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izzyg02's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Gun violence, and Murder
bluejayreads's review against another edition
4.0
This book combines historical fiction, spy thriller, scifi-created superhumans, and enemies-to-lovers romance, and it works remarkably well. Set in 1930s Shanghai, the Nationalist faction is in charge, while the communist faction has gone into hiding and the Japanese and their sympathizers plot a takeover. Rosalind, the protagonist, is a basically-immortal assassin forced to pretend to be another spy's wife for mission purposes. I actually enjoyed the multi-faction politics (assisted because it was mostly spy-vs-spy and whose-side-are-they-really-on with political details). The setting and historical details were fascinating. I'm always down for sci-fi superhumans, especially immortal assassins with angst. And I actually enjoyed the romance - I'm not usually much for enemies-to-lovers but I was really invested in this relationship. I did feel like I was missing some context, since it seems like the Foul Lady Fortune duology is a sorta-sequel to the author's These Violent Delights duology (I gather Rosalind is the cousin of the These Violent Delights protagonist, and this book is set four years after that duology ends). The second Foul Lady Fortune book isn't out yet - if it were available now, I'd probably read it, but since it will probably be a year or two, I don't know if I will. This book is very, very good, but I'm not dying for a sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence and Murder
Mind controldiorgyus's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Murder and Abandonment
Minor: Death and Medical content
mayareadsxo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, War, and Gun violence
Moderate: Abandonment and Murder
Minor: Death and Medical content
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is the second time this year that I’ve read one of my most anticipated releases and it hasn’t been everything I’d hoped it would be. At this point, I’m a little bit worried that’s going to become a trend.
It’s not that this was a bad book. It wasn’t. But it did lack the intrigue that drew me into and then kept me reading These Violent Delights. I guessed one of the major plot twists back in the first quarter of the book, and was just generally not as invested in the story or characters. The only one of the seven that I really liked was Alisa. Of the others, we barely saw Celia or Oliver, and I thought both Oliver and Phoebe were kind of annoying. I was mostly indifferent toward Rosalind and Orion—although Orion was, at least, occasionally amusing—and Silas just felt bland.
I couldn’t even get behind any of the ships. Silas and Phoebe had no chemistry. If we hadn’t been told that they liked each other, I wouldn’t have known. Oliver and Celia didn’t have nearly enough page time for me to get behind them. Honestly, I feel like both Silas and Celia could do better, sorry not sorry. As for Rosalind and Orion, I’ll admit that they had a few good scenes and some good banter, but for the most part, they just kind of felt… meh. I hate to say all of this, but it’s true. I know what Chloe can do with romance—I’ve seen it in Romette and in Benmars. I adore both of those couples and was hoping to feel similar love for these new ones, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. I do think that Rosaorion has the most potential for the sequel, though. Maybe I could still board that ship at some point. We’ll see.
My favorite part of the book was the tiny Benmars update we got in one of Alisa’s early chapters, and the most entertaining part was searching for clues as to whether or not Roma and Juliette are still alive. I already thought they were before starting; now that I’ve finished, I’m certain not only that they’re alive, but also that we’ll see them in the sequel. If I had money, I would bet on it. I legit have a note on my phone full of textual evidence and theories.
This is unrelated to either Roma or Juliette; it’s just something I wanted to comment on. How the hell is annoying little Phoebe actually Priest??? You’re telling me a whiny, too cool for school wannabe socialite is the Communists’ best assassin??? Yeah, I know, that’s probably a cover to make sure no one guesses her identity, but still. I’m having a seriously hard time believing it, even if it would explain why Priest helped Rosalind, Orion and Alisa in the warehouse attack. I’m gonna need some convincing here, Chloe.
So, yeah. It pains me to give one of Chloe’s books less than five stars, but this just… didn’t do it for me. I had both high hopes and high expectations after reading and adoring the TVD books last year, and unfortunately, this fell flat. I’m still going to read the sequel though, partially out of curiosity, but mostly because I want to see Roma and Juliette again. 💁🏼💁🏼
Representation
It’s not that this was a bad book. It wasn’t. But it did lack the intrigue that drew me into and then kept me reading These Violent Delights. I guessed one of the major plot twists back in the first quarter of the book, and was just generally not as invested in the story or characters. The only one of the seven that I really liked was Alisa. Of the others, we barely saw Celia or Oliver, and I thought both Oliver and Phoebe were kind of annoying. I was mostly indifferent toward Rosalind and Orion—although Orion was, at least, occasionally amusing—and Silas just felt bland.
