I'm a fan of modern xianxia/wuxia novels and some of the more famous films, so I had a rough idea of what to expect when going into this book, but even then, it really surprised me. I don't usually go in for epics, and it was longer than I realised at first, but after I got into it, I couldn't stop!

So many unexpected parts of this book, so many good character points and unusual world features - I loved the diversity and originality, the humour and the varied pace. The design of the locations and magic/martial art systems were both vivid and enthralling, with a lot of different elements side by side. Some may find it quite a lot to take in, but as the start of what I imagine is an epic new series, it does a lot of the set-up ready for more action to take place.

The Global Majority, Disability and LGBTQIA+ representation was all really enjoyable and felt genuine across the cast. Despite the cultural link of the wuxia/xianxia genres as well as some recognisable elements in the different people within the book, it felt like a completely new, unique world with definitive cultures of its own and history to go with it. I really want to know what will happen next for our main cast!

The author is new to me, but I'm keen to do a bit of back-catalogue reading after this! I'm excited knowing the second one is already on its way later this year, and will certainly be requesting the ARC on here. I also want to shout out to the stunning cover design & illustration, also returning for the second book, and some of the special edition designs have really blown me away!

Thanks to Daphne Press and NetGalley for access to this ARC - all opinions here are my own, honest and freely given.

This is the first instalment in The War Arts Saga series.

Jian was the child of prophecy, living a lavish lifestyle and believing himself to be the future saviour of his people. But the prophecy was wrong and now Jian has been betrayed, by both his beliefs and those who have always protected him. He now must live either on the run or in disguise and never able to trust those who surround him. Figures from his past seem intent on returning, no matter how hard he tries to do so though, and it remains unclear who is there to help and who is there to hinder his escape.

This infusion of magic and martial arts had me instantly transported into the gritty world of politics and underhanded scheming. There were many perspectives included, but Jian's is the only name I shall include here for fear of spoiling anything, and I loved how each worked together to bring the reader a comprehensive understanding for the legislative overhaul that many were attempting in this kingdom. All insights were given equal precedence and, despite having my favourites, there were none I was less eager to read from as they all provided understanding, altered in this focus and abilities, explored differing geographical terrains, and contained continuous new reveals.

There was much bloodshed, many scenes of action, and lots of brawls, both magical and otherwise, to add tension and pacing to what was, otherwise, a densely political and constitutional read. These were, again, provided throughout all the perspectives and with increasing frequency as the novel continued.

I closed this immediately eager for the second series instalment and kicking myself for not having read from this author sooner, despite having other of his titles lingering on my shelves. I'm excited to find myself a new favourite author, if their skilful execution is anything close to this one, however.

This is an enjoyable Asian inspired epic fantasy that subverts the tired "chosen one" trope., The book was a fun read and I will be reading the rest of the books in the series/trilogy

Unfortunately my attention waned as the story went on - I really enjoyed the beginning and the mentor trope but the introduction of new characters and a change in plot didn’t work for me

A thrilling start to what I expect to be a phenomenal martial arts fantasy series. The world is awe-inspiring and I fell in love with the many harsh landscapes like the Great Grass sea and a desert so windy you have to sail across it.

But the characters really stole the show and I deeply loved 3/4 of them. Taishi is an old grandmaster who is utterly ferocious with few rivals who can match her. It was great to read about an older female character in a fantasy book like this and it's a crying shame there's a dearth of characters like her. Her charge Wen Jian, the chosen one whose life falls apart when the prophecy is revealed to be wrong, had the best character arc in the book and I can't wait to see how he fares in the series. He is arrogant and spoiled when we first meet him, living in a palace with a whole flock of masters to train him. It's evident that this approach has been damaging to both his fighting skills and personality. I loved watching him grow and unlearn the nonsense he grew up with. We see how the prophecy has ruined his life, ripping him away from his family and left in the care of mostly self-interested and petty men. Only when living at his lowest point does he find a sense of belonging and even make some friends!

However, I found Qisami the overly confident assassin the most annoying character and I hope she improves but I'm not sure she can. She arrives rather late for a POV character, we don't see her until exactly halfway in the book but I can only thank the less time spent with her. I don't know if I'm just over reading about boastful assassins but I felt her chapters had a very different tone to the other POVs that didn't mesh well. I occasionally found her funny and she was better when she was with the rest of her assassin group but overall I could have done without her POV. I feel like it's inevitable in a multi-character POV book you'll find one to hate and Qisami was that one for me.

Overall this is a fantastic start to a new series that I hope will improve with every book.

