Book One in the Saga of the Laymonk
by
Rumors are swirling in the northlands about a curse in Westcliff. People are being driven mad by the touch of angry ghosts during the full moon, in a village already haunted by a brutal murder from decades ago.
Growing up as an orphan, Genshai always expected his life would be the same as the other warriors of the abbey: learning the ways of the Iron Style, and training his mind and body toward Illumination. But, at the start of his fifteenth year the boy is shocked when the abbot names him the new laymonk, and he is sent to learn the ways of the world from his predecessor, an old man named Taisan.
Soon, Genshai receives firsthand lessons in ways that he never imagined— from fighting for his life, to defending the innocent, and even striding between two worlds, into the ethereal Veil. And just as Genshai is beginning to learn how to keep the Still Mind in the presence of spirits, the laymonks are sent to Westcliff to break an old curse, and to confront an unfathomable evil.
By taking up the staff of the laymonk, will Genshai uncover the truth about himself? Or will the madness spread, causing his greatest fears to be revealed on the night the Lotus is in Bloom?
Genres:
Word Count: 115000
Setting: The Known World of Kuei
Languages Available: English
Word Count: 115000
Setting: The Known World of Kuei
Languages Available: English
Then, whether it was in his eyes or in his mind, Genshai saw an orange light that approached from a distance, bobbing idly from left to right in the darkness like a specter in the air. His attention rose toward the bright lantern until he blinked and the traveler was suddenly upon him, but the light swung to the other side and there seemed to be nothing to hold it aloft.
A voice rich with texture said, “Hmm, rumors and whispers can be true. There is a monk in the crossing indeed.”
READ MOREThe lantern lowered in a slow arc between them. It held a flickering thumb of flame inside and was made of glass, framed in coiling wrought iron that was overgrown by long vines. His eyes drew down, and he was startled to meet the gaze of a lion already upon him. Genshai was ready to leap to his feet and run away just as the lantern brightened, hanging from the tuft of a long sleek tail that arched overhead to reveal there were no walls and that he was sitting on a dark mound of earth beside three paths that crossed in an endless savannah at night.
The creature was poised and intent, staring with round gold eyes, flecked with green and rimmed in black. Its snout sloped to a broad triangular nose and a square muzzle with silvery whiskers, like a kind of spirit lion, with a thick mane of dark green leaves that fluttered in the wind, filled with hibiscus that bloomed in a train of pink and purple flowers down its back.
It held its gaze on the boy and spoke again, “The words, carried on the living wind, tell of a monk, meditating for three nights, here at the grotto. Are you he?”
COLLAPSELindsay A. on Goodreads wrote:“Author M.A.B. Wyman has crafted a superb work of fantasy that weaves a lot of classic heroics into an innovative new storyline celebrating the ways of monkhood, martial arts, and spirit realms beyond our imagination. I really liked the sense of harmony and balance that runs through the book as a central dynamic, from the two worlds that Genshai must walk to the duality of the emotional battle he faces within his own heart, mind, and soul. The good versus evil trope is well-managed here to craft a mature tale with a lot of introspection, and the work is layered with vivid, cinematic descriptions of nightmarish curses, psychological horrors, and tests of strength as they come to life before our eyes. Overall, Mountainroot is an accomplished and sophisticated fantasy epic that will please fans of original fiction that still pays homage to tradition, and I can’t wait to see what else this exciting series has in store.”
Shellie on Goodreads wrote:"Mountainroot drew me in with its intricately-woven tale of Genshai, a young warrior turned laymonk, who navigates his path of self-discovery, spirituality, and growth in a world fraught with danger and steeped in supernatural intrigue.
From the moment Genshai embarked on his unexpected journey, I was hooked. His endearing character, resilience, and his ability to adapt quickly to new social cues and situations, combined with his potential to become a warrior monk, added depth to this fascinating saga.
The author’s vivid descriptions of food throughout the book created a sensory feast that left me hungry for more, adding a unique and wholesome touch to the narrative. The bond between Genshai and Ysma was another highlight of the story, painting a tender and exciting promise of what their future might hold.
Taisan, a monk warrior, is another standout character in this tale, and his exploration as a gay man in a time and culture where this would have been taboo was handled thoughtfully, adding another layer to the story's complexity.
The intriguing prologue sets the stage for a deeper narrative that I’m eagerly anticipating to unfold in subsequent books. Despite a few minor issues, "Mountainroot" captivated me from start to finish, delivering a compelling read that goes beyond the usual fantasy narrative.
Get ready to embark on an immersive journey filled with character growth, supernatural elements, and the promise of an epic saga that leaves you wanting more.”
“Amidst the haunting presence of angry ghosts and a decades-old murder, Genshai's journey takes a gripping turn as the laymonks are called upon to break the ancient curse and confront an unimaginable evil in Westcliff. As he wields the laymonk's staff, Genshai finds himself on a quest that holds the potential to unravel his own identity and fears.
M.A.B. Wyman skillfully weaves a captivating tale, blending elements of fantasy, suspense, and introspection. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions that bring the world of Mountainroot to life, immersing readers in its atmospheric setting. The author's ability to create engaging characters, particularly Genshai, adds depth to the story, as readers witness his growth and inner turmoil.
Mountainroot is a promising start to the Saga of the Laymonk series, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth alongside Genshai. Wyman's storytelling prowess shines as he expertly balances action-packed scenes with introspective moments, creating a seamless reading experience.
For fans of fantasy and coming-of-age tales intertwined with mysticism, Mountainroot offers an enthralling blend of adventure and self-discovery. Prepare to be drawn into a world where curses and ethereal forces collide, where the night of the Lotus in Bloom holds both answers and revelations for our young protagonist.”
