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Adventures of Takuan from Koto
KIRKUS REVIEWS' BEST BOOKS OF 2023.
‘A rapidly expanding quest with a seemingly endless supply of mischief and surprises.’ — KIRKUS Star Award.
’A hugely imaginative and propulsive read.’ — The Book Commentary.
Whimsical adventures of a young trickster: from clever exploits to a god-given mission.
The stone marten, in pursuit of the sun, climbs to the very Heavens and causes quite a commotion. Both the stubborn gods and the ordinary people have a hard time when weredemons break free. Even the Lord of the Underworld turns out to be powerless.
But sometimes even a mouse can be stronger than an elephant, as the old proverb says. The fate of the world ends up in the hands of Takuan — a young trickster, who deceives the greedy, angry, and ignorant people across the country of Chinayindu. On his journey, he meets the wandering warrior Zhu Leizu, a temple monk named Soliang, the clumsy sorcerer Bricabrac, and many others.
Our story begins with a village boy setting off to a monastery to become a demon-hunting monk, only to find out how truly dull monastic life can be.
Or does our story actually begin with the birth of the stone marten Ta Guan? To learn about what happened in the Heavens, the incredible adventures of Takuan, and what was the end of all of it, read the book ‘Takuan of Koto’ by Ryū Zhong.
_____________________________________________________________________
About this book:
Genre: Light humorous fantasy, comedy and adventure, fantasy & magic.
Audience: Middle-grade, teen, young adult, adult.
Setting: Pan-Asian continent in quasi-medieval times with magic in the air.
Explicit language: None.
Completeness: It is a complete finished story.
_____________________________________________________________________
This book is a full box set of series ‘Adventures of Takuan from Koto’:
1. Prince of Blue Flowers
2. Hunters of Weredemons
3. Envoys of Celestials
_____________________________________________________________________
‘A rapidly expanding quest with a seemingly endless supply of mischief and surprises.’ — KIRKUS Star Award.
’A hugely imaginative and propulsive read.’ — The Book Commentary.
Whimsical adventures of a young trickster: from clever exploits to a god-given mission.
The stone marten, in pursuit of the sun, climbs to the very Heavens and causes quite a commotion. Both the stubborn gods and the ordinary people have a hard time when weredemons break free. Even the Lord of the Underworld turns out to be powerless.
But sometimes even a mouse can be stronger than an elephant, as the old proverb says. The fate of the world ends up in the hands of Takuan — a young trickster, who deceives the greedy, angry, and ignorant people across the country of Chinayindu. On his journey, he meets the wandering warrior Zhu Leizu, a temple monk named Soliang, the clumsy sorcerer Bricabrac, and many others.
Our story begins with a village boy setting off to a monastery to become a demon-hunting monk, only to find out how truly dull monastic life can be.
Or does our story actually begin with the birth of the stone marten Ta Guan? To learn about what happened in the Heavens, the incredible adventures of Takuan, and what was the end of all of it, read the book ‘Takuan of Koto’ by Ryū Zhong.
_____________________________________________________________________
About this book:
Genre: Light humorous fantasy, comedy and adventure, fantasy & magic.
Audience: Middle-grade, teen, young adult, adult.
Setting: Pan-Asian continent in quasi-medieval times with magic in the air.
Explicit language: None.
Completeness: It is a complete finished story.
_____________________________________________________________________
This book is a full box set of series ‘Adventures of Takuan from Koto’:
1. Prince of Blue Flowers
2. Hunters of Weredemons
3. Envoys of Celestials
_____________________________________________________________________
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
676 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2023
19 people are currently reading
3165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
November 13, 2023
A story to let your imagination run wild.
This amazing fantasy-comedy and adventure book is a text designed for people who enjoy adventure and suspense but also like to laugh. Although the book is long, it is easy and quick to read.
The story is interesting but as you follow the development of the characters, you can't stop reading to find out what is going to happen in the end. I am a lover of books full of fantasy, I love Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and others, but I had never been so close to this kind of oriental mythology and the truth is that I loved it. Totally recommended this book!
This amazing fantasy-comedy and adventure book is a text designed for people who enjoy adventure and suspense but also like to laugh. Although the book is long, it is easy and quick to read.
The story is interesting but as you follow the development of the characters, you can't stop reading to find out what is going to happen in the end. I am a lover of books full of fantasy, I love Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and others, but I had never been so close to this kind of oriental mythology and the truth is that I loved it. Totally recommended this book!
September 25, 2023
The Adventures of Takuan from Koto is a fun read full of Asian lore, masterfully weaved into one complete story. The author does an impressive job of combining many different myths, creatures and places into one tapestry of plot, character, laughs and fun. Between the ambitious Marten, determined to make it to the celestial realm, to the Clever boy and his fox, this book was a page turner from beginning to end. The pacing was excellent, and the characters and places only got better with time. I would recommend this book to any lover of fantasy, and especially asian based myth and lore.
September 29, 2023
I watched Netflix's The Monkey King just a few weeks ago, and that film actually helped me get immersed and appreciate this book, as I'm not very familiar with Chinese and Japanese mythology and folklore. (Though watching Noragami and Dragonball did me some good, I thought I recognized some of the names and characters, just in a different context, LOL.)
This book is tagged as light humorous fantasy, comedy and adventure, fantasy and magic, set in a pan-Asian continent in quasi-medieval times with magic in the air, and it absolutely delivered what it promised! And while it's stated to be for middle grade and young adult audiences, I believe adults will enjoy this just as well. I loved how the prose gave off the vibe of an ancient ancestor telling stories by a fire in a small village, down to the proverbs and even the closing statements every chapter that pretty much had the vibe of "if you want to know more, come back and listen to the rest of the story tomorrow." I also enjoyed the cheeky bits, like when the narrator would say something about a character or an event, then add, "but we already know that." And the cursing that's become harmless because there are no actual swear words, but they sound like the usual phrases anyway, haha. I would SO be here for an audiobook. Dramatized for full effect. Just imagine!
Anyway, the whole thing opens, as said in the blurb, with the stone marten. But the animal on the cover is actually Jin, Takuan's eventual companion — yet the marten is significant to everything that it's just right for the book to start there. Then the story moved on to Takuan himself and his adventures, which culminate, or at least the first part, with something involving the Prince of Blue Flowers (hence the part title).
The second part, Hunters of Weredemons, started off with another character, Soliang, but led us back to another familiar face, and, eventually, Takuan. I also had an aha moment about weredemons because... well, how did I not think weredemons were what they were supposed to be, haha! And the part is appropriately titled as there were lots of demon hunting and weredemons.
The last part, Envoys of Celestials, was where everyone came together. It was a very smart way to wrap things up, because by then we were familiar with the characters, and the seeds of the overarching plot had been sowed. Though some things were resolved a little too quickly, and some were left open, I didn't think there was a need to really draw them out either. And the twist, I didn't see that coming!
I really enjoyed how the major characters' stories and adventures were all connected, and how they ran into each other every now and then. Plus, just when I thought I'd forgotten who this character was, the narrator, right on cue, would be there with a reminder — which I thought was simply brilliant. Especially since I sometimes got confused with the names, and because of all the trickery and deceit, at certain points we'd have far too many monks and demon hunters and weredemons.
Near the end, we get these gems, which are rather profound and much applicable to real life:
- "Life is transient, imperfect and impermanent. That is what makes life beautiful. While there is the unknown and incomprehensible around, the enjoyment of life lies in absorbing the new with wide-open eyes. Life is beautiful in serving the human race."
