Rating: 
Summary: Facscinating Epic SF
Review: This is a political SF epic in the same vein as Dune, spiced with Chinese culture. Unlike Dune, it takes place in the near future (a couple of hundred years rather than thousands), so the society is somewhat more identifiable to the modern-day reader. Like Dune, it's filled with colorful characters and complex political intrigue deciding the fates of billions.Although I woudn't quite rate the level of writing here as "literature", it's certainly higher than that of the bulk of popular novels, especially SF. Smooth sailing all the way. I found this book especially tough to put down- in addition to following the thrilling twists and turns of the plot, I was enthralled by the colorful descriptions of the future worldwide society saturated with Chinese culture. Another feature which makes Chung Kuo stand out is the ambiguity of the characters and their causes. Initially, the two sides of the conflict seem pretty clear-cut. However, as the story progresses, we find that the line between good and evil is severely blurred, and ask the age-old question, "Does the end justify the means?". What feelings are brought out in the reader by an evil character fighting the good fight? A man of honor fighting to preserve an oppressive status (Chung) quo? [Sorry :) ] If you read this novel, you will find out. Despite the (very) occasional moments of sexual depravity mentioned by other reviewers, I am eagerly looking forward to the second book in the series. (And the number of SF series which held my attention long enough to read more than one book can be counted on one hand.)
Rating:
Summary: AMAZING.
Review: This series is fantastic. It is compared to Herbert, Asimov, etc. Frankly, I think it's better. The plot is gripping, almost without exception, to the point that my heart races when I'm reading it. The characters are complex, varied, and believable. The setting is ingenious; the breadth of the author's understanding of Chinese culture mind-boggling. I have read the series once already, about eight years ago; and now I'm through book III again. As I read the other reviews, I see that for the most part readers either love it or hate it. The negative criticism I see includes the following: it is too complex, with too many characters; it is too violent, and sex especially is mixed with violence too often; and it is racist and sexist. My response: indeed, the story is complex, but it is equally tight. If you enjoy--and can hold in your mind--a richly textured world, you will savor its breadth. If you want something less meaty, you won't have to look far: water covers most of the earth. Next: the book is violent--graphically so. If you have a weak stomach, don't read it. The story is not all sugar and spice. It's a story of social and political revolution, not romance. Some of the characters are really nasty, and do really nasty things, just like real-life historical and contemporary characters. But in contrast are numerous scenes and episodes which are quite touching and beautiful; they are expressions of the author's depth of soul and endearing sense of humanity. And the sex...well, much of it is violent, as (like it or not) it is in real life; but what the critics fail to acknowledge is the many sweet, truly romantic and beautiful episodes of love-making that are portrayed. Likewise with the criticism that the book is sexist or racist: I suppose the reader will see that for which he or she is looking. Those who insist that the women in the book are degraded fail to remember the numerous heroines who impress the reader with their strength and intelligence; or they assume that the author's depiction of a patriarchal society is the description of his wished utopia. Do not apologize, Mr. Wingrove. Your readers will either appreciate your achievement and thank you for not patronizing them; or they will condemn you for not giving them the politically-correct narcotic they desire.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting but Possibly Flawed Premise
Review: Okay, ditto everyone's glowing reviews -- so I'd like to just critique the premise of this whole series. Historically, Chinese rule has meant peace and prosperity. This series uses a kind of Yellow Peril sentiment as a premise, but the historical record thus far shows that so peaceful and prosperous had the Middle Kingdom been that Europeans were able to mercilessly exploit Chinese complacency and self-satisfaction. For example, the Chinese invented gunpowder, but had no real military use for it since they were the strongest power by far in Asia, and save for border barbarians every so often, everyone was at peace, relative to Europe during the same epoch. Another example is the fact that the Chinese were the first to make grand sea voyages of discovery to Africa, under the Muslim admiral Zheng He, and unlike later European sails, these ships were truly on good-will missions -- their objective had not been to plant flags, but simply, a la Star Trek's Enterprise, to boldly go where no Chinese subject had gone before! One last note along these lines: no less a person than Theodor Herzl, widely honored as the Father of Zionism, pointed very specifically to the fact of general Imperial Chinese peace, enlightenment, and meritocracy, such that Chinese Jews had totally assimilated into the wider Chinese population out of all physically distinct characteristics -- so tolerant were the Chinese of other faiths -- as a reason for establishing a uniquely Jewish state (to wit: not only was the survival of World Jewry threatened by pogroms in hostile communities). So, if anything, Chinese rule in the future should prove just as enlightened as it had been in the past! Which is to say, all the bloody melodrama founding the premise of Wingrove's series of vaguely Yellow Peril Science Fiction (or Speculative Fiction -- take your pick of labels) is very much flawed. Again, I liked this book well-enough, but I was a little disappointed at Wingrove taking the easy way out (I mean, anybody can simply imagine an extension of comtemporary Chinese authoritarianism into the future -- more interesting is how China, say, could become a true "Middle" Kingdom again, given its many, many problems now, and how science and technology might be involved in such a development...).
