Great Reads for Great Readers

 

The Art of Prophecy, by Wesley Chu.

 

   

         This is the first of Wesley Chu’s fantasy martial arts series involving Wen Jian, destined as a child to fulfil the ancient prophesy of his people:  to vanquish and destroy the Eternal Khan and the hordes of Katuia, enemies of the sacred Kingdom.  To all intents and purposes, it should be a pretty straightforward battle between Good and Evil – you know:  the usual villains encountered in odd places;  a touch of the supernatural to push the story along, and an eventual happy ending – at the end of the series, naturally.

            Instead, we have a visit by Ling Taishi, War Artist Grandmaster appointed by the five Dukes who run the country,  to Wen Jian’s luxurious palace where he resides in splendour and comfort with all his War Arts tutors;  she will assess his progress, not just in combat, but formal education and court etiquette.  His education must be complete if he is to rule according to the prophecy.  In a perfect world.

            Instead, she finds a spoilt brat, confused by too many cooks spoiling the broth and barely able to recognise the characters of his own name.  And it doesn’t take long for the Dukes to start questioning the prophecy and its veracity – and the fact that they can govern the country extremely well without an upstart boy who knows nothing – or won’t for some considerable time.  Wen Jian must die.  Very discreetly, of course, for the country’s religion has been founded on his existence.  Fortunately for Jian, Taishi takes pity on him, not least because of her War Arts principles, but because it is unthinkable for her to aid in the death of a potential God-child.  She and Jian escape death thanks to her Grandmaster expertise and secret contacts among old lovers and friends:  Jian is hidden in a War Arts school as a kitchen boy and novice pupil, and Taishi goes on the run – the Dukes have put huge prices on their heads and if they want those heads to stay on their respective shoulders, then this is the only solution.

            Wesley Chu’s writing is a bit rough around the edges;  I can’t see him winning a Pulitzer anytime soon, but what a fantastic storyteller he is!  His villains are enjoyably nasty – especially Qisami, a manic bounty-hunter, the opposite to Salminde, highly principled Viperstrike of the Katuia who is horrified and furious to learn of the betrayal of her people by their leadership:  both these women warriors want Jian’s death – Qisami for the bounty, and Salminde for the destruction of an enemy Icon.  They will have to get past Taishi first. And what a stunning cover!  Hurry up, Book Two.  FOUR STARS.