- The three roots of evil that nestle at the bottom of the human heart are greed, ignorance, and anger, and they could be tamed by keeping the above in mind.
And it all ended with family, which I really loved.
The covers are also super cool. The covers of the individually released titles make me want to buy and collect all 4 books in print!
This book is tagged as light humorous fantasy, comedy and adventure, fantasy and magic, set in a pan-Asian continent in quasi-medieval times with magic in the air, and it absolutely delivered what it promised! And while it's stated to be for middle grade and young adult audiences, I believe adults will enjoy this just as well. I loved how the prose gave off the vibe of an ancient ancestor telling stories by a fire in a small village, down to the proverbs and even the closing statements every chapter that pretty much had the vibe of "if you want to know more, come back and listen to the rest of the story tomorrow." I also enjoyed the cheeky bits, like when the narrator would say something about a character or an event, then add, "but we already know that." And the cursing that's become harmless because there are no actual swear words, but they sound like the usual phrases anyway, haha. I would SO be here for an audiobook. Dramatized for full effect. Just imagine!
Anyway, the whole thing opens, as said in the blurb, with the stone marten. But the animal on the cover is actually Jin, Takuan's eventual companion — yet the marten is significant to everything that it's just right for the book to start there. Then the story moved on to Takuan himself and his adventures, which culminate, or at least the first part, with something involving the Prince of Blue Flowers (hence the part title).
The second part, Hunters of Weredemons, started off with another character, Soliang, but led us back to another familiar face, and, eventually, Takuan. I also had an aha moment about weredemons because... well, how did I not think weredemons were what they were supposed to be, haha! And the part is appropriately titled as there were lots of demon hunting and weredemons.
The last part, Envoys of Celestials, was where everyone came together. It was a very smart way to wrap things up, because by then we were familiar with the characters, and the seeds of the overarching plot had been sowed. Though some things were resolved a little too quickly, and some were left open, I didn't think there was a need to really draw them out either. And the twist, I didn't see that coming!
I really enjoyed how the major characters' stories and adventures were all connected, and how they ran into each other every now and then. Plus, just when I thought I'd forgotten who this character was, the narrator, right on cue, would be there with a reminder — which I thought was simply brilliant. Especially since I sometimes got confused with the names, and because of all the trickery and deceit, at certain points we'd have far too many monks and demon hunters and weredemons.
Near the end, we get these gems, which are rather profound and much applicable to real life:
- "Life is transient, imperfect and impermanent. That is what makes life beautiful. While there is the unknown and incomprehensible around, the enjoyment of life lies in absorbing the new with wide-open eyes. Life is beautiful in serving the human race."
- The three roots of evil that nestle at the bottom of the human heart are greed, ignorance, and anger, and they could be tamed by keeping the above in mind.
And it all ended with family, which I really loved.
The covers are also super cool. The covers of the individually released titles make me want to buy and collect all 4 books in print!
November 8, 2023
Buddhist life lessons mixed with magic
“Adventures of Takuan from Koto” by Ryu Zhong is an enjoyable book about Buddhist life lessons mixed with magic and fantasy. The story follows Hatsukoi, later known by many other characters he takes on because he is a swindler. Takuan is on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. He discovers how people are easily deceived by their own nature. The writer uses Buddhist philosophy for young adults to learn about the human nature of “ignorance, greed and anger”. Takuan has his own personal demons to deal with.
Due to Takuan’s swindling, his father drops him off at a monastery. After a couple of years Takuan leaves the monastery to find his family. On his way he encounters demons, a honey badger, other swindlers, and has a clever fox for a companion and accomplice.
Ryu Zhong urges readers to keep reading by ending each chapter with ‘if you want to know more’ read the next chapter.
It is worth noting the story includes violence as Takuan navigates the challenges he faces. A good book for middle school and high school students.
“Adventures of Takuan from Koto” by Ryu Zhong is an enjoyable book about Buddhist life lessons mixed with magic and fantasy. The story follows Hatsukoi, later known by many other characters he takes on because he is a swindler. Takuan is on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. He discovers how people are easily deceived by their own nature. The writer uses Buddhist philosophy for young adults to learn about the human nature of “ignorance, greed and anger”. Takuan has his own personal demons to deal with.
Due to Takuan’s swindling, his father drops him off at a monastery. After a couple of years Takuan leaves the monastery to find his family. On his way he encounters demons, a honey badger, other swindlers, and has a clever fox for a companion and accomplice.
Ryu Zhong urges readers to keep reading by ending each chapter with ‘if you want to know more’ read the next chapter.
It is worth noting the story includes violence as Takuan navigates the challenges he faces. A good book for middle school and high school students.
September 27, 2023
Witty at times and charming throughout, I read the whole novel with a slight smile playing on my lips. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable read! Zhong takes you on a far-reaching journey across oriental lands in the Earthen Realm and beyond, meeting countless characters (no spoilers) from demons and celestials to monks and tricksters to foxes and martens.
From the first page you can definitely tell that it’s written for a younger audience as the writing style is simple and easy-going. I wasn’t sure it was the right book for me – I tend to prefer my fantasy novels a little darker. But within a chapter or two, the likeably roguish characters had me hooked and the easy-going language made it flow beautifully. It may be a casual read but there are some delicious character arcs and a well-thought-out plot. The last page was over far too soon.
Overall, with the proverbs and myth-like storylines, Adventures of Takuan from Koto feels kind of like a prologue or even the basis of a belief system that will create the foundation for an epic fantasy adventure series in the future. Even if that’s not the case, reading this novel is a brilliant way to spend an afternoon or two.
From the first page you can definitely tell that it’s written for a younger audience as the writing style is simple and easy-going. I wasn’t sure it was the right book for me – I tend to prefer my fantasy novels a little darker. But within a chapter or two, the likeably roguish characters had me hooked and the easy-going language made it flow beautifully. It may be a casual read but there are some delicious character arcs and a well-thought-out plot. The last page was over far too soon.
Overall, with the proverbs and myth-like storylines, Adventures of Takuan from Koto feels kind of like a prologue or even the basis of a belief system that will create the foundation for an epic fantasy adventure series in the future. Even if that’s not the case, reading this novel is a brilliant way to spend an afternoon or two.
September 30, 2023
As an ardent fan of fantasy and mythology, when Rhu Zhong’s ‘Takuan from Koto’ promised both, I leaped to take a chance to read the book. And Does it Deliver!!
Brimming with enchanting world of Asian folklore and Chinese mythology, this book intricately threads together a collection of stories divided into three parts: Prince of Blue Flowers, Hunters of Weredemons and Envoys of Celestials, which depict the enthralling journey of our central protagonist Takuan and his foxy companion Jin.
The book starts with a stone marten born to the mystical mountain of Auyasku and her quest to catch the sun. She is later given the name Ta-Guan by the Divine Mother Xiwanmu. While not the central protagonist, she is the thread that holds this book together as her haste to reach the heavenly realms and catch the sun started a chain of events that will dictate the whole book. After the incidents in the heavenly realm as demons infested all the realms, the vices grew strong and corrupted almost everyone. Enter Takuan from Koto, originally named Hatsukoi, an unremarkable boy with brilliant eyes and full of unimaginable tricks and pranks like his namesake. How he came to despise ‘the three roots of evil’ in everyone’s heart and how he sets off to eradicate those concludes the first part.
In the second part we meet the monk Soliang, who sets out on a quest to save Yanwang from the demons unleashed by Ta-Guan to fulfil the requests of Xiwanmu with his trusted companion by his side, the demon hunter Wang-Zhu Leizu. As the story unfolds, we get a glimpse of how a tiny marten can wreak havoc in all the realms of the world. The story seamlessly incorporates Takuan and other characters providing the reader with novel easter eggs.
