Just when you think a series can't get better, sometimes you receive a wonderful surprise that the sequel in its own way outshines the original work.

The Third Peregrination is the sequel to The Jade Owl. Seems that little Jade Owl just keeps them drawing into mysteries that now only affect the meaning of Chinese relics that were part of Rowden Gray and Nicholas Battle's adventure, but they tear the veil of time itself to fulfill their destinies.

Our favorite 'China Hands' masters in the legends and histories of the Chinese culture return back to China to learn about the pull each of the participants and their roles in an ancient mystery that affects life itself as we know it.

The cast of characters, most whom we met in The Jade Owl, Rowden (Rowdy) Gray, Nicholas Battle, son of noted Sinologist John Battle, Simone/Simon, Nick's life partner who are now married, Rowdy's wife Audrey, then Rowdy's ex-wife, Rose, as well as unforgetable secondary characters, create an amazing adventure that literally has the fate of the world in their hands.

The New China Hands must return to China with their relics to follow the story/banners of the Seven Sisters and uncover what they truly mean and why that Jade Owl seems to be in each one.
So a group of four who eventually becoming a group of five tear through time itself back to the time where this all began.

But something is happening - Each of the friends seems to be 'gifted' with powers never thought of - from telepathy to telekinesis, to I cannot even begin to tell you - but it will blow your mind. They are satellites around the Jade Owl wanting to pull them to do what has been deemed.

The Third Peregrination is a big book - 661 pages, but don't let that length shy you away from reading. Every page draws you in and puts you in the adventure there with our friends, whom you will care deeply for.

Edward Patterson is an amazing writer. He is a Sinologist and knows China backwards and forwards, and paints a picture of what is happening, the legendary characters our friends meet, and the almost hallicugenic realtime events the characters go through.
If I could order the 3rd in the series right now, I would, but alas I have to wait.
While this book can be said to be a stand alone book, I think the back-story would be a plus and to read The Jade Owl would certainly add to the amazement and fun.

You care for these characters, root for them to succeed AND to fail at their destinies.
A worthy read from an amazingly prolific author, whose books I have read maintain the same quality and care of being true to the plot and character development.

I have a very limited knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, so have to rely on the phrases spoken by the locals or characters when it happens in the book to be understood. I don't think having translations would add to the book, as you can figure what is said by actions and reactions.

Did I say I love this book?

A great read. 

ellen george

The Third Peregrination, ISBN 978-1441456724, Dancaster Creative Writing, review by ellen george