Book Review – The People’s Treasure

The People’s Treasure – Ushering in World’s End

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Edward C. Patterson
Format: Kindle, Paperback

Having believed Nick Battle to be lost forever in The Dragon’s Pool, the china hands from Italy, China, New York and San Francisco find themselves inextricably brought together after experiencing separate supernatural events.  Is it possible to repair Nick’s fractured chi and bring him back to the mortal world or will their actions instead usher in the end of the world?  Conflicting warrants and logic versus loyalty battle it out in this fourth installment in Edward Patterson’s epic Jade Owl series.

In The People’s Treasure Patterson’s engaging style and unique voice once more entertains readers with this fantasy series.  Weaving together important questions of the human condition – learning to live with loss, doing what feels right versus what might seem logical, putting family first, following a higher calling –  along with an epic fantasy involving supernatural relics, this tome moves along quickly holding the readers interest.

Parallel stories between Rowden Gray’s American team and the Chen family’s fall from grace in China eventually converge.  The concluding battle for the future of the world and Nick’s soul sets up the final installment in the series Under Her Hem.  Fans of the Jade Owl Legacy will find this a must read.

Book Review – The Nan Tu

The Nan Tu – Explore 12th Century China in this Historical Fantasy Fiction Novel!

Rating: 4 of 5

Author: Edward C. Patterson
Format: Paperback, Kindle

12th Century China – Once the forgotten and spoiled youngest son in the royal family, prince Kao suddenly finds himself an unlikely emperor after his father and siblings are captured by the Jurchen.  Now Li K’ai-men having been the grand tutor to this young prince, is now the emperor’s most trusted advisor.  Not only must he protect the warrants given him by his master Han Lin but he must also find a way to maintain a Chinese royal dynasty.  Through the great Nan Tu – or Southern Migration – the dynasty’s seat of power moves across the country and eventually out to sea staying one step ahead of the advancing northern invaders.

In this Book 2 of the Southern Swallow Series, Edward C Patterson takes the reader once again to ancient China and the historical events which split a great country into two dynasties.  By infusing the fictional elements first introduced in The Jade Owl, Patterson weaves together the fantasy plotline of the Chi’ Tang legend, the warrants of ancient relics, and one of China’s most interesting historical events.  Li must advise his young and frequently self doubting son of heaven through a mine field of political unrest, familial betrayal and power plays, invasions, mutiny, and conspiracies.  But Li occasionally finds that more than just advice is needed; sometimes the power of the Chi’ Tang is required to preserve the empire.  Yielding such power without usurping the emperor and his people proves to be a delicate balancing act.

In and of themselves, the cascade of historical events or the fantasy story of the Jade Owl legacy are engaging reads.  But Patterson’s trademark character study and development further shine in this offering.  Certainly the struggles faced by an at times unwilling emperor as well as the challenges Li’ K’ai-men faces to advice his leader while maintaining his warrants and being apart from his family and true love are wonderful journeys into the human condition.  My favorite character, however, once is K’u Ko-ling.  Ko-ling is Li’s servant and “son of a cowcumber farmer from Gui-lin”.  Similar to The Academician, Patterson uses this character to introduce and close each chapter.  He is disrespectful, dour, self-deprecating, but cunning, clever, invaluable, hysterically funny, and loyal to his master and in what he believes.  In many ways Ko-ling is an unlikely hero, somewhat like the character played by Dustin Hoffman in the 1992 movie of the same name.

Those who enjoyed The Academician will enjoy this chapter of the tale as well.  The Southern Swallow Series provides the back story of the relics that are front in center in the Jade Owl series.  The key difference between the two series is The Jade Owl relies much more on the fantasy elements to drive the story, while The Southern Swallow Series is steeped in 12th century Chinese history.  Overall, The Nan Tu is an engaging and educational addition to Patterson’s vast collection of works.

Review – Look Away Silence

Look Away Silence – A Beautifully Written Novel

Rating: 5 of 5, TMBOA Recommended

Author: Edward C. Patterson
Available: Paperback, Kindle

Every Christmas, Martin Powers found love.  Unfortunately, it rarely lasted beyond New Years day.  That is, until he met Matthew Kieler – a southern transplant, complete with  cowboy hat, drawl, and enchanting blue eyes.  Theirs was a love that transcended the moment and as time marched on, their love grew deeper and deeper and Martin realized he’d found the love he’d always longed for.  But just when everything seemed it couldn’t be any better, their world was turned upside down as both come face to face with the specter of AIDS.