In the third part we encounter the ferocious weredemons and sorcerers and experience the fierce battle that ensues between the weredemons and celestials. Every lose thread is wrapped up and we encounter another delicious surprise.
In this book, all along the line between good and bad is blurred and the author very succinctly sets the occurrences before the readers and leaves us to interpret them as our own. Another beautiful aspect of this book is the description of lives of monks in the monasteries. As we gradually understand the power of meditation, it inspires us to explore the same path to conquer our own inner demons. The intrinsic humour acts as a refreshing breeze (like this line ‘the Eternally Wise Goddess of the West replied, none the wiser.’). A special mention should be about the cover art. They are absolutely delicious.
My takeaways from the book:
# "Three roots of evil nestled in every person: ignorance, greed and anger. As soon as one of these roots touched the human mind, the gaze of that person became foggy and bleary, leaving him open to believing everything that nourished this evil. "
# Even for the Most Enlightened Sage, It Is Above Station to Reverse the River of Time
Brimming with enchanting world of Asian folklore and Chinese mythology, this book intricately threads together a collection of stories divided into three parts: Prince of Blue Flowers, Hunters of Weredemons and Envoys of Celestials, which depict the enthralling journey of our central protagonist Takuan and his foxy companion Jin.
The book starts with a stone marten born to the mystical mountain of Auyasku and her quest to catch the sun. She is later given the name Ta-Guan by the Divine Mother Xiwanmu. While not the central protagonist, she is the thread that holds this book together as her haste to reach the heavenly realms and catch the sun started a chain of events that will dictate the whole book. After the incidents in the heavenly realm as demons infested all the realms, the vices grew strong and corrupted almost everyone. Enter Takuan from Koto, originally named Hatsukoi, an unremarkable boy with brilliant eyes and full of unimaginable tricks and pranks like his namesake. How he came to despise ‘the three roots of evil’ in everyone’s heart and how he sets off to eradicate those concludes the first part.
In the second part we meet the monk Soliang, who sets out on a quest to save Yanwang from the demons unleashed by Ta-Guan to fulfil the requests of Xiwanmu with his trusted companion by his side, the demon hunter Wang-Zhu Leizu. As the story unfolds, we get a glimpse of how a tiny marten can wreak havoc in all the realms of the world. The story seamlessly incorporates Takuan and other characters providing the reader with novel easter eggs.
In the third part we encounter the ferocious weredemons and sorcerers and experience the fierce battle that ensues between the weredemons and celestials. Every lose thread is wrapped up and we encounter another delicious surprise.
In this book, all along the line between good and bad is blurred and the author very succinctly sets the occurrences before the readers and leaves us to interpret them as our own. Another beautiful aspect of this book is the description of lives of monks in the monasteries. As we gradually understand the power of meditation, it inspires us to explore the same path to conquer our own inner demons. The intrinsic humour acts as a refreshing breeze (like this line ‘the Eternally Wise Goddess of the West replied, none the wiser.’). A special mention should be about the cover art. They are absolutely delicious.
My takeaways from the book:
# "Three roots of evil nestled in every person: ignorance, greed and anger. As soon as one of these roots touched the human mind, the gaze of that person became foggy and bleary, leaving him open to believing everything that nourished this evil. "
# Even for the Most Enlightened Sage, It Is Above Station to Reverse the River of Time
November 29, 2023
ADVENTURES OF TAKUAN FROM KOTO
by
Ryu Zhong.
Genre: Light humorous fantasy, comedy and adventure, fantasy & magic.
#august2023release
This book is appropriate for middle-grade, teen, young adult & adult audience. It encapsulates all the three books in the series;
1. Prince of Blue Flowers
2. Hunters of Weredemons
3. Envoys of Celestials.
The first story, PRINCE OF BLUE FLOWER, is very engaging, thrilling, full of adventures & is really cute. It has Takaun, a young trickster, who deceives the greedy, angry, and ignorant people across the country of Chinayindu and also has a fox cub named Jin who always tags along him.
Each chapter has a wonderful lesson & synopsis at the beginning like;
"Greed learns some courtesy and mischief is taught a lesson of modesty."
Our main character, although cunning & mischievous walks us through some interesting adventures, leaving us with few questions to look answers for in the next story.
In the second story, HUNTERS OF WEREDEMONS, we get answer to whether Takuan will be reunited with his family & what more tricks does he play and on whom and also about his meeting with the wandering warrior. Takuan, now known as Sung-Guan, continues with his cunning mind in chasing the WEREDEMONS this time. The story also has new characters like The messengers of the Goddess of the West, Sogi, Qingbao & the evil sorcerer Bing Lieu. With the addition of these interesting characters & their stories, the reading experience becomes even more exciting.
The third story, ENVOYS OF CELESTIALS, is my favourite for many reasons like the ending, it brought a smile on my face & made me emotional. Also Jin was a total surprise.
The writing style is beautiful, engaging & lyrical. The language is simple & the vocab is easy to comprehend. The character names do take a minuscule bit of time to get familiar (the book is printed in The Netherlands). Also I will definitely check out the book that the author has had for 50years, The Trickster Reaks. The author hints, the next story would be a timeline jump of hundreds of years.
#blurb
A stone marten, in pursuit of the sun, climbs to the very Heavens and causes quite a commotion. Both the stubborn gods and the ordinary people have a hard time when weredemons break free. Even the Lord of the Underworld turns out to be powerless.
But sometimes even a mouse can be stronger than an elephant, as the old proverb says. The fate of the world ends up in the hands of Takuan — a young trickster, who deceives the greedy, angry, and ignorant people across the country of Chinayindu. On his journey, he meets a wandering warrior by name of Zhu Leizu, a temple monk named Soliang, a clumsy sorcerer known as Bricabrac, and many others.
Our story begins with a village boy setting off to a monastery to become a demon-hunting monk, only to find out how truly dull monastic life can be.
Or does our story actually begin with the birth of the stone marten Ta-Guan? To learn about what happened in the Heavens, the incredible adventures of Takuan, and what was the end of all of it, read the book ‘Takuan from Koto’ by Ryū Zhong.
___
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
‘Ryū’ means ‘dragon’ in Japanese, and ‘Zhong’ can be
translated from Chinese as ‘flute’. This amalgam of languages represents the fusion of cultures that characterises the writings of Ryū Zhong.
In their books, Ryū Zhong explore challenges that
humanity might face as our technology gets more and
more complicated to the level where it becomes magic.
Such a shift would force people to look towards religion
and reinterpret realities that today, we call fairy tales.
Ryū Zhong were lucky to be born and grow in
Asia. Now they live in Amsterdam, study Dutch, and
adapt their writings to English.
by
Ryu Zhong.
Genre: Light humorous fantasy, comedy and adventure, fantasy & magic.
#august2023release
This book is appropriate for middle-grade, teen, young adult & adult audience. It encapsulates all the three books in the series;
1. Prince of Blue Flowers
2. Hunters of Weredemons
3. Envoys of Celestials.
The first story, PRINCE OF BLUE FLOWER, is very engaging, thrilling, full of adventures & is really cute. It has Takaun, a young trickster, who deceives the greedy, angry, and ignorant people across the country of Chinayindu and also has a fox cub named Jin who always tags along him.
Each chapter has a wonderful lesson & synopsis at the beginning like;
"Greed learns some courtesy and mischief is taught a lesson of modesty."
Our main character, although cunning & mischievous walks us through some interesting adventures, leaving us with few questions to look answers for in the next story.
