House of Eight Orchids

by James Stewart Thayer

In 1912, John Wade and his brother, William—children of the American consul—were kidnapped off the street in Chungking, China, and raised in the house of Eunuch Chang, the city’s master criminal. Twenty-five years later, John is the eunuch’s most valuable ward, a trained assassin and swindler, and William has become a talented forger. On the brink of World War II, China is in chaos. When William betrays Eunuch Chang and escapes to central China, a place of ferocious warlords and bandits, John begins a desperate search to save his brother, while Eunuch Chang hunts them both.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Audiobook, Thriller, China, Suspense

281 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2016

About the author

James Thayer is the son of a wheat farmer, and he was raised in Spokane and the farm country in eastern Washington. He graduated from Washington State University and the University of Chicago Law School, and now teaches novel writing at the University of Washington extension school where in 2015 he received the Excellence in Teaching Award in the Arts, Writing and Humanities. The New York Times Book Review says his "writing is smooth and clear. Deceptively simple, it wastes no words, and it has a rhythm that only confident stylists achieve.” His The Essential Guide to Writing a Novel is a leading manual for fiction writers. Thayer is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the International Thriller Writers. He and his family live in Seattle.

Reviews

[Charles Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s I read a large number of James Thayer novels. I liked the fact that he tackled varied subject matter, from air crashes (in Terminal Event) to straight-up action thrillers (in White Star) to historical espionage (Five Past Midnight). I also enjoyed his clear no-nonsense writing style, his intelligent plotting and his ability to create interesting and believable characters with some genuine depth. Then, after a novel focused on the unlikely topic of architectural hubris (2002’s The Gold Swan) Thayer seemed to disappear, and I assumed that he had retired as a writer.
Now however, he’s back after over a decade with The House of the Eight Orchids and what a very welcome return it is too.

In some ways it represents a return to his roots as a writer, as he eschews the contemporary settings of his later novels and produces another historical adventure set during a turbulent and unpredictable time. However, unlike his earliest works set during or immediately after World War II, such as The Hess Cross and The Stettin Secret, The House of the Eight Orchids is set on the Yangtze River in China during the period prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, when Japan was occupying Manchuria and fighting the Nationalist Chinese Forces of Chang Kai Shek.

Here the reader is introduced to John and William Wade, two American brothers kidnapped as children from the streets of Chungking (Chongqing) and raised as respectively an enforcer/assassin and a forger by local organized crime boss Eunuch Chang, owner of the eponymous house. The story that unfolds follows what happens when John and William break from their kidnapper/master/father figure and are forced to go on the run through a land that is becoming increasingly lawless and chaotic.

It makes for a tale that is by turns tragic, suspenseful, entertaining, humorous, exciting and informative, and often several of these things at the same time. Told entirely from a first person perspective, with John Wade as narrator and lead protagonist, it becomes a combination of a literary chase-movie and travelogue through a long-lost, exotic and hugely unpredictable world.

To go into to too much detail regarding the story would spoil a plot that unfolds in surprisingly unpredictable ways. Whilst Thayer does bow to some conventions of the genre, for example by shoe-horning in the inevitable attractive and available woman for William to encounter, much what occurs tends to buck convention, with individual characters meeting often surprising fates or behaving in fashions one would not expect. As a result what should be a straight forward tale of pursuit, evasion and revenge becomes something far more interesting and entertaining.

It certainly had me gripped, both by the story and the vivid evocation of a time and place long since lost. I can only hope that this isn’t a one-off return to fiction for James Thayer and there are similarly entertaining works to come in the near future.

Excellent.

Note: This is a review of a pre-publication copy of House Of Eight Orchids received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found House of 8 Orchids to be a quick and smooth read. I enjoyed the back story and introductions of the characters. Thayer has an easy to read writing style and an exception talent for providing imagery. The story describes some vividly disgusting scenes’ and should not be read as a bedtime story to your child, but I highly recommend it to adult readers. Without giving too much away, I loved the way this story ended with completion and satisfaction for the characters, no cliffhanger. I give this book 4 boundless stars, because “I really enjoyed it.”....Beth


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[Rellim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a unique book and in all the best ways. I honestly haven’t read much about China and definitely not in the period surrounding WWII - so this was an entirely new experience for me.

I loved the mix of Thayer’s detailed description of both what the time period physically looked like, but also the culture & customs of the time. John is in the unique position of looking like an American but being raised fully Chinese and trained as an assassin. While he’s loyal to Eunuch Chang, there is nothing to overcome his love and devotion for his brother. When William escapes Chang - John is forced to choose.

This does have some suspense elements to it, but the pacing overall is a little slower due to the interactions and friendships John forges during his travels. Each of these “mini stories” are interesting in their own right and several will tie back into later events. This didn’t go how I thought yet I enjoyed Thayer’s writing and the entire book.

Narration:
I picked this book when I was looking for something completely different specifically because it was narrated by Will Damron. I always enjoy his voices and the emotional connection he gives me to characters. John especially was a such a fantastic character made even better by Damron.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book that completely held my interest. It made me frustrated a few times at the culture this man was raised in but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the unique characters. In my opinion it was well worth the read (or listen, in this case).

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

***This book was reviewed for the San Francisco Book Review***


Thayer’s House of 8 Orchids was engaging straight from the beginning, with swift pacing and very detailed description that made it feel like being there. I was hooked from the start.

Orchids follows the story of John Yellow Hair, and his brother William. At very young ages, they were kidnapped in China, and raised by Eunuch Chang to serve in criminal enterprises. John grows to become one of Chang’s most valued assassins/enforcers, while his brother is a master forger.

All that changes when John is forced to choose between loyalty to his brother or loyalty to his kidnapper. John chooses blood over bond and attempts to help his brother escape, after William tries to flee with a young lady sold into slavery, and is subsequently caught and punished.. On the same day John and William flee, Chungking is attacked by the Japanese, creating chaos, and separating the two brothers.

William and Lily, the girl he was trying to aid, are captured by another criminal, and sold along the Yangtze. John coerces the help of some unusual people (and a creepy gigantic hound) and sets off to find William, and get revenge, all the while trying to avoid those Chang sends after him.

This is a historical thriller, set in late 1930s China. I cannot vouch for full historical accuracy, but there were things I recognised as being so, and there is certainly a feel of authenticity. The bombing aftermath brought the feeling of numbed terror alive. This part was my favourite, in terms of vivid description. Another thing that stuck out to me was Madame Tuon and her feet. I do know footbinding was a custom once practised in China. I cannot at all imagine having my feet bound like that, and needing the assistance of others to walk. I'm now interested in learning more of this odd, archaic custom, how it evolved, and better yet, *why*.

If you enjoy a good thriller, especially of the historic variety, be sure to check out House of 8 Orchids by James Thayer. This book will keep you reading til the midnight hours!

[Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried to like this but there's something wooden about the writing with too many irrelevant repetitive details all the time, and the characters are not very likable.

For a serious novel about the similar history:

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this novel. It features atypical characters in a typical trained killer story. Killer is trained to be ruthless, becomes disillusioned with leaders, betrays and is betrayed, then seeks revenge. Good writing, interesting setting.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not usually my type of book... But I have to say it compelled me to finish it. There were some clunky transitions from one page to the next that made me feel like I'd missed something because random things are said or a topic is just dropped, but it was only a couple instances. What a strange situation to read about. There were twists I didn't expect and scenes I maybe regret reading, but everything really added to the main character's journey and the end of the story. There is definitely violence, brutality, cruelty, and a very twisted sense of morality that morphs into something better eventually, but just keep in mind the era and region described as you decide whether to read this or not. I always like to know what I'm getting myself into before I jump in as it can be hard to stop once started, but I come out with a deeper understanding of the time period and appreciation for the main character's transformation.

