Thank you Riveted by Simon Teen and Chloe Gong for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

MAJOR FOUL LADY FORTUNE SPOILERS AHEAD

Review:  Gong delivers on her promise of domestic fluff in this captivating novella collection! 

 

“Last Violent Call” picks up during the events that transpire in “Foul Lady Fortune.” Both novellas seamlessly interrelate with Gong’s other works as well as each other. 

 

“A Foul Thing” (the first novella) alternates between the perspectives of Roma and Juliette, who miraculously survived the explosion that brought “Our Violent Ends” to a close. Now in their mid twenties, the two have established themselves as the head of an underground weapons ring in Zhouzhuang using secret identities. When a series of deaths that bare striking resemblance to those that died of the madness occur in nearby towns, Roma and Juliette have to sacrifice their peaceful, quiet life in the country for the greater good. 

 

I absolutely LOVED reuniting with my favorite characters from Gong’s “These Violent Delights” duology. Roma and Juliette deserve every happiness together. Seeing the two cook, admire each other, navigate their new lives together, and save each other from their own nightmares without threat to their lives brought literal tears to my eyes. Their every interaction is so beautifully written and incredibly adorable. 

 

Just months after the events of "A Foul Thing" and "Foul Lady Fortune," "This Foul Murder" (the second novella) centers around Benedikt and Marshall. Called upon by Roma and Juliette to find Lourens, a gifted scientist, Benedikt and Marshall settle in for their week long ride aboard the Trans-Siberian Express. Their plans to stick to their tight schedule are ruined when a passenger gets murdered in the dead of night. In a race against time, Benedikt and Marshal take on the case to keep the train moving. The more the mystery unravels, the more they realize that the murderer has ties to their own mission. 

 

“This Foul Murder” leans into the Agatha Christie/classic murder mystery formula, which I absolutely loved! The shocking plot twists paired with the return of two characters I hold near and dear to my heart made for an entertaining read. I especially enjoyed learning about Benedikt and Marshall’s lives post “Our Violent Ends” and seeing their romance thrive years later! 

 

“Last Violent Call” beautifully sets up Gong’s untitled “Foul Lady Fortune” #2. I cannot wait for the chaos that is bound to unfold when worlds collide in my most anticipated read of 2023. Rosalind is in for the biggest surprise of her life.