Review by The Reading Dutchman -- The Warramunga's Aftermath of War
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Review by The Reading Dutchman -- The Warramunga's Aftermath of War
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Warramunga's Aftermath of War" by Greg Kater.]
3 out of 4 stars
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The Warramunga’s Aftermath of War is written by Greg Kater and is a direct sequel to The Warramunga’s War . Greg Kater is an Australian-based author who lived and worked in the Northern Territory of Australia at different periods during his career in the mineral resources industry. As with his previous book, depictions of Australia’s natural scenery shine through wherever they can.
Comparable to its predecessor, The Warramunga’s Aftermath of War consists of two main parts, set in separate locations. The first part takes place in the Philippines, while the second part takes place in Australia. The main protagonists are once again James ‘Jamie’ Munro and Jack ‘Jacko’ O’Brien. Back in Australia after the end of World War II, they work as heads of Darwin’s Commonwealth Investigation Service.
While searching for a distress signal at sea, they find a desolate boat with two Asian men and one child aboard. Later on, they find multiple bodies drifting at sea, including children. After interrogating the men, they suspect a child smuggling ring might be active between Asia and Australia. Eventually, Jamie and Jacko are sent to the Philippines by request of MI6 to investigate this possible crime syndicate. Here they meet many new people, including friends and enemies. They must decide who to trust, in order to bring down a smuggling ring possibly involving higher government officials as well.
The Warramunga’s Aftermath of War is in many ways a direct sequel to its predecessor. Not only does it directly pick up after the first book, but it also continues in a familiar writing style, with familiar themes and depictions. This makes it recognisable and easy to continue as the second book in a series. Once again there is a great detail to local customs and sayings, depictions of nature, but also historical detail including carnage from the war. The main story involving child smuggling is neatly tied into historical circumstances, as many children from the Philippines became orphaned after the war with Japan.
The main characters are consistent with their counterparts from the first book, still carrying an adventurous and optimistic attitude throughout the whole book. A big plus includes the fact that the side characters are fleshed out more naturally this time. The previous book often had a problem of side characters with little relevance or basic personalities. In this instalment, Greg Kater manages to both flesh out new, as well as old side characters, giving the story vibrant personalities to follow and relate to.
There are still some criticisms worth mentioning, however. The biggest one includes the fact that it often feels like there are no real stakes. This was a problem with the first book as well. It was not a huge issue, as it made sense that a story set in World War II would end up with the protagonists prevailing. However, this time it often feels a bit too perfect. Jacko is an almost flawless character when it comes to dealing with enemies, be it by firearm, sneaking up on them or engaging them in physical combat. Jamie is a perfect organiser, managing to set up plans comparable to Hannibal from the A-Team. Even when hardship comes around the corner, it does not take long before Jamie and Jacko manage to set up a plan, execute it almost flawlessly and save the day. This is fun reading for the first half of the book, but after 400 pages it becomes a bit too familiar.
My criticisms might sound harsher compared to the previous book, yet I am more confident this time around to give the book 3 out of 4 stars . Despite its flaws, the story stays engaging to read until the end. The vibrant characters help a lot to keep things engaging. If you like an adventure filled with mystery and action, this book will do. If you like historical fiction with well-written tie-ins to the period it is set in, you will definitely enjoy this.
******
The Warramunga's Aftermath of War
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
3 out of 4 stars
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The Warramunga’s Aftermath of War is written by Greg Kater and is a direct sequel to The Warramunga’s War . Greg Kater is an Australian-based author who lived and worked in the Northern Territory of Australia at different periods during his career in the mineral resources industry. As with his previous book, depictions of Australia’s natural scenery shine through wherever they can.
Comparable to its predecessor, The Warramunga’s Aftermath of War consists of two main parts, set in separate locations. The first part takes place in the Philippines, while the second part takes place in Australia. The main protagonists are once again James ‘Jamie’ Munro and Jack ‘Jacko’ O’Brien. Back in Australia after the end of World War II, they work as heads of Darwin’s Commonwealth Investigation Service.
While searching for a distress signal at sea, they find a desolate boat with two Asian men and one child aboard. Later on, they find multiple bodies drifting at sea, including children. After interrogating the men, they suspect a child smuggling ring might be active between Asia and Australia. Eventually, Jamie and Jacko are sent to the Philippines by request of MI6 to investigate this possible crime syndicate. Here they meet many new people, including friends and enemies. They must decide who to trust, in order to bring down a smuggling ring possibly involving higher government officials as well.
The Warramunga’s Aftermath of War is in many ways a direct sequel to its predecessor. Not only does it directly pick up after the first book, but it also continues in a familiar writing style, with familiar themes and depictions. This makes it recognisable and easy to continue as the second book in a series. Once again there is a great detail to local customs and sayings, depictions of nature, but also historical detail including carnage from the war. The main story involving child smuggling is neatly tied into historical circumstances, as many children from the Philippines became orphaned after the war with Japan.
The main characters are consistent with their counterparts from the first book, still carrying an adventurous and optimistic attitude throughout the whole book. A big plus includes the fact that the side characters are fleshed out more naturally this time. The previous book often had a problem of side characters with little relevance or basic personalities. In this instalment, Greg Kater manages to both flesh out new, as well as old side characters, giving the story vibrant personalities to follow and relate to.
There are still some criticisms worth mentioning, however. The biggest one includes the fact that it often feels like there are no real stakes. This was a problem with the first book as well. It was not a huge issue, as it made sense that a story set in World War II would end up with the protagonists prevailing. However, this time it often feels a bit too perfect. Jacko is an almost flawless character when it comes to dealing with enemies, be it by firearm, sneaking up on them or engaging them in physical combat. Jamie is a perfect organiser, managing to set up plans comparable to Hannibal from the A-Team. Even when hardship comes around the corner, it does not take long before Jamie and Jacko manage to set up a plan, execute it almost flawlessly and save the day. This is fun reading for the first half of the book, but after 400 pages it becomes a bit too familiar.
My criticisms might sound harsher compared to the previous book, yet I am more confident this time around to give the book 3 out of 4 stars . Despite its flaws, the story stays engaging to read until the end. The vibrant characters help a lot to keep things engaging. If you like an adventure filled with mystery and action, this book will do. If you like historical fiction with well-written tie-ins to the period it is set in, you will definitely enjoy this.
******
The Warramunga's Aftermath of War
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
