ne day, I came into Framework Coffee and found all the baristas agitated. They’d discovered a new fantasy novel and were racing through it, eagerly chatting about the crazy and wonderful plot. Jacob and Maddy both were loving it and knowing my own passion for books (I go to that coffee shop more times with a book than my wife, and when I do go with the wife, I bring a book) they implored I read it too. So that day I picked up a copy.

And now I have a strong contender for Best Books of 2025.

As mentioned, it’s a fantasy novel but it seems to take place mostly in a magical Chinese land. and also (two plot lines) in a modern-day emigrant slum across the sea. And the storytelling is bold and unique – chapter headings are nothing more than an aside from the author to the reader. And doing the story telling, the current (and past) thoughts of others (including ghosts) pop up in Italics. Man, I’d rather be reading another book right now than reviewing this one, no matter how good it was. So, see how it works?

So the primary quest are two outcasts (one crippled with a missing arm (and considered cursed in the beliefs of the day)) and the other… well, I can’t go into that. But they are on the usual take-this-item-to-someone-far-away quest. Along the way, they encounter other characters, crazy creatures and people and things I cannot hope to describe – for to describe them means telling you the entire story. The best part comes when the two story-lines (the two hapless warriors and the unhappy immigrant) bowtie for a brief moment inside a magical realm. It was such a powerful moment of reveal that I actually rocked back.

Amazing and satisfying storytelling, from the confused beginning to the concluding end. I’m really pushing that you, yes you!, read this book. Well, it does sound interesting. It’s by Simon Simenez and the topic is fantasy – on shelves now!

>>>I WONDER IF ANYONE WILL FOLLOW THIS LINK AND BUY ONE OF MY BOOKS?<<<