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Noah Reid #0.5
Unleashed
THE MAKING OF A MONSTER
Warp speed action. Gripping story. Compelling read.
From China's ancient spiritual center, the rogue monk Chin arises to redefine Shaolin Kung Fu as a battle plan for his lust for criminal power. Cruelty, murder, and torture are this monk's hallmarks.
How did Chin become like this? More importantly, as he builds his global criminal syndicate, will no one stop this errant true believer? Can anyone stop Chin and his criminal army? Do they even have the guts to try?
Just like classic literary villains like Tony Soprano or Keyser Söze, Chin gladly spills rivers of blood to force the world's underbelly to kowtow to his plans.
With cold, unblinking precision, author Wesley Robert Lowe takes you all the way inside this icy criminal empire. Unleashed is the perfect introduction to the psychopathic cosmos of Shaolin Darkness.
Warp speed action. Gripping story. Compelling read.
From China's ancient spiritual center, the rogue monk Chin arises to redefine Shaolin Kung Fu as a battle plan for his lust for criminal power. Cruelty, murder, and torture are this monk's hallmarks.
How did Chin become like this? More importantly, as he builds his global criminal syndicate, will no one stop this errant true believer? Can anyone stop Chin and his criminal army? Do they even have the guts to try?
Just like classic literary villains like Tony Soprano or Keyser Söze, Chin gladly spills rivers of blood to force the world's underbelly to kowtow to his plans.
With cold, unblinking precision, author Wesley Robert Lowe takes you all the way inside this icy criminal empire. Unleashed is the perfect introduction to the psychopathic cosmos of Shaolin Darkness.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2014
76 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Wesley Robert Lowe
40 books34 followersI write what I know and care about.
My work is infused with relentless furious action and/or paranormal charismata. Contemporary worlds infused with mysticism. Breathless, brain-twisting plots. High stakes suspense that churns the psyche.
But ultimately it is knowing and experiencing the lives of people that provide the impetus of Stories that Grip the Soul.
I've made music with Kainai First Nations, helped save Russian refugees from deportation, hung with Martial Arts Grandmasters, counseled WWII vets on their deathbeds. Not to mention deep Chinese, cultural participation,
Wesley Robert Lowe is an award-winning writer, filmmaker and composer (including four seasons on Sesame St.).
My work is infused with relentless furious action and/or paranormal charismata. Contemporary worlds infused with mysticism. Breathless, brain-twisting plots. High stakes suspense that churns the psyche.
But ultimately it is knowing and experiencing the lives of people that provide the impetus of Stories that Grip the Soul.
I've made music with Kainai First Nations, helped save Russian refugees from deportation, hung with Martial Arts Grandmasters, counseled WWII vets on their deathbeds. Not to mention deep Chinese, cultural participation,
Wesley Robert Lowe is an award-winning writer, filmmaker and composer (including four seasons on Sesame St.).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 16, 2014
Not a bad read. The main problem with this novelette is that it is a lot of tell rather than show; the vast majority of it is background info.
That being said, this makes for a great companion novel. It tells the story of how the villain in "Tiger" comes to be who he is. The places where there is plenty of dialogue and action are well written, the story is decently paced. Though I am in the process of reading "Tiger," it seems like a good story so far, with clear, relatable dialogue and a villain you just love to hate. My suggestion: read "Tiger" first. If you like that, go back and read the prequel. It will help you appreciate it a lot more.
That being said, this makes for a great companion novel. It tells the story of how the villain in "Tiger" comes to be who he is. The places where there is plenty of dialogue and action are well written, the story is decently paced. Though I am in the process of reading "Tiger," it seems like a good story so far, with clear, relatable dialogue and a villain you just love to hate. My suggestion: read "Tiger" first. If you like that, go back and read the prequel. It will help you appreciate it a lot more.
October 19, 2016
"Eastern Promise"
The doorway to a martial arts series. In this version it's Enter The Tiger, but if you're a fan of the genre no doubt this will tick all the boxes. Lots of mysticism threaded through the action sequences. Very visual; it's been a long time since 'Grasshopper'. Maybe there's a late-night TV series in the offing?
