So I’ve decided to read Shōgun by James Clavell because I’ve heard a lot of good things about it and it seems to be the most popular book amongst the series. I know his books are very loosely related and can be read as a stand-alone, but in your opinion would you say his other books (King Rat, Tai-Pan, Noble House, Whirlwind and Gai-Jin) are worth reading? And if so, which order is best or makes the most sense to read them in?
by _Sanxession_
2 Comments
Despite *Shōgun* being the most well known novel, most fans of Clavell (myself included) tend to prefer *Tai Pan*. I would recommend reading them in chronological order as opposed to release order, although I found that quality fluctuated pretty widely between them.
Absolutely. I haven’t read them all, but Tai-Pan is a little less a game of chess and more a tense thriller, and I actually thought Noble House was even better than Shogun. I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a book (other than maybe ASOIAF) that seamlessly melded so many different characters and plotlines while keeping the plot moving and constantly ratcheting up the tension.