Every single thing was enjoyable about this book. Especially the characters and setting description. I also loved revisiting characters from these violent delights

Foul Lady Fortune starts the spinoff series from These Violent Delights that every ya romantasy reader needs on their roster. As in the original duology, the attention to historical detail and atmosphere, from politics to technology, is engrossing. Shanghai has arrived in the 1930s, but one key character hasn't aged with it. *Note that from now on, my review will be spoiler-free for this book but could spoil content from the original series out of necessity.* Rosalind Lang survived a gang war and the repercussions of her betrayal but not in one piece. The irony is that scarlet fever killed her, and a communist saved her from that death. A chemical now lurks in her veins, making her unkillable except by poison. She also doesn't age or sleep, her 19th year stretching onwards even as her sister and everyone else carry on. With her new skillset and a burning desire to atone for youthful errors that caused great, lasting harm to others and herself, Rosalind signs on as an assassin for the Nationalists. She's fiercely loyal to her country if not the political body currently ruling it, and as imperial hands itch to take over a country in turmoil, there are plenty of enemies for Rosalind to keep in her sights. Specializing in the very poisons that could still take her life, Rosalind lives under the assumed name Janie Mead and the codename Fortune when she takes on her shadowy work.

For those who loved These Violent Delights, know that there are many perfect cameos, well-distributed for maximum impact. Plus, each has an actual role, not just a smile and wave situation. The book very much builds on the original duology, and it was nice to have this sense of history with the characters. Not only is this a strong continuation of a great story, but I think Foul Lady Fortune is even better than the original series as a matter of notching into my interests a bit better -
Exhibit A: not one but TWO ace-spec characters (imagine!! such unheard-of bounty!!)
Exhibit B: spies instead of gangs as the driving force of the action-- I love some sneaky double agent secret identity type stuff
Exhibit C: forced proximity, reverse sunshine/grump, fake marriage romance instead of second chance angst
Exhibit D: so many secrets that I didn't unravel all of them on my own

Let's start with the queer stuff because I'm bursting out of my skin with excitement over it. Our two ace characters come from the original series, and I loved that both have POVs and multifaceted plots. We're not dealing with one-note side characters here. Rosalind is demi?? And by the way, her love interest, Orion, is bi. It's a bit stereotypical in his case (playboy in any sense of the word) but slightly less so in hers. On the one hand, Rosalind does have a bit of a "cold" affect that can be stereotypically and harmfully present in ace depictions. On the other, she was a burlesque dancer before she was an assassin, which is definitely not part of the expected brand. She also doesn't go through an annoying arc of warming up to people or learning to be kinder. The story more shows how Rosalind always cares deeply when you know how to look for it, and past trauma explains some of her aloofness rather than her sexuality. I was further convinced that the author could write ace people with nuance by our next front-and-center representative: Alisa Montagova. Presented as both ace and aromantic, Alisa is happy thinking she won't have to get into fights and relationship drama with a lover like some of our other more romantically-minded characters. I love that her identity is a positive for her and not something to mourn or a lack to find embarrassing and dehumanizing. It's just a neutral thing that has its own perks like anything else. This is a particularly enlightened view that flies in the face of acephobia. I walked away super happy with both our ace characters.

And that's not all!! Orion's sister, Phoebe is bi, and Celia has frequent POV chapters. This is freakin awesome because a) I loved her already from the original series, b) she's a trans woman, and c) she gets her own romantic subplot. More on that later. What I love about the rainbow of representation in this book beyond its mere existence is that Gong shows queer people in a historical setting and acknowledges the dangers they face for just existing without playing out their traumas on the page. i.e. Celia could face harm if many people know she is trans, so she doesn't often volunteer that information. But in terms of her story, she's just a girl. Period. (A communist girl, but still.). But you won't see her villainized for that transness here. The people who know support her, and that's that.

Let's talk romance. Celia & Rosalind are in love with a pair of brothers??? On opposite sides of a political divide that matters less than their sisterhood?? It's so awesome, I didn't even know to wish for it. In both cases, pet names are used to maximum effect, angst comes from trying to protect one another from dangerous situations on the front lines, and secrets lurk but don't unnecessarily destroy. Rosalind and Orion get the main stage in our story, and they have so much to work with. Rosalind hates a new assignment undercover as Orion's wife for the danger it poses to her secret identity and for the necessity of relying on someone else for a successful mission. There's reluctant teamwork, a very hot car chase, and some "don't touch my wife" swoonable moments for those who subscribe to that form of delight (me). I ship the two couples 100% and both fear for them and desperately want the best for them going into the next book. Wish me luck because my heart is right there on the line with Rosalind's. Thanks to Simon and Schuster for my copy to read and review!

