kimbacaffeinate
Written on Oct 25, 2014
Eight years ago, the Emperor executed Jin Soling’s father an engineer when he spoke out for the need to learn and progress like their enemies. His name was stricken from the history books and Jin and her family were banished from Peking. The country soon fell to the enemy.
Jin Soling and her family have suffered; her mother has succumb to the addictive escape offered by opium and the country occupied. Jin is such a strong character, and I immediately connected with her. She takes great care to protect her brother, mother and a former maid who has become family. She shadowed the local doctor and learned the art of acupuncture. When the economy takes a turn, she is forced to sell the last possession she has hidden of her fathers. She travels to the city and finds herself in trouble when she is captured and sent before the Crown Prince. The tale that unfolds is richly detailed, filled with discovery, danger and an encounters with her past.
Gunpowder Alchemy was a brilliant tale that captured my attention from the first pages. Well-paced with twists, turns and an unexpected slow building romance I simply did not want the story to end. Jin is faced with having to decide where her loyalties lie and with whom she can trust. She is a strong, likeable heroine. While she is not sure of the players, she is logical, quick thinking, compassionate and sure of herself. Chang-wei, once betrothed to Jin before her father’s execution is now working for the Crown Prince. The friendship that develops was a wonderful thread, and I loved the slow-build, and banter. The romance is subtle, clean, sweet and moving. Lin allowed this thread to develop while balances the danger, political maneuvers and progress of the overall arc. I am quite curious about the opium trade and discoveries Jin made concerning it. It added a dangerous element to the power struggles and I look forward to learning more. Jeannie Lin weaved in details about the countryside, and the cities from customs to the richly colored clothes. I could smell the food, feel the wind in my hair, and experienced the calm personalities of these private, traditional people.
Copy received from publisher. Full review on blog.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer