China Card

It's hard to believe that China Card is only Mr. Blood's first novel. The intricately-woven plot, and the development of the main character, are every bit as good as in a Clancy or Follett thriller. Yes, there are a few minor editing problems, but they really don't detract from the flow of action as the reader becomes engrossed in the story via Mr. Blood's punchy writing and strong imagery. As a former Washington political junkie, I can see in Mr. Blood's work the factual realities that underlie all great fiction. And, most interestingly, the book holds up well in the post 9/11 world, and would translate easily to the screen. In the meantime, there's no reason the main character in this story can't find himself on another adventure. Mr. Blood, let's see a sequel!

China Card is a standout novel and not just because the writing is excellent and the action fast-paced. As an inside the Beltway type, I can tell you I have 'met' the characters in this book on many occations. Blood brings them to life in a compelling way. Blood also sees the nature of future conflict in the World far ahead of those whose job it is to do so. Recent stories in the Washington Post have highlighted the possibility that China will be an adversary of great importance, even though CIA analysts say otherwise. Decide for yourself. Who is the greater threat...China or our own politicians and greedy businesmen?

I simply must give Mr. Blood full marks for an excellent effort. China Card, quite simply, represents a return to fresh, clean, action-centered writing in the thriller genre. I wish such a statement was unremarkeable, but the fact is the most well known popular novelists have taken up writing ponderous, overweight tomes that are disrespectful toward the readers' need to be swept along by the story. Mr. Blood eschews this trend with a consistently clear hand and a visual style that gives each reader's imagination a front row seat on the action. As a foreigner, I probably should not weigh in on the character development of that peculiar species known as the Washington political operative. On the other hand, I was posted on official duty in Washington for several years. While there, I got to know many such zoo exhibits, and I can attest to the fact that Mr. Blood is spot on, although my own assessment would be much harsher and more cynical in some respects. It was only a stroke of good luck that a Washington friend of mine recommended the book. That was advice well taken and I offer the same advice to the readers of this review.

As a first time novelist, Blood has, right out of the gate, blown way past Clancy in a head to head between China Card and Clancy's latest. I just can't get through the latter and could not put down the former.Every chapter in China Card has a great punch in it. For commuters, it leaves you satisfied that you have gotten off the train with a great finish to your literary as well as literal journey. At least the book give you something to look forward to on the return trip. For those like me who just sit an read for relaxation, the writting keeps you moving through chapter after chapter as quickly as possible.In a blind review of the two manuscripts, any editor worth his salt would be sending the rejection slip to Clancy. Blood has written one of the most engaging political-espionage books of all time, in my view. It is extremely well written and I really enjoyed the tart-tongued protaganist who actually clearly was a loyal friend with the right priorities.Wicked good suprise ending as well.The book also is a quick tutorial on the realities of Washington DC and its money men and politics. Beats a political science text -- and actually living in DC -- for those who want to experience vicariously one-the-ground political realities.

China Card is a taught political thriller that spins a web so intricately that even after I finished the novel, my mind kept the story alive. I kept going over the events and circumstances that realistically drove the plot to its uncertain but inevitable conclusion. Tom Blood's compelling storytelling is 2nd only to the gnawing thought that perhaps this story is closer to non-fiction than is comfortable. The moral dilemma that is squarely faced in this book rings all too true in today's political climate. I want to see the film version!