CHUNG KUO II: THE BROKEN WHEEL
In this second of a projected seven volume series, Wingrove ( Chung Kuo: The Middle Kingdom ) continues his complex, fascinating if somewhat confusing saga of life in a 22nd century world dominated by China, now called Chung Kuo , as it was before the 18th century. The country has survived its centuries-old history of wars and takeovers, but a five-year internal conflict has weakened the ruling hierarchy. A sinister plan has been put in motion, to topple the "Ruling Seven" and bring to power those whose foresee a different future for Chung Kuo. Ruthless, cold-blooded revolutionary terrorists Howard DeVore and his ally Stefan Lehmann orchestrate acts of sabotage and murder; Ben Shepherd, son of the ruling T'ang's chief advisor, and scientist Kim Ward try to make sense of a chaotic world. The characterization is somewhat murky, and the sheer volume--16 listed as "major characters" while minor players bring the cast to nearly 100--makes it difficult for the reader to focus attention. Those undaunted by the dizzying parade of Chinese names will find plenty of action, intrigue, sexual tension and descriptions of futuristic technology, seasoned with an Oriental flavor and expressed in literate prose.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.