About This Book
"Foul Lady Fortune" plunges readers into 1931 Shanghai, where 19-year-old Rosalind Lang, an immortal assassin, and fellow Nationalist spy Orion Hong are forced to go undercover as a married couple. Their mission: to investigate a series of brutal chemical murders destabilizing the city amidst the Chinese Civil War and Japanese invasion. This young adult historical fantasy, the first book in a spin-off series from Chloe Gong's popular "These Violent Delights," weaves together espionage, political intrigue, and a complex romance, all while subtly adapting Shakespeare's "As You Like It." Parents should be aware of the prominent themes of war, violence, and political deception, making it suitable for mature young adult readers aged 12-18 who enjoy intricate plots and morally gray characters.
In 1931 Shanghai, two Nationalist spies pose as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders causing unrest in the city.
Violence
peril_danger
war_themes
Character Death
Scary Scenes
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Discussion Prompts
1
How do Rosalind and Orion's personal beliefs conflict with their roles as spies, and how do they navigate these moral complexities?
2
The book is set during a real historical period of conflict. How does understanding the Chinese Civil War and Japanese invasion add to your reading experience?
3
Discuss the theme of identity, particularly for Rosalind with her immortality and past mistakes, and for characters like Celia who are navigating their own identities.
4
What role does trust play in a world of spies and political allegiances? How do characters decide who to trust, and what are the consequences of misplaced trust?
5
How does the author use the "As You Like It" retelling elements, and how do they enhance or diverge from the original story?
External Reviews
NYT Bestseller
Young Adult Hardcover (4 weeks on list)
If Your Family Enjoyed This
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