Look Away Silence by Edward C. Patterson is a beautifully written novel.  Honestly, I’m not sure I can write a review that will do it justice.  As in all of Patterson’s novels, his characters are incredibly well developed.  In Silence the reader is taken on a journey of Martin and Matthew’s romance, from their “meet cute” first encounter in the department store, to the tragedy that befalls them during a family Thanksgiving dinner.  Patterson lovingly describes the very real and conflicting emotions of commitment, hardship, anger, anguish, and love one must manage while watching the person they love slowly die in before their very eyes.

Holding out hope for a cure all the while intellectually knowing it unlikely torments the soul and anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, especially one stricken by a chronic disease or cancer that robs them slowly of their former self, experiences the very heartache that this book so eloquently conveys.  I remember the 1980s when AIDS was very much a part of everyday discussions and life, but honestly this has not gotten nearly the press it once had and Patterson’s book is a great reminder of a tragic disease that is still in need of a cure.  However, Patterson does not play to politics or get preachy in any way.  This is really a story of Martin and Matthew, of love, of tragedy, of commitment, and of hope.  Few books can touch such a strong emotional chord and I would put Look Away Silence up there with books by Nicholas Sparks such as The Notebook.

Well done Mr. Patterson, well done indeed.

Book Review – The Dragon’s Pool

The Dragon’s Pool – The China Hands Reconnoiter

Rating: 4 of 5

Author: Edward C. Patterson
Available: Paperback, Kindle

After saving the world and fulfilling the warrants in The Third Peregrination (Book 2 of the Jade Owl Legacy Series), Rowden Gray welcomes a more traditional domestic life.  Expecting his second child and preparing for a new display as curator at the museum, all seems well.  Yet Rowden’s dreams foretell a future adventure and he wonders why it is the gifts of telekinesis and telepathy bestowed upon him by the now silent artifacts remain.  For Nick Battle however, these are more than just questions but a curse.  Blessed with similar gifts, Nick dons a mask and cape living out his nights as a vigilante attempting to right the worlds wrongs one incident at a time.  Around the world, the other China Hands are once again inexplicably drawn to one another to not only save loved ones from the clutches of time but complete a new warrant involving an even greater power than they had previously encountered or expected.

In this third installment of the Jade Owl Legacy, Edward C. Patterson once again delivers on an intriguing fantasy.  Whereas the first two books focus around the relics which drive much of the story, this book takes a moment to fill in the back story for the main characters.  Patterson weaves a complex and detailed tapestry of families, legend, history, destiny, politics, love interests, and conspiracy all with an international flair including the requisite destinations of San Francisco and China with substantial time also dedicated to Italy.  This book brings back some of the strongest characters from the first book including Nick’s partner Simone and many of the others who were either not mentioned or had small parts in the second offering.  As usual, Patterson’s descriptions, characters, and cadence bring great texture to a very unusual, educational, and engaging story.

While the first two books could likely be read independently, I think this book is best enjoyed if the previous books are read first.  Also, a companion series (the Southern Swallow Series) provides readers with additional information explaining the origins of the relics and the references to the key characters referenced throughout the Jade Owl Series.

Patterson has truly created an expansive and epic series with the Jade Owl Legacy.  Though all warrants appear closed at the end of this installment, Patterson throws in a unexpected twist at the end leaving the door open for the next adventure.

Review – The Academician

The Academician – Ancient Chinese Historical Fiction Meets Fantasy

Rating: 4 of 5

Author: Edward C. Patterson
Available: Paperback, Kindle

12th Century China – Graduating with the highest honor at the academy, Li K’ai-men is charged by his great teacher and master Han Lin with carrying out a number of warrants both public and secret.  Designated as the new superintendent of Su-chou, Li K’ai-men restores order and beauty to this chronically neglected area and proves he is more than an academic.  However, Li is not perfect and his errors in judgment only serve to build his character; soon his talents are recognized by the Emperor and K’ai-men finds himself tutor to a royal prince.   But political unrest and war soon come and China quickly finds itself turmoil.  Not only must Li K’ai-men protect his prince, but also the secret warrants associated with the Jade Owl relics.