The art of prophecy was a good but misdirecting book! While it doesn't completely deliver on the plot the blurb outlined, and the story isn't what I expected I did really enjoy this book! The book feels like a lot of set up for what's very clearly going to be a pretty epic scale tale and I'm definitely interested in seeing where it goes! The only issue I found was motivation to read the next chapter as there wasn't really many if any plot hangers or narrative pull to keep turning those pages

I love wuxia movies, but it’s a genre largely untapped in contemporary (Western) fantasy. If names like Tsui Hark, Yuen Woo-Ping or King Hu quicken your pulse a little, then be assured there are sequences in this book that will make your heart sing. The fight scenes are gloriously visualised, the characters (especially Taishi!) are memorable and believable, and the plot rattles along in splendid fashion. As ever with multi-part series, final judgement will have to wait until it’s complete, but I am definitely along for the ride.

This book took me way too long to read for no apparent reason. Maybe I just wanted to savor it, because it was such a rich meal that I couldn't digest it all at once? It manages to be an incredible fantasy, with lush worldbuilding and thought out politics and cultures, while also having completely believable characters full of sass, selfish motivations, and their own quirky charm. The plot kept me on my toes, leaning towards the predictable only to throw a classic trope on its head. Sure to be a classic in the genre.

3.5 stars

I really liked the premise and the overall plot of "The Art of Prophecy", but the humor and the characters didn't really work for me.

Before I even dare to share any of my thoughts about this book, let me tell you one important thing about myself: I don’t like epic books. I especially dislike epic fantasy books. I might have said this before.

The Art of Prophecy is the first part of an epic fantasy series and I really liked it. Liked it so much so that I put all the other books I have going on the back burner and concentrated on this alone. In other words, I devoured it.

Jian is a Chosen One. The Chosen One that has been prophesied to slay the Eternal Khan. His martial arts training has been overseen by different Masters since he was a small boy. Yet, what Master Taishi encounters when she evaluates him is a spoilt boy living in his lavish palace being waited on hand and foot.

Master Taishi is appalled at how unprepared the spoilt hero of the Enlightened States actually is. She takes it upon herself to train him and dismisses his former masters. Neither the masters nor the spoilt hero are happy about this turn of events. But this is only the first of many unexpected turns that will change the lives of Jian and Taishi.

Set in an alternate China. Martial Arts fights that far exceed what you’ve seen in the cinema. A slowly expanding cast of characters. A Chosen One, Coming of Age story like no other I’ve read in a long time.

And now I am ordering the Waterstones special edition for the re-read.

I love a bit of Wuxia and I'll never deny I'm a sucker for a gorgeous book cover. Based on the blurb (and cover) I was really hyped for this book. Aaaand then it fell a little flat.

I loved the premise and also the starting point where this major hero was actually a spoiled, inept and clearly full of angst. Taishi was a great and fun character, I really enjoyed her scenes and she's the no nonsense Wuxia grandmother I didn't know I always wanted.

Everyone else was really hit and miss for me. Qisami and her lot, I truly could not have cared any less about. Qisami struck me as the super edgy teen who loves Harley Quinn and tells everyone she has some mental disorder to explain why she's just soooo out there. There wasn't too much about the rest of her team, cell, whatever they were to really form an opinion other than I just did not care about any of them. Side tracking for a minute - what was going on with that scene about getting a new grunt and "You're the best cell leader a girl could wish for!" from Koteuni? Why was that there? I'm so confused.

Back on track. I liked Xinde a lot, I hope we get more of him and I also enjoyed Meehae so I hope they'll turn up again. Sali was again hit and miss for me but I do want to know more about these cities in the Grass Sea. That had a Howl's Moving Castle vibe and I am here for it.

The pacing was a little wonky for me. Some bits zoomed past and others went on too long. I get there's a level of world building required for how vast this book is but maybe not everything need a super deep level of detail from the get go. What's left to describe for book 2?

It's a good enough read, has good bones and some likeable characters. But equally it feels a lot longer than it is in some places, there's a lot of down time really between leaving the palace and the major fighting in Jiayi that is almost painful to push through and 1/4 POVs I actively didn't care about and 1/4 I was ambivalent towards. Jian and Taishi POVs though were fun enough.

I'll probably read Book 2 because I'm invested in it now but I won't necessarily rush to do it.

Full of action, adventure, martial arts and more fight scenes than the best Jackie Chan movie, this book is one hell of a ride!

This is such an epic read!! I wasn’t sure what to expect as I don’t usually read books centered around martial arts that don’t have romance in them… but this was amazing!!! Taishi is an especially awesome character, being a combination of epic martial arts master and hilarious comedic relief. She is by far my favorite character. Although Jian really grew on me too.

Actually, there were several characters that I just loved to be irritated with. They rubbed me the wrong way entirely, but for some reason, I still enjoyed them!! The whole cast is just entertaining as hell and I can’t help but be into them all. Even the two who annoyed me. I’ll let you contemplate as to which characters they may be.