I couldn’t even get behind any of the ships. Silas and Phoebe had no chemistry. If we hadn’t been told that they liked each other, I wouldn’t have known. Oliver and Celia didn’t have nearly enough page time for me to get behind them. Honestly, I feel like both Silas and Celia could do better, sorry not sorry. As for Rosalind and Orion, I’ll admit that they had a few good scenes and some good banter, but for the most part, they just kind of felt… meh. I hate to say all of this, but it’s true. I know what Chloe can do with romance—I’ve seen it in Romette and in Benmars. I adore both of those couples and was hoping to feel similar love for these new ones, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. I do think that Rosaorion has the most potential for the sequel, though. Maybe I could still board that ship at some point. We’ll see.
My favorite part of the book was the tiny Benmars update we got in one of Alisa’s early chapters, and the most entertaining part was searching for clues as to whether or not Roma and Juliette are still alive. I already thought they were before starting; now that I’ve finished, I’m certain not only that they’re alive, but also that we’ll see them in the sequel. If I had money, I would bet on it. I legit have a note on my phone full of textual evidence and theories.
So, yeah. It pains me to give one of Chloe’s books less than five stars, but this just… didn’t do it for me. I had both high hopes and high expectations after reading and adoring the TVD books last year, and unfortunately, this fell flat. I’m still going to read the sequel though, partially out of curiosity, but mostly because I want to see Roma and Juliette again. 💁🏼💁🏼
Representation
- demisexual Chinese protagonist
- two bisexual Chinese protagonists
- trans MTF Chinese protagonist
- unlabeled queer Chinese protagonist
- Chinese protagonist
- aromantic asexual protagonist
- various Chinese and Japanese side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Gore, Gun violence, Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Medical trauma, Emotional abuse, Medical content, and Physical abuse
Emotional and physical abuse are there regarding mentions of them in characters’ pasts. Additional content warning for human experimentation.jessicaludden's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“You life is mine as mine is yours.”
This was everything I wanted it to be and more. I loved every single one of the characters. They were all so unique and complex, but I also loved the different pairings we got and the interactions between them. It’s actually impossible for me to pick a favorite character or favorite pairing. The plot was so engaging. It kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I knew what was about to happen, Chloe gave us plot twist after plot twist after plot twist. I loved all the politics. Keeping up with all of the groups, what they stood for, who was loyal to who, and who was undercover as what was so entertaining. Difficult? Yes, but so so worth it. Overall, if Chloe writes it, I read it. This was amazing.
This was everything I wanted it to be and more. I loved every single one of the characters. They were all so unique and complex, but I also loved the different pairings we got and the interactions between them. It’s actually impossible for me to pick a favorite character or favorite pairing. The plot was so engaging. It kept me on my toes. Every time I thought I knew what was about to happen, Chloe gave us plot twist after plot twist after plot twist. I loved all the politics. Keeping up with all of the groups, what they stood for, who was loyal to who, and who was undercover as what was so entertaining. Difficult? Yes, but so so worth it. Overall, if Chloe writes it, I read it. This was amazing.
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, Gun violence, Murder, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, Deadnaming, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Abandonment
maple_dove's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have NOT been disappointed!!! I can't wait for the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, War, Abandonment, Violence, and Racism
Moderate: Gore
Minor: Transphobia and Infidelity
Use of needles (graphic)adancewithbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
Foul Lady Fortune is the start to a new duology by Chloe Gong, and set in the same world as The Violent Delights duology. While the author says you can read this book without having read the previous duology, I'm not sure I agree.
Rosalind was a character in the original duology and now the main character in this duology. There is a lot to be found about who Rosalind used to be bofere she becomes Fortune in the previous duology. I think you need that to understand her better.
I have to say that in the first few 100 pages I struggled with Rosalind as a main character. Knowing what she did in the previous duology, I didn't think to kindly to her as a character. But as the story progresses we see that she has learned from that time. About who she is and what she cares about. I still think there isn't enough build to her initial betrayal in the original duology but at least she seems to have grown from that.
Owen has a secondary character next to Rosalind was interesting as he was much more open. Or he seems to be. He has a very different style to being a spy, using his charm to get things. But there is a lot about him that is hidden beneath the surface.
As the story continued I became much more interested in the mystery of who was killing these people on the street and what that had to do with this newspaper. Seeing Celia, her partner, Alisa, meething Phoebe and Silas. They all added to this story by their abbilities and personalities.
And now I am looking forward to the next book.
Foul Lady Fortune is the start to a new duology by Chloe Gong, and set in the same world as The Violent Delights duology. While the author says you can read this book without having read the previous duology, I'm not sure I agree.
Rosalind was a character in the original duology and now the main character in this duology. There is a lot to be found about who Rosalind used to be bofere she becomes Fortune in the previous duology. I think you need that to understand her better.