[Jenh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my typical genre, but the author is my neighbor and we opted to read his most recent book for bookclub. I have to say, I really enjoyed it! The story line was interesting and I was drawn to the characters. The author's portrayal of the environment and time period felt genuine and accurate - it really drew me into the story and details were seamlessly woven into the plot line. It could have fallen into the "slightly predictable" category, but the execution was not. It definitely was a page turner... and I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

House of Eight Orchids by James Thayer is an adventure tale with suspense and intrigue that unfortunately never rises to the level of its potential or the depth of its characters. Its most potent flaw is in its inherent racism. What could have been a tale of one man's journey back to his self becomes a book about American versus Chinese. One good and one evil, you can tell who is good and who is bad simply from the color of their skin.

At the age of five and three, John and William Wade are kidnapped off the streets of Chungking, China in 1912. They are the sons of the American Consul and they are taken by the city's master criminal, the Eunuch Chang. The Eunuch raises the boys and soon they are his most trusted disciples. The youngest, William becomes an artist and master counterfeiter. John is trained to become an assassin and together they grow up in Eunuch Chang's House of Eight Orchids.

Twenty-five years have passed and the young men know no other life then the one they live with Eunuch Chang and his criminal gang, The House of Eight Orchids. This all changes when Chang arranges the kidnapping of a young Chinese actress to sell into slavery to a rich businessman. The actress attempts to seduce John into freeing her but his loyalty to the Eunuch is too strong. But the younger William gives in and tries to escape with the young actress. Knowing that the Eunuch Chang will punish his brother, John has no choice but to go after his brother and protect him from the Eunuch's wrath.

John's journey from loyal ward of the crime lord to his own brother's protector is predictable. that is perhaps what is so often failing in this novel. It is predictable. All the bad guys are Chinese. The Eunuch and his gang, the Businessman who looks to use the actress as his sex slave and even her father who tries to swindle John after he saves her. Even the actress herself, who lies and uses any man who can get her what she wants. While John and William have an inherent nobility about them. They begin to question the criminal acts of the Eunuch Chang and even go against him to save the actress. The American Doctor who works selfishly to save the poor Chinese villagers from the abusive and violent Chinese army and gangs of criminals. She of course is American. Then the American gunship and its sailors who take on the Chinese army and Chinese gangs to help save John and fight against. Chinese bad. American good. Not just American...white American. Its that blatant and that obvious and from an author of Thayer's ability and reputation, it's also insulting.

This was acceptable perhaps forty or fifty years in the past, or so we would like to tell ourselves but if what is happening in modern movie making and other thrillers set in Asia are any indication, nothing has changed. Take the new movie coming out about the Great Wall of China protecting the people from monsters or dragons. A battle that seems to need Matt Damon to fight it. The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly that needs Americans to fight Dragons and the evil Chinese Government.

House of Eight Orchids is a good book that simply does not rise above its self imposed limitations.

[Helia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled with this one. The author tends to break the action to insert pages and pages of pointless descriptions and backstory, and it’s super confusing.

To give you an example: in the first chapters there’s a short heist to steal a coffin from a cemetery to plant the body later on and fake someone’s death, but in between short descriptions of action and some very on the nose expository dialogue, we get everyone’s backstory (including a dead guy who is never mentioned off again) the story of every building they passed by, of every street, of every peasant down the road…It’s too much. By the time the descriptions are over I’m more confused as to how everything is supposed to look like. I have no more idea what the House of 8 Orchids looks now than before I read the book.

It took the author 53 pages to mention the main character’s name. And for a book written in the first person perspective, this guy seems to have a lot of inner knowledge of everyone’s past, despite him making it abundantly clear that he was not allowed to ask questions. He doesn’t have a voice of his own. We never get to listen to his thoughts, to his inner struggles, we don't get to see how he perceives things because all descriptions are so impersonal they read like a laundry list and not a real person taking in the environment. It's all so bland. There’s even a part where he sees a picture of his father after 30 years of not seeing the man, and he doesn’t react to it at all. I get that he’s supposed to be a trained assassin but there’s a difference between not having any emotions (in which case, just tell me you didn’t feel anything) and having to suppress them which would have been nice to read about, how much you miss him or something. So, by the time it’s time to rescue his younger brother, I don’t really believe his acting out of love, even if he tries to tell me so. In fact, I don’t believe anything this guy tells me.