The plot though was so fun and intriguing that I was hooked from the beginning. Every plot twist just had me reeling and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next! And I still can’t!!! This is a cliff hangar for real and I’m just dying to see what’s going to happen next!!!

I highly recommend this to everyone. Trust me, just give it a chance. It’s too hilarious and brilliant to pass up. Watch out for all the murder and blood though. Lots of that if that sort of thing bothers you.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Daphne Press and Wesley Chu for the opportunity to read this for my honest and unbiased opinion!!!

Thank you so much Daphne Press and NetGalley for providing me with the arc of The Art of Prophecy by Wesley Chu in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I can’t say that I’m an ardent martial arts fan but, I can’t say I’m not either. I admire the skill, dedication, and faith of this potentially deadly art, and was intrigued as to how a Kung Fu book written turn out.

Truthfully, I would liken it to to developing a skill such as a martial art, nothing comes quickly, practice, dedication and a true foundation of the basic skills are essential to lay the foundations for progress. Chu does not rush you into this alternate version of China, the introduction is gradual and layered, and meeting the characters comes with the rights, politeness and layers of society.

Please, don’t let this deter you, this is an epic fantasy that places emphasis on both plot and characters. Initially you will meet Taishi, the master - mature, experienced and in many ways jaded by that, but with a spark of hope that carries her through, alongside her astounding martial art skills and commitment to Jian the prophesied Hero. For Jian, this is truly a coming of age story, as we meet him in his teens, full of the worldly knowledge of youth. Salminde the viper striker and heir of the Khan, is a stoic, principled and determined character, her characterisation is deftly handled in the book, bringing to life her stoic, practical and pragmatic nature, until she fights, at which point her mastery and skill strike. And finally the last principal character, Qisami, the shadow assassin, trust me when I say that her tongue is as sharp and deadly as her fighting skills. I totally loved her twisted sense of humour and sheer sass!

This book tells the story from the perspective of each of the four protagonists. Trust me, it’s not overwhelming and truly brings more depth and understanding to the story. The hardest bit for me as a reader was that I truly couldn’t dislike any of them. This book doesn’t deliver a monochrome tale, it delivers multiple perceptions and angles on events, which at times left me in a quandary, as there is no outright enemy, unless you choose to pick a side - for or against the prophecy?

The world building really transports you into those mythical and magical martial arts films, from wondrous mountain tops, to seas of sand, and whole cities crafted within caverns buried deep below the ground.

This is truly a solid start to a series and I’m intrigued to see what book 2 brings forth for our protagonists, and I don’t doubt that there will be even more action, adventure and of course mishaps for our protagonists.

If you love adventure, epic fantasy, martial arts or are just looking for a slow burn start that builds a builds, then this is definitely one to pick up.

Brilliant action filled adventure with sharp comedy and multiple POV. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of martial arts or military fantasy but also anyone who likes their fantasy/adventure books light on romance. There is a wonderful cast of complex and well written female characters to go with the easy-to-read prose and colourful descriptions that draw you into the world.
Thank you to NetGalley and Daphne Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Utterly glorious; full of vivid and dynamic martial arts scenes, lively dialogue and comedic timing. Loved, loved, this!

I feel like I should say from the outset that I've been a fan of wuxia movies and TV shows since longer than I can remember, so it was always fairly likely that <I>The Art of Prophecy</i> was going to work for me, given the book's description when I was looking to request it for review. There's more to this book than just transplanted martial arts stuff, though, and it was that which kept me reading when things jumped around a little between point of view characters (never my favourite experience).

The book starts off with the subject of the eponymous prophecy, a boy called Jian who is supposed to be the one who deal with the threat posed by the Eternal Khan of the Katuia, a people who move around in travelling cities. The only problem? The Khan just died and the prophesied hero (a slightly spoilt teenager with a plethora of dissenting teachers) had absolutely nothing to do with it. It's at that point we meet our other main character, the war artist Taishi, who intervenes to save Jian's life when the nobility who've been paying for his upbringing decide he's surplus to requirements.

So far, so wuxia. The rest of the book for Jian is about surviving when your reason for existence has evaporated and you're not as good at what you've been asked to do as everyone thinks you should be. There's also a significant sub-plot around the destruction of one of the Khan's travelling cities and what happens to its survivors, as well as some pesky assassins who turn up at the least opportune moments. All in all, there are a lot of moving parts in this book and I can see why some reviews have queried the pacing.

Likewise, Jian and Taishi don't spend that much time together all told, so don't expect this book to focus on that teacher-student relationship. They're back together by the end of it, despite the efforts of various people to end their respective lives, and it looks like book 2 will have more of that. I'm interested to see where this goes, especially with the Katuia refugees who have just discovered that their own people don't particularly want them and their former captors desperately want them back - not a great situation to be in with very few resources.

