Name: Suzanne's review of Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
Item: Foul Lady Fortune
Rating: 4.5
Author: Suzanne

Chloe Gong

Assassin. Immortal. Spy. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights comes the first book in a captivating new duology following an ill-matched pair of spies posing as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders in 1930s Shanghai. It's 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue. Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging - and allows her to heal from any wound. In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption for her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country. Code name: Fortune. But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion march, Rosalind's mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind's new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits behind the terror plot before more of her people are killed. To reduce suspicion, she must pose as the wife of another Nationalist spy, Orion Hong. Although Rosalind finds Orion's cavalier attitude and playboy demeanour infuriating, she is willing to work with him for the greater good. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are deeper and more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined. PRAISE FOR CHLOE GONG 'An electrifying, swashbuckling tale of intrigue and assassins, romance and betrayal' CASSANDRA CLARE 'Amazing, show-stopping, spectacular' XIRAN JAY ZHAO 'A dark delight' RENEE AHDIEH 'Foul Lady Fortune had my heart pounding from the first chapter' ELIZABETH LIM 'Chloe Gong has outdone herself' JOAN HE

Foul Lady Fortune

It’s 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue.

Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging—and allows her to heal from any wound. In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption from her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country.

Code name: Fortune.

But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion march, Rosalind’s mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind’s new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits behind the terror plot before more of her people are killed.

To reduce suspicion, however, she must pose as the wife of another Nationalist spy, Orion Hong, and though Rosalind finds Orion’s cavalier attitude and playboy demeanor infuriating, she is willing to work with him for the greater good. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are deeper and more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined.

Aimee :)

Dao Feng reached for a handshake. Phoebe extended her fingers, meeting his enthusiastic grasp. When he spoke next, his voice was filled with warmth.

"It is a pleasure to meet you properly, Priest."

And just before he snaps out of his trance, he stabs the knife into her stomach.

She looked at the sink. "Wash the razor?"

alexys <3

he swung his am and smacked it against the soldier's head, spitting: "Don't—“ he swung again— “touch—“ another hard thwack—- “my—“ the crate broke into two pieces— “wife."

He would promise to wander the ends of the earth and find where the sky began if it meant she would keep her hand there, if it meant he could drown out the rest of his frantic fears by focusing on the sound of her voice. He had gone beyond getting attached to her. She was his guiding saint, the Polaris of his heart.

This was their mission. High Tide was their combined unit, unable to be separated. One without the other was unthinkable.

"Attached to High Tide?" she echoed, her voice teasing. “Have you grown attached to me, Hong Liwen?" 

"Yes." His reply came easily. It didn't sound like he was teasing her in return. "I have."

"You don't start all your dates throwing off a tail?" 

“Im divorcing you immediately if that's your idea of fun." 

Rosalind's lips twitched. "Watch your step."

“You're allowed to breathe," she whispered. 

“Stop it. You're actively trying to make me nervous" Orion returned.

 She looked at the sink. "Wash the razor?" 

"You're okay," Rosalind repeated more kindly. "You're going to be okay, I promise." She smoothed his hair away from his forehead. As soon as he felt her touch, Orion shifted forward, leaning right onto her shoulder. Rosalind blinked, recovering quickly to sink one hand into his hair and settle the other at the back of his neck. He went around the world so tall, so confident; it was a surprise that he was capable of folding himself small, capable of seeking comfort in a girl like Rosalind.

"Good shooting." Orion breathed, his exhale hot on her neck. 

“Thank you," Rosalind returned. "Good driving.

Trust me,” Rosalind said. "If there was something that could have been done, I would have done it myself. I am not defenseless." 

Orion shook his head. "I don't think you're defenseless. I am incensed on your behalf, as someone who has grown to care about your general well-being. There’s a different, beloved.”

"Who did this to you?" Orion's voice was violently quiet. "I’ll kill them.”

How could someone feel any of that for a person they didn't know? How could her stomach dip with desire unless she already recognized the shape of their smile? How could her fingers ache to reach out unless she had already memorized the lines in their palms?

Trauma doesn't have to lead to destruction. Trauma can be the guiding point into something better, something stronger. 

