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Mountainroot: Book One in the Saga of the Laymonk
Rumors are swirling in the northlands about a curse in Westcliff. People are being driven mad by the touch of angry ghosts during the full moon, in a village already haunted by a brutal murder from decades ago.
Growing up as an orphan, Genshai always expected his life would be the same as the other warriors of the learning the ways of the Iron Style, and training his mind and body toward Illumination. But, at the start of his fifteenth year the boy is shocked when the abbot names him the new laymonk, and he is sent to learn the ways of the world from his predecessor, an old man named Taisan.
Soon, Genshai receives firsthand lessons in ways that he never imagined- from fighting for his life, to defending the innocent, and even striding between two worlds, into the ethereal Veil. And just as Genshai is beginning to learn how to keep the Still Mind in the presence of spirits, the laymonks are sent to Westcliff to break an old curse, and to confront an unfathomable evil.
By taking up the staff of the laymonk, will Genshai uncover the truth about himself? Or will the madness spread, causing his greatest fears to be revealed on the night the Lotus is in Bloom?
Growing up as an orphan, Genshai always expected his life would be the same as the other warriors of the learning the ways of the Iron Style, and training his mind and body toward Illumination. But, at the start of his fifteenth year the boy is shocked when the abbot names him the new laymonk, and he is sent to learn the ways of the world from his predecessor, an old man named Taisan.
Soon, Genshai receives firsthand lessons in ways that he never imagined- from fighting for his life, to defending the innocent, and even striding between two worlds, into the ethereal Veil. And just as Genshai is beginning to learn how to keep the Still Mind in the presence of spirits, the laymonks are sent to Westcliff to break an old curse, and to confront an unfathomable evil.
By taking up the staff of the laymonk, will Genshai uncover the truth about himself? Or will the madness spread, causing his greatest fears to be revealed on the night the Lotus is in Bloom?
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2023
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19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 1, 2024
I read this book because a friend sent it to me and it was written by an author in an area of SW Michigan that i lived in for 10 years. I love a small, local author, am always on the lookout for books that pique my interest, and adore reading books that my friends recommend; this checked a lot of boxes for me.
We get intoduced to this fantasy world in a somewhat jarring introduction, with battles and plots and treachery; at first i felt like it filled in too few gaps and failed to endear any characters to me, but as i read on and realized that it was just an introduction to the world, and not to the characters we would be traveling with, i feel like it worked very well.
The world where the story happens, takes place more on the outskirts, with seemingly insignificant people traveling and fullfilling meaningful, if paltry, duties along their way. I found the character development to be engaging; I loved getting to watch Mountainroot grow in all the ways as he first journeys out from the monastery, and I feel like Wyman does a great job of choosing which details to dwell on, which ones to pass over, and which ones to hold close to their chest for future use.
There is a mysterious, mystical nature to this world that is never really spelled out, but we get to observe in several ways, and Im excited to see where that bit of the world building goes in subsequent books!
It feels like there ought to be more of an overarching conflict that we are building towards, and maybe i just missed it, but i didnt get much of a sense for a cohesive narrative. To be clear, I dont think all stories need a traditional, conflict driven narrative structure, but this book feels to me like the kind that would have one; especially being part of a series, I was expecting something of an overarching narrative to draw compell me to the next book. Honestly though, again, i was so drawn in by the characters and the world building that im still looking forward to the next book, and am hoping that Wyman is working on getting it published for me! 😀
We get intoduced to this fantasy world in a somewhat jarring introduction, with battles and plots and treachery; at first i felt like it filled in too few gaps and failed to endear any characters to me, but as i read on and realized that it was just an introduction to the world, and not to the characters we would be traveling with, i feel like it worked very well.
The world where the story happens, takes place more on the outskirts, with seemingly insignificant people traveling and fullfilling meaningful, if paltry, duties along their way. I found the character development to be engaging; I loved getting to watch Mountainroot grow in all the ways as he first journeys out from the monastery, and I feel like Wyman does a great job of choosing which details to dwell on, which ones to pass over, and which ones to hold close to their chest for future use.
There is a mysterious, mystical nature to this world that is never really spelled out, but we get to observe in several ways, and Im excited to see where that bit of the world building goes in subsequent books!
It feels like there ought to be more of an overarching conflict that we are building towards, and maybe i just missed it, but i didnt get much of a sense for a cohesive narrative. To be clear, I dont think all stories need a traditional, conflict driven narrative structure, but this book feels to me like the kind that would have one; especially being part of a series, I was expecting something of an overarching narrative to draw compell me to the next book. Honestly though, again, i was so drawn in by the characters and the world building that im still looking forward to the next book, and am hoping that Wyman is working on getting it published for me! 😀
May 24, 2024
Rumors are swirling in the northlands about a curse in Westcliff. People are being driven mad by the touch of angry ghosts during the full moon, in a village already haunted by a brutal murder from decades ago.