The doorway to a martial arts series. In this version it's Enter The Tiger, but if you're a fan of the genre no doubt this will tick all the boxes. Lots of mysticism threaded through the action sequences. Very visual; it's been a long time since 'Grasshopper'. Maybe there's a late-night TV series in the offing?
May 2, 2018
An interesting introduction to the Shaolin philosophy, the main players and their histories and their plans for the future. Don't expect realism in everything. The violence against tigers is terrible, but if you understand that character's makeup/beliefs/culture, then you understand the violence. Some of the action is not realistic, so approach reading these books as entertainment, Hollywood-style. A lot of laughs are through out the books, some at the events unfolding, some from humor. There's a preview of each book, which I appreciate knowing.
Evil Rises - This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. The well written story introduces the Shaolin philosophy and the five important players in the Noah Reid series. The characters are interesting; their dialog realistic and streamlined; and while not a cliffhanger, the foundation is cast and continues. 4*
Noah In My Own Words - Noah's life story through law school before his adventurous life begins in earnest. Interesting, and has WR Lowe added into the short story. Tongue-in-cheek and there's a preview, which I appreciate knowing. I wouldn't buy this book outside of this boxed set; it's not needed. 3*
Betrayed - Fast paced; action packed; violent. Well written and interesting, but approach material as Hollywood influenced with some of the events working out a little too well. But the story moves on. How an elderly man ended 54 stories up on the outside of a building was never answered. Humorous from several different views points. Since I don't have the other books, there were players in this book I knew nothing about, but that didn't take away from the story since they were identified. No cliffhanger, but there's more to the series. 4*
Evil Rises - This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. The well written story introduces the Shaolin philosophy and the five important players in the Noah Reid series. The characters are interesting; their dialog realistic and streamlined; and while not a cliffhanger, the foundation is cast and continues. 4*
Noah In My Own Words - Noah's life story through law school before his adventurous life begins in earnest. Interesting, and has WR Lowe added into the short story. Tongue-in-cheek and there's a preview, which I appreciate knowing. I wouldn't buy this book outside of this boxed set; it's not needed. 3*
Betrayed - Fast paced; action packed; violent. Well written and interesting, but approach material as Hollywood influenced with some of the events working out a little too well. But the story moves on. How an elderly man ended 54 stories up on the outside of a building was never answered. Humorous from several different views points. Since I don't have the other books, there were players in this book I knew nothing about, but that didn't take away from the story since they were identified. No cliffhanger, but there's more to the series. 4*
May 24, 2017
This is just a short prequel to Lowe's Noah Reid series, with a little extract from the first book included at the end. The story itself is only about 35 pages long.
There's a little intro to the culture and the origin of Shaolin Martial Arts, which is an important theme in this story. It helped to understand the story, so I appreciated that detail.
The beginning of this story is almost a prequel to the prequel; the childhood experience of Wudan, who would later become Master Wu. Why he chose to take up Shaolin training, and then why he decided to leave "Heaven" to teach the art to others.
The protagonist of the series, Noah, is introduced in this story. He's not a big character here, though - we're simply given a taste of what he'll be like and what purpose he will serve. Instead, this story focuses on some of Master Wu's students: Tommy, Garret, and (presumably) the antagonist of the series, Chin. We see how Chin went from a young student to a criminal businessman, and are even given some of his motives. And then, after a tragic "accident", we see his former friends and colleagues planning to defeat him when the time comes.
I like the idea of this, and having all this backstory is really interesting. But this was one of those books that just didn't stand put to me. The writing seemed mediocre, the characters average at best. I didn't dislike it, exactly, but it didn't really excite or interest me. 2.5 stars, as it wasn't awful but it just wasn't my kind of thing.
There's a little intro to the culture and the origin of Shaolin Martial Arts, which is an important theme in this story. It helped to understand the story, so I appreciated that detail.
