Review by Kris5911 -- Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Kater
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Kris5911
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Review by Kris5911 -- Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Kater
[Following is a volunteer review of "Conflict on the Yangtze" by Greg Kater.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Two Australian spies are recruited by the American and British intelligence agencies to investigate opium smugglers en-route from China to shores of interest.
I love reading about this era, and I love that this story features spies! Australian spies to boot! Who wouldn't enjoy reading with an Australian accent in their mind for Jacko and Jamie? These two lead characters take you along with their friends up the Yangtze River, and lay out their planning to where it feels like you're in on their schemes and travels in real life.
Greg Kater has written masterfully in detail of the geography and atmosphere of China's chaotic state in the war aftermath. I wanted more action on the adventure, but felt the whole of it, as Kater has written, was very close to how a true spy's adventure would unfold. There are times for action, times for stealth, and times to relax in between the two. I was quite satisfied with how I was carried along with the spies on their mission to take out the smugglers.
I love Sarah, Jacko's half-sister! Her personality drew me in; shy under praise, and full of determination to be part of the mission and take care of her half-brother and her friends. The brother and sister relationship between Jacko and Sarah is very sweet. I would have liked to read more about them, but, again, Kater wrote just enough throughout the tale to make me light up when I came to such a particular part.
The antagonists were a good gruff lot. I felt the threat in their demeanor and actions without the presence of vile expressions. Some of the action seemed abrupt, but then, I reminded myself, Jacko and Jamie are seasoned veterans and spies. I should expect no less from them; that they should overcome an opponent with proficient swiftness.
What I liked about this book were the characters with their many accents, and their interactions with each other. Sarah, Jacko, and Ming (Jacko's dog) being my favorites. Peter, the captain of the Jin Shayu, and his mates were a swell crew to read about. They knew their business and the Yangtze River so well; just who you'd want to have your back when you're trying to outrun bullets. Jamie and Jacko's wives, Monique and Cara, were just right with their worry and bravery. Women with class and intelligence, and respect for their husbands and the work that they do. They were not demanding that Jamie and Jacko stop their work because it was dangerous, but desiring they be careful, do the job right, and return in one piece. I applaud Greg Kater, though it was not the focus, that he wrote of strong women who knew who and what kind of men they married and agreed to love and support, and not try to change.
My dislikes for Conflict on the Yangtze were the three typos I spotted. Other than that, I really can't say anything against the story or its author. The first mild curse was on page three (according to the author's paging), line twenty-eight, the sentence saying, "Don't wait for me! Get away for God's sake!". The language does get stronger with British exclamations as well as American ones. If the profanity doesn't bother you, I recommend this book for adults both young and old. I give Conflict on the Yangtze 4 out of 4 stars. I give it a 4 and not a 3 because I liked everything about it; the people, the traveling, and the plot. Despite the three typos I found, I believe the book has been professionally edited.
I enjoyed this book!
******
Conflict on the Yangtze
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
4 out of 4 stars
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Two Australian spies are recruited by the American and British intelligence agencies to investigate opium smugglers en-route from China to shores of interest.
I love reading about this era, and I love that this story features spies! Australian spies to boot! Who wouldn't enjoy reading with an Australian accent in their mind for Jacko and Jamie? These two lead characters take you along with their friends up the Yangtze River, and lay out their planning to where it feels like you're in on their schemes and travels in real life.
Greg Kater has written masterfully in detail of the geography and atmosphere of China's chaotic state in the war aftermath. I wanted more action on the adventure, but felt the whole of it, as Kater has written, was very close to how a true spy's adventure would unfold. There are times for action, times for stealth, and times to relax in between the two. I was quite satisfied with how I was carried along with the spies on their mission to take out the smugglers.
I love Sarah, Jacko's half-sister! Her personality drew me in; shy under praise, and full of determination to be part of the mission and take care of her half-brother and her friends. The brother and sister relationship between Jacko and Sarah is very sweet. I would have liked to read more about them, but, again, Kater wrote just enough throughout the tale to make me light up when I came to such a particular part.
The antagonists were a good gruff lot. I felt the threat in their demeanor and actions without the presence of vile expressions. Some of the action seemed abrupt, but then, I reminded myself, Jacko and Jamie are seasoned veterans and spies. I should expect no less from them; that they should overcome an opponent with proficient swiftness.
What I liked about this book were the characters with their many accents, and their interactions with each other. Sarah, Jacko, and Ming (Jacko's dog) being my favorites. Peter, the captain of the Jin Shayu, and his mates were a swell crew to read about. They knew their business and the Yangtze River so well; just who you'd want to have your back when you're trying to outrun bullets. Jamie and Jacko's wives, Monique and Cara, were just right with their worry and bravery. Women with class and intelligence, and respect for their husbands and the work that they do. They were not demanding that Jamie and Jacko stop their work because it was dangerous, but desiring they be careful, do the job right, and return in one piece. I applaud Greg Kater, though it was not the focus, that he wrote of strong women who knew who and what kind of men they married and agreed to love and support, and not try to change.
My dislikes for Conflict on the Yangtze were the three typos I spotted. Other than that, I really can't say anything against the story or its author. The first mild curse was on page three (according to the author's paging), line twenty-eight, the sentence saying, "Don't wait for me! Get away for God's sake!". The language does get stronger with British exclamations as well as American ones. If the profanity doesn't bother you, I recommend this book for adults both young and old. I give Conflict on the Yangtze 4 out of 4 stars. I give it a 4 and not a 3 because I liked everything about it; the people, the traveling, and the plot. Despite the three typos I found, I believe the book has been professionally edited.
I enjoyed this book!
******
Conflict on the Yangtze
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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