Daughter of Calamity by Rosalie M. Lin

In this dark and atmospheric tale set in 1930s Shanghai, Jingwen navigates a treacherous dual life. By night, she dazzles as a showgirl at the opulent Paramount club, vying for the attention of wealthy patrons. By day, she reluctantly runs money for her grandmother, a renowned surgeon for the city's most powerful gang.

However, Jingwen's world darkens when fellow dancers are targeted, their faces stolen by a mysterious attacker. Fear grips Jingwen as she realizes she could be next. The stolen faces begin appearing on wealthy foreign socialites, revealing a sinister underbelly to Shanghai's glamorous facade of luxury.

Caught between her ambitions and the dangerous realities of her grandmother's world, Jingwen must navigate treacherous alliances and uncover the truth behind the face-stealing phenomenon. As she delves deeper, she confronts the high stakes of power and identity in a city where appearances are everything.

Drawing on influences from Nghi Vo and S. A. Chakraborty, this narrative blends historical richness with supernatural intrigue, offering a gripping exploration of ambition, deception, and the price of survival in a glittering yet perilous Shanghai. Jingwen's journey unfolds against a backdrop of shifting allegiances and hidden dangers, where each revelation brings her closer to the heart of a conspiracy that threatens everything she holds dear. ❤️📚❤️