Review by Ander Carlos -- Conflict on the Yangtze

[Ander Carlos]

[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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The novel Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Kater is a book that uncovers the leading characters; Jamie and Jacko mission to nail down the activities of a criminal gang that is engaged in drug trafficking along River Yangtze. The criminal gang is allied to warlords, powerful and influential persons in the Chinese government. They have just killed one of Colonel John Cook men who had until then been spying on them. The killing is what prompts the Colonel to invite Jamie and Jacko, heads of Commonwealth Investigation Service in Darwin, Australia to assist in the investigation. Their bush craft skills could prove to be a useful asset in tracking the gang group that is based along River Yangtze. The gang is dealing in and exporting opium. The opium is ferried along River Yangtze to Shanghai, and thereafter exported to other states like Australia, United states and Philippines. It is this drug trade that Jamie and Jack are tasked to bring to an end.

I also loved the suspense that sets in after Jamie and Jacko set on the mission to nail down the criminal gang and the warlords. The gang has the backing of the warlords, and influential men in Chinese government and is thus well protected. Jamie and Jacko are tasked to nail down their drug trade. Will they manage to bring such influential persons and the gang group down? The author provides no clue on the fate of such suicidal mission. The desire to find out the eventuality of such mission increased my desire to read the book. I wanted to find out what happened next in the novel, especially to the leading characters.

I loved this book’s plot development. From the moment I began reading this novel, I could decipher that it was an historical fiction. Th book’s plot is direct and that made it easier to understand. The plot is further enhanced by the use of flashbacks. The flashbacks created a connection between the characters and the role they each play in the narration. The plot is interesting and thus set a good tone for understanding the novel.

The themes discussed by the author in the novel were quite exhilarating. Greg Kater discusses themes like romance, effects of war and conflicts, and illegal activities. The themes reflect the real society. By discussing the aforementioned themes, the author creates awareness on how to go about similar situations that are evident in the society. The discussion of the aforementioned themes was thus enlightening. Moreover, the author creates a connection between the themes discussed therein and thus made it easier to connect various aspects of the novel.

This book is exceptionally well edited. I award this book 4 out of 4 stars. It has good plot development, compelling content and characters that are properly developed. I recommend it to all persons interested in historical and thriller fictions. There is a lot of thriller and history to be enjoyed in the lives of the leading characters and their adventures in Chinese territory. If you are a person with no interests in history and thriller fictions, this is not the book for you.

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Conflict on the Yangtze
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