She's an assassin. He's a spy. How can I make it anymore obvious(ly adorable with a great need for the next book)?

Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong is YA historical fantasy that follows the dangerous life and lies of Rosalind Lang, as she navigates being an assassin with the Shanghai government. But a new mission arises when Japanese Imperial Army starts and unrest (aka a whole bunch of murder) overtake the streets. To get to the bottom of the unrest and to not raise suspicion, Rosalind goes undercover and disguises herself as the wife of another spy, Orion. Who prides himself on his wit and charm, with infuriates Rosalind to no end. But can she stand him long enough to complete her mission?

I really wish I had read this book later, because boy oh boy do I need the the sequel like NOW. Which just means I'll have to go back and read Gong's other two books (These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends) in the mean time.

What I liked most about Foul Lady Fortune, was how much it reminded me of Spy X Family, without the whole plot of the characters having to adopt the child as part of the mission. But I really liked Rosalind and Orion's relationship, and the way it developed throughout. (Though I found myself swooning quite a number of times with Orion's 'my wife' bit.) I can't wait to read more of him in Last Violent Call.

Regardless, I also found myself being confused at times, when the plot seemed a bit convoluted. (Probably due to the many aliases and double names and triple names used throughout.) It became a bit of a hassle to remember who was who, and what their many names were. Not to mention there was POV beside Rosalind and Orion's that were secrets in themselves.

Nonetheless, I excitedly look forward into diving into Last Violent Call, and hopefully not crying my eyes out with it.

I did not finish this book because I had not realised it was a spin off sequel and now so much time has passed that I don't have any interest in it anymore, which was my bad, and I am very sorry for it.

SO FREAKING ADORABLE.

I adore the spy arrange marriage trope so much. Orion is definitely a new book boyfriend for me.
It was a little slow in the beginning, and I almost lowered the rating because of that, but you know what overall it was a very enjoyable read.

Not sure why I didn’t write a review for this book because it was excellent! I love Chloe Gong’s writing and this book was no exception. I’m so excited to read FOUL HEART HUNTSMAN but am also devastated that it will be the last book in this world. I love these characters so much.

Once again, the Shakespeare references in this book are top notch. You definitely don’t need to have read Shakespeare to appreciate them but the extra background knowledge only made the nods more fun to spot.

The romance was perfection. Enemies to lovers, banter, fake marriage (the most elite of the fake dating trope), and more made me fall in love with the main couple. Also, I love the side characters and how much detail we get about them and their lives.

Don’t wait to read this series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For whatever reason, Chloe Gong’s writing and I do not get on. I read her first duology and thought it was only okay- but I had to try this one. I DNF’d at 30%. I couldn’t do it anymore. I do wanna read her next series, because I cannot decide if I just pick up her books at the wrong time or what.

“I would rather die by your hand than have you believe me a traitor. I would rather take a fast bullet than have us pitted on different sides of an agonizing battle. She only wanted to be a girl who was deserving of the world.

Sometimes I remember Chloe Gong is around my age... and I immediately feel inadequate because the absolute brain and creativity on this woman is amazing. Chloe Gong is an author that I tried a couple years ago and now will forever be hooked. She has quickly moved into the auto buy category for me, and this is a perfect example as to why.

I was a little afraid going into it that I wasnt going to love it as much as her other work, but it was quite literally impossible to not love. This book got me out of my reader slump and hooked me to the very end. Everything from the pacing, the characterization and world building was perfect. If you cant tell I love this book and will be a Chloe Gong Stan forever

In "Foul Lady Fortune," Chloe Gong takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the treacherous streets of 1930s Shanghai, filled with spies, murder, and a touch of immortality.

The story centers around Rosalind Lang, a skilled assassin with a unique ability—she cannot die. Four years after a strange experiment saved her life, Rosalind finds herself working as a spy for her country, utilizing her extraordinary powers under the code name "Fortune." However, when a series of brutal murders rocks Shanghai and the Japanese invasion looms, Rosalind's mission takes an unexpected turn. She must pose as the wife of another spy, Orion Hong, and together they must uncover the truth behind the killings before more lives are lost.

Gong skillfully weaves together elements of historical fiction, mystery, and espionage to create a compelling narrative. The vividly depicted 1930s Shanghai serves as an atmospheric backdrop, immersing readers in a world teeming with danger, political intrigue, and shifting allegiances. The author's attention to detail and meticulous research shine through, capturing the essence of the time period and adding depth to the story.

Rosalind is a complex and captivating protagonist. Her relentless determination to redeem herself, paired with her immortality, creates a fascinating internal struggle. As the layers of the conspiracy unravel, Gong masterfully reveals Rosalind's past and the secrets she is desperate to keep hidden. Her character development is nuanced and satisfying, allowing readers to empathize with her flaws and cheer for her triumphs.

