Reviews

Fortune: The Lost Decades of Uncle Chow Tung by Ian Hamilton

liberrydude's review

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4.0

My favorite ethical gangster, Uncle, continues to shine in this series which was supposed to be a trilogy but seems fated for some for more volumes. Here we see Uncle’s approach to challenges from bigger gangs as the Communist Chinese takeover of Hong Kong approaches. His solution is an alliance or association to resolve disputes. At the same time he is presented with the opportunity of a lifetime to do business with Communist China. The right man at the right time.

eososray's review

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3.0

A pretty good series but I prefer the original Ava Lee books. I do like the Hong Kong/China history and also finding out how Uncle got to where he was by the time he met with Ava, but thought the stories less absorbing and the characters less fascinating.

lattemommyreads's review

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4.0

Another excellent addition to the world of Uncle and Ava Lee. Uncle is such a beloved character in the Ava Lee series, and I love having his backstory fleshed out in this way.

I found the story a little slow to get going - there was a lot of politics and more names than I could wrap my head around at times. But, once the story got going, I could hardly put the book down. I particularly loved seeing how Uncle and Sonny’s relationship began. I was pleased to find in the Afterword that Hamilton is hoping to add at least one more book in the Uncle series. I look forward to seeing Uncle and Ava come together from Uncle’s point of view.

livewisdom's review

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5.0

Book three of Ian Hamilton's trilogy on the lost years of Uncle (a central character in his Ava Lee series) does not disappoint.

Readers of the Ava Lee series will enjoy this look into the life and times of her mentor and business partner. Don't worry if you haven't read the Ava Lee books though. This trilogy can be enjoyed all on its own.

Also #WorstTrilogyEver LOL. Got to the end (could not put the book down) wondering how it would all wrap up. Hamilton said in the author's notes that there is still more to tell and so this series will continue for one or two more books at least. Phew!

Fascinating look at the tensions between Hong Kong and China in the 90s, as well as the internal politics of the triads.

Good read!

katie_king's review

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4.0

Sometimes the most preposterous parts of the story are based on truth.

keithbaker's review

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medium-paced

4.0

volare's review

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4.0

We learn more about Uncle's past, including how he met Sonny Kwok.
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