In The Academician, Edward C. Patterson takes the reader into the heart of 12th century China and the historical events that unfold.  Patterson masterfully weaves in the fictional fantastic elements of the Jade Owl and the character of Li K’ai-men during the sweeping changes in China’s dynasties centering around the great painter but ineffective Emperor Hui and his family.  Fans of Patterson will once again find a story strong in character development and steeped in ancient Chinese culture and events of the day with hints of the fantastical elements that are sure to build in later installments.

Told from the perspective of K’u Ko-ling – Li K’ai-men’s faithful though occasionally acerbic servant – each chapter begins with a 1st person account of events detailed in the remainder of the chapter.  In this way, Patterson is able to avoid too much exposition while still conveying the richness of the history woven into the story.  Reminiscent of James Clavell’s work but injected with even stronger character development with the addition of the fantastical elements, Patterson creates an engaging and enlightening read.

Fans of the Jade Owl Legacy will find the beginnings of this relic and its associates.  Much like the back-story extras on a good collector’s addition of a DVD, the Academician provides that detailed background into what would later drive Rowden Grey and Nick Battle into the quest of a lifetime.  I’m looking forward to the next offering in the Southern Swallow series.

Review – The Third Peregrination

The Third Peregrination  – The Relics Re-awaken

Rating: 5 of 5 TMBOA Recommended
Author: Edward C. Patterson

Available: Paperback, Kindle

After vanquishing the evil empress Wu Tze-t’ien, Rowden Gray and Nick Battle believed the Jade Owl to be forever tamed.  But both are wrong.  One year has passed and Nick receives an artifact, an opal ring, which awakens these ancient relics.  Once again The Jade Owl and Joy of Finches are drawn to one another but this time things are much different.  Interacting with a silken banner depicting life of long ago China, they unlock a hidden message.  Learning this banner is one of seven sisters, they set off on an adventure to find the remaining sisters and solve yet another China mystery.

However, it is not only the relics that have changed, but Nick and Rowden as well.  Something is happening to them.  Haunted by dreams and mental glimmers which direct their path forward, they soon realize they are not just solving a mystery but are carrying out an ancient prophecy – a prophecy which could destroy the world.

In The Third Peregrination, Edward C Patterson continues The Jade Owl series.  This installment brings back the wonderful characters introduced in the first book but also offers some new comers including Rowden’s ex-wife.  These characters add to the adventure by providing appropriate emotional conflict and story arcs to augment the driving fantasy mystery they are to solve.  Where the first book was more cerebral and even paced, this 600 plus page novel really amps up the action and fantasy elements.  As always, Patterson’s accomplished technique and writing style are spot on.  His characters are real and descriptions vivid.  Similar to the first novel, I enjoyed the historical fiction and cultural lessons imparted throughout this novel.

This is the second of a multiple book series and while the ending is completely satisfying, Patterson introduces the thread which teases at the next installment.  The Third Peregrination is a great read – 5 stars!

Review – Survivng an American Gulag

Surviving an American Gulag – Sometimes the worst prisons are created from within

Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Edward C. Patterson

Available: Paperback, Kindle

Winslow Gibbs has no business being the army.  He’s overweight, out of shape, lonely and different.  Unable to get past the first rung on the monkey bars, Gibbs quickly earns the nickname Pillsbury Doughboy in the mess hall.  Of course, he doesn’t want to be in the army at all, but in 1967, the draft had other ideas.  Unable to cut basic training, Gibbs is moved to a new platoon in the Special Training Unit One – the last stop before either making it back to basic or getting a Section 8 which would haunt him for life.  He quickly learns that his new unit is the army’s equivalent to the land of misfit toys – not just the troops but the sergeants as well.  The group also has something else in common, they’re all gay.  Well all but Gibbs, or so he believes.

Life in Special Unit One is a nightmare.  Gibbs is taunted daily by his sergeant. The PT course and twenty-mile walks, turn his body into an aching chafed amorphous blob.  Throughout it all though, Gibbs fails to give in continuing to work his body and forge friendships which provide him support and confidence as he takes on each challenge.  One day, Gibbs finds his ribs again as his physique takes shape and he frees himself from the physical bondage of his former body.  But what of his emotional bondage?

While reading Surviving an American Gulag by Edward C Patterson, I was reminded of Neil Simon’s Biloxi Blues.  Patterson provides a memoir-like novel whose protagonist searches for who he is amidst the chaos and challenges of basic training.  This is a poignant novel about how the military treated it’s gay recruits and how a rag tag group struggled to overcome substantial obstacles.  I found myself cheering for Gibbs in the novel’s closing chapters as his confidence and abilities grew along with his self discovery.  While Surviving an American Gulag primarily refers to Special Unit One as the Gulag, the parallel gulag is the one Gibbs has created for himself regarding his admission and acceptance of his own homosexuality.  Patterson masterfully crafts these two gulags together and Gibbs’s triumph over each.

Finally, Patterson gives readers a special treat at the end with a small story called A Dime a Dip.  I won’t give away it’s premise, but suffice to say it was a perfect companion story and closing chapter which brought a tear to my eye.  Well done Mr. Patterson.

Review – Cutting the Cheese

Cutting the Cheese – Coming out can be Gouda

Rating: 4 of 5

Author: Edward C Patterson
Available: Paperback, Kindle

Uncertain, confused, and feeling lost after coming out, Luke Oliver searches for answers to this new world in which he now belongs.  Finding the bar scene full of too many unspoken rules and regulations unknown to a newbie, Luke suddenly finds himself invited to the ostentatious home of one Roy Otterson where a meeting of a local gay and lesbian activist group is to take place.  Intimidated by not only the grandeur of the home but by it’s occupants, Luke quickly finds himself relegated to the kitchen drafted to the “cheese brigade” where houseboy Kelly Rodriguez and live-in playwright Mortimer demonstrate the proper size and shape for the cheese cubes to be served during the meeting.

One by one, members of this illustrious activist group arrive at the meeting quickly turned party and Luke begins to wonder if perhaps this lifestyle is for him.  But then Branch McPherson arrives whom Luke has admired from afar.  Unfortunately, Luke has invited a date and when Charles (Chaz) Remsen arrives, his personality lights up the party more than the time square crystal ball on new years eve.

Edward C Patterson offers a hilarious and engaging look into the challenges and opportunities one faces when coming out.  Each of Patterson’s characters are carefully crafted and I enjoyed meeting each one and seeing how their hopes, fears, desires, and manias would play out as the ever building collision course of personalities, hormones, jealousies, agendas, and love climaxed at the novel’s conclusion.

As I read Cutting the Cheese, I couldn’t help but be reminded of The Bird Cage though Patterson’s characters are more engaging and entertaining than the best Nathan Lane produced on the big screen.  Patterson’s humor and cadence are spot-on throughout.  For cheese lovers, Patterson offers no less than twenty-eight different cheeses as titles for each of his chapters – enjoy!

Review – No Irish Need Apply

No Irish Need Apply – A Gripping Story of Prejudice

Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Edward C Patterson
Available: Paperback, Kindle

Louis Lonnegan had always known he was different from the other boys in school.  He didn’t much care for sports, and he didn’t much care for girls, at least not romantically.  Obvious to everyone, with the exception of his widowed Irish Catholic mother, Louis was frequently ostracized by his schoolmates, occasionally made fun of, and from time to time physically assaulted because of who he was.
Kevin Borden was also the son of a widowed Irish Catholic mother, but he was quite different from Louis in many ways but not all.  Kevin, an attractive athlete had the attention of many of the high school girls and as a result was also the envy of many of the boys.  Paired together with Louis to be study partners, Kevin connects with Louis in ways he hadn’t previously.  He begins to question his own orientation and even though he finds himself drawn to Louis, he refuses to think of himself as “gay”.  But he discovers the feelings he has are real and aren’t to be denied.  Hiding the truth from their parents and schoolmates, Kevin and Louis must choose to continue leading a lie or forever open the door about who they are to the world and the consequences be damned.

In No Irish Need Apply, Edward C. Patterson parallels the persecution and prejudice of Irish Immigrants in our nation’s history to the plight suffered by gays in society.  Integrating the familial and social pressures to conform along with the subtle and sometimes not so subtle persecution of gays, Patterson offers hope to those finding themselves and their place in the world.

A brave, thoughtful, and moving novel, Patterson dedicates his work to the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) organization.