Book Review: The Trade Experiment

Reviewed by Jaylynn Korrell

Of love and politics—an international thriller with nearly everything on the line

When we last heard of Jack Gold, he was coming off the high of making a very public announcement to the people of China from the control center. Now, in Book 2 of the series, he is dealing with the momentous repercussions of that action. 

Whether he’s saving his relationship, the country he loves, or just his own backside, Jack Gold is one hell of a follow in these high-stakes situations.  

Nearly everyone Jack knows, as well as a few million people he doesn’t, have a huge response to his video from the control center. The US President, the new President of China, and countless strangers can’t help but thank him for what he’s done and look to him in admiration. 

Jack’s main goals in this book are saving his relationship, trying to negotiate a fair trade agreement, and keeping himself safe from lurking villains. With a mix of politics, romance, and action, this second book in The China Affairs series does not disappoint. 

The topic of trade is a big subject in this installment, as Jack takes on a lead role in determining a trade deal that is beneficial to both America and China. His relationship with Wang Yang (Jojo’s father and the President of China) only becomes stronger in this story, but he’s not the only one Gold gets closer to. 

A handful of important world leaders put their trust in Jack as he act as a liaison in international trade talks. The stakes are high with billions upon billons of dollars and some high rollers to please. With a typically level head, Jack works toward making a trade deal that is in the best interest of both countries, as well as their lead workers. 

This book comes with more danger than the first one did. Some people are not pleased about the stunt that Jack pulled and what it means for China. A man named Mr. Big is said to be out for Jack, and he, as well as his accomplices, are flying under the radar. During the times when they appear, be ready for bloodshed. Jack is forced to fight for his life and the life of the woman he loves. These scenes are thrilling and expertly crafted by Good—some easy favorites of The Trade Experiment.

Jack’s relationship with Jojo goes a few places you won’t expect—especially from the same Jack we met at the beginning of Book 1. After winning Jojo back with a couple of grand gestures, Jack quickly becomes the hopeless romantic we all knew he could be. His and Jojo’s relationship quickly blossoms and is a picture of love and happiness. I really enjoyed their developing and growing relationship. Together they travel to America, across the country from D.C to California, back to China, and even to Israel. Something happens with their relationship in the latter half of the book that makes me question Jack, but overall it remains a highlight. 

Jack takes a sharp turn in this book. He gets a major ego boost after his speech in the control center, becoming chummy with the US President and even becoming the possible son-in-law of the president of China. He gets used to his new status quickly and loses some of the humility he had in him. His true colors really come out in The Trade Experiment.

What have I learned from reading the first two books in this series? Brad Good is able to totally flip the tables from one book to the next. The strategic trade negotiations pair well with the suspense of the story, making The Trade Experiment an exciting second book of a now intriguing series.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Political Thriller

Print Length: 176 pages

ISBN: 979-8986582139

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