Foul Lady Fortune Summary
Foul Lady Fortune is a novel by Chloe Gong, the second book in the Burning Kingdoms series. Set in a reimagined 1920s Shanghai, the novel follows the story of Juliette Cai, a member of the Scarlet Gang, as she navigates the dangerous political landscape of the city.
The novel begins with Juliette still reeling from the events of the first book, These Violent Delights. She is haunted by the decisions she made and the lives she took, and struggles to come to terms with her role in the violence that plagues the city.
As the Scarlet Gang tries to maintain their power and territory, a new player enters the scene: the White Flowers, a rival gang led by Roma Montagov, Juliette's former lover. Romeo and Juliette are forced to work together to stop a new threat to the city, a mysterious illness that seems to be spreading among the populace.
One of the strengths of Foul Lady Fortune is its world-building. Gong creates a vivid and immersive setting, filled with detailed descriptions of the city and its inhabitants. The novel blends elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance to create a unique and compelling story.
The characters in Foul Lady Fortune are well-developed and engaging. Juliette is a complex and flawed protagonist, struggling with her own past and her feelings for Romeo. Romeo, for his part, is a charismatic and enigmatic figure, who has his own secrets and motives.
The novel also explores themes of power, loyalty, and identity. Juliette and Romeo must navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries, as they try to protect their respective gangs and the people they care about.
One potential weakness of the novel is its pacing. The plot moves slowly at times, with long stretches of exposition and dialogue. Some readers may find themselves getting impatient with the lack of action.
Overall, Foul Lady Fortune is a well-written and engaging novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance. The novel provides a fascinating glimpse into a reimagined 1920s Shanghai, and is sure to be enjoyed by anyone who loves a good tale of intrigue, betrayal, and forbidden love.