I have to say that in the first few 100 pages I struggled with Rosalind as a main character. Knowing what she did in the previous duology, I didn't think to kindly to her as a character. But as the story progresses we see that she has learned from that time. About who she is and what she cares about. I still think there isn't enough build to her initial betrayal in the original duology but at least she seems to have grown from that.
Owen has a secondary character next to Rosalind was interesting as he was much more open. Or he seems to be. He has a very different style to being a spy, using his charm to get things. But there is a lot about him that is hidden beneath the surface.
As the story continued I became much more interested in the mystery of who was killing these people on the street and what that had to do with this newspaper. Seeing Celia, her partner, Alisa, meething Phoebe and Silas. They all added to this story by their abbilities and personalities.
And now I am looking forward to the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gun violence, and Murder
human experimentation | needlesmjscooke's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
There are so many layers of intrigue within the pages of Foul Lady Fortune I cannot wait for the sequel and this one hasn't even had it's publication date yet! I was lucky enough to receive a digital reading copy from Hodder and Stoughton via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and I am so glad I did. Primarily following a chemically enhanced Rosalind who can heal and regenerate at superhuman speeds, Foul Lady Fortune is a multi-genre page-turner set in Shanghai in 1931. Part YA Sci-Fi Fantasy, with a dash of forced proximity and a whole lot of historical spy action, Chloe Gong weaves Rosalind's story with the key players around her in a way that draws you in and tugs at your loyalties. I would highly recommend to anyone who loves to be kept guessing while also being entertained and perhaps even a little educated at the same time. Now I have to go read her entire back catalog!
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder, Blood, and War
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
It's 1931 in Shanghai, and Rosalind Lang is trying to make up for her past. No longer able to age or sleep due to an experiment that saved her four years ago, she's now an assassin for her country. She uses her newfound skills to make up for her traitorous past. Now, she's known as code name: Fortune.
When the Japanese Imperial Army starts to invade, Rosalind's mission changes. Now, she must infiltrate a foreign society to see who is committing mysterious murders happening in Shanghai. However, as a part of her new mission, she must post as a wife of Nationalist spy Orion Hong. As the two attempt to work together, Orion is also determined to find out about Rosalind's past. A past she wants to stay buried.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of Foul Lady Fortune to review! This is a spinoff series of Gong's duology from last year, These Violent Delights. If you enjoyed Gong's writing in that series, you'll definitely love diving into this new one.
While you don't have to have read These Violent Delights to understand what's going on in this book, there are spoilers included. Just a heads up! It also makes some of the other character cameos more satisfying. In general, I think it adds more to the story if you already know what went on up until this point. But I digress!
This is pitched as a retelling of As You Like It, so if you're into those Shakesepare retellings, Gong does some of the best. For this one, she definitely adds that historical thriller intrigue. A spy and an assassin working together? Sounds like another series I'm a fan of (Spy X Family, if you're curious!). But this one definitely isn't as lighthearted.
I will say, Gong takes a while to get going in any of her novels. The starts are pretty slow, but once the action picks up, it picks up. It was hard to put the book down for the second half of the book. You'll definitely be hooked!
All in all, if you like historical retellings of classics with unique spins, definitely pick this one up when it comes out!
-----
A slow start, like Chloe Gong's other books, but once it picks up, it's hard to put down! Stay tuned for a full review to come next week.
When the Japanese Imperial Army starts to invade, Rosalind's mission changes. Now, she must infiltrate a foreign society to see who is committing mysterious murders happening in Shanghai. However, as a part of her new mission, she must post as a wife of Nationalist spy Orion Hong. As the two attempt to work together, Orion is also determined to find out about Rosalind's past. A past she wants to stay buried.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of Foul Lady Fortune to review! This is a spinoff series of Gong's duology from last year, These Violent Delights. If you enjoyed Gong's writing in that series, you'll definitely love diving into this new one.
While you don't have to have read These Violent Delights to understand what's going on in this book, there are spoilers included. Just a heads up! It also makes some of the other character cameos more satisfying. In general, I think it adds more to the story if you already know what went on up until this point. But I digress!
This is pitched as a retelling of As You Like It, so if you're into those Shakesepare retellings, Gong does some of the best. For this one, she definitely adds that historical thriller intrigue. A spy and an assassin working together? Sounds like another series I'm a fan of (Spy X Family, if you're curious!). But this one definitely isn't as lighthearted.
I will say, Gong takes a while to get going in any of her novels. The starts are pretty slow, but once the action picks up, it picks up. It was hard to put the book down for the second half of the book. You'll definitely be hooked!
All in all, if you like historical retellings of classics with unique spins, definitely pick this one up when it comes out!
-----
A slow start, like Chloe Gong's other books, but once it picks up, it's hard to put down! Stay tuned for a full review to come next week.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Gore, Gun violence, and Racism
Minor: Child death and Transphobia