A . Y . C H A O
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A. Y. Chao (aka Alice) writes fantasy exploring the intersections of identity and belonging. She is the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Shanghai Immortal, the first in a trilogy following charmingly profane half-fox spirit, half vampire Lady Jing. A recovering lawyer and xiaolongbao enthusiast, she is grateful for the support of the Canadian Council for the Arts. She lives in London, UK with her family. Pronouns: she/they


Set in 1930s China, Lady Jing is half-fox spirit half vampire and all sasshole. When she overhears her fox spirit elders planning to steal a priceless dragon pearl from the King of Hell, she’s all in to expose the two-faced vixens for the bitches they are. But when the King tasks her with babysitting a visiting mortal, the mortal’s unexpected friendship puts her at a crossroads and she must decide what matters more: honour and vengeance or friendship and joy?

Out now from Hodderscape

 
 

PRAISE FOR SHANGHAI IMMORTAL

Shanghai Immortal is the must-read debut of 2023, both intensely fun and heart wrenching. A wild ride through a Shanghai you've never seen before

Tasha Suri, award-winning author of The Jasmine Throne

A delightfully wild ride through a fantastical Shanghai filled with rich mythology, endearingly snarky characters, and laugh-aloud mischief. Entertaining from start to finish!

Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief

A thrilling adventure packed to the hilt with attitude, Shanghai Immortal will have you laughing, cheering, and screaming along with the inimitable Lady Jing. From the glittering settings and vivid characters to the thoughtful exploration of family and sacrifice, this is a story you won't soon forget

Vaishnavi Patel, New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi

The most fun you'll ever have in hell! With her debut, Chao takes you on a high-octane, snark-filled adventure through the underworld, where the celestials are bloodthirsty and out for a good crime time. Lady Jing is a hot-headed triumph of a leading lady, with a wicked sense of humour that never fails to delight. If you're looking for your next fantasy obsession, look no further than Shanghai Immortal

Kate Dylan, author of Mindwalker

Shanghai Immortal is a gritty, glittering tale of gods and monsters in a reimagining of 1930s China. The fearsome half-vampire half-deity Lady Jing swaps anger management lessons for a crash course in the mortal realm and you can't help but root for her and the chaos she leaves in her wake. Full of fury, passion, and beauty, this is a debut that will grip you in its fangs and make you bleed-all the while wanting more

Saara El-Arifi, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Final Strife

A love letter to Chinese mythology, Shanghai Immortal is a compulsive read that will have you laughing and gasping at once. Lady Jing is delightfully irreverent and charming as she takes us on a wicked, exciting adventure through hell. With skillful worldbuilding and attentive prose, Chao has crafted the delectable fantasy feast you’ve been waiting for!

Tanvi Berwah, author of Monsters Born and Made

This outstanding debut grips you from the first page and doesn't let go. With characters that leap off the page and a compelling story filled with fantastical creatures, Chao has crafted something so utterly original and delightful I couldn't help but fall in love. Shanghai Immortal is a stellar start to what should be an incredible series.

T.L. Huchu, author of The Library of the Dead

A wildly inventive and moving romp that goes through the mortal and immortal realms of China, with an endearing and tumultuous main character

Aliette de Bodard, award-winning author of the Dominion of the Fallen Series

Thrilling to the very last page, Shanghai Immortal is an immersive and exuberant journey through the dazzling realms of the wicked and the divine. And there’s no better guide through worlds both mortal and immortal than Lady Jing – her razor-sharp wit and tongue is sure to captivate any reader, by force if necessary!

Victor Manibo, author of The Sleepless

An absolutely delightful romp of a book. It's impossible not to be charmed by Lady Jing as she gets up to shenanigans in mortal and hell Shanghai. I was entranced from start to finish.

Judy I. Lin, New York Times bestselling author of the Book of Tea duology

Charmingly irreverent and led by a protagonist bursting with personality, Shanghai Immortal brings a hilarious fresh spin on the deep lore of Chinese mythology, tinged with a dash of unexpected sweetness.

Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times best selling author of Iron Widow

A sparkling new voice in fantasy! Chao captures the imagination from the first page with a snarky heroine you’ll fall in love with, immersive and inventive worldbuilding, and most of all, a lot of heart.

— June CL Tan, author of Jade Fire Gold

Absolutely rooting for Lady Jing forever.

— Hannah Kaner, #1 Sunday Times Best Selling author of Godkiller

Do you like reading about peaches and butts? SHANGHAI IMMORTAL is for you!

— Kel, bookseller at Main Street Books


 
 
alice smiling next to Honey Monster (big yellow fuzzy monster) in a red track suit

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