In the second story, HUNTERS OF WEREDEMONS, we get answer to whether Takuan will be reunited with his family & what more tricks does he play and on whom and also about his meeting with the wandering warrior. Takuan, now known as Sung-Guan, continues with his cunning mind in chasing the WEREDEMONS this time. The story also has new characters like The messengers of the Goddess of the West, Sogi, Qingbao & the evil sorcerer Bing Lieu. With the addition of these interesting characters & their stories, the reading experience becomes even more exciting.
The third story, ENVOYS OF CELESTIALS, is my favourite for many reasons like the ending, it brought a smile on my face & made me emotional. Also Jin was a total surprise.
The writing style is beautiful, engaging & lyrical. The language is simple & the vocab is easy to comprehend. The character names do take a minuscule bit of time to get familiar (the book is printed in The Netherlands). Also I will definitely check out the book that the author has had for 50years, The Trickster Reaks. The author hints, the next story would be a timeline jump of hundreds of years.
#blurb
A stone marten, in pursuit of the sun, climbs to the very Heavens and causes quite a commotion. Both the stubborn gods and the ordinary people have a hard time when weredemons break free. Even the Lord of the Underworld turns out to be powerless.
But sometimes even a mouse can be stronger than an elephant, as the old proverb says. The fate of the world ends up in the hands of Takuan — a young trickster, who deceives the greedy, angry, and ignorant people across the country of Chinayindu. On his journey, he meets a wandering warrior by name of Zhu Leizu, a temple monk named Soliang, a clumsy sorcerer known as Bricabrac, and many others.
Our story begins with a village boy setting off to a monastery to become a demon-hunting monk, only to find out how truly dull monastic life can be.
Or does our story actually begin with the birth of the stone marten Ta-Guan? To learn about what happened in the Heavens, the incredible adventures of Takuan, and what was the end of all of it, read the book ‘Takuan from Koto’ by Ryū Zhong.
___
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
‘Ryū’ means ‘dragon’ in Japanese, and ‘Zhong’ can be
translated from Chinese as ‘flute’. This amalgam of languages represents the fusion of cultures that characterises the writings of Ryū Zhong.
In their books, Ryū Zhong explore challenges that
humanity might face as our technology gets more and
more complicated to the level where it becomes magic.
Such a shift would force people to look towards religion
and reinterpret realities that today, we call fairy tales.
Ryū Zhong were lucky to be born and grow in
Asia. Now they live in Amsterdam, study Dutch, and
adapt their writings to English.
December 2, 2023
4.5⭐️
This book was an enjoyable, light, and fun read! In this tale, we follow the stone marten, who ends up on a journey trying to catch the Sun, to become the ruler. Her journey is full of twists and turns, and we meet many other significant and incredible characters along the way. As mythology is something I’m very fascinated by, one of my favorite parts of this tale was the inclusion of Asian mythology and the fairytale-like way it was written. The writing in this book was incredible and easy-to-follow. Most fantasy books have world-building that, while incredible, can be hard to understand at times, but this book flawlessly balanced it all. Filled with magic and adventure, this is the perfect read for anyone looking to follow well-rounded characters on fun and magical journeys!
This book was an enjoyable, light, and fun read! In this tale, we follow the stone marten, who ends up on a journey trying to catch the Sun, to become the ruler. Her journey is full of twists and turns, and we meet many other significant and incredible characters along the way. As mythology is something I’m very fascinated by, one of my favorite parts of this tale was the inclusion of Asian mythology and the fairytale-like way it was written. The writing in this book was incredible and easy-to-follow. Most fantasy books have world-building that, while incredible, can be hard to understand at times, but this book flawlessly balanced it all. Filled with magic and adventure, this is the perfect read for anyone looking to follow well-rounded characters on fun and magical journeys!
November 11, 2023
Ryu Zhong surprised me with his intriguing and suspenseful writing, I have to admit. Adventures of Takuan from Koto follows the story of Takuan, our hero and main character, but it's not a typical adventure novel. The story becomes more and more complex, and attention to detail is key to fully understanding the plot.
I liked this book; it has an original understanding regarding gods and demons, a topic well explored. Besides Takuan, there are several characters that add variety, surprise, and conflict to the plot. With different countries and different beliefs, it turned up to be quite interesting.
Overall, a great choice for people looking for an exciting adventure novel, I think mostly for teenagers and adults.
I liked this book; it has an original understanding regarding gods and demons, a topic well explored. Besides Takuan, there are several characters that add variety, surprise, and conflict to the plot. With different countries and different beliefs, it turned up to be quite interesting.
Overall, a great choice for people looking for an exciting adventure novel, I think mostly for teenagers and adults.
November 14, 2023
A heroic adventure in the realms of magic
"Adventures of Takuan from Koto" an enchanting tale written by Ryo Zhong. A novel fit for all ages that loves reading about a hero’s journey with mythical creatures , gods that might sound familiar if you are a fan of Asian mythology as well. The storytelling reminds me of those anime and old Chinese movies with the characters talking and human size animal God’s or characters. It would be great to see this story come to life. It would be really interesting to see them in vivid color as they are creatively written. It has the makings of a great pan-Asian adventure. It has magic, humor, cosmic forces, enchanting places and creatures. The cover art was great and I wish there would be more in the book.
"Adventures of Takuan from Koto" an enchanting tale written by Ryo Zhong. A novel fit for all ages that loves reading about a hero’s journey with mythical creatures , gods that might sound familiar if you are a fan of Asian mythology as well. The storytelling reminds me of those anime and old Chinese movies with the characters talking and human size animal God’s or characters. It would be great to see this story come to life. It would be really interesting to see them in vivid color as they are creatively written. It has the makings of a great pan-Asian adventure. It has magic, humor, cosmic forces, enchanting places and creatures. The cover art was great and I wish there would be more in the book.
November 15, 2023
In this charming book magic, fantastic creatures, adventures, comedy, and a great deal of life lessons converge. ''Adventures of Takuan from Koto'' written by Ryū Zhong tells us the story of Takuan, a teenager who lives in a monastery and from there begins all his adventures in this mythical world. The book is well written and has a fascinating prose that will engage you from the beginning. It is a book that you should read carefully because you can easily get lost but you will still surely enjoy it. I must say that this book impressed me and exceeded my expectations. I would like to read more from this author. I highly recommend this book to everybody.
November 15, 2023
“Adventures of Takuan from Koto” is a fantasy book written by Ryu Zhong . In it, we meet a young man who wants to become a monk who lives the most unusual adventures on his way to a monastery.
What really impressed me about this work was the great variety of characters that the reading has. Each one of them is very well characterized, with a complete description.
On this occasion, the plot seemed very new to me, since I am not very familiar with Chinese culture. This is truly a story that is worth noting, so I recommend that the reader pay close attention while reading it, since there are many details, which can go unnoticed if one does not pay attention.
What really impressed me about this work was the great variety of characters that the reading has. Each one of them is very well characterized, with a complete description.
On this occasion, the plot seemed very new to me, since I am not very familiar with Chinese culture. This is truly a story that is worth noting, so I recommend that the reader pay close attention while reading it, since there are many details, which can go unnoticed if one does not pay attention.
November 13, 2023
Absolutely loved it!
This is the story of the adventures of a young and rebellious Takuan. But we are really in for a treat with the detailed descriptions of each of the characters. Ryū Zhong really draws you in with words. You really get a sense that Ryū is very familiar with the Asian culture and how technology can cause further human challenges.