I bought this book because I really liked what the author had to say about writing in his craft book, The Essential Guide to Writing a Novel, which places a lot of emphasis in avoiding backstory, exposition and telling instead of showing. But now I feel I can’t trust anything he says, he evidently can’t follow his own advice. Honestly, I can’t trust any so-called writing coach anymore. I’m disappointed in this author and I don’t think I’ll read anything from him again.

[Schuyler Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Thayer, prolific and respected writer of thirteen thrillers, presents his story of 1920-1930 China and of a eunuch of immense power and wealth. Eunuch Chan becomes prey of a former protégé, an American boy he kidnapped, along with his brother, at 5 years old. After 25 years of loyalty to Chang, the now grown man, a skilled assassin and con man formerly relied upon by the eunuch to handle his most egregious tasks, is searching for his brother, who bolted from Chang’s clutches. The right-hand man, John, has become a persistent threat to the eunuch who is determined to kill him first for betraying him.

Thayer weaves an interesting story that showcases his clear and thrilling action writing. The author has written many novels noted for their accuracy and authentic backdrop (and, notably, a how-to on writing novels). The activity in “House” that swirls through China’s mysterious world is a continuation of his diversified talent

China has always been a country of chaos. Invaders, governmental turmoil, vast wealth in the shadow of immense poverty, overcrowding, warring factions, and conflicting religions have plagued it for thousands of years. Yet the serenity of its people and beauty of its countryside create a curious backdrop to all the disarray that inundates its existence. The author has captured that contradiction in a manner that gives the reader the chance to peer into its churning insides while following a story that is highly intriguing.

Enter the many characters introduced by Thayer who have distinct parts in the drama and are remarkable for their importance to the story. The merciless Eunuch Chan, while hunting both John and his brother, finds his vengeance grow more involved with the ever-expanding characterizations, but he is no less threatening.

I recommend this book as an important read and am going to explore more of James Thayer’s work.

[Niyati Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why, I've always had a fascination for cultures whose information isn't much out in public domain. China being one of them and Russia another. That doesn't mean I ascribe to the Communist ideology or how they are as present day countries. I'm very fascinated about their history and their culture and the way they have done things.

The House of Eight Orchids was somewhat like that. It took over me for the time I listened to it. I did request this book from NetGalley but forgot to download it in time. Thankfully, there was an audiobook on Scribd, saving me face.

I loved diving into John and William's world. How the Eunuch Chang controlled their lives, the adventures John went through while searching for his brother William. I have a few grouses about how a few characters were treated but I don't want to give out spoilers. To think about one figure who controlled things in Chongqing the way Eunuch Chang did was really fascinating. That's the thing about Chinese culture, they give importance to things like loyalty. Just observing how their society worked based on different experiences was a fascinating joyride.

I learned quite a bit about the history of Chongqing after the Japanese bombings. I think when we look at the history of countries, we only focus on the big cities but smaller cities have their stories as well.

Given that these are covid times and we can't really travel, reading books like these mentally takes us to another country and city. In that sense, I loved the book. I can't help feel sad for the end, I thought it would be more dramatic than it actually was but, I have no grouses. I did enjoy the story.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I can’t even remember what I was expecting when I bought it – maybe it was just on sale – nevertheless, I was surprised that it was action novel set in 1930’s Chungking. It’s a straightforward tale that could have been set anywhere – but it’s China that makes it very interesting.

The two children of the American Consul are kidnapped by a shadowy eunuch and ‘schooled’ as thieves and assassins for hire. Over the next 25 years, these gangsters become masters of their ‘crafts’ until a love interest, a Chinese movie star, enters the scene. From that point on, it’s an adventure through central China. The author inserts numerous tidbits of history, culture and the traditions of this time in China. There’s the war between China and Japan, as well as the Nationalist versus Communists – and everything from bandits, to opium, strange monks, knife fight and river gunboats.

