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I like how this book dealt with not being “chosen”.
Years after his family is split up, Jun decides to take control of his destiny & fight in the competition to be the next Guardian. The stakes of the fights turns out to be more dire when a war mongering general wants to take control.
Intense! A little info dump heavy at times, a lot of violence, & an unresolved ending, but also an intriguing examination of propaganda, the monetization of violence, w/ really interesting characters!🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
Separated from his mother and twin brother in childhood, Li Jun and his father are exiled from a land where martial arts are restricted to a land filled with schools who hope to win glory by training the Guardian of the Scroll, the best martial artist in the country. Jun defies his father to compete and finds himself entangled in power struggles beyond his imagining. This is a good if unevenly paced start to a new series. Hits shelves Jan 2025.
Sword and sorcery fantasy which turns prophecy on its head. Interesting but I probably won't continue the series. I'm just not in the mood for sword and sorcery at the moment.
Pretty sure this was a me problem. I think this is one I‘d be better off with reading the physical book, but listening to it just could not grab my attention.
In the beginning Jun is impulsive and selfish. We watch as he gains maturity.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the tournament. This book doesn't shy away from violence and death. Some of the scenes are pretty graphic. I found the first few chapters a little slow, but the action soon picked up. I thought the breathmarked was a very interesting and creative idea. It will be interesting to see where the 2nd book goes.