A Thousand Li: The First Step: Book 1 of A Xianxia Cultivation Series —by Tao Wong

 Fiction / Cultivation (Chinese martial arts with magic and medicine)

316 pages / 2492 KB

5 Stars

 

This book was my introduction to the Cultivation genre of Chinese martial arts stories, and to Tao Wong’s writing. I’m not sure I totally understand what ‘cultivation’ means, but as I read more of the stories, I’m sure I’ll figure it out.

 

There are Chinese words and phrases used throughout the book, but they are explained, so the reader is not left hanging and scratching and trying to figure out what the author meant.

 

The protagonist, Long Wu Ying is a seventeen year old peasant who is conscripted into the army and though not the sharpest sword in the box, he’s honest, true, and brave. He is credited with saving his army and rewarded by being allowed to join a sect (think Shaolin type school) and to train with them. 

 

We get to go along on some great adventures, with the promise of many more to come. Of course, it couldn’t be a series without an antagonist who also comes along for the ride. To make it better, neither Wu Ying nor us know why the great animosity, other than Wu Ying is loyal, brave, and true—and a peasant.

 

If you like adventure stories, especially martial arts and magic, give this series a try. Now, I’m off to read another one of Tao Wong’s books. Great fun, great escape!

Intention Tremor: A Hybrid Collection --by Tamara Kaye Sellman

 Nonfiction / Poetry

78 pages

5 Stars

 

I “met” Ms Sellman at the AWP Conference a few months ago. I forgot what panel she was on, but I was struck by her upbeat attitude, and looked for her book of poetry. I decided to take a chance, based on her attitude, that it would not be a “woe is me” book about her MS. It’s a delight, and she’s donating funds from the book to research.

 

It is about her MS and how she lives with it, and it isn’t always lightness and fun, but she discusses it with honesty, and often with humor. And to discover we shared a mutual friend was icing on the cake. 

 

These poems are genuine and filled with the emotions and passions of living. Sometimes intense, always honest. Beautiful!

Brother Blood Sister Death --by Bill Ransom

 Fiction / Urban Fantasy

178 pages / 1088 KB

5 Stars

 

Full disclosure here, I know Bill Ransom, have taken writing workshops from him, and think he’s a bodacious author. I believe I have read every book he’s written, and some more than once, so when I saw Brother Blood Sister Death available, I bought it. THEN I read about it. Uh, I’m not a huge fan of vampire books. But Bill Ransom wrote it… I decided to trust the process, trust the author, and read the book. 

 

Wow! Vampires alive in our time, in our space, and how they manage to survive—or not? The dialog was wonderful, the story was well written and executed by a master storyteller. The ending was spot-on!

 

Yes, it’s about vampires, but I don’t think you’ll get nightmares from the story. I didn’t, I truly enjoyed it. And highly recommend it. Pour yourself a martini and enjoy the ride.