Wandering Warrior: Summary and book reviews of Wandering Warrior by Da Chen, plus links to an excerpt from Wandering Warrior and a biography of Da Chen.

According to the sacred ancient scriptures, the future emperor of China shall bear five black moles on the bottom of each foot. Eleven-year-old Luka’s mother is dead, and he doesn’t know his father, but his feet do bear the mark of the five black moles. Luka’s caretaker, a wise monk named Atami, is determined to keep Luka alive so the prophecy can be fulfilled and to train Luka in the ways of the kung fu wandering warriors. But when Atami is captured by the enemy, Luka must begin his own journey, using what Atami has taught him, to become the warrior and leader he is destined to be.

BookBrowse

I think that Wandering Warrior was an amazing book given that it had lots of different resources and could easily have been real. I think that it is wonderful how the author emphasized how strong some martial arts can be with a bit of fantasy and fun mixed in. I loved how he had lots of adventures and it looked like it was all going to end sadly but it came out in the end that it ended out happy. I also liked how you made all those different creatures like the clobsters. I recommend this book for people who are into action with happy and sad endings with lots of excitement. Thomas, aged 9.  

Media Reviews

Publisher's Weekly Chen's sprawling tale strains under the combined weight of breathless adventure, and a parade of anachronisms. Still, there is much to enjoy, particularly the unusual kung fu backdrop, which makes an intriguing setting for a fantasy adventure. Ages 12-up.   School Library Journal - Margaret A Chang With its startling plot twists, humor in the face of horror, and celebration of male bonding, the book will surely find an audience among those drawn to the nonstop action of kung fu films. Grades 6+   Kirkus Reviews Luka is an appealing character whose determination and facility with the martial arts are balanced by humor and a healthy dose of pre-adolescent competitiveness. . . . The language is colloquial, even earthy, and helps to maintain the work's sense of fun.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Kochey
Alex K's review
This book was filled with excitement and fun parts. It kept you on the edge of your seat trying to get a clue what will happen next. This book is filled with action-packed martial arts and amazing parts that paint a picture of the scene in your...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Ben
Great Book
I read this book for a school project, but to my surpirse, this was an excellent book. I really enjoyed the it because it showed what life might have been like in anceint China. It also had some cool some about monks and their supposed powers....   Read More

Rated of 5 by Audrey Balili
This is a great book, I just read it for my reading log for school but even though I wasn't in school I still read it because Da Chen is an amazing author to be able to write this wonderful book.
I like the story because I like stories that has...   Read More

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Books with similar themes

• Children's Books Ages 9 up
  
• Young Adults
  
• Asia 
  
• Imaginary Locations 
  
• China 
  
• 17th Century or Earlier 
  
• Magical or Supernatural Elements