China Star

by Maurice Medland

"One of the best adventure writers today. A master storyteller."
- Clive Cussler

The secrecy of a mysterious aerospace laboratory in Hong Kong . . . A daring break from a heavily guarded Chinese prison camp . . . A fierce drama played out on the storm-tossed Pacific Ocean - and in the depths below - where the fate of the world is in the hands of a brave young American couple . . .

When Elizabeth Grayson, the half-Chinese daughter of a U.S. senator, discovers she has unwittingly contributed to a terrible new weapons system while doing medical research in China, she's thrown into a notorious forced labor camp to keep her quiet. Enter Matt Connor, a disgraced ex-submarine officer operating a tramp ocean-salvage ship out of Taiwan, who is hired by her wealthy father to get her out. At the heart of this electrifying novel are a strong-willed pacifist and her reluctant rescuer, two people from vastly different worlds who become bound together in a desperate game of survival, pitted against deadly forces that must be stopped at any cost - even their own lives.

478 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2007

Reviews

[Isaac (Ike) Standifird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Better read if it was not so wordy.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scientific advance in laser studies worked out in a laboratory in China leads to a devasting weapon created to take down U S satellite communications. There is a salvage company that is blackmailed into rescuing an American scientist with data on the specialized weapon. She has Chinese connections but is sent to a Chinese labor camp because there is a warlike action anticipated unless someone or something stops the weapon from being activated. What a premise; and there is a lot of military, politcal, and ship lingo saturating the book. This makes the reader feel better acquainted with the way things work in the wonderful bureauracracy of China; and we are well aware of the international complications created by power and money hungry people. This is a real thriller!

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow and Wow again. This was an edge of the seat page turner and it was so darn good I was with them every min, hour and day. It was so well written that I could visualize every scene and feel
every horrible beating and electric shock. I was emotionally drained when I thought the crew had gone down with the ship. I just thought it was the best thrill ride I have had in a long time.
Thank you Maurice and I look forward to reading your next novel.
At this point in time may I say as a Canadian I hope that you and your family are staying safe.
None of us know how long this will continue and all we can hope and ask for is that Americans,
Canadians and other countries will follow the guide lines of distancing and quarantine.
Thanks again

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrill a minute

It seemed that each idea would fail and the story would end. But they didn't and a new surprise would crop up. Enough surprises that I couldn't but it down until the last page. Hope there will be more stories like this in the future.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mile a Minute Thriller

An excellent military adventure thriller! The storyline was plausible and we'll defined, developed well and never got ahead of the characters. I'm looking forward to reading more of Matt's adventures.

[Sal Cutrara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

After the first chapter, l could not put the book down. It was a real nail bitter. I will look forward to reading more of this author, hope he continues with more Matt adventures.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intensity wasn’t there, yet the story moved along. Would read the “next” book if there is one.

[Robyn Balmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maurice Medland’s China Star is a well-crafted and suspenseful novel, notable for its engaging narrative and authentic military and naval details. The plot centres on a formidable Chinese weapon capable of neutralising global military assets. The U.S. government enlists Matt Connor, a debt-ridden former Naval Officer turned salvage operator, to recover a stranded liner near a Chinese labour camp. His mission includes rescuing Elizabeth Grayson, an American scientist with critical knowledge of the weapon, who is also related to its Chinese overseer. The story is both compelling and accessible, reflecting thorough research and expertise. I would readily recommend and read more of Medland’s work.

[Karen Brklich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like the development of the characters, and the story line. The situations and how the characters dealt with life and death situations were very interesting. None of the characters being supernaturally strong or bullet proof that are difficult to identify with, but rather all too human choices and actions. Well done Maurice Medland!!

[Susan Schnackenberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard to keep reading

I love reading but found this story lacking in cohesiveness. I found the Chinese characters uninteresting and the technological parts boring. Maybe I just wasn't smart enough for it....but I managed to get through it. Wheel!

[Douglas Misquita · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adventure story, with enough hooks to keep reading. Enjoyed the rescue operation and the finale scenes, but the presumption that there's no mightier nation than the United States... well, that doesn't go down well anymore.

[Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts out decent. Plot has several unbelievable turns and twist. Pretty easy to anticipate the ending prior to the last 3-4 chapters. Not a great book. Worth a read.

[Doug Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Good characters, believable story line. Kept me interested from start to finish. I like Clive Cussler and this was as good.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars!
Page turner!