Review by mddodgen -- Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Kater
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mddodgen
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Review by mddodgen -- 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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I have become a big fan of Greg Kater since reading his Warramunga historical novel series. I was greatly anticipating the reading of the Conflict on the Yangtez. This book complements the series. However, I believe the story is solid enough to be a stand-alone book as well.
Once again, the author has developed a suspenseful plot with the beloved characters of Colonel Johnny Cook, Jamie Munro, Jacko O'Brien and his sister Sarah, as the main protagonists in this tale. The team is called in to find a missing M16 operative who was shot in a poppy field in China and then disappears. They are dispatched to Manila with wives in tow. They leave their wives in Manila and travel to Shanghai where they meet with an M16 agent who witnessed the shooting.
The story is set in 1946, at a time when China was in an uproar of political turmoil. Soldiers of the Chinese Communist Party vie with forces of Chiang Kai-sheck and local cartel smugglers, creating a dangerous and unstable environment. The CIS team travels up the Yangtez river into a very hostile territory. The team's objective is to fi9nd the location of Daniel Stafford, the missing M16 agent and shut down the drug cartel from shipping opium to the United States and Australia. They soon discover that the drug cartel has corrupted several prominent officials and the mission becomes a cat-and-mouse chase of epic proportions.
The author's knowledge of the Philippines, China and Australia are astounding. I found that his characters have depth and the dialogue is peppered with humor. Some light romance breaks up the tension that builds in the book. The author's ability to describe the settings in this story are so well written that the reader can easily believe they are also in the boat going down the Yangtez river.
The interplay between the main characters shows great dedication and determination to accomplish the mission they have accepted. My favorite character, Sarah, is once again portrayed as the witty, skilled and courageous addition to the team. I enjoyed the surprise of a canine character that became a hero in the story.
Mr. Kater allowed the reader to see both sides of the story. For example, the viewpoint through the cartel's eyes as they were fought with paranoia and a plot to murder their own men. I thought it gave credence to what the team was facing and made the suspense grow to an intense level.
Once again, Mr. Kater skillfully wove his knowledge of diversified cultures throughout the story. Which I think gives this fictional historical novel color and interest. The momentum that the story creates increases to a point that I didn't want to lay it down. Yet, the conclusion did not disappoint.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I was not able to find any spelling or grammar errors. I think this must have been professionally edited. The romance scenes were sublime and vulgar or offensive language was within context of the story.
Any adult who enjoys reading about thrilling adventures in exotic places can be assured a good time. I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Conflict on the Yangtze
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
4 out of 4 stars
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I have become a big fan of Greg Kater since reading his Warramunga historical novel series. I was greatly anticipating the reading of the Conflict on the Yangtez. This book complements the series. However, I believe the story is solid enough to be a stand-alone book as well.
Once again, the author has developed a suspenseful plot with the beloved characters of Colonel Johnny Cook, Jamie Munro, Jacko O'Brien and his sister Sarah, as the main protagonists in this tale. The team is called in to find a missing M16 operative who was shot in a poppy field in China and then disappears. They are dispatched to Manila with wives in tow. They leave their wives in Manila and travel to Shanghai where they meet with an M16 agent who witnessed the shooting.
The story is set in 1946, at a time when China was in an uproar of political turmoil. Soldiers of the Chinese Communist Party vie with forces of Chiang Kai-sheck and local cartel smugglers, creating a dangerous and unstable environment. The CIS team travels up the Yangtez river into a very hostile territory. The team's objective is to fi9nd the location of Daniel Stafford, the missing M16 agent and shut down the drug cartel from shipping opium to the United States and Australia. They soon discover that the drug cartel has corrupted several prominent officials and the mission becomes a cat-and-mouse chase of epic proportions.
The author's knowledge of the Philippines, China and Australia are astounding. I found that his characters have depth and the dialogue is peppered with humor. Some light romance breaks up the tension that builds in the book. The author's ability to describe the settings in this story are so well written that the reader can easily believe they are also in the boat going down the Yangtez river.
The interplay between the main characters shows great dedication and determination to accomplish the mission they have accepted. My favorite character, Sarah, is once again portrayed as the witty, skilled and courageous addition to the team. I enjoyed the surprise of a canine character that became a hero in the story.
Mr. Kater allowed the reader to see both sides of the story. For example, the viewpoint through the cartel's eyes as they were fought with paranoia and a plot to murder their own men. I thought it gave credence to what the team was facing and made the suspense grow to an intense level.
Once again, Mr. Kater skillfully wove his knowledge of diversified cultures throughout the story. Which I think gives this fictional historical novel color and interest. The momentum that the story creates increases to a point that I didn't want to lay it down. Yet, the conclusion did not disappoint.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I was not able to find any spelling or grammar errors. I think this must have been professionally edited. The romance scenes were sublime and vulgar or offensive language was within context of the story.
Any adult who enjoys reading about thrilling adventures in exotic places can be assured a good time. I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Conflict on the Yangtze
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Spirit of Want by William H. Coles