Rating:
Summary: Edgar Allan Poe, Frank Herbert, Confucius, and Orwell
Review: Unlike the majority of the reviews present here, this one is being written after only having read the first book in the series. (Chung Kuo) As has been stated many times before, you will either LOVE this book or you will HATE it. The book is definitely not for the weak of heart (or stomach). I have seen many of the so-called "Death Videos" out there without too much trouble. However, the depiction of sado-masochistic sex left me nothing short of sick. I have no doubt that, had I not been reading the book on an empty stomach, I would have vomited as soon as finished that particular passage. This is one of those few times that I seriously wonder about the mental stability of the author. The passage in question is there in order to imbue you with a deep hatred for one of the major antagonists in the story which at least partially justifies the brutality of it. The two biggest complaints I have seen (other than the violence) has been the plot/character structure and the stereotyping/racism/etc. In terms of plot twists, character depth, and other issues, you had better be prepared. The character list which was thoughtfully provided by the author is 4 pages long. (One name per line) I found myself flipping back to the list often, yet I found it rather engaging. It truly shows the breadth of thought of the author. In adressing the issue of racism/sexism/etc, there is not much to be said. If you truly believe that ancient China was NOT racist and sexist, perhaps you should check out "The Little Engine That Could." For those who can view the world as it is, the book is a depiction of what would happen if (when?) ancient Chinese culture became the world norm as opposed to the current Americanized world culture. To address the issue of all women being treated as sex objects, etc, I have found that the majority of the female characters portrayed are quite cunning, some much more so than their male counterparts. If you are a reader of science fiction or any sort of political intrigue, I implore you, find the book at your local library. If you get offended by it, or if you can't quite keep up with the multitude of characters, you won't have wasted any money. However, if you enjoy it, you will be drugged by it. You will find yourself sitting up WAY past your bedtime to read it. I will confess that, for 3 days, I went on 2 hours of sleep per night because of this book. This one is definitely a keeper.
Rating:
Summary: If you thought DUNE was a 10, this is a 9.5.
Review: The Gushing
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The first book in, what I hope, is a series without end. It's that good! Author David Wingrove has created a world as rich as Frank Herbert's DUNE series, with as many (or more!) characters and plot twists (many don't seem to be yet resolved after 5 books). The writing is careful and tight, again reminiscent of Herbert (or Herbert in his younger days, as the harsher critics of the DUNE series might say) What DUNE is to questions of metaphysics, spirituality, messianic traditions, and heroic individualism, Wingrove's series is to questions of politics, class warfare, cultural tradition, and sociology of the masses. The characters are multi-dimensional. Moral ambiguity pervades the plot. There is neither a good side nor bad side. There are good and evil people on both sides. And sometimes good slide into evil and evil return from the dark side. The Plot
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In the not-too-distant future, a vastly over populated Earth is dominated by the culture and politics of ancient China. Seven Chinese kings rule the world. One king rules each continent as an absolute monarch. Each continent is actually a massive city state. Most of a continent's open areas have been swallowed up by a multi-level city (built from a strong but light substance called "ice"). Few citizens ever see the light of day. A rich elite -- business owners and nobility -- live on the top levels while a huge peasant class live in incredible poverty in the lower levels. The series examines the personal and social dynamics of warehousing a huge population in "caves of steel" and how a "master race", descendants of the ancient Chinese, can control a population through a combination of big-brother technology, a secret police force, and an edict that carefully limits advances in science. However, as history has shown, even a caged population cannot be stopped from eventually demanding freedom... The Criticism
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The first three books contain a high degree of very twisted sexua
Rating:
Summary: A must have
Review: Take the chance and embark on a long journey with David Wingrove. You will not be let down. Problem is, you will see nothing of your friends or family for the next three months. But, that is what you are looking for in a book, isn't it?
Rating: 
Summary: Unbelievable for a Chinese reader
Review: My first language is English but I am bilingual. The Chinese (phonetic approximation) used in these books is nonsensical. I found it virtually impossible to read. Perhaps readers who have zero knowledge of Chinese will find it plausible. To me, it is like reading a book that calls a laser rifle a "black knife". It's that bad. I had to mentally make up futuristic Chinese words myself just to wade through the prose. Hell, it would have been easier if it was GREEK! Good try, but sorry, the author should have become conversant with modern pinyin Mandarin before attempting this series.
Rating: 
Summary: A journey of 1000 miles that never gets started.
Review: Although Chung Kuo presents the reader with a fascinating view of a future dominated by Chinese culture, it does so at such a ponderous pace that it is hardly worth the voyage. The book is a saga of political intrigue which plays itself out in endless meetings filled with knowing looks and nods between more than 100 characters. Occasional scenes of brutal violence are completely out of balance with the rest of the narrative, and never make up for the generally slow pace. It is nearly impossible to find a character that the reader will care about. Part of the problem is that Wingrove treats most of them as chess pieces: they are there only to serve a function in the big political game. As soon as they've played their part, they're gone. The next time something needs to happen, a new character is introduced. Another problem is that few characters have any admirable traits; they are all some kind of murderer, rapist, or political backstabber. Female characters are all either virgins or whores, and never of any consequence. We never know which side we're supposed to hope will win the big struggle for control. Both sides have their relevant points and philosophies as well as their own despicable characters. It is hard to care when one side has the upper hand on the other. It's like watching two old men you don't know playing chess in the park. Who cares if the one with the blue hat wins?
Rating: 
Summary: A review of the entire series
Review: This is a review for those considering reading the whole series. It's a long, compelling one - know what you are getting yourself into! First of all, Wingrove's prose style is excellent. It will keep you turning page after page, into the wee hours of the morning. Secondly, he does have quite the feel for intertwining layers of complex symbolism into the story. Most of the symbolism was over my head (one would need quite a grouding in chinese culture and specifically poetry to fully appreciate it), but that which I understood contributed very well to a grand sense of order. Thirdly, and finally - the downfall, for me. Wingrove presents a world that is highly negative. Certainly he tried to give all viewpoints of human philosophy a fair place - and succeeds very well in this. However, the overall setting starts out dreary and oppressive, and then just becomes steadily and steadily worse, until you are hit with one atrocity after another. At the end of book VII, the state of the earth is ... umm ... quite hideous. I am not reading book VIII - partly for the horrible reviews that it recieved from customers, and also because I am simply tired of staying up all night filling my head with grotesque visions of the future of humanity. Although apparently it has a happy, but ill-executed and out of place ending. I've had enough - I don't want to go there. In all, the journey was worthwhile, but the books will never be reread, and thus will not remain on my shelves. Free at last, I will now read something that is, at least, half-cheery! :)
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful book
Review: I'm rather sad to find out that the rest of the books in this series are out of print, not that I won't track them down eventually, but this is a brilliant beginning. It's two hundred years in the future and China rules the world. Not only do the Chinese dynasties rule everything, but they've changed history so that they've always ruled everything. Dispersionists fight to overthrow the system, but in many ways they are more corrupt and evil than the actual system itself. Akin to Dune in that you can't completely side with anyone, this book depicts a world of cutthroats and diplomats. You'll find yourself siding with the people trying to uphold the system simply because they have honor and integrity while the rebels are vicious creeps. Ultimately the best character in this book is Chen, the trained assassin that helps expose DeVore's manipulations (but doesn't catch him). However, this is a large canvas and something that can't be taken in all at once. It's one of the best books about horrible people that you will read in a long time.
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