<I>I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley. This is my honest review of the book in question.</i>

Prophecies don’t make heroes: they only choose them.

The Art of Prophecy is a tribute to kung fu martial art and strong woman characters, and it is an incredible ride.
This book tells us a story about a selfish boy chosen by an old prophecy. The boy is supposed to kill Eternal Khan, an invincible person and the biggest enemy of their country. But... what if this Eternal Khan is killed by some random soldier? The Chosen one became a burden to everybody, and the easiest way is to get rid of him. Fortunately, there was Taishi, an old grandmaster with a sharp tongue and an even sharper mind. And then there are two other women, clever and powerful killers. Both of them want to kill the Prophesied hero, each one for another reason.
The Art of Prophecy is a thrilling, extraordinary, funny, and raw story with complex characters and very solid world-building. I completely loved this book and I have nothing to complain about. I need answers, I need the sequel. Now, please.
Thank you NetGalley and Daphne Press for this total masterpiece.

Le tenía un poco perdida la pista a Wesley Chu, aunque reconozco que es uno de los autores que más me gusta cuando narra combates, junto con Fonda Lee. Pero cuando vi que tenía la oportunidad de leer The Art of Prophecy, su nueva novela fantástica, no dejé pasar la oportunidad.


Chu nos ha regalado un libro que no viene a reinventar el género de la fantasía, pero que todo lo hace tan bien que nos tiene entretenidísimos durante las más de quinientas páginas que conforman esta primera entrega de una saga. La novela tiene una estructura bastante simple a pesar de los cuatro puntos de vista de los que disfrutaremos, con los cambios de escenario bastante bien medidos y sin necesidad de recurrir al cliffhanger constante. Además, las historias de los cuatro narradores están bastante equilibradas en cuanto a interés y ritmo, todo un acierto por su parte.

El libro comienza con la visita de una maestra de la guerra (no es que me estuviera acordando de Michelle Yeoh al ver la presentación del personaje, no, para nada) de mediana edad al lugar donde se está formando el elegido, el héroe que la profecía ha marcado como salvador del reino… pero se llevará un buen chasco al ver al niño malcriado en el que se ha transformado por la intervención de muchos maestrillos más preocupados por su provecho personal que por el bien de su pupilo. Ella estará dispuesta a enderezar su camino por los métodos que sean necesarios, pero una serie de acontecimientos los obligarán a huir con poco más que la ropa que llevan puesta.

El comienzo, como habéis podido ver, no es ni original ni muy prometedor, pero el autor lo compensa con los añadidos que le va haciendo al mundo, especialmente con las técnicas marciales que a mí me encantan, pero también con sus toques de magia y con la aparición de otros personajes que van añadiendo capas y capas de interés a algo que quizá comienza descafeínado.

Se nota que Wesley Chu ha trabajado especialmente en darle a cada personaje su propia voz y un trasfondo complejo, lo cual se agradece porque si no, la novela no se sostendría. Cada lector tendrá un personaje favorita, sin duda, pero es precisamente esa capacidad de elección entre varios lo que hace tan ameno y entretenido el libro, con sus toques de humor incluidos.

The Art of Prophecy me parece una excelente introducción a una nueva saga, estoy deseando saber qué pasará en la siguiente entrega.

“Half of a leader’s job was to not be an idiot. The other half was to not act like an ignorant peasant.” #TheArtOfProphecy #WesleyChu #DaphnePress #TheWarArtsSaga

Genre: #Fantasy #AsianLiterature #Epic #Academy

My opinion: It’s a good, but slow read, would recommend though! Especially is you’re into martial arts.

Books: 1/2

Great start of the 2023 reading wise. It is always good to start a year with a decent book.

However, despite interesting turns, things and events develop very slow here which might be a downside for some readers. Overall, first book felt like introductory, in the first 20 chapters we get to know the characters.

Also, worth mentioning that we follow 4 main characters, Taishi, the master, Jian the prophesized Hero, Salminde the heir of the Khan and Qisami the mighty assassin (by far my favorite one due to her sense of humor and sassiness).

The issue with so many characters is that they all have their own trope, and each chapter starts with a jump from one character to another, which at times was pretty annoying.

Start of the book is good, we have a Hero from the Prophecy who is meant to defeat the Khan, but something goes wrong. And then what do you do if the purpose of your whole life is lost?

I liked the descriptions of weapons and places. Especially the temple of the Oracle! Then again, at times it felt that author is dragging a bit, because some of them very unnecessary.

A lot of things were unexpected, and I would not call this the regular Chosen one trope book. I liked the ending and by the looks of it book number two must be much better, because the conflict that was slowly brewing is book one will escalate further.

I have really high hopes for Salminde, not sure whether Jian can mature enough as a character to keep my interest in the next book.

Another good thing, there was almost no romance here.

Rating: 3.7