Part Japanese and Chinese mythology and part superstition, the story really takes on a life of its own. I was thoroughly entertained with each chapter. Definitely check it out if you are a fan of Asian culture and/or mythology.
This is the story of the adventures of a young and rebellious Takuan. But we are really in for a treat with the detailed descriptions of each of the characters. Ryū Zhong really draws you in with words. You really get a sense that Ryū is very familiar with the Asian culture and how technology can cause further human challenges.
Part Japanese and Chinese mythology and part superstition, the story really takes on a life of its own. I was thoroughly entertained with each chapter. Definitely check it out if you are a fan of Asian culture and/or mythology.
October 6, 2023
This is an absolutely beautiful book. From the imagery, the conversations, and the world building. It's all outstanding. This has to be one of the top fantasy books that I have read in a very long time. I'm going to be on the lookout for the next book by him.
January 23, 2024
Big thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book was exactly what I hoped it would be: a captivating fusion of Chinese and Japanese mythos that I’ve genuinely never read anything like before. It has that lightning-fast style that often comes with translated works and for an anthology of three books, it really kept the pace up. I recommend Takuan’s adventure to anyone who needs a good folk tale in their lives!
This book was exactly what I hoped it would be: a captivating fusion of Chinese and Japanese mythos that I’ve genuinely never read anything like before. It has that lightning-fast style that often comes with translated works and for an anthology of three books, it really kept the pace up. I recommend Takuan’s adventure to anyone who needs a good folk tale in their lives!
November 12, 2023
More than reading this book is like watching a play right in front of you because some stories are written so well that one can imagine everything going on in the text while just reading, this book is a perfect example of this. It's a compilation of three series; Prince of blue flowers, Hunters of weredemons and Envoys of celestials that are somehow interlinked yet interesting. It's like an Asian ; Chinese or perhaps Japanese fantasy. It's a long book but no matter how much you read it makes you crave to read more and more. It's an overall amazing which keeps the reader busy and enthralled about the various happenings taking place. Highly recommended for all ages whether kids and adults who like to read adventures.
November 25, 2023
This book was a comeback for me to the fantasy genre that I haven’t read in a long time. I don’t think it’s an easy genre and I can get bored of it after a while but this one was a nice change of pace. I liked how every character was introduced and came to live. I’m not going to lie, there were a lot of characters to keep track of, from hunters, demons, sorcerers and whatnot, but once you get the hang of the world building its easier to follow along. While a bit longer than my usual reads, I prefer how it was structured into 3 parts (Prince of Blue Flowers, Hunters of Weredemons and Envoys of Celestials). The chapters weren’t too long on their own so it made it so much easier for me to keep reading. It was also made it seem shorter with everything going on, which there really is. Overall though, each story presented in each “part” is light, humorous, and anybody of any age can try it.
November 10, 2023
Adventures of Takuan from Koto is a wonderful story by Ryu Zhong. This installment describes the adventures of Takuan, a teenager that spends some time in a monastery where he learns to manage and master his cunning and restlessness… for a good or bad cause? You must read the book and accompany this feverish character in his quest to find the answer. It is a fantasy story where many magical and witty characters are introduced.
I truly appreciate the quick-wit of the writer himself, and found his writing style to be quite enjoyable in a simplistic, and yet gripping way overall. For those who are looking to explore a fiction novel unlike anything they have read before, this is one to check out.
I truly appreciate the quick-wit of the writer himself, and found his writing style to be quite enjoyable in a simplistic, and yet gripping way overall. For those who are looking to explore a fiction novel unlike anything they have read before, this is one to check out.
November 12, 2023
This book was so interesting and thought provoking. There were so many twists and turns and you slowly start to realize it all ties together in the end. The main character was crazy with his antics and I think that’s what made the book so interesting. I also loved the beginning of the book. I won’t give away too much info, but it is truly a page turner.
October 4, 2023
Ryu Zhong's debut collection is a look through a pan-Asian landscape so richly detailed that it could easily serve as the backdrop for a painting.
Much like watching a Netflix adaptation of Asian folklore can give a delightful primer for this literary journey, diving into Adventures of Takuan from Koto felt like opening the door to a vivid, colourful world. It's charming, light-hearted, and more layered than one might initially assume, with the author seemingly coming from nowhere.
An aspect of the book I found interesting is how it incorporates characters ranging from the magical to the mundane yet makes each of them feel relevant and integral to the story. When we first meet Ta-Guan, the mischievous marten who sets the sun—and thereby the story—in motion, we are also introduced to themes of ambition and its unintended consequences. It's hard not to be endeared by Ta-Guan's vim, yet we quickly see how her actions ripple across the realms, eventually leading us to the titular character, Takuan.
What struck me as particularly satisfying was the narrative voice. It's like listening to an elder narrate folklore by firelight, sprinkling in sayings, wisdom, and cheeky humour. "If you want to know more, come back and listen to the rest of the story tomorrow," the words seem to tease after every chapter.
Meditation, an integral part of Asian cultures, isn't just a backdrop here—it plays an active role in character development and plot progression. We see Soliang turn to meditation as a means of navigating through the labyrinthine challenges he encounters. These little cultural touchpoints add depth to what could otherwise have been a simple tale of adventure.
The book doesn't shy away from moral lessons either, but it does so without being preachy like some others can come across. Themes of greed, anger, and ignorance unfurl naturally through the characters' actions and choices. Whether it's Takuan's roguish wit, Ta-Guan's determined ambition, or Soliang's contemplative wisdom, each character serves as a lens through which we can examine these universally human traits.
If you're looking for a fun book that you can dive into that offers depth, laughter, and wisdom set in the backdrop of Asian Folklore, this is a great entry point :)
Much like watching a Netflix adaptation of Asian folklore can give a delightful primer for this literary journey, diving into Adventures of Takuan from Koto felt like opening the door to a vivid, colourful world. It's charming, light-hearted, and more layered than one might initially assume, with the author seemingly coming from nowhere.
An aspect of the book I found interesting is how it incorporates characters ranging from the magical to the mundane yet makes each of them feel relevant and integral to the story. When we first meet Ta-Guan, the mischievous marten who sets the sun—and thereby the story—in motion, we are also introduced to themes of ambition and its unintended consequences. It's hard not to be endeared by Ta-Guan's vim, yet we quickly see how her actions ripple across the realms, eventually leading us to the titular character, Takuan.
What struck me as particularly satisfying was the narrative voice. It's like listening to an elder narrate folklore by firelight, sprinkling in sayings, wisdom, and cheeky humour. "If you want to know more, come back and listen to the rest of the story tomorrow," the words seem to tease after every chapter.
Meditation, an integral part of Asian cultures, isn't just a backdrop here—it plays an active role in character development and plot progression. We see Soliang turn to meditation as a means of navigating through the labyrinthine challenges he encounters. These little cultural touchpoints add depth to what could otherwise have been a simple tale of adventure.
The book doesn't shy away from moral lessons either, but it does so without being preachy like some others can come across. Themes of greed, anger, and ignorance unfurl naturally through the characters' actions and choices. Whether it's Takuan's roguish wit, Ta-Guan's determined ambition, or Soliang's contemplative wisdom, each character serves as a lens through which we can examine these universally human traits.
If you're looking for a fun book that you can dive into that offers depth, laughter, and wisdom set in the backdrop of Asian Folklore, this is a great entry point :)
April 4, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5 Penguins (rounded down)
Quick Reasons: super cute, light-hearted read set in an alternate, medieval Pan-Asia; Takuan the Trickster is an intriguing, though often impulsive, character; the trickster fox was the PERFECT addition; entertaining, fast-paced, reads as if it were being spoken aloud
HUGE thanks to Ryu Zhong, Anno Ruini Books, and Lola's Blog Tours for the title! My review is voluntarily written and in no way altered or impacted by this gesture.
