A satisfying read, with some minor issues.

The constant cutting, especially toward the end, is in the style of a movie or TV edit which I struggle to understand the value of in novels - especially one as good as this, with characters you not only want to learn more about, but empathise with.

The second half of the book, after the retreat from Xiamen - perhaps as a function of the diaspora of the main characters, felt like a sequel. A completely different pace. Despite it's length, there was an element of a race to the finish.

Abdallah jones, a character well created by Stephenson was horribly and disappointingly sidelined after the plane crash. More of him rather than each discrete group of the heroes would've been worthwhile.

But a ripping yarn, nonetheless, engaging, exciting, descriptive and with characters you wanted to read about.

Four stars David.