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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE MOVIE, October 25, 2005
This review is from: Qi (Richard Ireton Series, Book 1) (Hardcover)
"David Aikman's QI (which apparently is pronounced "chee") is a
suspenseful tour through the violent secret society underworld of
contemporary south China as a fictional coup is about to break in
Guangzhou out that will bring war with Taiwan. The hero fills a
rather unlikely professional role -- he's a journalist -- but as he
gets drawn inexorably into the coils of a complicated political plot,
he's every bit as interesting as your average thriller protagonist.
Of course, there IS a CIA character in the book, who's not the
derring-do type and more of a frustrated bureaucrat. There's also a
luscious Filipina girlfriend, who annoyingly for our hero Richard
Ireton, is infected with a dose of religion by a nosy African-American
missionary in Hong Kong and won't share her favors with him. That
produces some sparks, of course.
I read this book in two nights and couldn't put it down. In
addition to the fascinating story, I found author Aikman had packed in
a lot of really interesting stuff about China. On the whole, though,
the thought kept coming to me: Hollywood has gotta turn this into a
movie."
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
China Revisited, January 12, 2006
This review is from: Qi (Richard Ireton Series, Book 1) (Hardcover)
The author of QI builds up the plot slowly and then proceeds to unravel the mystery through a maze of intrigue, triads, corruption in high places and a misguided plot to redress all China's ills and past humiliations in one coup. Aikman draws from his rich repertoire as Time Magazine correspondent and his knowledge of the area. To me the book was like a symphony with its various movements. The first movement was allegro when the hero, Richard Ireton, an American correspondent based in Hong Kong was sent to China by his Bureau Chief to search for a missing American friend of his. Packaged in between we have a couple of other movements, andante and moderato, unfolding more intrigue, danger, murder and treachery. Each movement however is inter-connected until the grand finale, when it builds up to quite an amazing crescendo. The pace picks up and we end on a high vivace. Lively and fast. It's the sort of book which is hard to put down. One cannot read it in a rush as it is full of insightful information and little nuggets of interesting background fillers on China's history, culture, people and customs.
I can't wait for the movie and hopefully the sequel.
N. Sanders
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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting novel that offers insights on Chinese history and culture, while also touching upon Christian themes, November 1, 2005
This review is from: Qi (Richard Ireton Series, Book 1) (Hardcover)
Qi. If you're a Scrabble player, then you've just found a new word to use with your "Q" tile that doesn't require the accompanying "U." That little nugget just might come in handy during your next late night round of the classic board game with friends. But even if you're more suited for Trivial Pursuit or Scattegories or oh-so-random conversations with friends, "qi" might be a term to keep in your back pocket.
The word "qi" is actually pronounced "chee" and is used to describe the inner energy or life force that accompanies a person as well as the universe as a whole. Qigong, a derivative of qi, is an ancient Chinese spiritual and mystical practice. This is the unusual title that David Aikman chose to kick off his new fiction series based on the adventures of Richard Ireton, an American journalist whose profession reflects Aikman's real life work.
In this slow-starting but eventually fast-moving book, Richard Ireton is the bureau chief in Hong Kong for a successful news magazine known as Epoch (which rings a bit too true to Aikman's work with Time). Ireton is suddenly sent to Guangzhou, a Chinese province near Hong Kong, to look for a missing American named Chuck McHale. During his investigation, he encounters a wave of anti-Americanism and talk of a coup that traces back to the Grand Master of Qigong. Corrupt military leaders, the mafia and an underground criminal group known as the Triad are involved. But if that weren't enough, Ireton must also navigate a rather bumpy start to the relationship with his new girlfriend, Trish, as well as brief encounters with a sharp but kind Christian missionary and a few individuals involved in the underground church.
About halfway through the book, the story picks up steam as Ireton is invited to a rather posh restaurant with the leaders of the planned coup. The details of scenes, including the colorful and repugnant food and characters, as well as the pace with which Aikman writes, are exceptional. At this point, QI comes alive.
Unfortunately, the last third of the book seems rushed, with quick, pat answers offered as substitutes for a satisfactory sense of closure. A six-page epilogue is used to tightly seal up any loose ends, giving the feel that the book's climax is out of place. In the end, Ireton is heading off to accept a position as the bureau chief in Jerusalem and providing an easy transition for the next installment in the "Richard Ireton" series.
That said, there are many reasons to read this book. Some of the weaknesses of the title may actually be set-ups for future books in the series. But even if they aren't, Aikman undoubtedly will become a better fiction writer with future projects. Also, he offers rich insights into Chinese history, culture and spirituality. And the book manages to subtly touch on Christian themes without being preachy. Aikman is a gifted and talented writer, and this is a series that will keep getting better and better.
(...)
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