This would make a good movie. I would have liked to see a young Keanu Reeves in the lead role. The street scenes would have been fun to watch.

[Jkane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the novel gives the backdrop of the life that two kidnapped American boys lived as sons and servants of a (Eunuch) Chinese gangster. The story is mostly about the allegiance that develops from the Stockholm Syndrome, and what happens when the kidnapped start to question the motivations of the kidnapper. More importantly, when forced to make a choice, what will a boy do, pick his brother or his adopted father (who also happens to be his kidnapper). The second half deals with the aftermath, when the boy makes his choice and must deal with the consequences.

It's a step above the typical 3 star, good book, without much substance. This novel definitely had substance and the author did a good job of putting us in China in the first half of the 20th century. The characters are all interesting and fairly unique which made the whole story interesting.

[zendegy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say a 3.5 for this book. Beautifully written and full of engaging characters, the only real downside is that I kept feeling like there should be more to the story, somehow. Perhaps that is my own fault. Somehow, the level of writing and the quality of the character creation made me expect something deeper and/or more worthy of the convolutions, lengthy travels and many characters. At the end, I felt like there was a lot of unfulfilled potential in this book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the ride.

[Judith Leipold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps it was me, rather than JT but I found this a difficult book to invest myself.
And to be truthful I got about half way through when I 'gave up." Genital mutilation is not a topic I enjoy reading about. Rarely do I not finisha book and when I do, I skip the rating and review process. This time, perhaps because of it'shigh ratings, or because of my sense of obligation, I decided to move forward. Even thoughI didn't like it I gave it a three star rating in order to "do no harm." Fair enough? Wish the book was.

[Mica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, fast-paced and brutal. It doesn't shy away from the violence associated with early 1900s gangster culture in China, which can be tough to read/hear on audiobook. In order to focus more on the action, the author tends to jump right in rather than set up the scene, so sometimes it was difficult to follow/ determine where the narrator was and what was going on, or how he arrived there. Ultimately, a mostly enjoyable read but definitely not for the very weak stomached.

[Ona Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a potboiler about the son of an American ambassador to China who was abducted by a Chinese gangster when he was five. Most of the story takes place during 1938, on the eve of WWII. There's a lot of adventure, murder, and mayhem accomplished with an array of interesting weapons. Not really my taste, but decent escapist lit.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is really a wild ride about a kidnapped American boy during the mid 20th Century and it is really fortunate that he was aided in his adventures at the end of his time in China by a huge dog that adopted him!

[Chris Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly good read

I enjoyed this book... But when my wife asked what I was reading, you can imagine the look I got when I told her one of the main characters was an evil eunuch who kept his privates in a jar!

[Jacqui Nusbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice suprise

Did not know what to expect but found this book to be refreshing . Lots of action and adventure.The various character were all distinct , no unique in themselves . The caste of characters and stories with the bigger story made this a remarkable read Cheers

[Jerry Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two children of the American Consul in Chungking, China are kidnapped by a Eunuch. The Eunuch raises the boys to be instrumental to his crime organization, Interesting so long as one reads the book with one's legs crossed.

[Shelly Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written, fast paced historical novel that takes place in China and is primarily set in the years prior to World War II. The characters are well drawn and memorable, the story moves along quickly, and although a bit predictable, by and large this was well worth the read.

[James A Berkenfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and characters. Best book I've read in a while. Recommended highly.

Well written story full of action and great characters. Thoroughly enjoyed this unique novel. Finally author who can actually write

[JoLynn Ruud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend this page-turner

Well-paced story, nicely drawn characters with distinctive personalities, evocative portrayal of early 20th century China customs & politics & religions.

[Jeanie Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me real interested . Like it a lot

[Tina Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turning adventure

I loved this great adventure set in China during WW2. I was so caught up in the story I couldn't put it down. Bravo

[Samyuktha Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb suspense and beautiful story line.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this book