Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
Series: Foul Lady Fortune #1
Published on September 27, 2022 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Age Range: Young Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Representation: Shanghainese
Rating:
Synopsis:
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, 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.
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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
trigger and content warnings:
- abuse, death, gore, human experimentation, murder, sexual harassment, torture, violence
trigger and content warnings:
- abuse, death, gore, human experimentation, murder, sexual harassment, torture, violence
Rosalind Lang is back as a Nationalist spy and assassin with the code name Fortune. An experiment revived Rosalind. Her injuries heal quickly, she doesn’t need to sleep and doesn’t age like she’s an immortal. Since Rosalind went missing, she was presumed dead after the ending of These Violent Delights duology.
“If you die, I’ll personally punch you in the chest repeatedly until you resuscitate.”
Assigned to uncover the secret plot endangering her country, Rosalind worked together with another agent, posing as husband and wife. In the times when the threat of Japanese invasion and its hands in Shanghainese politics, Rosalind and Orion needs to be careful. A serial killer is on the loose. The threat of being stabbed with a syringe and unknown substances flowing in the veins is prevalent in the streets of Shanghai.
Meanwhile, Celine is working for the Communist Party alongside Oliver, Orion’s brother. It seems like there’s something between them that’s more than just work. We meet another familiar character: Alisa Montagova, the last of the White Flowers. She’s older now, more daring than ever, and working as a spy. Making appearances are Phoebe Hong, Orion and Oliver’s younger sister, and their friend, Silas.
As always, Chloe Gong created characters that I enjoyed reading about. While Rosalind is always acting like she doesn’t care, Orion somehow broke down all her barriers. I was living for the little moments they had after their feelings were more obvious. They found each other while fighting, spying, and in absolute uncertainty.
“Don’t”—he swung again—“touch”—another hard thwack—“my”—the crate broke into two pieces—“wife.”
spoilers:
- I’m so happy when Alisa mentioned Benedikt and Marshall. They are married and now hiding in Russia after the Nationalists took over Shanghai.
- orion tripping over his words after seeing rosalind in a qipao is peak fan service.
oh, the classic strategy of a kiss when being pursued by the enemy and pretending to be a pair of young lovers in an alley.
- Oh man, Orion is the serial killer. Those laps in memories and headaches are there for a reason. AND it’s his mother who injected him with the serum. How diabolical. Orion is now an emotionless and unfeeling killing machine for his mother.
- Rosalind’s real identity was exposed. She can no longer be a spy. BUT! She received a message from someone named JM aka JULIETTE MONTAGOV!!! i hope🤞🏼
- HAHAH Phoebe is Priest. EVERYONE WAS WONDERING AND SHE’S JUST RIGHT IN FRONT. i can’t wait for people to know, especially silas.
spoilers:
- I’m so happy when Alisa mentioned Benedikt and Marshall. They are married and now hiding in Russia after the Nationalists took over Shanghai.
- orion tripping over his words after seeing rosalind in a qipao is peak fan service. oh, the classic strategy of a kiss when being pursued by the enemy and pretending to be a pair of young lovers in an alley.
- Oh man, Orion is the serial killer. Those laps in memories and headaches are there for a reason. AND it’s his mother who injected him with the serum. How diabolical. Orion is now an emotionless and unfeeling killing machine for his mother.
- Rosalind’s real identity was exposed. She can no longer be a spy. BUT! She received a message from someone named JM aka JULIETTE MONTAGOV!!! i hope🤞🏼
- HAHAH Phoebe is Priest. EVERYONE WAS WONDERING AND SHE’S JUST RIGHT IN FRONT. i can’t wait for people to know, especially silas.
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