“It was a pre-warning. I'm trying to think." 

Orion crossed his arms. "You're very grumpy. I expected my be wife to be less grumpy.

 “I-“ Rosalind barely managed through her gritted teeth "am not your wife."

 "Not yet. Do you think they ll make us a fake certificate, too? I’ll get you a ring. What do you like? Silver? Gold?” 

 "It's okay that you're grumpy. I think it's very cute”

I forgot I shipped them before but I'm happy to do it again😂

Sophia

Oliver's mouth twitched. "I only need you to tend to my wounds, sweetheart."

"Ouch, harsh." He scrunched his palms away. "Please don't worry about it. I had a small encounter on the streets - that is all."

Commemorating the Star-Crossed Lovers of Shanghai

Rosalind closed the newspaper gently. She breathed in. Breathed out.

If they had lived, they would be twenty-four years old now. But the city's rival darlings were dead.

I know about Last Violent Call but I'm still mourning every time they mention the Cais or the Montagovs😭

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends comes the first book in a captivating new duology following an ill-matched pair of spies posing as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders in 1930s Shanghai. It’s 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue. Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging—and allows her to heal from any wound. In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption from her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country. Code name: Fortune. But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion march, Rosalind’s mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind’s new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits behind the terror plot before more of her people are killed. To reduce suspicion, however, she must pose as the wife of another Nationalist spy, Orion Hong, and though Rosalind finds Orion’s cavalier attitude and playboy demeanor infuriating, she is willing to work with him for the greater good. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are deeper and more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined.

fc ♡

Her brother had sacrificed so much because he’d wanted to see the city changed, and Alisa was only ever going to work toward seeing that to fruition

“Hello,” Oliver greeted, tilting his head curiously. There was a cat in his arms, purring as he scratched its small head. “Who are you?”

Suzanne

millena

3.75 ⭐️

I blame myself a little for the rate bc I wanted to read this without reading the first duology so it was a little confusing in the beginning (I didn’t know any of the characters too), maybe my experience would be better if I knew a thing or two

the romance was *chef kiss* 🤌🏻🙂‍↔️ Orion has my heart my soul my life, his humor always made me laugh and tbh if I were Rosalind I’d have fallen in love much sooner

the plot was definitely good (again, it would’ve been better if I had read the first duology), I was NOT expecting the Priest to be who they are (my bet was on S, close enough) and I know in my bones that JM is Juliette 🫵🏻

I'm not gonna read the second book now because I feel like it's not the right time, but I really want to know the end of this story at some point

I originally didn’t like Rosalind, however this book quickly changed my opinion of her. I absolutely love her character and her improvement. The plot was quite interesting, however i don’t like one of the tropes 

 it’s just not for me. That and the fact i don’t really see myself thinking of this book often, is why it’s not 5 stars. Out of all the plot twists, the only thing i can say is that i predicted one - or at least i believe so 

 with the note given to Rosalind, signed by JM who i am guessing is Juliette Montagova, which really excited me 

 but the rest, like the killer and priest’s identity.. i did not expect at all.

I originally didn’t like Rosalind, however this book quickly changed my opinion of her. I absolutely love her character and her improvement. The plot was quite interesting, however i don’t like one of the tropes 

spoilers such as memory loss 

no spoilers it’s just not for me. That and the fact i don’t really see myself thinking of this book often, is why it’s not 5 stars. Out of all the plot twists, the only thing i can say is that i predicted one - or at least i believe so 

spoilers with the note given to Rosalind, signed by JM who i am guessing is Juliette Montagova, which really excited me no spoilers but the rest, like the killer and priest’s identity.. i did not expect at all.

Ellie M.

Chloe Gong has done it again! Impeccable writing style as always. I will literally buy whatever this woman writes even if it’s just Orion staring at the window. This book was a perfect combination of everything. Two spies falling into a fake marriage setup, couldn’t get any better, right? Yall I will actually not shut up about this book. I anticipated Rosalind’s redemption arc for a long time and this did not disappoint! This book was incredibly slow-paced and paid quite the attention to detail, but the dynamics of the characters and queer rep were an absolutely wonderful touch. Chloe never truly fails to paint a picture-perfect historical fantasy and romance novel and I will eat that shit up every goddamn time. I cannot wait for the second book because I know for a fact some people are coming back (yes those are my delusions that came true lol).

river

i just want to take this chance to leave a digital footprint of me having a brainrot over the whole scene of hightide on a car chase and the actual cherry on top is rosalind sitting on orion's lap as she shoots their enemies down. 

doll

I alternated reading the ebook and listening to the audiobook read by Emily Woo Zeller, who is a fantastic voice actor.