"Your destiny is away from Surin, esteemed sir. The stars never lie." With that, he raised his hand, pointing to a sky that contained only a single star.
The stars never lied, but it was only because the stars could not speak. People spoke, and they all lied, one as bad as another. Takuan did not mention this to the merchant.
This read was super cute, fast-paced, and filled to the absolute BRIM with history. Ryu Zhong pulled upon various mythologies, origin stories, and bedtime tales to weave a narrative of adventure, coming-of-age, and trickery fun. The juxtaposition between the stone marten seeking to capture the sun, and Takuan the Trickster coming into his own, was well-balanced and entertaining. Set in a (slightly) alternate universe, magic is rooted into the corners of every page of this read, really bringing the feel of the mysterious and the mystical to life.
This is a very long read, but that is due to this actually being 3 "books" all combined into one binding. On top of this, this tale is written in a way that reads as if it were being spoken aloud, with all of the chapters closing by "breaking the fourth wall" so to speak and nodding to the reader in an effort to convince them to continue reading. Sprinkled throughout, the narrator breaks the story telling to provide context, foreboding, and (in some instances) foretelling secrets. This helped to really set the stage for this being meant to be an ORAL narrative...but also helps to "break up" the story and make it more approachable for readers, in my opinion.
"This is where the sun lives!" so thought the marten, pouring warm sand between her claws. The sun itself loomed right over the marten's head with a mocking smile--or so it seemed to the marten, and she made a fist at it. "Laugh, laugh!" she called. "The night will come, and I will catch you!"
I definitely recommend this to lovers of historical mythologies/origin stories, fantasies set in a slightly alternate world where magic reigns free, and those who enjoy a good amount of trickery humor with their journeys. This is an entertaining, fast-paced, hefty read of coming into your own and finding your way, and I had a ton of fun following along with our characters. Are you ready for an adventure, Penguins?
Quick Reasons: super cute, light-hearted read set in an alternate, medieval Pan-Asia; Takuan the Trickster is an intriguing, though often impulsive, character; the trickster fox was the PERFECT addition; entertaining, fast-paced, reads as if it were being spoken aloud
HUGE thanks to Ryu Zhong, Anno Ruini Books, and Lola's Blog Tours for the title! My review is voluntarily written and in no way altered or impacted by this gesture.
"Your destiny is away from Surin, esteemed sir. The stars never lie." With that, he raised his hand, pointing to a sky that contained only a single star.
The stars never lied, but it was only because the stars could not speak. People spoke, and they all lied, one as bad as another. Takuan did not mention this to the merchant.
This read was super cute, fast-paced, and filled to the absolute BRIM with history. Ryu Zhong pulled upon various mythologies, origin stories, and bedtime tales to weave a narrative of adventure, coming-of-age, and trickery fun. The juxtaposition between the stone marten seeking to capture the sun, and Takuan the Trickster coming into his own, was well-balanced and entertaining. Set in a (slightly) alternate universe, magic is rooted into the corners of every page of this read, really bringing the feel of the mysterious and the mystical to life.
This is a very long read, but that is due to this actually being 3 "books" all combined into one binding. On top of this, this tale is written in a way that reads as if it were being spoken aloud, with all of the chapters closing by "breaking the fourth wall" so to speak and nodding to the reader in an effort to convince them to continue reading. Sprinkled throughout, the narrator breaks the story telling to provide context, foreboding, and (in some instances) foretelling secrets. This helped to really set the stage for this being meant to be an ORAL narrative...but also helps to "break up" the story and make it more approachable for readers, in my opinion.
"This is where the sun lives!" so thought the marten, pouring warm sand between her claws. The sun itself loomed right over the marten's head with a mocking smile--or so it seemed to the marten, and she made a fist at it. "Laugh, laugh!" she called. "The night will come, and I will catch you!"
I definitely recommend this to lovers of historical mythologies/origin stories, fantasies set in a slightly alternate world where magic reigns free, and those who enjoy a good amount of trickery humor with their journeys. This is an entertaining, fast-paced, hefty read of coming into your own and finding your way, and I had a ton of fun following along with our characters. Are you ready for an adventure, Penguins?
January 19, 2024
Witty and charmy blends so nicely throughout this book. It was such an enjoyable read that I had a hard time putting it down and would always think about it whenever it wasn’t in my hands. Zhong is such a mastermind when it comes to reading his work. This was such an amazing story told throughout Chinese folklore and so many interesting characters! It’s a great story to have your imagination run wild with too!
After a couple of years at a monastery, Takeuan leaves to find his lost family. During the journey, he runs into surprising encounters of all different shapes and sizes.
Even though this was a great book, it is worded for a younger audience such as higher middle school or lower high school students. It was a refreshing read since I tend to read more “adult” fantasy stories, but I enjoyed the simplicity and world building this had. I was so immersed in this, I read it way to fast and was sad to see it gone. It also had comical sections which I was desperately looking for and didn’t even know it. I also enjoyed how Zhong would leave each chapter with something like “if you want to know more, just keep reading.” It’s something I hardly run into it made it so much more powerful.
I’m not very familiar with the Buddhist and Japanese lifestyle or folklore but this wasn’t overly complicated or simply thrown out there. I was able to follow along well and felt myself understanding more and more of a different culture. But even with that, the fantasy and magic and wonder are mixed in and helps with the clash of cultures.
It is also a great book for someone who needs the extra push towards self-discovery and how people can be overcome with greed and anger. It has certain parts where it tells major life lessons which I believe more books need.
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After a couple of years at a monastery, Takeuan leaves to find his lost family. During the journey, he runs into surprising encounters of all different shapes and sizes.
Even though this was a great book, it is worded for a younger audience such as higher middle school or lower high school students. It was a refreshing read since I tend to read more “adult” fantasy stories, but I enjoyed the simplicity and world building this had. I was so immersed in this, I read it way to fast and was sad to see it gone. It also had comical sections which I was desperately looking for and didn’t even know it. I also enjoyed how Zhong would leave each chapter with something like “if you want to know more, just keep reading.” It’s something I hardly run into it made it so much more powerful.
I’m not very familiar with the Buddhist and Japanese lifestyle or folklore but this wasn’t overly complicated or simply thrown out there. I was able to follow along well and felt myself understanding more and more of a different culture. But even with that, the fantasy and magic and wonder are mixed in and helps with the clash of cultures.
It is also a great book for someone who needs the extra push towards self-discovery and how people can be overcome with greed and anger. It has certain parts where it tells major life lessons which I believe more books need.
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2023
Review for "Adventures of Takuan from Koto" by Ryu Zhong
"Adventures of Takuan from Koto" by Ryu Zhong is a delightful and accessible journey into Asian folklore. While the writing style occasionally nudges you to read on and revisits past events, these aspects, though not my preference, are easily overlooked in the overall enjoyment of the tale.
This young adult book serves as a captivating introduction to Asian folklore, and I found the experience to be both entertaining and enlightening. Zhong's narrative provides a gateway into a rich tapestry of stories and storytellers, sparking a genuine interest to delve deeper into this genre. The seamless blend of adventure and cultural exploration makes it an excellent starting point for those new to Asian folklore.
The charm of "Adventures of Takuan from Koto" lies in its ability to make folklore accessible to a young adult audience, offering an excellent entry point into a world of diverse narratives. I look forward to exploring more stories within this genre, thanks to the enjoyable and engaging foundation laid by this book. A solid four-star read that piques curiosity and leaves room for more literary adventures.