Orion Hong, Rosalind's partner in espionage, adds an intriguing dynamic to the story. His cavalier attitude and playboy demeanor initially clash with Rosalind's serious nature, creating tension and friction between the two characters. Their banter and growing camaraderie form the heart of the narrative, injecting moments of humor and levity into the otherwise intense plot.

The mystery element of the novel keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Gong expertly constructs a web of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists that will leave readers guessing until the final pages. Each revelation peels back another layer of the conspiracy, exposing deeper and more horrifying truths. The pacing is well-executed, with a perfect balance between action-packed sequences and quieter, introspective moments.

Overall, "Foul Lady Fortune" is an intoxicating and dazzling historical mystery that will captivate fans of the genre. Chloe Gong's masterful prose, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, transports readers to a bygone era filled with danger and intrigue. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting, this first book in the duology promises an exciting continuation and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Chloe Gong can WRITE. that’s all you really need to know. picking up a few years after the end of Our Violent Ends, we’re mainly following Rosalind who, in contending with her role by the end of the duology, has become a Nationalist assassin. she has a new assignment to go undercover with the son of a general to find out who and why is mysteriously murdering people in Shanghai.

Chloe Gong is an absolute master of her craft. she writes lyrically while telling a compelling story and without losing themes like imperialism. she builds on things like Rosalind’s simmering rage and Orion’s longing in a way that the story reaches a fever pitch in the perfect way.

I think I prefer the These Violent Delights duology but that says more about how much I loved those books than the talent displayed in this one. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!!!

The book starts off with a bang! I loved the idea of a TVD spin off! This one was a little confusing though. There seemed to be a lot going on that I kept losing track of. Would’ve loved if it were a little shorter, as well.

Chloe Gong-do you need help adapting this for the screen because it would make a pretty great movie. I mean paging The Russo Brothers!

Before I forget to mention, did you know that I'm an aspiring screenwriter? Just throwing that out there...

Back to the book, there are some action scenes (come on, the MC is an assassin and pretty much everyone is a secret agent for someone), it even starts with a hit! But for me, it took way too long to get to the 'meat' of the book. Then again this is a fantasy with thriller elements, question...? are all fantasy books like that?

Also there were like 34967 characters all with different allegiances, back stories, story lines, and character arcs. I found myself wondering 'okay, who is this character again? What were they doing?'

At one point, I considered DNFing, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The last half is definitely worth it.

While it didn't end on a major cliffhanger, there will definitely be a sequel!

Mashups: Code names, Captain America: Civil War, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Burlesque.

This is one of my favorite books that I’ve read this year, and I’m not surprised because it’s by the talented Chloe Gong. Her writing just works so well for me in all its aspects: establishing the world and its set-up, bringing to life characters that work their way into my heart (and then amuse and distress me with their antics and dynamics) and writing a compelling tale that propelled me all the way through from start to finish. It was one of my favorite reading experiences I’ve had all year, and I desperately need the sequel in my hands.

3.5* What an intriguing and unique story. The politics that fueled this superhero sequence story added such great dimension and suspense. I love our main character, hidden identity plots, fake dating, sister relationships, and superpowers. A really entertaining and complex read, will definitely continue with the series.

This was an epic ride! The twists, the turns, the relationships ! And the final word “J.M.” I’m absolutely in love with this book

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

This is definitely a "it's me, not you" situation. I am not a huge fan of historical fiction and it can be hard for me at times to grasp historical events when I'm reading them. For history, I learn way better with audio-visual like a documentary. Chloe Gong's writing was perfect as per usual. I wasn't really drawn to the characters or super drawn into the story like I was with These Violent Delights/Ends which were both 5 star reads for me. Part of that may be due to me also knowing the story of Romeo and Juliet but not As You Like It. Honestly, I didn't really care for Orion at all and kinda of just felt bad for Rosalind. The last bit was definitely the strongest, best-paced part of the book and I loved hearing about Gong's intentions with her story and how history was important and the fantasy was weaved in around real events. I definitely would not mind learning more about the historical events this story is based on.

My first Chloe Gong and I understand the hype! This was surprising, fun, and cinematic - I could see it coming to life with the vibrant characters and intrigue. And that ending! Can't wait for the sequel.

I did not realise this book was connected to the first duet until I started to read it so I will be trying to read it again when I have finished those books. So far it was amazing though!

Foul Lady Fortune is set up in a fantasy world filled with terror plots mixed with politics. When Rosalind and Orion are set up as a married couple to find out where the killings are coming from and who is doing it. They never imagined the lengths they will have to go through to find out the motive and who the killer is.