Growing up as an orphan, Genshai always expected his life would be the same as the other warriors of the abbey: learning the ways of the Iron Style, and training his mind and body toward Illumination. But, at the start of his fifteenth year the boy is shocked when the abbot names him the new laymonk, and he is sent to learn the ways of the world from his predecessor, an old man named Taisan.
Soon, Genshai receives firsthand lessons in ways that he never imagined- from fighting for his life, to defending the innocent, and even striding between two worlds, into the ethereal Veil. And just as Genshai is beginning to learn how to keep the Still Mind in the presence of spirits, the laymonks are sent to Westcliff to break an old curse, and to confront an unfathomable evil.
By taking up the staff of the laymonk, will Genshai uncover the truth about himself? Or will the madness spread, causing his greatest fears to be revealed on the night the Lotus is in Bloom?
The Review
M.A.B. Wyman’s first book is a lush, sprawling epic fantasy that draws on works that came before it – including Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings – but manages to find its own path, weaving a fascinating tale in the land of Kuei. The world has an Asian feel, with Arovia reminiscent of China and the Steppes of Thrail similar to Mongolia.
The prequel sets up a coming battle of grand proportions, as an escaped shapeshifting demon takes on human form and foments a war between two of the nations of Kuei. But what comes next is, for quite a while, a much gentler fantasy, as the story follows the Laymonk Taisan and his apprentice Genshai (also called Mountainroot) as they travel the Arovian countryside. Arovia is one of the major nations in Kuei, and the monks occupy the Red Tower on a mountainside over Auburntown, both built from the red rock of the local mountains.
The monks are skilled in the martial arts, and most of them were abandoned as children and taken in by the monastery. They are mostly celibate, but it’s a loose rule, and one that doesn’t apply to laymonks like Taisan.
Taisan is a wise traveler who seems to know everyone – very much like Gandalf in LOTR. While he’s not a wizard, he does possess powers that come from his mastery of self via his martial arts training, and he is teaching Genshai everything he knows. He is revealed, early on, to be gay, with a partner he sees periodically when he visits the Norr Province.
His travels with Genshai eventually lead to the cursed town of Westcliffe, and a mystery they must unravel if they are to free the town from its horrific monthly hauntings.
At the same time, across the continent, Bokhili and his twin Selem seek vengeance on the man who killed most of their family in the prologue. They’re part of a nomadic people who live on the steppe, and reminded me a bit of the Dothraki. In their culture, twins (khagasun) are an anathema – a diluting of one person’s essence into two – and so in most cases one twin is killed at birth. But in their case, a Shaman declared that both boys should be allowed to live and train as one man, and they’ve been together ever since.
Interestingly, the nomads have an origin myth about the sun and the moon that’s very homoerotic.
Wyman’s writing is beautiful and evocative. We can see, hear and practically taste everything on Genshai’s adventure, which is the heart of the tale. Kuei is a rich and varied world, and we’ve only gotten to explore a tiny corner of it in Mountainroot, apparently the first book in a planned series.
The characters are well-drawn and distinct, and Genshai especially has a very appealing naiveté about him as he learns the ways of the world and the human heart.
Wyman is a new writer, and it does show here in a few ways. There’s the frequent use of verbs of perception – he saw that it happened, she heard that it was taking place – that add unnecessary distance between the reader and some of the events. This story is told in third party omniscient, but it also often head hops in the middle of a scene, which can be disconcerting until you get used to it. And the story structure is a bit odd – after the demon character introduction in the prologue, we spend a long time with Taisan and Genshai, then flip to the twins, then back and forth a couple times. At the end, there are two brief codas, one with a couple in Auburntown, and the epilogue, which reveals a new (presumably good) character, who I’m guessing will figure prominently in book two.
Those grumblings aside, this is a fantastic book, well worth the read. I immersed myself in Wyman’s world and didn’t want to come out. A strong, unique epic fantasy tale that knows where it’s going and makes you root for its characters while sometimes scaring the bejeezus out of you. Highly recommended.
Growing up as an orphan, Genshai always expected his life would be the same as the other warriors of the abbey: learning the ways of the Iron Style, and training his mind and body toward Illumination. But, at the start of his fifteenth year the boy is shocked when the abbot names him the new laymonk, and he is sent to learn the ways of the world from his predecessor, an old man named Taisan.
Soon, Genshai receives firsthand lessons in ways that he never imagined- from fighting for his life, to defending the innocent, and even striding between two worlds, into the ethereal Veil. And just as Genshai is beginning to learn how to keep the Still Mind in the presence of spirits, the laymonks are sent to Westcliff to break an old curse, and to confront an unfathomable evil.
By taking up the staff of the laymonk, will Genshai uncover the truth about himself? Or will the madness spread, causing his greatest fears to be revealed on the night the Lotus is in Bloom?
The Review
M.A.B. Wyman’s first book is a lush, sprawling epic fantasy that draws on works that came before it – including Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings – but manages to find its own path, weaving a fascinating tale in the land of Kuei. The world has an Asian feel, with Arovia reminiscent of China and the Steppes of Thrail similar to Mongolia.
The prequel sets up a coming battle of grand proportions, as an escaped shapeshifting demon takes on human form and foments a war between two of the nations of Kuei. But what comes next is, for quite a while, a much gentler fantasy, as the story follows the Laymonk Taisan and his apprentice Genshai (also called Mountainroot) as they travel the Arovian countryside. Arovia is one of the major nations in Kuei, and the monks occupy the Red Tower on a mountainside over Auburntown, both built from the red rock of the local mountains.
The monks are skilled in the martial arts, and most of them were abandoned as children and taken in by the monastery. They are mostly celibate, but it’s a loose rule, and one that doesn’t apply to laymonks like Taisan.
Taisan is a wise traveler who seems to know everyone – very much like Gandalf in LOTR. While he’s not a wizard, he does possess powers that come from his mastery of self via his martial arts training, and he is teaching Genshai everything he knows. He is revealed, early on, to be gay, with a partner he sees periodically when he visits the Norr Province.
His travels with Genshai eventually lead to the cursed town of Westcliffe, and a mystery they must unravel if they are to free the town from its horrific monthly hauntings.
At the same time, across the continent, Bokhili and his twin Selem seek vengeance on the man who killed most of their family in the prologue. They’re part of a nomadic people who live on the steppe, and reminded me a bit of the Dothraki. In their culture, twins (khagasun) are an anathema – a diluting of one person’s essence into two – and so in most cases one twin is killed at birth. But in their case, a Shaman declared that both boys should be allowed to live and train as one man, and they’ve been together ever since.
Interestingly, the nomads have an origin myth about the sun and the moon that’s very homoerotic.
Wyman’s writing is beautiful and evocative. We can see, hear and practically taste everything on Genshai’s adventure, which is the heart of the tale. Kuei is a rich and varied world, and we’ve only gotten to explore a tiny corner of it in Mountainroot, apparently the first book in a planned series.
The characters are well-drawn and distinct, and Genshai especially has a very appealing naiveté about him as he learns the ways of the world and the human heart.
Wyman is a new writer, and it does show here in a few ways. There’s the frequent use of verbs of perception – he saw that it happened, she heard that it was taking place – that add unnecessary distance between the reader and some of the events. This story is told in third party omniscient, but it also often head hops in the middle of a scene, which can be disconcerting until you get used to it. And the story structure is a bit odd – after the demon character introduction in the prologue, we spend a long time with Taisan and Genshai, then flip to the twins, then back and forth a couple times. At the end, there are two brief codas, one with a couple in Auburntown, and the epilogue, which reveals a new (presumably good) character, who I’m guessing will figure prominently in book two.
Those grumblings aside, this is a fantastic book, well worth the read. I immersed myself in Wyman’s world and didn’t want to come out. A strong, unique epic fantasy tale that knows where it’s going and makes you root for its characters while sometimes scaring the bejeezus out of you. Highly recommended.
July 4, 2023
Mountainroot: Book 1 of Saga of the Laymonk by M.A.B. Wyman takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with mystery, curses, and ethereal encounters. Set in the northlands, where rumors of a curse in Westcliff abound, the story follows Genshai, an orphan turned warrior, as he unexpectedly assumes the role of laymonk.
As Genshai embarks on his new path, guided by the old laymonk named Taisan, he discovers a world beyond his wildest imagination. From facing life-threatening battles to protecting the innocent and venturing into the mystical Veil, Genshai's training becomes a profound exploration of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.
Amidst the haunting presence of angry ghosts and a decades-old murder, Genshai's journey takes a gripping turn as the laymonks are called upon to break the ancient curse and confront an unimaginable evil in Westcliff. As he wields the laymonk's staff, Genshai finds himself on a quest that holds the potential to unravel his own identity and fears.
M.A.B. Wyman skillfully weaves a captivating tale, blending elements of fantasy, suspense, and introspection. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions that bring the world of Mountainroot to life, immersing readers in its atmospheric setting. The author's ability to create engaging characters, particularly Genshai, adds depth to the story, as readers witness his growth and inner turmoil.
Mountainroot is a promising start to the Saga of the Laymonk series, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth alongside Genshai. Wyman's storytelling prowess shines as he expertly balances action-packed scenes with introspective moments, creating a seamless reading experience.
For fans of fantasy and coming-of-age tales intertwined with mysticism, Mountainroot offers an enthralling blend of adventure and self-discovery. Prepare to be drawn into a world where curses and ethereal forces collide, where the night of the Lotus in Bloom holds both answers and revelations for our young protagonist.
As Genshai embarks on his new path, guided by the old laymonk named Taisan, he discovers a world beyond his wildest imagination. From facing life-threatening battles to protecting the innocent and venturing into the mystical Veil, Genshai's training becomes a profound exploration of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.
Amidst the haunting presence of angry ghosts and a decades-old murder, Genshai's journey takes a gripping turn as the laymonks are called upon to break the ancient curse and confront an unimaginable evil in Westcliff. As he wields the laymonk's staff, Genshai finds himself on a quest that holds the potential to unravel his own identity and fears.
M.A.B. Wyman skillfully weaves a captivating tale, blending elements of fantasy, suspense, and introspection. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions that bring the world of Mountainroot to life, immersing readers in its atmospheric setting. The author's ability to create engaging characters, particularly Genshai, adds depth to the story, as readers witness his growth and inner turmoil.
Mountainroot is a promising start to the Saga of the Laymonk series, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth alongside Genshai. Wyman's storytelling prowess shines as he expertly balances action-packed scenes with introspective moments, creating a seamless reading experience.
For fans of fantasy and coming-of-age tales intertwined with mysticism, Mountainroot offers an enthralling blend of adventure and self-discovery. Prepare to be drawn into a world where curses and ethereal forces collide, where the night of the Lotus in Bloom holds both answers and revelations for our young protagonist.
June 7, 2023
"Mountainroot" drew me in with its intricately-woven tale of Genshai, a young warrior turned laymonk, who navigates his path of self-discovery, spirituality, and growth in a world fraught with danger and steeped in supernatural intrigue.
From the moment Genshai embarked on his unexpected journey, I was hooked. His endearing character, resilience, and his ability to adapt quickly to new social cues and situations, combined with his potential to become a warrior monk, added depth to this fascinating saga.
The author’s vivid descriptions of food throughout the book created a sensory feast that left me hungry for more, adding a unique and wholesome touch to the narrative. The bond between Genshai and Ysma was another highlight of the story, painting a tender and exciting promise of what their future might hold.
Tensai, a monk warrior, is another standout character in this tale, and his exploration as a gay man in a time and culture where this would have been taboo was handled thoughtfully, adding another layer to the story's complexity.
The intriguing prologue sets the stage for a deeper narrative that I’m eagerly anticipating to unfold in subsequent books. Despite a few minor issues, "Mountainroot" captivated me from start to finish, delivering a compelling read that goes beyond the usual fantasy narrative.
Get ready to embark on an immersive journey filled with character growth, supernatural elements, and the promise of an epic saga that leaves you wanting more.
From the moment Genshai embarked on his unexpected journey, I was hooked. His endearing character, resilience, and his ability to adapt quickly to new social cues and situations, combined with his potential to become a warrior monk, added depth to this fascinating saga.
The author’s vivid descriptions of food throughout the book created a sensory feast that left me hungry for more, adding a unique and wholesome touch to the narrative. The bond between Genshai and Ysma was another highlight of the story, painting a tender and exciting promise of what their future might hold.
Tensai, a monk warrior, is another standout character in this tale, and his exploration as a gay man in a time and culture where this would have been taboo was handled thoughtfully, adding another layer to the story's complexity.
The intriguing prologue sets the stage for a deeper narrative that I’m eagerly anticipating to unfold in subsequent books. Despite a few minor issues, "Mountainroot" captivated me from start to finish, delivering a compelling read that goes beyond the usual fantasy narrative.
Get ready to embark on an immersive journey filled with character growth, supernatural elements, and the promise of an epic saga that leaves you wanting more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2024
An adventure of self discovery between a student and his master. A Genshai turned Laymonk who has to navigate a world full of dangers and supernatural things. He must learn who he is while meeting others along the way. I was surprised how well the sexuality of Tensai was portrayed. The delicate nature of how Wyman handles the subject will bring me back for more. Not to mention the way the food is described makes me think of the movie “the taste of things” how amazing everything ebbs and flows. Definitely looking forward to book 2!
March 22, 2024
A village is having problems with a murder many years ago but now ghosts are threatening them all. He has been trained as a warrior and he is about to be pulled into the mystery of the village. What will he find? Can he solve the murder? Can he rid the village of the ghosts? See how he gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
August 20, 2023
Fascinating world!
Characterization and world development is excellent. I appreciate the balance and flow of the narrative. The descriptive language and rhythm brought me into the story and piqued my interest into the lives of these cultures and people. Fully enjoyed it!
Characterization and world development is excellent. I appreciate the balance and flow of the narrative. The descriptive language and rhythm brought me into the story and piqued my interest into the lives of these cultures and people. Fully enjoyed it!
December 13, 2023
The main character grows up in this book - can't wait for the rest of them.
March 27, 2024
Magical coming of age fantasy. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews