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Serang
Monastic life is all about duty, service, and harmony. For Serang, a young girl abandoned at the temple by her mother after the death of her father, that life becomes all she knows. The monks give her purpose, and become her new family.
When political upheaval brings chaos throughout the land, Serang again loses everything and everyone she loves. Alone, she struggles to survive. She convinces a wandering monk to take her under his wing and complete her training. Thus begin her adventures through strange lands and her trials to become a confident, capable, independent adult.
This is a coming of age story set in fantasy world. It's filled with monsters and martial arts, difficulties and dangers. The serious situations preclude the story from the levity of it's predecessor, Voyage of the Lanternfish, but it provides a compelling look at the origin of one of the saga's most fascinating characters.
When political upheaval brings chaos throughout the land, Serang again loses everything and everyone she loves. Alone, she struggles to survive. She convinces a wandering monk to take her under his wing and complete her training. Thus begin her adventures through strange lands and her trials to become a confident, capable, independent adult.
This is a coming of age story set in fantasy world. It's filled with monsters and martial arts, difficulties and dangers. The serious situations preclude the story from the levity of it's predecessor, Voyage of the Lanternfish, but it provides a compelling look at the origin of one of the saga's most fascinating characters.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2019
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 19, 2020
Serang’s life falls apart after her fisherman father dies at sea, and her mother, unable to support a child alone, leaves her at the local temple to be taken in and trained by the monks. The story follows Serang as she slowly begins to accept the massive change of direction her life has taken, and embrace the physical and mental challenges of her training. Then, a few years and a lot of lessons later, the outside world intrudes again, when the new emperor declares the monks no longer welcome in society, and backs this up by destroying the temples and having all the monks killed, forcing Serang down yet another path.
This is a slow burn novel plot-wise, but the monastic training (think Kung Fu, not Cadfael) is detailed and fascinating, bringing about a beautiful development of the eponymous character. She has her flaws and is often somewhat rebellious about accepting these, just like any teenager, but she possesses plenty of charm and a marvellous work-ethic, plus an interesting moral code that keeps evolving throughout the book.
The secondary characters are delightfully quirky, and the magic doesn’t take over the story but blends seamlessly into the world building, leaving you with a feeling that this is a familiar world, and yet not. It is also an easily visualised tale, with excellent fight scenes.
I have not read The Voyage of the Lanternfish, the novel in which Serang first appears, so I can assure you this book reads just fine as a standalone, and not only as a companion piece. Overall, if you are NOT looking for a rapid-fire action adventure, then I recommend this as a captivating coming-of-age story that held my attention the entire way through on the strength of the characterisation.
This is a slow burn novel plot-wise, but the monastic training (think Kung Fu, not Cadfael) is detailed and fascinating, bringing about a beautiful development of the eponymous character. She has her flaws and is often somewhat rebellious about accepting these, just like any teenager, but she possesses plenty of charm and a marvellous work-ethic, plus an interesting moral code that keeps evolving throughout the book.
The secondary characters are delightfully quirky, and the magic doesn’t take over the story but blends seamlessly into the world building, leaving you with a feeling that this is a familiar world, and yet not. It is also an easily visualised tale, with excellent fight scenes.
I have not read The Voyage of the Lanternfish, the novel in which Serang first appears, so I can assure you this book reads just fine as a standalone, and not only as a companion piece. Overall, if you are NOT looking for a rapid-fire action adventure, then I recommend this as a captivating coming-of-age story that held my attention the entire way through on the strength of the characterisation.
December 8, 2019
A vivid story that follows an orphan's path as she matures from a child adrift, to a confident young woman and warrior. Serang is a character from Boyack’s popular Voyage of the Lanternfish tale, but you needn’t have read that book to enjoy this story. It stands on its own, allowing the reader to grow with Serang.
Through the course of the story she learns valuable lessons—many from a wise monk—faces multiple challenges and discovers herself along the way. There is danger and adventure. Heartbreak as well, but there is also plenty of humor, and the ending delivers a beautiful reward. As a reader I loved seeing the growth of Serang’s character. Enjoy this as a backstory to Voyage of the Lanternfish, or as a brand-new tale. Either way, it is a wholly entertaining read!
Through the course of the story she learns valuable lessons—many from a wise monk—faces multiple challenges and discovers herself along the way. There is danger and adventure. Heartbreak as well, but there is also plenty of humor, and the ending delivers a beautiful reward. As a reader I loved seeing the growth of Serang’s character. Enjoy this as a backstory to Voyage of the Lanternfish, or as a brand-new tale. Either way, it is a wholly entertaining read!
February 6, 2020
After thoroughly enjoying Serang's character in Craig Boyack's earlier book, Voyage of the Lanternfish, I looked forward to reading all about her in her very own story.
It was great fun to read about Serang as a wilful child who had to learn to adapt to change and find a whole new way of living after family tragedy struck, and to see her grow into a formidable y0ung woman.
This is a fun fantasy read filled with a strong sense of humour as well as more serious moments. The writer has done a great job with world building and characterisation, and has obviously done his research on the subject matter.
Although this is a spin-off from a character from Voyage of the Lantern Fish, it works well as a standalone novel. Having read the first book, it's wonderful to learn where Serang's propensity for Huangjiu came from! Equally as fascinating is reading about her trials and tribulations set within the vast upheavals that beset the China of the day with an emperor bent on war and total domination.
A number of spelling issues, missing words, and missing or misplaced quote marks let down what was otherwise a brilliant read. However, for entertainment value and a rip-roaring read that will grab you by the throat and pull you right in, I can't recommend Serang highly enough. It gets a wonderful, solid 4 stars from me. And I'm eagerly awaiting the next book, Grinders, from this author.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
It was great fun to read about Serang as a wilful child who had to learn to adapt to change and find a whole new way of living after family tragedy struck, and to see her grow into a formidable y0ung woman.
This is a fun fantasy read filled with a strong sense of humour as well as more serious moments. The writer has done a great job with world building and characterisation, and has obviously done his research on the subject matter.
Although this is a spin-off from a character from Voyage of the Lantern Fish, it works well as a standalone novel. Having read the first book, it's wonderful to learn where Serang's propensity for Huangjiu came from! Equally as fascinating is reading about her trials and tribulations set within the vast upheavals that beset the China of the day with an emperor bent on war and total domination.
A number of spelling issues, missing words, and missing or misplaced quote marks let down what was otherwise a brilliant read. However, for entertainment value and a rip-roaring read that will grab you by the throat and pull you right in, I can't recommend Serang highly enough. It gets a wonderful, solid 4 stars from me. And I'm eagerly awaiting the next book, Grinders, from this author.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
August 24, 2020
This is my first read from Boyack that wasn’t a madcap paranormal adventure and I enjoyed the seriousness of this story. It’s described as an origin story about Serang who has a role in the Lanternfish books (which I haven’t read yet). I think that description is exactly right.
The story begins when Serang is 6 years old and progresses through her teens. As a child, she’s abandoned at a temple by her mother. The monastery becomes her home, its residents her family, until the Emperor has the monks killed. On the run, Serang finds a new master who continues her training as the two of them travel across the harsh land.
The characters are wonderfully 3-dimensional and I enjoyed the way their relationship developed. The worldbuilding is exquisite. After I finished reading, I learned that the tale is a fantasy, and I laughed because I had assumed that the setting was a real place.
The plot consists of the journey as well as Serang’s training and mastery. As an origin story there’s no giant climatic conclusion, but there is a satisfying ending to the intriguing tale. The pace is steady overall with moments of exciting action. I recommend this book as a companion read to the Lanternfish books, which I’ll be reading soon.
The story begins when Serang is 6 years old and progresses through her teens. As a child, she’s abandoned at a temple by her mother. The monastery becomes her home, its residents her family, until the Emperor has the monks killed. On the run, Serang finds a new master who continues her training as the two of them travel across the harsh land.
The characters are wonderfully 3-dimensional and I enjoyed the way their relationship developed. The worldbuilding is exquisite. After I finished reading, I learned that the tale is a fantasy, and I laughed because I had assumed that the setting was a real place.
The plot consists of the journey as well as Serang’s training and mastery. As an origin story there’s no giant climatic conclusion, but there is a satisfying ending to the intriguing tale. The pace is steady overall with moments of exciting action. I recommend this book as a companion read to the Lanternfish books, which I’ll be reading soon.
February 22, 2020
“Serang” is a companion book to “Voyage of the Lanternfish,” but it isn’t necessary to have read it to enjoy this story. I was very excited to explore Serang’s history, and this book didn’t disappoint. Her mother abandons her at a temple as a young girl, but I like Serang is given a choice about that later. When the new Emperor removes her way of life, everything changes again. This journey into adulthood and her relationship with a monk were the heart of this story. The fights were exciting, and the moments of learning were thought-provoking. The detail in the scenery brought me into her world as they battled, searched for water in the desert, or slept in a cave. There were times I was worried for Serang and other times enjoyed her accomplishments. A fantastic fantasy coming-of-age tale that I highly recommend.
February 23, 2021
Excellent companion to the Lanterfish novels
This is a solid book with the interesting coming of age story. I enjoyed the read and learning the character more from the author's Lanternfish books. The culture and fantasy were both well conceived and well written. I'm looking forward to more about the world in which the Lanterfish is set and this book builds onto with this very satisfying book.
This is a solid book with the interesting coming of age story. I enjoyed the read and learning the character more from the author's Lanternfish books. The culture and fantasy were both well conceived and well written. I'm looking forward to more about the world in which the Lanterfish is set and this book builds onto with this very satisfying book.
November 20, 2019
Serang was one of my favorite characters in C.S. Boyack's novel Voyage of the Lanternfish, so I've been waiting for her story for a long time. And boy, did I enjoy it! Set in a fantasized China when emperors ruled, Serang's father is a fisherman. When his boat goes down and he dies, her mother can't support her and takes her to the nearby temple for the monks to raise. From then on, Serang's story becomes a coming of age journey taught by wise mentors, even though Serang harbors a great deal of anger that she has to get past. Her first Grand Master is Mei Ling who teaches her reading and writing, as well as martial arts. When the emperor destroys the temple, determined to modernize his country and rid it of the old ways, Serang is taught by a wandering monk who takes her on one adventure after another. In theory, if they survive, Serang will have learned much:) Yong, the monk, brings wisdom and humor to her journey as they meet exotic animals and obstacles. I enjoyed every place they visited and every adversary they faced. Serang asked serious questions with a nice dollop of humor.
November 12, 2019
I first encountered Serang in Craig Boyack’s thoroughly enjoyable adventure story of pirates and monsters, The Voyage of the Lanternfish.
Serang was one of the crew and although she was a fascinating albeit enigmatic character, I jumped at the chance to get to know her better.
The daughter of a fisherman, her life changes dramatically after he is lost at sea.
She ends up in the care of an elderly monk called Yong, to learn the ways of the monastery. When the monastery is destroyed, to escape persecution, they begin one of the strangest of adventures.
Outspoken and a nimble footed ninja, Serang is fiercely loyal, but also addicted to something called Huangjiu, which I suspect is Saki, or something equally lethal. Her escapades while under the influence are hilarious!
This review fails miserably to convey the brilliance of this adventure, and it deserves to be made into a film, for the fight scenes are some of the best I have ever read.
Serang was one of the crew and although she was a fascinating albeit enigmatic character, I jumped at the chance to get to know her better.
The daughter of a fisherman, her life changes dramatically after he is lost at sea.
She ends up in the care of an elderly monk called Yong, to learn the ways of the monastery. When the monastery is destroyed, to escape persecution, they begin one of the strangest of adventures.
Outspoken and a nimble footed ninja, Serang is fiercely loyal, but also addicted to something called Huangjiu, which I suspect is Saki, or something equally lethal. Her escapades while under the influence are hilarious!
This review fails miserably to convey the brilliance of this adventure, and it deserves to be made into a film, for the fight scenes are some of the best I have ever read.
January 14, 2021
Serang by C.S. Boyack is the story of a girl who is abandoned at a temple by her own mother and is trained by the monks. They are kind to her; Mei Ling is like a mother but she loses her too soon and has to face another tragedy all alone. Early attachments wear off as she struggles to survive. Despite the challenges, she grows up into an independently fierce woman who could face life as it comes to her. The story focuses on her tough journey through rough terrains of life, mentored by a wandering monk and learning new lessons at each step.
There are vivid details about the settings that transport you to those strange lands she travels through. Repetitive at places, it is slow-paced but some adventures are enthralling. Quite different from Boyack's style, it sounds like Serang’s memoir and makes an interesting reading.
There are vivid details about the settings that transport you to those strange lands she travels through. Repetitive at places, it is slow-paced but some adventures are enthralling. Quite different from Boyack's style, it sounds like Serang’s memoir and makes an interesting reading.
December 19, 2019
This story was one that I couldn't put down! I was intrigued by Serang's character when she was introduced in The Voyage of The Lanternfish and it was great to learn her backstory. To say she faced hardships and trials would be putting it very mildly. As she came of age, under the teachings of Master Yong, she learned to become a fierce warrior and her intuition grew. The way she received her master weapon, the Guandao was fascinating. Her journey to the Temple of the Wind and then through the caves was heartstopping. This book is fantasy at its best! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story and fabulous world-building!
December 16, 2019
Serang is a wonderful coming of age story by C. S. Boyack. You first find the character Serang in Voyage of the Lanternfish. However, if you haven’t read that book, this could easily stand alone.
This book tells Serang’s backstory. After her fisherman father dies, Serang’s mother is unable to support her and sends her to a monastery. You will see how she matures under the wise tutelage of her mentors.
There is action, adventure, and yes, heartbreak. But there is also a mixture of humor culminated into a rewarding ending.
I highly recommend this one and give it five stars.
This book tells Serang’s backstory. After her fisherman father dies, Serang’s mother is unable to support her and sends her to a monastery. You will see how she matures under the wise tutelage of her mentors.
There is action, adventure, and yes, heartbreak. But there is also a mixture of humor culminated into a rewarding ending.
I highly recommend this one and give it five stars.
January 3, 2020
Another great tale by C.S. Boyack
Leveraging his epic tale from The Lanternfish, C.S. Boyack delivers an enjoyable and compelling backstory for one of the interesting characters from that book with Serang. This book gives the reader great insight into the origin story of this fascinating character with revelations into her motivation and journey. There is a great balance of action, drama and humor that will keep you turning the pages.
Leveraging his epic tale from The Lanternfish, C.S. Boyack delivers an enjoyable and compelling backstory for one of the interesting characters from that book with Serang. This book gives the reader great insight into the origin story of this fascinating character with revelations into her motivation and journey. There is a great balance of action, drama and humor that will keep you turning the pages.
November 13, 2019
This is a fantastic story, which I can’t recommend enough. It’s a gripping read, and a wonderful coming of age story. Though it’s meant as a companion novel to “Voyage of the Lanternfish” - and is an excellent one - it could easily be enjoyed without having read that one.
November 12, 2019
Gripping Coming-of-Age Story
Readers were first introduced to Serang in Boyack’s VOYAGE OF THE LANTERNFISH. I was immediately taken with her obvious strength and her hidden vulnerabilities. It was clear to me that she’d suffered in her past.
SERANG puts an end to my questions and reveals her backstory.
Readers who are looking for the light-hearted banter and hilarious antics of Lanternfish’s root monsters will not find it here. This is a serious tale covering serious topics. But Boyack handled them brilliantly. I felt her pain, her despair. I reveled in her determination and her strength. I feared for her life and celebrated her triumphs.
You can’t ask for more than that.
This is an excellent companion piece to the Lanternfish franchise. One I highly recommend.
Readers were first introduced to Serang in Boyack’s VOYAGE OF THE LANTERNFISH. I was immediately taken with her obvious strength and her hidden vulnerabilities. It was clear to me that she’d suffered in her past.
SERANG puts an end to my questions and reveals her backstory.
Readers who are looking for the light-hearted banter and hilarious antics of Lanternfish’s root monsters will not find it here. This is a serious tale covering serious topics. But Boyack handled them brilliantly. I felt her pain, her despair. I reveled in her determination and her strength. I feared for her life and celebrated her triumphs.
You can’t ask for more than that.
This is an excellent companion piece to the Lanternfish franchise. One I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews