Quickly engages you and then just as quickly disengages you. I found the meticulous storyline about the power struggle in the second half of the book tiresome instead of thrilling. I also don’t like books which purposely end in the middle of a larger narrative in order to make you buy the sequel. I did appreciate the glimpse of the world of ritual, tradition and etiquette of the Forbidden City and perhaps would have enjoyed the story more if it focused on the unique and strangeness that is the Forbidden City itself rather than the final years of its ruling dynasty. Left the book for the next person on the train from Edinburgh to Chorley on Friday 28th May 2010.

Released this ages ago, sorry for delay, hope someone found it!