I enjoyed Foul Lady Fortune! It was filled with humor, action and the characters where amazing. I loved how Chloe Gong can write a variety of characters and you can read them and decipher each individual as there own. I give this book an A+ read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Margaret K. McElderry Books for providing an ARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review.

I did purchase a Physical Copy :)

Foul Lady Fortune is the spinoff duology to the These Violent Delights Duology, which was completed last November. After falling in love with Gong’s original duology, I just knew I had to pick up her newest spinoff series and was happy to find out that I was approved for it. This was one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2022 and let me tell you that it didn’t disappoint.

This review contains spoilers for the These Violent Delights Duology

If you follow me on my various other social media platforms, you probably have seen that I actually read Foul Lady Fortune about two months ago, which seems like a long while to wait to write a review. The reason why I haven’t put out a review until now is that I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach this book. Once again Chloe Gong’s books have me struggling to put into words why I love her newest releases but I’m going to try my best here.

Foul Lady Fortune follows Rosalind after the events of Our Violent Ends when she falls ill and is injected with life-saving medicine that could heal any wound, stopping her aging meaning that she is now immortal. Four years later, She joined the Nationalists to become a spy named Janie Mead. Four years ago, Orion Hong also changed dramatically, his Nationalist father was investigated as a traitor to his country, his mother left, and his brother defected to the Communists. The two of them are assigned to go undercover as a married couple in a Japanese publishing company. They must learn how to work together but as they slowly open up to each other, danger lurks just around the corner.

After the incredibly well-written These Violent Delights Duology, I wasn’t sure if Foul Lady Fortune could top it. I wasn’t as hyped for Foul Lady Fortune mainly for the reason that it was following Rosalind, a side character present in The These Violent Delights Duology. When it comes to Rosalind, she wasn’t my favorite but let me tell you after reading this story, I have become quite a fan of Rosalind’s character.

Similar to its predecessor, Foul Lady Fortune follows an enormous cast of characters. You’ll be introduced to a new cast of characters as well as being reunited with some familiar faces and callbacks to the original duology. While this story features a wide variety of new and old characters, at the center of this story is all about Rosalind. Throughout the story, Rosalind really grew on me and I fell in love with her by the end. She’s bitter and cold as she works through her grief and guilt, prone to listening to her head rather than her heart.

While Rosalind is the star of the show, I can’t forget to talk about Orion. While Orion wasn’t my favorite character within Foul Lady Fortune, I enjoyed his playboy charismatic personality. But he doesn’t keep up with this personality the whole time, rather he grows, and instead of internalizing everything, he learns to open up.

While Rosalind and Orion started off as nothing more than strangers, by the end they become more than that to one another. The reason why their relationship works so well is that they’re opposites of one another while still dealing with similar struggles. While Rosalind wears her emotions on her face, Orion is the opposite holding his feelings within. Both of them continue to be stuck in the past but through each other, they learn to move on and live for themselves. Every one of their interactions and scenes together was an absolute pleasure to read, which I’m sure many readers will enjoy.

The plot was absolutely intriguing and I was captivated from the beginning of this story. As the story came to fruition, the multiple mysteries started to slowly unravel, and all the twists had me enraptured in what would truly happen next. Foul Lady Fortune was a fast-paced, well-developed, and fun adventure that had me engaged in the story, unable to put it down. The more you read this story, the more immersed you become in it as you try to unravel all the secrets and untangle the web of lies.

As always Chloe Gong’s writing was absolutely stunning. Her descriptions are so vivid and the city of shanghai feels alive as if we have a foot set in the city itself. Similarly, this story continues on with the political aspects that are present within the These Violent Delights Duology. We see a focus on the war between the Nationalists versus the Communists that happens alongside the Japanese invasion of Manchuria with conversations surrounding imperialism thrown in, which was absolutely fascinating to read about these events from another point of view.

While I’ve spent a good amount of time talking about Rosalind and Orion, let me now talk about our cast of side characters as they were just as enjoyable. All of them felt like real, nuanced characters that could exist in the real world. As I mentioned above, we are reunited with Alisa, who has grown into a woman with her own identity, and Celia, who has gained a sense of self-confidence. We are also introduced to a brand new set of side characters who include the Hong siblings, Phoebe and Oliver, as well as Silas, a close friend of the Hong Family. All of the dynamics between all of them were so much fun to read and seeing their relationships develop over the course of the story was an absolute delight.

If you’re hesitant on whether or not you should read Foul Lady Fortune, I would definitely encourage you to! If you were a fan of the original duology, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one maybe even more than the original one. Foul Lady Fortune is an entertaining spy thriller filled with secrets, lovable characters, and a slow-burn romance that will have you on the edge of your seat.