"Adventures of Takuan from Koto" by Ryu Zhong is a delightful and accessible journey into Asian folklore. While the writing style occasionally nudges you to read on and revisits past events, these aspects, though not my preference, are easily overlooked in the overall enjoyment of the tale.
This young adult book serves as a captivating introduction to Asian folklore, and I found the experience to be both entertaining and enlightening. Zhong's narrative provides a gateway into a rich tapestry of stories and storytellers, sparking a genuine interest to delve deeper into this genre. The seamless blend of adventure and cultural exploration makes it an excellent starting point for those new to Asian folklore.
The charm of "Adventures of Takuan from Koto" lies in its ability to make folklore accessible to a young adult audience, offering an excellent entry point into a world of diverse narratives. I look forward to exploring more stories within this genre, thanks to the enjoyable and engaging foundation laid by this book. A solid four-star read that piques curiosity and leaves room for more literary adventures.
September 19, 2023
If you're on the lookout for a captivating read that whisks you away into the mystical realms of Asian folklore, then look no further than "Adventures of Takuan from Koto" by Ryū Zhong. This enchanting book weaves a tapestry of tales that will leave you spellbound from start to finish.
In the first part of the story, we meet the mischievous marten Ta-Guan, whose quest for the sun leads her to an unexpected encounter with immortality. However, her delayed entry into the Celestial Realm sets off a chain of events that reverberate all the way down to the Earthen Realm. Ta-Guan's actions introduce us to a cast of intriguing characters, including the clever Hatsukoi/Takuan and his loyal companion Jin, a fox with a knack for aiding our protagonist.
As the narrative unfolds, we're introduced to the monk Soliang, embarking on a mission to rescue Yanwang from demons unleashed by Ta-Guan. Alongside him is Wang-Zhu Leizu, a demon hunter sworn to protect him. Throughout the story, these characters' lives intersect in surprising ways, illustrating how the consequences of one marten's actions can reshape both the earthly and divine realms.
The book masterfully explores themes of greed, anger, and ignorance as the three roots of evil that can take root in the human heart. Takuan's antics provide valuable lessons, and his encounters with characters like the cunning Bricabrac highlight the idea that there's always someone craftier than you. Soliang's presence is a comforting constant as he navigates challenges, including the demons sent by Bing Lieu to steal magical objects.
One of the book's standout features is its emphasis on the value and significance of meditation, a practice deeply rooted in Asian culture. The narrative frequently references monasteries, enriching the immersive world crafted by the author.
Each chapter leaves you yearning for more, as significant events close with the promise that the tale continues in the next installment. This aspect makes it an ideal book for families, where parents can read these captivating stories to their children. It's a remarkable compilation of tales, and I wholeheartedly recommend adding this book to your collection.
China's stories have always held a magical allure, and this book is no exception. Here, you'll encounter enchanting beings like sorcerers, princes, gods, demons, and weredemons, each contributing to the growth and development of our beloved protagonists.
At the end of the book, you'll find the mission statement: "Our mission is to bring Ryū Zhong’s works to readers of the West." This mission is undoubtedly accomplished in this work, making it a fantastic tool for introducing children to the wonders of Asian culture. Dive into these mystical tales, and let your imagination soar as you explore the rich and vibrant world of Asian folklore.
In the first part of the story, we meet the mischievous marten Ta-Guan, whose quest for the sun leads her to an unexpected encounter with immortality. However, her delayed entry into the Celestial Realm sets off a chain of events that reverberate all the way down to the Earthen Realm. Ta-Guan's actions introduce us to a cast of intriguing characters, including the clever Hatsukoi/Takuan and his loyal companion Jin, a fox with a knack for aiding our protagonist.
As the narrative unfolds, we're introduced to the monk Soliang, embarking on a mission to rescue Yanwang from demons unleashed by Ta-Guan. Alongside him is Wang-Zhu Leizu, a demon hunter sworn to protect him. Throughout the story, these characters' lives intersect in surprising ways, illustrating how the consequences of one marten's actions can reshape both the earthly and divine realms.
The book masterfully explores themes of greed, anger, and ignorance as the three roots of evil that can take root in the human heart. Takuan's antics provide valuable lessons, and his encounters with characters like the cunning Bricabrac highlight the idea that there's always someone craftier than you. Soliang's presence is a comforting constant as he navigates challenges, including the demons sent by Bing Lieu to steal magical objects.
One of the book's standout features is its emphasis on the value and significance of meditation, a practice deeply rooted in Asian culture. The narrative frequently references monasteries, enriching the immersive world crafted by the author.
Each chapter leaves you yearning for more, as significant events close with the promise that the tale continues in the next installment. This aspect makes it an ideal book for families, where parents can read these captivating stories to their children. It's a remarkable compilation of tales, and I wholeheartedly recommend adding this book to your collection.
China's stories have always held a magical allure, and this book is no exception. Here, you'll encounter enchanting beings like sorcerers, princes, gods, demons, and weredemons, each contributing to the growth and development of our beloved protagonists.
At the end of the book, you'll find the mission statement: "Our mission is to bring Ryū Zhong’s works to readers of the West." This mission is undoubtedly accomplished in this work, making it a fantastic tool for introducing children to the wonders of Asian culture. Dive into these mystical tales, and let your imagination soar as you explore the rich and vibrant world of Asian folklore.
November 16, 2023
This book is a fantasy classic that’s full of mischief and adventures. I love how the author vividly illustrated the characters of the story, from its main lead down to the supporting characters. The story is well-written and each scenario’s description is on point.
December 1, 2023
The mystic narrative holds a certain allure. When Ryu Zhong takes a character out of focus, they fade away and take a neutral and respectful position and anyone who has played video games at least once would get the connection. This delicate strategy moves the work from the antiquity of mythical tales into the realm of contemporary writing with modern themes and ideals. Really impressive one at that."
November 15, 2023
I liked this book and I pretty enjoyed reading it. The writing is so good that I was drawn into a lively universe where the lines separating fiction and reality are blurred by the amazing details and evocative descriptions.
The visual design of its cover undoubtedly gives an extra point to this masterpiece. The drawing it contains is well-done and evocative. Another aspect I enjoyed a lot about it is the surprise factor and the unexpected twists since it didn’t end out the way I assumed!
As regards the characters, they are good, however, from my point of view, it’s the weakest aspect of the book; I think they could have been developed a little more but it’s only my appreciation.
The visual design of its cover undoubtedly gives an extra point to this masterpiece. The drawing it contains is well-done and evocative. Another aspect I enjoyed a lot about it is the surprise factor and the unexpected twists since it didn’t end out the way I assumed!
As regards the characters, they are good, however, from my point of view, it’s the weakest aspect of the book; I think they could have been developed a little more but it’s only my appreciation.
October 30, 2023
A good read if you're a fan of Asian folklore
I downloaded this book expecting to get one story but, to my great delight, got at least five! The tale starts off with the stone Marten - Ta Guan, and eventually makes its way to our main protagonist - Takuan (aka Hatsukoi or Sung-Guan, depending on who you ask).
Takuan is a bit of a troublemaker, he's easily bored and finds that conning people comes naturally to him. Eventually, he decides to use his ability for good, which is how we get the main premise for the story (think Robin Hood but with magic, demons, monks and gods thrown into the mix).
