Review by SunVixen -- Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Kater

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 17 Feb 2020, 06:56

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

4 out of 4 stars

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The book Conflict on the Yangtze by Greg Kater is a real gift for those readers who like old-fashioned adventure novels in which good and bad guys can be immediately distinguished from each other.

The action takes place in 1946, when after the WWII various political forces began to fight in China. Two operatives of MI6 were sent to Shanghai to track down the criminals who supplied opium out of China into the USA, Australia and the Philippines. Unfortunately, they failed. One of the operatives was even killed. Accordingly, MI6’s Colonel John Cook turned for help to two agents of the Australian Commonwealth Investigations Service, Jamie Munro and Jack O’Brien. That is why both friends also went to China to investigate this case.

Conflict on the Yangtze is the fourth book in the Greg Kater’s Warramunga book series. Naturally, this novel often refers to events in previous novels. Nevertheless, every time the author mentions an event from previous novels, he very cleverly weaves a short story about this event into the general fabric of the narration of Conflict on the Yangtze. Hence this book can be read as a standalone.

Except for one minor typo, Conflict on the Yangtze is very well-edited. There are no grammatical or punctuation errors in the book. It is written in clear and vivid language. The plot is constantly moving from one country to another. For example, the author unexpectedly interrupts his story about the dangerous travel of the two main characters across China and talks about their relatives who got involved in no less dangerous adventures in the Philippines. Of course, such an alternation helps him keep the interest of readers. In doing so, Greg Kater is very colorful and brief at the same time when describing any places where his characters find themselves, be it a luxury hotel in Shanghai or an exotic forest on Samar Island. The novel is stuffed with minor characters, but the author somehow makes even the most insignificant of them, like the friendly Japanese policeman, very vibrant and memorable. And because Jamie Munro and Jack O’Brien constantly crack jokes even in the most dangerous situations, the whole novel is kind of sprinkled with light humor.

Both protagonists are typical good guys. They are brave, honest and smart. In addition, they are connected by strong friendships and are always ready to come to each other's help. However, the novel has one unusual detail. Jack O’Brien, also known as "Jacko", is a half-Aborigine and often uses the same skills to fight villains that have helped his ancestors survive and hunt for millennia. His half-sister Sarah, a full-blooded Aborigine, has these useful skills too.

By the way, the presence of Jamie Munro and Jack O’Brien’s families favorably distinguishes them from most protagonists of action books. As a rule, such characters are lone wolves. In contrast, both friends are happily married. Moreover, not only Jacko’s half-sister and wife appear in the novel, but also his parents-in-law! Like ordinary people, Jamie and Jacko are part of a living network of friendships and family ties. This gives the novel and its characters more realism.

Thus, Conflict on the Yangtze is an excellent book with attractive characters and an exciting storyline. Therefore, I give this literary work 4 out of 4 stars. This novel is perfect for fans of crime stories and action books. Thanks to a good description of the war between the Kuomintang and the Communists of China, it will also appeal to history lovers. There are no obscene scenes in Conflict on the Yangtze. According to the genre, the torture and violence are often mentioned to in this book, but there is nothing graphic. It can be read even by teens.

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Conflict on the Yangtze
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Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 01 Mar 2020, 02:28

I've read the books in this series and enjoyed them a lot. The author did a good job developing his characters and the story. Glad to know you enjoyed them as well. You gave a well detailed review, thanks!

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 01 Mar 2020, 07:56

Charlyt wrote: ↑01 Mar 2020, 02:28 I've read the books in this series and enjoyed them a lot. The author did a good job developing his characters and the story. Glad to know you enjoyed them as well. You gave a well detailed review, thanks!

Thank you for stopping and reading my review.

Erin Dydek · Post by **Erin Dydek** » 10 Mar 2020, 15:18

I like that the author tied the information from previous books creatively into this book so you could jump right into the series without reading the others. I haven’t read any of the others so it’s good to know this one can be read as a stand-alone. Thanks for the detailed review!

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 13 Mar 2020, 11:08

Everydayadventure15 wrote: ↑10 Mar 2020, 15:18 I like that the author tied the information from previous books creatively into this book so you could jump right into the series without reading the others. I haven’t read any of the others so it’s good to know this one can be read as a stand-alone. Thanks for the detailed review!

I also read only this book. I'm glad you liked my review.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 19 Mar 2020, 08:15

This sounds like an exciting action-packed novel with great characters. I think I would enjoy reading it. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Faithmwangi · Post by **Faithmwangi** » 19 Mar 2020, 10:58

The investigative nature of this read has me drawn to it. Its also favorable to the reader that the author goes deep to explain what happened in the other books.

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 20 Mar 2020, 07:38

Prisallen wrote: ↑19 Mar 2020, 08:15 This sounds like an exciting action-packed novel with great characters. I think I would enjoy reading it. Thanks for your wonderful review!

This book is really action-packed. In each chapter, the heroes get into some kind of trouble. However, they are always lucky.

Thanks for reading my review!

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 20 Mar 2020, 07:42

Faithmwangi wrote: ↑19 Mar 2020, 10:58 The investigative nature of this read has me drawn to it. Its also favorable to the reader that the author goes deep to explain what happened in the other books.

The author really very briefly and quickly explains what happened to one or another character in previous books.
He is a very talented writer.

Thank you for reading my review!

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 20 Mar 2020, 11:15

This is an intriguing novel that mixes historical fiction and espionage with well developed characters. The Warramunga series must be interesting for lovers of that kind of fiction!

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 21 Mar 2020, 05:20

It's great that the adventure was made more enjoyable through colourful characters - even minor ones! Excellent review.

Letora · Post by **Letora** » 21 Mar 2020, 14:48

I'm not one for historical novels, or books that are set in wartimes. Great review though!

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 22 Mar 2020, 05:20

NetMassimo wrote: ↑20 Mar 2020, 11:15 This is an intriguing novel that mixes historical fiction and espionage with well developed characters. The Warramunga series must be interesting for lovers of that kind of fiction!

Thank you for stopping and reading my review.

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 22 Mar 2020, 05:25

ButterscotchCherrie wrote: ↑21 Mar 2020, 05:20 It's great that the adventure was made more enjoyable through colourful characters - even minor ones! Excellent review.

These characters are really colourful and easy-to-remember. Also, I'm glad you find my review great. Thank you for reading it!