Thank you so much to the publisher for an ARC!

The spin-off series to Gong’s highly successful debut duology, ‘Foul Lady Fortune’ takes place 5 years following the conclusion of ‘Our Violent Ends’. Gang rule has gone - Shanghai is now engaged in Civil War, this is a far different city to the one Juliette and Roma once ruled.

Rosalind is a nationalist Spy operating under the code name ‘Fortune’. It is a name synonymous with fear in every corner of the city - a ruthless, flawless assassin; trained by the best to every inch of perfection but, most importantly, an immortal. She cannot be killed, she does not age. Her role differs when she enters into a marriage under false pretences with Orion - a charismatic batchelor whose last name a carries a reputation - in order to solve a series of killings that are ravaging the city.

~

This was utterly phenomenal. It did take a little while to get going, but I was hooked the entire time - the mix of political tensions to evoke the historical narrative, alongside the inner monologue of Rosalind, a character baring both mental and physical scars as well as the developing love story ensured for a fascinating read.

I once described ‘These Violent Delights’ as a love-letter to Shanghai, and FLF is very much the same. The attention to detail to 1930s Shanghai is nothing short of a marvel to read, you can tell the love and care paid to ensuring this city is portrayed as accurately (obviously, sans the fantasy elements) as possible. I am someone of a Chinese heritage and, though I do not speak the language, reading lines about linguistic / cultural differences that only those native to the country would understand meant the world.

As the case with her previous writing, the best came with the rise in action. Both the end of the book itself and the epilogue made me gasp out loud, Chloe is a master of the subtly obvious plot twist - the layers are there, but you barely suspect until it is spelled out for you.

Publication date is 27 September 2022. If you fancy historical fiction / slow burn / fantasy that is set in a world that feels very real, you better run.

I will say - I do not think this works as a standalone. Not necessarily a criticism , but I do think you would struggle to read this had you not read TVD / OVE beforehand.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my unbiased review :) xo