The beginning of this story is almost a prequel to the prequel; the childhood experience of Wudan, who would later become Master Wu. Why he chose to take up Shaolin training, and then why he decided to leave "Heaven" to teach the art to others.
The protagonist of the series, Noah, is introduced in this story. He's not a big character here, though - we're simply given a taste of what he'll be like and what purpose he will serve. Instead, this story focuses on some of Master Wu's students: Tommy, Garret, and (presumably) the antagonist of the series, Chin. We see how Chin went from a young student to a criminal businessman, and are even given some of his motives. And then, after a tragic "accident", we see his former friends and colleagues planning to defeat him when the time comes.
I like the idea of this, and having all this backstory is really interesting. But this was one of those books that just didn't stand put to me. The writing seemed mediocre, the characters average at best. I didn't dislike it, exactly, but it didn't really excite or interest me. 2.5 stars, as it wasn't awful but it just wasn't my kind of thing.
March 24, 2017
I had no idea this wasn't a full novel, but a prequel. I gave it a go anyway, but I was sorta bummed. It reminded me of the old movies on Kung Fu Theater, that I used to watch on the USA cable channel, back int he day.
Am I showing my age?
Anyway, Evil Rises, by Wesley Robert Lowe is about the rise of an empire based on Shaolin beliefs. Sadly, Chin took the teachings of Master Wu and became a Chinese Kingpin, but that's not really what this introduction to the Noah Reid series is about.
It gives background, history to what made Chin what he was. How he found a teacher and a family, who offered the best of Shaolin tradition and corrupted it. He became what Master Wu detested most. The short story shared a lot of information that will be necessary for the following three novels.
I can tell you, this story will have you riveted. Though I found a bit predictable, I have a feeling I'll be grabbing the other books. This was good and with later, listening to Lowe read the story through Audible, I found myself still happy with the storyline. The audio is a bit annoying and he doesn't have the best voice for the story, but Cheers to this guy!
*Full Review: http://www.areneehunt.com/the-reviews...
Evil Rises (A Noah Reid Action Thriller)
Wesley Robert Lowe
Published by Wesley Lowe Productions
June 5, 2014
Am I showing my age?
Anyway, Evil Rises, by Wesley Robert Lowe is about the rise of an empire based on Shaolin beliefs. Sadly, Chin took the teachings of Master Wu and became a Chinese Kingpin, but that's not really what this introduction to the Noah Reid series is about.
It gives background, history to what made Chin what he was. How he found a teacher and a family, who offered the best of Shaolin tradition and corrupted it. He became what Master Wu detested most. The short story shared a lot of information that will be necessary for the following three novels.
I can tell you, this story will have you riveted. Though I found a bit predictable, I have a feeling I'll be grabbing the other books. This was good and with later, listening to Lowe read the story through Audible, I found myself still happy with the storyline. The audio is a bit annoying and he doesn't have the best voice for the story, but Cheers to this guy!
*Full Review: http://www.areneehunt.com/the-reviews...
Evil Rises (A Noah Reid Action Thriller)
Wesley Robert Lowe
Published by Wesley Lowe Productions
June 5, 2014
May 21, 2017
Wudan is overjoyed when the town bully and his gang is beat up by the town drunk. The drunk sends him on a journey to gain the skills necessary to do combat. The story follows the initial journey and then jumps ahead twenty years to his teaching martial arts others under the name of Master Wu. Then it jumps to following three of his students and their illegal activities. It has some interesting concept and plotlines, but the characters are superficial and need additional development to make them believable. The author fails to deliver a complete story. There are unresolved subplots and no conclusion.
I received this book through a random InstraFreebie giveaway. Although encouraged as a courtesy to provide feedback, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I received this book through a random InstraFreebie giveaway. Although encouraged as a courtesy to provide feedback, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 25, 2017
Evil Rises by Wesley Robert Lowe is a thrilling read. Every page is full of action, choices, and danger. The suspense was in full force. An epic journey of one man determined to become a monk like the one he met. But once a good man...is now an evil one. I enjoyed watching this particular character go from one end of a spectrum to another. Quite interesting...to watch as it all unfolded.
Wesley Robert Lowe's writing is great. I was easily entertained and hooked. The character's life was becoming a sad one until he left it for another ....then it spiraled out even far worse than it started...and whether it will change for the better or not is for readers to dig in and read. I recommend this dark, violent, and engaging novel to readers everywhere.
Wesley Robert Lowe's writing is great. I was easily entertained and hooked. The character's life was becoming a sad one until he left it for another ....then it spiraled out even far worse than it started...and whether it will change for the better or not is for readers to dig in and read. I recommend this dark, violent, and engaging novel to readers everywhere.
October 1, 2017
The Noah Reid books are brilliant thrillers that are excellently written and keep you hooked from beginning to end. Full of action, adventure, intrigue, a hint of romance, and lots of awesome Kung Fu fighting, once you start reading them, you won't want to put them down! These series of books are being re-released by the author following an update, edit and additions, and they have only benefitted from the work. I'd definitely recommend it to all thriller, action, adventure and Kung Fu lovers!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
April 9, 2018
Not my cup of tea. And when I say that, I am having a hard time separating my dislike of this type of story with my objectivity of whether or not it was a decent story despite my instant dislike. It was short, not even a novella. Lots of background and explaining about where his main protagonists "roots" are buried. Also, lots of background of Shaolin martial arts. It was very dry and newspaper reporter like.
February 4, 2017
A good quick read as a background for the Noah Reid Action Thriller series.
If you haven't read Noah Reid #1 or are not intending to, don't read this book, as there is virtually no plot or storyline.
If you have, read this, it shows the background for all the main characters, and gives you a bit of a history lesson on the martial arts.
If you haven't read Noah Reid #1 or are not intending to, don't read this book, as there is virtually no plot or storyline.
If you have, read this, it shows the background for all the main characters, and gives you a bit of a history lesson on the martial arts.
March 20, 2018
The shittiest book. The story just goes like a ass pee! There is absolutely nothing in this book. Damn boring.
The author should go to some writing classes to learn how to write, what is showing, how telling can be boring.
Just don't waste your time. The story is a cliche, characters are not strong, no grip on the story flow.
The author should go to some writing classes to learn how to write, what is showing, how telling can be boring.
Just don't waste your time. The story is a cliche, characters are not strong, no grip on the story flow.
September 28, 2018
Enjoyable
3.5* rounded up
I found the backstory illuminating, if not a little over the top.
Unlike the author's other short story I have read, this was clear, concise and fully structured. Certainly I think that the story could have been extended in places however I feel the ending was perfect.
3.5* rounded up
I found the backstory illuminating, if not a little over the top.
Unlike the author's other short story I have read, this was clear, concise and fully structured. Certainly I think that the story could have been extended in places however I feel the ending was perfect.
August 1, 2018
I found the writing style dry and emotionless. The character development was just barely enough to make the characters worthy. The editing is clean and there is a story here, but it doesn't work for me. I won't be reading anymore of this series.
July 30, 2017
Great introduction to the series
August 17, 2017
For a prequel I felt as if this was lacking. It did cover all of the characters, maybe I would like it more if I had read the story, but this does not make me want to read it.
April 26, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
August 11, 2018
Prequel to a new series - good start - good solid background information and a peek of what’s to come.
August 14, 2018
This book prepare the reader for the start of a powerful group of people meeting Master With Chin, Tommy Garrett wow powerful. Will continue reading all books in this series and by this author
November 25, 2018
A great introduction to the Noah Reid series. If you like the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, then this is the series for you!
January 18, 2019
My first read from author Wesley Robert Lowe and the first Noah Reid book. I enjoyed it. Well-written. I'll be reading this author again!
May 4, 2020
This is written with the skill of Wesley lowe and it is the set up for the Noha Reid series. This is a good one to start the series. Short but really good.
March 25, 2017
This book was very well written. Made me want to read more of Mr. Lowe's work.
February 23, 2017
This was not a book
This was a 40 page preface to the Noah Reed series. Should never have been separated from the first book of the series.
This was a 40 page preface to the Noah Reed series. Should never have been separated from the first book of the series.
February 2, 2017
“Better to die trying than never to try at all.”
Welcome to the world of the Chinese monks that train and practice Shaolin kung fu. This is an ancient form of Hung Gar martial arts that mimics five animal styles. These are the tiger, snake, crane, leopard, and dragon, and each can be employed when circumstances call for them. This is the story of a precocious and strong-willed boy of twelve. Wudan lives in an isolated Chinese village, together with the Wu family clan. One day a monk arrived and stayed. Although most traveling monks are welcome wherever they go, this one wasn’t as disciplined and chaste as your average monk. He enjoyed alcoholic beverages far too much to endear him to the populace. On one given day, local misfits started harassing a young girl. The drunken monk chose to champion the girl and dispatched the group with amazing speed, agility, and skill. Wudan was so impressed; he asked if the monk would teach him this amazing form of martial art. The old monk refused but instead sent him on a journey of self-discovery.
This 2017 publication is fresh from the press. It reads like an imported Chinese martial art movies, as I could picture the amazing choreography performed by actors speaking English in poor synchronization. This is the story of a human experiment gone badly and the basic goodness of humanity, winning the day. Never forget that what goes around comes around. The story is rather crudely immaturity written but the message it states is clear. Our past, both good and bad, makes us what we are today. This book reads like an Oriental fable but, after a timely deliberation, I liked it.
Welcome to the world of the Chinese monks that train and practice Shaolin kung fu. This is an ancient form of Hung Gar martial arts that mimics five animal styles. These are the tiger, snake, crane, leopard, and dragon, and each can be employed when circumstances call for them. This is the story of a precocious and strong-willed boy of twelve. Wudan lives in an isolated Chinese village, together with the Wu family clan. One day a monk arrived and stayed. Although most traveling monks are welcome wherever they go, this one wasn’t as disciplined and chaste as your average monk. He enjoyed alcoholic beverages far too much to endear him to the populace. On one given day, local misfits started harassing a young girl. The drunken monk chose to champion the girl and dispatched the group with amazing speed, agility, and skill. Wudan was so impressed; he asked if the monk would teach him this amazing form of martial art. The old monk refused but instead sent him on a journey of self-discovery.
This 2017 publication is fresh from the press. It reads like an imported Chinese martial art movies, as I could picture the amazing choreography performed by actors speaking English in poor synchronization. This is the story of a human experiment gone badly and the basic goodness of humanity, winning the day. Never forget that what goes around comes around. The story is rather crudely immaturity written but the message it states is clear. Our past, both good and bad, makes us what we are today. This book reads like an Oriental fable but, after a timely deliberation, I liked it.
January 6, 2017
Evil Rises by Wesley Robert Lowe (Review) 1/6/17
Genesis of a Monster, the beginning!
Evil doesn’t just happen. Sometimes, the reasons are upbringing or environmental or genetic. When we encounter it, we ask, “Why? How?” Cruelty, murder and torture are the hallmarks of Chin, a ruthless Asian criminal kingpin. How did Chin become like this? After all, he was a disciple of one of most-respected Shaolin grandmasters in the world. What turned him? More importantly, will anyone be able to stop him? With cold, unblinking precision, EVIL RISES takes you all the way inside the beginnings of this icy criminal empire. This prequel novella sets the stage for the Noah Reid series, packed with breath-taking thrills and international adventures from secret monasteries in China to the vibrancy of New York.
What did I like? Master Wu, without a doubt! This is the story of the beginning and how the series all came about to the mess that Noah finds himself, Terror Unleashed!
What will you like? The descriptions surpass the ordinary and you will find yourself standing next to the characters every step of the way. Wes has the uncanny ability to draw a person into the scene and make you believe you can feel, touch and smell everything that is going on. This is a short prequel to Terror Unleashed and even though it is short and a quick easy read you will be spellbound.
This series is going to really take off, Wes has the pen of the stars and it is going to take him places, I am glad I was here in the beginning!
Genesis of a Monster, the beginning!
Evil doesn’t just happen. Sometimes, the reasons are upbringing or environmental or genetic. When we encounter it, we ask, “Why? How?” Cruelty, murder and torture are the hallmarks of Chin, a ruthless Asian criminal kingpin. How did Chin become like this? After all, he was a disciple of one of most-respected Shaolin grandmasters in the world. What turned him? More importantly, will anyone be able to stop him? With cold, unblinking precision, EVIL RISES takes you all the way inside the beginnings of this icy criminal empire. This prequel novella sets the stage for the Noah Reid series, packed with breath-taking thrills and international adventures from secret monasteries in China to the vibrancy of New York.
What did I like? Master Wu, without a doubt! This is the story of the beginning and how the series all came about to the mess that Noah finds himself, Terror Unleashed!
What will you like? The descriptions surpass the ordinary and you will find yourself standing next to the characters every step of the way. Wes has the uncanny ability to draw a person into the scene and make you believe you can feel, touch and smell everything that is going on. This is a short prequel to Terror Unleashed and even though it is short and a quick easy read you will be spellbound.
This series is going to really take off, Wes has the pen of the stars and it is going to take him places, I am glad I was here in the beginning!
November 28, 2016
EVIL RISES: Origins of a Psychopath (Noah Reid Action Thriller Series)
By: Wesley Robert Lowe
5 out of 5 stars
The story EVIL RISES: Origins of a Psychopath (Noah Reid Action Thriller Series) by Wesley Robert Lowe is a thrilling mystery book with a side order of terror. The character of Chin just radiates evil. This story sets the tone for the first book in the Noah Reid series. The attention to detail and the explanation of events makes following the story very easy. You don't feel like you're being drowned in a sea of events that you are trying to understand. I can't wait to read the first story in this series. I received a copy of this book and I voluntarily left a review.
By: Wesley Robert Lowe
5 out of 5 stars
The story EVIL RISES: Origins of a Psychopath (Noah Reid Action Thriller Series) by Wesley Robert Lowe is a thrilling mystery book with a side order of terror. The character of Chin just radiates evil. This story sets the tone for the first book in the Noah Reid series. The attention to detail and the explanation of events makes following the story very easy. You don't feel like you're being drowned in a sea of events that you are trying to understand. I can't wait to read the first story in this series. I received a copy of this book and I voluntarily left a review.
July 16, 2014
Very good
Very good
This very short version of Master Wu was very good, I read it in two hours. Reading about how Master Wu started and what he went through touched my heart. It felt like a Bruce Lee movie. I will read the entire series, that's how good the book was to me.
Very good
This very short version of Master Wu was very good, I read it in two hours. Reading about how Master Wu started and what he went through touched my heart. It felt like a Bruce Lee movie. I will read the entire series, that's how good the book was to me.
March 6, 2016
This book reminds me of those television ads that are letting you know of some big budget film coming out. You know it will be very good and you're only waiting until the release date. The book introduces the characters, the plot, the backstory, and a realistic timeline. It also, if you were paying attention, gives you a glimpse of the action to come.
December 5, 2016
Great read
I always have been curious about monks
and how they train for years but never hear about the ones that go off and use their training for bad . This was a very interesting book and a good page turner. Very good read and storyline.
I always have been curious about monks
and how they train for years but never hear about the ones that go off and use their training for bad . This was a very interesting book and a good page turner. Very good read and storyline.
November 21, 2016
Not your dad's Kung Fu
The extreme of martial arts mixed with a chunk of humor makes this a fun read. Bits of unexpected horror keeps the interest level high. I've already gotten the urge for the next book in the story.
The extreme of martial arts mixed with a chunk of humor makes this a fun read. Bits of unexpected horror keeps the interest level high. I've already gotten the urge for the next book in the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews