“Don't tie yourself in knots trying to discover what you ought to do in this world. At the end of the day, every job is the same, but you only have one family.”

I enjoyed this book so much. A great series finale.
I loved all the characters. Allegiances prove to be fluid when they all come together to fight a common enemy. In the midst of all the chaos, there are also some pleasant experiences when love blooms. Celia and Oliver grow closer together and Phoebe and Silas have some more difficulties to overcome, owing to their secrets. Meanwhile, Rosalind is determined to save Orion and because he lost his memories, we see him fall in love again with Rosalind. And how cute that they actually met each other as children as well!

The historical setting of this book was also very interesting. That's something Chloe Gong has done wonderfully in the previous books as well. This story is set in a time when there was a lot of political turmoil after Japan invaded Manchuria. The International Settlement, falling under western jurisdiction, was excluded from the struggle. They were able to mentally and physically detach themselves from the ongoing struggle. And for many people seeking refuge, the International Settlement was a safe haven. I found this clear contrast between the International Settlement and the rest of China very sad. The sorrow of the Chinese people must have been unimaginable. I wish we all had more compassion and kindness for each other.
“The foreigners on the other side of the creek were said to have watched the battle from the International Settlement as though it was a sporting event.”

This is kind of a review for Foul Lady Fortune and Foul Heart Huntsman because it didn’t feel right to talk about them separately. I don’t think I could be any happier with the conclusion to a universe I love so dearly. I started this journey with Roma and Juliet and ended it with Rosaline and Orion and I’ve truly loved every second, even when I was sobbing so badly I couldn’t continue to read because I couldn’t see. Chloe Gong has created a universe that I will always cherish in my heart and I can’t even begin to describe my love for it. Foul Heart Huntsman is truly such a beautiful ending for this universe.

When I started reading Foul Lady Fortune I was afraid I wouldn’t love the characters as much as I loved the ones from These Violent Delights but it was so easy to fall in love with them. The relationships between these characters are so interesting to watch, from the complex sibling relationships to the lovely romantic relationships. I loved Rosalind and Orion so much that it was almost unbearable at times. Rosalind is such a beautifully written character, someone who spends every day of her life trying to make amends for

a death that never really happened and

a mistake that she was fooled into making by a man who told her he loved her and used her.

When Juliet asks her how long she’s been carrying the guilt of walking out on her that night unknowing that it would be the last time she saw her my heart broke.

Orion on the other hand was equally as tragic, motivated by pain and duty, he truly gives his all to his missions and is still suspected of not truly being loyal.

Oliver and Celia… I don’t even know where to begin. I love them so dearly, I loved every scene between them and don’t think I could ever get enough. Chloe Gong if you ever see this please consider writing a novella for them I’m not above begging and groveling. There were so many times I had to set the book down and kick my feet or take a lap around the room because I just couldn’t handle the emotions I felt watching them dance around their feelings. Even when one of them would say something the conversation would just carry on as if nothing happened and I just wanted to jump into the book and yell at them to SPEAK (I loved every minute of them being emotionally constipated little shits).

When Oliver said “You can’t ask me not to love you by keeping me at arm’s length. I’ll love you anyway.” in Foul Lady Fortune I almost threw up (in a good way I promise).

I could honestly go on and on about these two like there wasn’t a moment that passed between them that didn’t affect me in one way or another.

When Oliver told Celia he would make her his altar and put her above everything else in the world I seriously thought I was going to die like I couldn’t breathe (I don’t know how Celia survived that).

#AlisaMontagovaFansTexas!! I loved Alisa in the first duology but love her even more here. She blossomed in this duology and I couldn’t be more fortunate to have witnessed it. The way she truly solidifies herself as a character in this duology is so great, she proves time and time again how vital she is to the success of the mission.

When she and Roma reunited it was wonderful, my heart felt so full, especially after reading how much Roma missed her in A Foul Thing. When they are talking at the kitchen table Roma says “ I would have found you anywhere. Across the world and under it. No matter how well you hide. It doesn’t matter where you go. I’ll always find you. Understand?” I couldn’t stop crying.

I have a lot of feelings for Phoebe and I don’t know where to even begin. I loved her yet I also truly hated her at times, always caught between one emotion or the other never feeling neutral. One thing I did love about her character was seeing the relationship between her and her mother and how it truly affected the trajectory of her life. Everything Phoebe was, stemmed from her mother, and seeing her come to terms with the fact that her mother was never who she thought she was, was incredibly fascinating to witness. Silas on the other hand… I adored him the whole way. He was constantly ready to give all of himself for Phoebe and Orion, which was so beautiful.

Even when he was believed to have betrayed them he genuinely did everything for them.

I think I could ramble on about this duology for ages but unfortunately (or fortunately for whoever is reading this) I have no words left. I think the last thing I would like to say is thank you Chloe Gong for letting us spend at least a little time with these beautiful characters you have created. I have sincerely loved this journey and will cherish it always.

I loved this book and thought it was a great end to the series!! I loved seeing all the characters again and I loved the friendships and relationships! It was action packed and fast paced, and I loved it! 

Loved the double lives, assassins, and the unique humor of Chloe Gong's books. I just--unforgettable.

My only qualm was that near the end, it felt like things were quickly made up in a way that didn't line up with the story set in place. Not a huge deal though.

Favorite Quotes:

I loved this entire world, and even if I didn't love this series as much as the original duology, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing both old names and getting to know newer faces. The writing was superb per usual with memorable quotes, and the pacing felt consistent. I'll miss the characters and the setting though I can hope for another novella at some point in the future!

This book was such a good conclusion to the series and these characters. I didn’t know how it would all work out for them, but it did and it makes sense without being too out there. I feel like you need to read the novellas to know how certain characters play a role in this book that don’t appear in the Foul Lady Fortune. I also feel like some really important plot points get resolved a little too quickly/without conflict considering how long this book is. This was a compelling read that I couldn’t put down and I am sad to leave this world!