THE EMPEROR'S BONES is the new blockbuster from the author of THE PALACE OF HEAVENLY PLEASURE, which was set in the Boxer Rebellion and was a truly sensational read. The time has moved forward nearly a quarter of a century to 1922, with Communism - both Soviet and Chinese - on the rise, warlordism rampant and a beautiful young nurse being buffeted by perils personal, political, emotional and financial. I'm 100 pages in and I now look forward to every moment of spare time between now and the end of the summer holidays in which to finish it. The author has lived and worked in China and Hong Kong for much of his life, and therefore has an acute ear for convincing dialogue: he has also clearly taken many of the huge range of characters from his own family, who have lived in China since the 19th century. The resulting combination of high politics, low cunning, passionate love-story and sweeping, cinematic Sino-saga will keep me very happy. * Andrew Roberts *
'This book is poetic and romantic in parts, harrowing and tragic in others. It's not exactly light, holiday reading, as it requires a hefty amount of concentration, but persevere when the going gets tough and you'll be richly rewarded.' **** * Heat *
High drama, political intrigue, mopral quagmires, and a healthy dose of romance are key ingredients for rip-roaring adventure. Adam Williams' new epic THE EMPEROR'S BONES has the lot * Time Out Beijing *
'This book is poetic and romantic in parts, harrowing and tragic in others. It's not exactly light, holiday reading, as it requires a hefty amount of concentration, but persevere when the going gets tough and you'll be richly rewarded.' **** * Heat *
'Epic novel . . . a convoluted crew of warlords, nationalists, communists and debonair English expats awaits ... in a story that suggests history is repeated not as farce, but as adventure and romance.' * Financial Times *
A blockbuster with a difference * Daily Mail *
'Bravo! What a magnificent achievement. I found myself absolutely gripped throughout first and foremost' * Rana Mitter *
'THE EMPEROR'S BONES is a swashbuckling novel with the right ingredients for a riveting read, and a movie too . . . A rollicking, action-packed, lusty tale of adventure. It's certain to be very successful, and it deserves to be. It would make an excellent film. Anyone who wants many hours of none-too-taxing thrills will enjoy it. But it's also very well-researched, and readers will receive a painless education in the politics of China in the 1920s while relishing the rolls in the hay, the grand set-pieces, and the rapid movement of characters and events across the landscapes of eastern China.' * Taipei Times *
High drama, political intrigue, mopral quagmires, and a healthy dose of romance are key ingredients for rip-roaring adventure. Adam Williams' new epic The Emperor's Bones has the lot' * Time Out Beijing *
'Heart-rending reading . . . A damn good read' * South China Morning Post *
'A blockbuster with a difference' * Daily Mail *