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sophiepmeeks's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
marilynsaul's review
4.0
The third in the trilogy that starts with Sea of Poppies. (I quit reading the 2nd book [and I suggest you do the same] because it pretty much had nothing to do with all the characters I had become attached to in Sea of Poppies.) All of the characters in SofP are followed in this third book, and it was fascinating to watch as they all converged. I did get a little bit tired of the accounts of the First Opium War between the British and China (which consumed the major part of this book), but the author interspersed the trail of the original characters, and, in truth, the First Opium War is well worth the telling and reading. An incredible amount of research went into this book. The author relied on the archival accounts of the war gathered by one of the main characters, which made it all the more interesting. I'm keeping this book - not because I think I might read it again, but to pass on to those who might want to follow the folks from the Sea of Poppies.
kdhanda's review
5.0
What a brilliant trilogy. I loved the first book Sea of Poppies, the cast, the characters, the voices. The next one was good as well but Flood of Fire tied it all together. The only concern was that these were read over a period of years so I had to look up some of the minor characters. Missed the interplay of languages and cultures in the Flood of Fire but, overall, the trilogy was excellent. A must read for anyone into history of British colonization
katia26's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
susanlawson's review against another edition
4.0
An immensely well researched conclusion to the Ibis Trilogy, based on the real events of the Opium Wars and exposing the corruption and arrogance of the British towards the Chinese population and indeed, their own Indian armed forces. A chain of coincidences brings together most of the characters from the original novel, Sea of Poppies and their stories intertwine and take some unexpected twists. A hugely satisfying and illuminating trilogy which I very much enjoyed.
leonardjacobs's review against another edition
5.0
Great climactic conclusion to this remarkable trilogy. Wonderful and lively history and story telling from this amazing writer. Having read the previous 2 volumes in this series, I had to finish the story. It's rhythm is different, the outcome obvious, and the writing and imagery superb. An important set of books for a better understanding of our current worldwide situation. Addictions. Love. Friendship. War. Greed. You've got it all and more in a fascinating epic.
salve58's review
4.0
Like everything from this author this was brilliant. I wish that I hadn't had such a gap since the last book as it took me a while to get back into it. I would love to hear this on talking book.
black_girl_reading's review
4.0
This one dragged a bit, and was a bit heavy handed compared to the first two in the series. Overall they series was impeccably researched, and a joy to read. I wish that there were more coming.
blackringbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
sarahlou79's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5