This is the third book in the Shanghai series by Gong (These violent delights and these violent ends), but this is the first where Rosalind is the protagonist. I must say I much prefer Rosalind to Juliette and Roma as a protagonist.

Set in Shanghai in the 1930s, we follow several characters.

It’s communists vs nationalists vs Japanese imperialists.

On the side of the Nationalists we have Rosalind Lang aka Janie Mead aka mrs. Muriel, a former Scarlet Gang agent and now immortal. She is forced in a pretend marriage to Orion Hong aka Liwen Hong.

Orion’s sister Feiyi/Phoebe tags along occasionally.

Their brother and sister are their communist rivals, Celia (Kathleen in the previous books) and Oliver. Alisa Montagov (Roma’s sister), is on their side as well as Liza.

All characters are well fleshed out and the story keeps on being surprising. The pacing is really good, especially compared to the first book.

The book really keeps you on edge, and I think properly reflects the amount of paranoia people had in that time with so many different parties warring.

I really enjoyed reading it and the Author notes on how this ties in to the actual history of Shanghai in the 30s.I’m 

I alternated reading the ebook and listening to the audiobook read by Emily Woo Zeller, who is a fantastic voice actor.

This is the third book in the Shanghai series by Gong (These violent delights and these violent ends), but this is the first where Rosalind is the protagonist. I must say I much prefer Rosalind to Juliette and Roma as a protagonist.

Set in Shanghai in the 1930s, we follow several characters.

It’s communists vs nationalists vs Japanese imperialists.

On the side of the Nationalists we have Rosalind Lang aka Janie Mead aka mrs. Muriel, a former Scarlet Gang agent and now immortal. She is forced in a pretend marriage to Orion Hong aka Liwen Hong.

Orion’s sister Feiyi/Phoebe tags along occasionally.

Arranged by her handler Dao Feng.

Their brother and sister are their communist rivals, Celia (Kathleen in the previous books) and Oliver. Alisa Montagov (Roma’s sister), is on their side as well as Liza.

All characters are well fleshed out and the story keeps on being surprising. The pacing is really good, especially compared to the first book.

The book really keeps you on edge, and I think properly reflects the amount of paranoia people had in that time with so many different parties warring.

I really enjoyed reading it and the Author notes on how this ties in to the actual history of Shanghai in the 30s.I’m 

sophie

nina 

when you realise immortal longings book 1 has to come out first before flf2 does 😶

for later reference: https://hodderscape.co.uk/foul-lady-f...

kyra

5/5. it just gets better with every reread.

nuélle

currently losing my mind ill edit this review after I'm done with my classes but all I can say is WHAT THE FUCK

I'll admit that this book is confusing but it is SOOOOOO worth it. You just have to pay attention to every little detail even if you think it's insignificant. THE PLOT TWISTS, the emotional scenes, the romantic teasing, the plot. Ugh! It's so good. I would give it a 5.5 if i could. 

Tsu 💙

Kendi Dockum

Oh, gosh, I loved everything about this book! The excitement! The intrigue! The snarkiness! I am in desperate need of the next book like, yesterday! Hehe.

eunice

if i’m going to be honest, it was a bit of a struggle to get invested into the book not until i was at around the 40% mark of the book, or at least for me. the start felt really slow progressing and i think i was sorta getting bored while reading. but when it started picking up, it’d be a lie if i said i wasn’t devouring it and leaving no crumbs.

it’d also be a lie if i said i didn’t love and enjoy the romance in this. but that’s no surprise at all there, considering that this is chloe gong we’re talking about. idk there’s just something in the way chloe gong writes romance, she writes it in such a way that leaves you wanting for more and that’s exactly how i felt with ove, tvd, and flf.

however, as much as i enjoyed rosalind and orion, it was definitely the side-characters’ stories that stole the show for me. especially celia and oliver. i love them so much, i honestly wish they were shown more. and i think that’s also a complaint i have—not the lack of celia and oliver because i still understand why it’d be written like that, but because i just .. couldn’t get myself as immersed with rosalind and orion?

like they were cute, the pining ached me at times, and some of the lines they threw each other was absolutely wonderful—but, despite that, they were sorta bland? and i couldn’t really form, like, a connection to them. or maybe i was just hella captivated by celia and oliver way too much that i couldn’t focus on anything else. oops?

nevertheless though !!! this was a really good book overall and i’m really excited for foul heart huntsman. <3

(also, every time chloe dropped hints or mentions of romajuliette and benmars? oh you bet i cried every time.)

This was a read that I couldn't put down. I was so excited to read at every moment I could. It always seemed like something was going on and I wasn't bored for a second. I cannot wait to read the next book!

Kira Del Caro

Ella

Set in the 1930s an immortal assassin and a mysterious agent, team up to find out who has been killing people all over Shanghai in seemingly random locations.

confusing and difficult at first but oh my god it was so good 

anything chloe writes, i will read. her writing is exceptional and pulls you into the world of shanghai so easily. i love reading about rosalind and orions story and can’t wait to for the next book to come out. 

maria garcia 

anna near

I didn't read the These Violent Ends duology, and I didn't realize they were connected until about half way through, but that does not stop me from being obsessed with Foul Lady Fortune. The third person narratives were done extremely well, and this is one of the few books that I enjoyed every single POV. The political aspect was fascinating and I loved the action part of it. And of course, the romance>>> The main couple, Orion and Rosaline were perfect in every single way. I adored them. The banter, the fake dating trope, boy obsessed situation literally had me giggling. There were two other couples- both of which were almost as cute. And hello???? The queer rep?? Incredible. There were two bisexual characters, a transgender character, an asexual/aromantic character, and a demisexual character- and that's just in the main cast of characters. 
Yeah, suffice to say, I really enjoyed this book. The sequel needs to come ASAP bc wtf was the ending?

grace richards

4.5,,, god i forgot how much i’d missed these characters. also phoebe and orion are my new children they can do no wrong ever and i will be forever running the orion and phoebe hong defence squad

chloe gong pleaseeee pay for my therapy until the next book is released.

🌙

A truly masterful historical fiction retelling with just a 

 of the supernatural. I think I liked this one even better than the These Violent Delights duology. Audiobook is superbly narrated by Emily Woo Zeller.

Liz Griffin

A truly masterful historical fiction retelling with just a hint of the supernatural. I think I liked this one even better than the These Violent Delights duology. Audiobook is superbly narrated by Emily Woo Zeller.

marilynn

slightly mad at myself i read it now when the sequel isn't available yet but also very glad i did read it, i don't know what kind of drug chloe put in this book but i need more and i need it now

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK OMG IT IS EVERYTHING

★★★★.5

OK, miss Gong. I am impressed. I can understand why she has such a chokehold on the reading community. I didn't think These violent delights would suit me, but I'm now reconsidering. 

So, I decided I'd give her a go. The main reason why I wanted to read this, was because I heard it had an aspec lead, and the synopsis sounded intriguing. Loved to see a demisexual main character. I think the trans rep was amazing too. All in all, wonderful queer crew. 

Gong has managed to charm me with the characters. The plot dragged at times, and if I didn't extremely enjoy the interactions between the characters, I probably would have dnf'd. Murder mysteries are just usually not my thing. Admittedly, I had no idea what was going on with the political aspect either. 

Fake marriage 😏. Oh yes, I'm a hopeless shipper. The romantic subplots were very tasteful. I love some good banter. 

Do you need to read the These violent delights duology first? As someone who has not read it, I'd say no. Obviously, that's if you don't mind being spoiled. I don't think you need to, in order to enjoy this book.

THE ENDING??? I have been fooled. Bamboozled. 

Pleasantly surprised to say I'm anticipating the sequel. 

Arc provided by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Suzanne &
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong

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Suzanne &
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong