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First Published:
Jan 2003, 336 pages
Paperback:
Nov 2004, 336 pages
According to the ancient scriptures, Luka will be the future emperor of China. In preparation, he has been trained in the ways of the kung fu wandering warriors by a wise monk named Atami, but when Atami is captured by the enemy Luka must begin his own journey to become the warrior and leader he is destined to be. Ages 12+.
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.
CHAPTER 1
THE FUTURE EMPEROR shall bear five black moles under each foot," the monk Atami read reverently from the sacred ancient scriptures. He would look up at the innocent boy that Luka still was and continue. "This rare emperor descends upon this holy land only once every five hundred years."
"What does that mean?" Luka would ask.
"It means that you are destined to be the next Holy Emperor and the living god of all the Chinese people. Even among all the emperors before or after, you will stand out like a giant and bring the greatest blessings to this Central Kingdom called China." There was more to that passage but Atami didn't mention it, at least not yet. Then the monk would always bow and pray and offer a short admonishment. "Don't ever let others know who you are."
"Why?" Luka would ask.
"Because the Mogoes are afraid of you."
"Because I'm so big?" Luka stood up and pushed out his chest.
"No." Atami smiled. "Because when you are enthroned, all the ...
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.
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