Reviewer: Alan Chin
Publisher: CreateSpace
Pages: 327
A
Brilliant Work that will Linger in your Heart and Soul
This delightful read is book III of Edward Patterson’s Southern Swallow series. Swan Cloud, like
its predecessors (The Academician and The Nan Tu) is told by K'u Ko-ling, the
amusing servant to the Grand Tutor, Li K'ai-men, who must forgo his obligated
mourning period when his father dies, and sets out on a diplomatic mission for
the Emperor Kao - a mission fraught with political intrigue and treachery.
The mission is a
plan to reel in the warring generals and forage a peace with the enemies to the
north. But while the Grand Tutor labors to help bring about a durable reconciliation,
politicians closest to the Emperor are more focused on their own benefit. In an
effort to fight for justice, Li K’ai-men finds himself battling the Emperor’s
advisors, who now seem hell bent on destroying him.
Set on the broad
canvas of Sung Dynasty China (12th Century), Swan Cloud is a tale of separation
and sacrifice - injustice and intrigue. It represents a turning point in this
saga for the hero and his band of spiritual warriors.
I have adored all
three books of the Southern Swallow series, for a number of reasons. I particularly enjoyed the
characterizations in this character driven novel. Patterson has created a number of interesting and likeable
characters. They are flawed, and struggle to overcome those defects. Even the "bad-guys"
developed into memorable foes.
Second, the
author skillfully weaves an intriguing plot that holds the reader to the page,
needing to find out what happens next. There came a point deep in the novel
where I literally couldn’t put it down until I finished the last page.
The author has
created a delightful voice. The tale is told both in third person, and also K'u
Ko-ling’s first person narratives. Both voices are distinct and captivating. It
is a pleasure reading such well-crafted prose.
Edward C.
Patterson is scholar in East Asian culture. So not only is the storyline based
on true historical events, but the descriptions of the cultural settings and
rituals ring true. Patterson has done
his homework, and it shows from first page to last.
My one issue with
the entire series so far is that Li K’ai-men, the Emperor’s Grand Tutor, and
his band of devoted followers wields tremendous magical powers, but for some
reason seldom use these powers to turn events to his or the Emperor’s favor. I
kept wondering, why the author gave them these colossal powers if they failed
to use them.
For anyone
interested in reading Swan Cloud, I would highly recommend reading book I &
II first (The Academician and The Nan Tu).
There is simply too much plot and relationship building that occurs in
these earlier novels that is needed to fully understand the situations
presented in Swan Cloud.
Readers who love
historical fiction will no doubt treasure this series. But these books can be
enjoyed by anyone who appreciates fully developed characters and finely crafted
stories. This book, this series, is a gem that can be appreciated by everyone.
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