Review by Clorinda Donovan -- Conflict on the Yangtze

[austenfan]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Conflict on the Yangtze" by Greg Kater.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Jamie and Jacko are once again on the hunt for some baddies. They have to stop an opium smuggling ring in Shanghai. Things go south when they discover how thick and deep the smugglers are with some of the most powerful families in China. Follow Jamie and Jacko on their perilous adventures in a post Second World War China. They will have help, and even be rescued, by the most unlikely of people yet their courage and stamina will be the defining factor of their mission. Two MI6 officers may or may not save the day. Find out in Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Krater.

Set in a bygone era of the nineteen forties Conflict on the Yangtze is a wonderfully written historical fiction. There were many historically accurate descriptions of China at that time in history. What I liked most was the way in which Greg Krater described the people and their differing dialects. They were diverse, multi-racial and well developed characters throughout the book. Jacko had aboriginal roots and his wife was French. Carna, who is married to Jamie, was from the Philippines. There was nothing stereotypical about Conflict on the Yangtze, and that alone makes this story a gem. I found myself reminiscing about a book called The Good Earth by Pearl. S. Buck while reading this story. Albeit this is a more modern China than The Good Earth, but Krater masterfully described people and their behavior, nonetheless.

The writer has a trove of knowledge when it comes to dialects. I have lived with native French speakers and a lady from the Philippines. Please believe me when I say that his dialect accuracy is startling. Furthermore, there was a great deal of military operation that was described in detail. So if there are readers with an affinity to history and the army this is a must read.

Although this is the forth book about Jamie and Jacko it can be read as a standalone story. The story is slow paced, and there was some action towards the end of the book. What I did not like was that there were high points in the book which could have been more exciting. At times it seemed to be too good to be true, and a positive outcome to their perils would be inevitable. Also, I would liked to have read more about the characters feelings, and their thoughts throughout the book. The absence only made me less attached to the protagonists. Readers who are looking for action packed adventure, and a fast moving story may not want to sift through these pages.

I humbly give this story a full rating of 4 out 4 stars. Even though, my preferences are of an action packed adventure, there was a deluge of history and well developed characters that can not be ignored. The book was professionally edited. I found no typos and/or grammatical errors.

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Conflict on the Yangtze
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