Now, I should mention that the story is told in a bit of a round about fashion, in that there'll be a segment with a side character's story and down the line, we see how it progresses the main plot/ties back into Takuan's story. In terms of writing style, it came off as a bit of a narrative fairytale, where the author gives you preamble for the next chapter and a brief summary of the last, once you get there. Though these did take a little getting used to, they didn't detract from the overall feel of the story.
All in all this was a great and unpredictable adventure, with fun characters (shout out to fellow Jin stans!), that readers who are fans of Chinese legends such as 'The Monkey King' will definitely enjoy.
I downloaded this book expecting to get one story but, to my great delight, got at least five! The tale starts off with the stone Marten - Ta Guan, and eventually makes its way to our main protagonist - Takuan (aka Hatsukoi or Sung-Guan, depending on who you ask).
Takuan is a bit of a troublemaker, he's easily bored and finds that conning people comes naturally to him. Eventually, he decides to use his ability for good, which is how we get the main premise for the story (think Robin Hood but with magic, demons, monks and gods thrown into the mix).
Now, I should mention that the story is told in a bit of a round about fashion, in that there'll be a segment with a side character's story and down the line, we see how it progresses the main plot/ties back into Takuan's story. In terms of writing style, it came off as a bit of a narrative fairytale, where the author gives you preamble for the next chapter and a brief summary of the last, once you get there. Though these did take a little getting used to, they didn't detract from the overall feel of the story.
All in all this was a great and unpredictable adventure, with fun characters (shout out to fellow Jin stans!), that readers who are fans of Chinese legends such as 'The Monkey King' will definitely enjoy.
September 17, 2023
Ryu Zhong's book is a quick read, where I soared through the plot, pausing only to laugh and remember another proverb.
Ryu Zhong doesn't preach morals or judge characters; he lets readers set their own boundaries. Yet each new braggart, villain, or miser punished by Hatsukoi leaves a mark of boasting, anger, and greed. As a result, innocent antics no longer appear innocent, although they remain playful and entertaining. Importantly, the reader measures the mischief that led Hatsukoi astray based on their own judgment.
This book evokes memories of Roddy Doyle's "Paddy Clarke" and Joyce's "Dubliners", both famous classic. It may seem odd to compare Irish lads to a Chinese rascal, but Hatsukoi, like the heroes in those stories, can turn any dull day and routine work into an adventure.
He's the same kind of trickster: an unwavering rule-breaker, and trouble seems to roll off him like water off a duck's back. Only the wise readers understand that not anyone can bear the burden being "just like Hatsukoi". In literary history, such heroes have always guided readers on how to cope with life's heavy trials.
‘Takuan from Koto’ boasts a rich, unique, and vibrant cultural palette.
The characters here are all peculiar: gods, stronger than humans, get flustered when it comes to love; a talking marten hunts the sun; Jin the fox cub constantly disappears and reappears out of nowhere; warrior Leizu has a very delicate soul right next to his pig's snout. Ryu Zhong also introduces quite unusual monks who wear funny straw baskets on their heads.
The details of this palette draw readers into global cultures: Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Japanese folktales and myths. The names of the places the heroes travel to in the world of ‘Prince of Blue Flowers’ also refer to the real world. Chinayindu corresponds to Indochina, Auyasku to Alaska, and Bijin to Beijing.
I recommend this book to readers aged eight to forty, especially those interested in young heroes, Asian culture, and well-crafted worlds filled richly with references to the present day.
There is something intriguing about the mysteries hidden within stories.
When Ryu Zhong puts a character out of focus, the character fades out and adopt a neutral and respectful stance, awaiting the author's permission to act. I believe this is deliberate and imparts a unique tone to the world of ‘Takuan from Koto’, readily understood by anyone who has played video games at least once.
This subtle technique transitions the book from the antique realm of mythological tales right into the domain of contemporary literature of modern themes and values.
Ryu Zhong doesn't preach morals or judge characters; he lets readers set their own boundaries. Yet each new braggart, villain, or miser punished by Hatsukoi leaves a mark of boasting, anger, and greed. As a result, innocent antics no longer appear innocent, although they remain playful and entertaining. Importantly, the reader measures the mischief that led Hatsukoi astray based on their own judgment.
This book evokes memories of Roddy Doyle's "Paddy Clarke" and Joyce's "Dubliners", both famous classic. It may seem odd to compare Irish lads to a Chinese rascal, but Hatsukoi, like the heroes in those stories, can turn any dull day and routine work into an adventure.
He's the same kind of trickster: an unwavering rule-breaker, and trouble seems to roll off him like water off a duck's back. Only the wise readers understand that not anyone can bear the burden being "just like Hatsukoi". In literary history, such heroes have always guided readers on how to cope with life's heavy trials.
‘Takuan from Koto’ boasts a rich, unique, and vibrant cultural palette.
The characters here are all peculiar: gods, stronger than humans, get flustered when it comes to love; a talking marten hunts the sun; Jin the fox cub constantly disappears and reappears out of nowhere; warrior Leizu has a very delicate soul right next to his pig's snout. Ryu Zhong also introduces quite unusual monks who wear funny straw baskets on their heads.
The details of this palette draw readers into global cultures: Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Japanese folktales and myths. The names of the places the heroes travel to in the world of ‘Prince of Blue Flowers’ also refer to the real world. Chinayindu corresponds to Indochina, Auyasku to Alaska, and Bijin to Beijing.
I recommend this book to readers aged eight to forty, especially those interested in young heroes, Asian culture, and well-crafted worlds filled richly with references to the present day.
There is something intriguing about the mysteries hidden within stories.
When Ryu Zhong puts a character out of focus, the character fades out and adopt a neutral and respectful stance, awaiting the author's permission to act. I believe this is deliberate and imparts a unique tone to the world of ‘Takuan from Koto’, readily understood by anyone who has played video games at least once.
This subtle technique transitions the book from the antique realm of mythological tales right into the domain of contemporary literature of modern themes and values.
September 26, 2023
Perfect book for fantasy lovers.
If your looking for an enthralling, mind captivating book, “Ryū Zong’s Adventures of Takuan from Koto” is the perfect book for you. The book tells a story about a village boy named after a celestial Marten Takuan due to his mischievous behaviour. The young trickster unknowingly embarks on a mission in which the the fate of the world lies in his hands. The way the author uses language to make you picture the story in your head is truly magnificent. The book effectively explains the three themes of anger, ignorance and greed as these evil powers can easily settle in human hearts. It has adventure, fantasy, mystery and humour which keeps the story alive and action packed. One of my favourite features of the book is how it showcases the significance of meditation (a practice that involves focusing or clearing your mind using a combination of mental and physical techniques typically used in Asian culture.) If your a fan of adventures, fantasies and learning of new cultures, “Ryū Zong’s Adventures of Takuan from Koto” is the perfect book for you. I highly recommended this book for all, young or old.
If your looking for an enthralling, mind captivating book, “Ryū Zong’s Adventures of Takuan from Koto” is the perfect book for you. The book tells a story about a village boy named after a celestial Marten Takuan due to his mischievous behaviour. The young trickster unknowingly embarks on a mission in which the the fate of the world lies in his hands. The way the author uses language to make you picture the story in your head is truly magnificent. The book effectively explains the three themes of anger, ignorance and greed as these evil powers can easily settle in human hearts. It has adventure, fantasy, mystery and humour which keeps the story alive and action packed. One of my favourite features of the book is how it showcases the significance of meditation (a practice that involves focusing or clearing your mind using a combination of mental and physical techniques typically used in Asian culture.) If your a fan of adventures, fantasies and learning of new cultures, “Ryū Zong’s Adventures of Takuan from Koto” is the perfect book for you. I highly recommended this book for all, young or old.
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