Billy Battles is definitely not in Kansas anymore. As Book 2 of the Finding Billy Battles trilogy opens, Billy is far from his Kansas roots and his improbable journeys are just starting. The year is 1894 and Billy is aboard the S S China sailing to the inscrutable Far East. Trouble is not far behind. He has met a mysterious and possibly dangerous German Baroness. He has locked horns with … Baroness. He has locked horns
with malevolent agents of the German government and battled ferocious Chinese and Malay pirates in the South China Sea.
Later, he is embroiled in the bloody anti-French insurgency in Indochinaâe”which quite possibly makes him the fi rst American combatant in a country that eventually will become Vietnam. Then, in the Philippines, he is thrust into the Spanish-American War and the brutal anti-American insurgency that follows. But Billyâe(tm)s troubles are only beginning.
As the 19th century ends and the 20th century begins, he finds himself entangled with political opportunists, spies, revolutionaries, and an assortment of vindictive and dubious characters of both sexes. How will Billy handle those people and the challenges they present? The answers are just ahead.
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Author Ronald Yates has outdone himself in book 2 of this series. He delivers a new perspective on the historical events Billy Battles participates in. His flair for creating images with concise descriptors illustrates his writing ability. The second in the series captivates one’s imagination as Billy travels on the SS China to Asia with some colorful shipmates.
Early on, the invitation to join the coveted Captain’s table at dinner provides a perfect setting to the times. The late 1800s of ship travel were elegant affairs for the upper crust by birth or by marriage. The imagery below provides a quick sense of the beginnings of an eye-opening journey.
“Well, there are some folks who believe we sand cutters and Jayhawkers—that’s what they call us pitiable Kansans—are poor relations when it comes to American citizenship,” I said, attempting to rescue Partington.
Before he could respond, the widow Schreiber spoke up. “And I am not German!” she snapped, her words crisp and frosty. “I was simply married to one.”
Mr. Partington, now sufficiently chagrined, smiled weakly. “Perhaps I should keep my oral cavity closed. I seem to be making a right bog of things.”
Captain Kreitz cleared his throat. “At sea, nationality matters not. We are all citizens of the SS China now.”
Mr. Partington quickly concurred. “There is a saying that aboard ship, we are all met on an equal footing. For these few days and weeks, we shall all be weighed, not by what we own or claim to be, but by what we really are.”
Billy meets Katharina Schreiber at dinner, and during the trip, they become delightfully close. I liked the complexity of Katharina depicted in this era. Her upbringing and financial independence permitted her to travel in style. These two develop a connection that allows them to experience history.
Author Yates makes history fun and interesting by putting his characters in the thick of it. Billy took this trip to heal after losing his wife. He is placed into situations like dealing with pirates or placed into a battle between the French and locals. Billy finally travels home and reconnects with his family and daughter. His reputation as a lawman and gunfighter follows him during his travels.
There is excitement, thrills, chills, and surprises as Billy’s sage continues. Eichel, the ruthless German agent, plagues both Billy and Katharina with his evil revenge. The description of the countries, cities, and dialogue fits the places and times. When Billy takes off again to help Katharina’s brother, they are thrust into the Spanish-American War. You are placed in the middle of history, learning about the history of the Philippines and Indonesia.
Mr. Yates creates a story that easily stands alone with fascinating, complex characters you can admire or dislike intensely. The relationships and situations make this history lesson compelling to read. I recommend this easily stand-alone book, but you won’t want to miss book 1. If you like history from the late 1800s and into the next century, add this story to your library. The Endnotes also put the times into perspective, don’t miss these nuggets. I cannot wait to read book 3. Awesome read.
When I reviewed Billy Battles’ book 1, I recall saying it would be awesome if school kids learned history this way; it was uncensored and real. I enjoyed it so much, I dove into book 2, The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles. This one took me to Asia and Europe, some of it around the time of the Spanish-American war. Wow. They never told us this stuff in school!
An unlikely, and long-time-coming romance weaves through the book. Normally, I find romance ho-hum—same old stuff, but the romance between the baroness and Billy was poignant and memorable. Folks, you gotta read this book.
This is an excellent continuation of Billie’s journeys. This time, we follow him from his roots in Kansas to faraway lands of what eventually becomes Vietnam and the Philippines. It seems no matter where Billie goes, trouble follows him like a magnet.
Once again Ronald has created a superb story, filled with excellent descriptions which put the reader in Billie’s location. With outstanding characters and a fast-moving plot, this was a great read. I look forward to reading the final novel in the trilogy.