The Initiate Brother: Book 1

"The Initiate Brother" is not for the casual reader. It took me a few tries to get into this book as it was so different than my expectations. However, once I was able to absorb into the story it became clear to me that this book was definitely a keeper. As in the classic story of Dune by Frank Herbert, this book as all about "plans within plans". The setting is the nation of Wa, which is an amalgam of Asian societies (particularly China and Japan). Although the story appears on first glance to be about a gifted young Botahist (Buddhist) Monk, the story is really about power; the wielding and aquisition of it. The Empire of Wa has recently been overthrown by a new family and the new Emperor is fearful of the same. A new religion (essentially Christianity) has become in vogue and the Botahist order, in an attempt to keep their faith as the primary belief system of Wa, sends out a young monk named Shuyun; idealistic, and amazingly gifted in martial arts, meditation and the ability to slow time. He is to be the new spiritual adviser to Lord Shonto a powerful Lord and brilliant strategist and also an avowed Botahist believer. Shuyun is meant to be a pawn and spy for his order which is fearful of dissolution, but the young monk's eyes are opened to a new world and he learns quickly that all is not as it appears. This faithful, simple young man comes to doubt the very doctrine that he has been schooled in since he was a toddler. He suspects that the ancient texts have been changed in order that the Botahists can gain power. All of this along with court intrigue, assassinations and the threat of a new invasion of Wa by an unstoppable hoard of Barbarians from the outer regions. Sean Russell has a deep understanding of politics. In this book there really are no "good" guys and everyone is out for themselves, even (and especially) "spiritual", religious orders. Take the time to read this one and it's follow up "Gatherer of Clouds" you won't be dissappointed. This is an important lesson for our times and it will give the reader a deeper understanding of the motivations of government and religions.

The world is rich and well-designed, the characters are strongly portrayed, and the plot is intricate and satisfying. What more can you ask? If you order this book, order the sequel at the same time, because it's all really one long story.The only drawback: the book may be considered slow-paced by some, because of the detail of the portrayals and the intricate interweaving of several seperate plot lines. There are many characters to follow. All plot lines DO make sense and come together in the end, so it's a worthwhile effort.

I have to admit reading Sean Russell's first novel because of the cover art. Michael Whelan, the illustrator, sure earns his fees. But once I got into the book, I could barely stop. Set in a country that is a smooth blend of Japan and China, Russell invites us into the lives of several extremely interesting characters.Probably the most central character is the Lord Shonto. Most people we meet along the way, are either his confederates or his enemies. The title character however, is the one who draws us more deeply into the story. Brother Shuyun is fresh out of the temple and has been selected to serve the Lord Shonto in place of his previous Botahist Monk. This humble, quite and mysterious monk is not only adept at the arts taught in the temple but is deemed by his teachers to have a special purpose. The suspense is delightful as Shuyun slowly comes into his own under the moral guidance of the great lord and his talented and beautiful daughter.This is a book of details and yet it doesn't get bogged down by them. I love reading about the intricacies of a board game called "Gii", obviously styled on "Go." The court politics, philosophy of gardens, strategies of war and teachings of the Botohara are all captivating. Even the bad guys are fleshed out sympathetically. This book, along with its sequel "Gatherer of Clouds," is a masterwork and is bound to stand up over time as a fantasy classic.

This two volume story is elegant, moving, and fun. The monk, Shuyun, comes to be spiritual advisor to the Shonto family. From there, we have intrigue with the emperor, a barbarian invasion, complex politics, wild battles, and an elegant fictionalized China, complete with lovely poetry. Buy both volumes at once, and throw away the remote control.

I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book and its sequel, Gatherer of Clouds. Both are novels full of intrigue, politics, war, and religion, a mix reminiscent of Frank Herbert's Dune saga. In fact, at first I thought they might be a clone of the Dune books set in an Oriental fantasy realm, but they soon took on a life of their own. A fascinating read from cover to cover, with vital characters who you'll grow to love. I hope Russell will write another duology set in Wa, especially now that he's reached success with his other novels.