Against all odds, a prostitute becomes the most powerful pirate chieftain in the South China Seas. Sold into slavery by her parents, Xianggu works on a floating brothel for ten years before a midnight pirate raid changes her life. Determined to rise above her lowly status, the fearless young woman embarks on a journey requiring beauty, brains, and brawn. Red Flag boss, Zheng Yi, is captivated by … by the spirited Xianggu and soon makes her his wife. This begins her adventure into the violent world of sea banditry. But Xianggu must do more than learn to wield a sword, sail a ship, and swim across a bay. She must become indispensable to Zheng Yi or risk losing everything, even her life. Amid the famines, feuds, and fighting, Xianggu must battle ancient prejudices and jealous men. In 19th century China, when men made and enforced the rules, the Dragon Lady lived by her own.
more
From a life of filth, hunger, non-existence to be move in to another role of slave, prostitute, servant, to move further on to trades-woman to almost killed, to wife, to pirate, to the Dragon Lady. Xianggu works to become more than what her young life has taught her she should be. She knew there was more and did not completely give up on something more coming her way. She had a life in no way one would think or could think was easy, simple, or charmed. But she did what most would have just given up on. She survived. She became more. She spent her youthful life as nothing, but her ears and eyes were always open. She was like a sponge to her surroundings. She learned much.
There are many characters to relate to, to get to know, to not care for, to want some serious bodily harm to befall, but the stand out of them all was Xianggu. You find that her story touches you. It carries you through all she had ventured. The writing was a delicious blend of facts and fiction. The fictional world of Xianggu was real in a sense. It was someones life at some point during this time frame. The depths of knowledge that Autumn Bardot put in to this story was wonderful. It kept me hanging on as the turn of each page was made.
This Dragon Lady got much respect from me. The read was intense, sad, painful, rich, intriguing, alluring, changing and at times challenging. I found that the pacing of the story was just great. The scenes were vivid and rich. You could visualize them with each description of a new surrounding. Xianggu was what a strong, determined, headstrong, head-smart woman in a bad situation should strive to be if she has not accomplished it. She was a shero.
The premise of this book caught my attention immediately when I read it. A prostitute gone pirate? There’s gotta be a story there!
Xianggu is the best part of this book. I appreciated her spirit; no matter the circumstances, Xianggu persisted. When she was set up to amount to nothing, she found a way to dream, to learn, to turn her circumstances into a benefit. She had a drive within that not many people have in life, and it’s a powerful part of this book.
Throughout the book, Xianggu faces a many ups and downs. The way the author chose to have her handle the tragedies and hardships was inspirational. Sometimes, the bad parts of life can break a person and they never climb out of that black hole. Not Xianggu.
The author captures the personalities of the pirates very well and explores their different perspectives of the world, and it’s interesting to listen as their initial reactions to ideas change. Specifically, the exploration of gender roles of women on a pirate’s ship/society, Xianggu’s quest to be in charge and how the men’s opinion of her changes is really well done throughout the story line.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable book and I flew through it. Easily a four-star rating. A quick note that I’d give this book a PG-13 rating; there are some adulty situations in the book.
Thank you so, so much to HFVBT and Autumn Bardot for the the opportunity to be a part of this tour and to read such an enjoyable book!
I really enjoyed Dragon Lady by Autumn Bardot.
This was a great story and a well researched writing about a young and ambitious girl sold to a well known madam during 18th century China.
Xianggu was sold by her father to pay his debts and was sold to a very successful madam who runs a floating brothel and works for the madam as her servant. Xianggu would not settle being a servant for life as her ambitions motivate her to want to become a madam in the future through hard work and determination until the pirates plunder their brother and kills the madam.
Her will and determination keeps her alive among the pirates and their leaders, and Xianggu finds herself being one of the most successful pirates in the world.
This was an amazing story on how a woman with grit, dreams and passion survived the impossible.
Dragon Lady is a little bit different from most books I read. I love historical fiction, but I can not remember reading one involving China. I thought it was pretty good. Xianggu is a great character. Her spirit, bravery, determination, courage, and her will to survive, makes a reader want to continue to read. I wanted to know what was going to happen to her next.
I am giving Dragon Lady four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy a good historical read.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.