The Concubine's Secret: 'Wonderful . . . hugely ambitious and atmospheric' Kate Mosse

Brilliant book with a fast pace, great characters and colourful descriptive writing. It is not maybe as intriguing as it's prequel 'The Russian Concubine' but it still oozes charm and atmosphere. I feel there is much more to be developed in the story between Lydia and Chang, Liev and Elena and Eric and Misty. Lydia's journey with Biao, Chang's return to Lydia's side and how communism starts to take root in China. I feel that two of the most colourful characters were lost to the Russian Concubine (notely Valentina and Theo) and not replaced. It's a great, easy read that drags you deep into the hardships and reality of a changing nation and world. With the inspirational belief of communism spreading in China and the cold, cruel reality of it functioning in Russia under a ruthless and imoral leader.