This epic historical fiction novel opens with a young man named Sardili born of the warrior caste in 507 A.D. Sardili realizes that he would rather...
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Dec 29, 2011
Dutch
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I can't say enough good things about this novel. Several months ago, I was searching for answers about happiness reading books about religion, and on a clinical note, reading about depression. I ended up learning more about Buddhism after learning that a friend of mine was actually practicing the teachings themselves. Though not a religious person myself, I decided happiness was doing what felt right for the moment. Even if it meant watching some awesome martial arts movies by myself when no
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Aug 16, 2010
Goran
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The life of Bodhidharma has given rise to countless myths and legends, ‘A Sudden Dawn’ is one version of his story. Born to the warrior caste, Bodhidharma gives up a promising future as a soldier to become a monk and seek enlightenment. After many years of searching in vain, he finally becomes enlightened in a single moment.
He accepts a mission to venture into China and spread the Buddha's wisdom. Crossing the Himalaya, he travels down the Yangtze river, where he meets an unlikely dis More...
He accepts a mission to venture into China and spread the Buddha's wisdom. Crossing the Himalaya, he travels down the Yangtze river, where he meets an unlikely dis More...
Feb 26, 2011
Kati
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A Sudden Dawn drew me right into the story of Bodhidharma and keep me entranced with his long trek into China. Rich and intriguing, it sets the Way at the forefront of the story and the interesting people that paths interconnect along the journey. Well written with an eye towards not only the history and myth but the martial arts angle, definitely kept me interested and it's earned a place on my shelf. This was a freebie through goodreads.
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Oct 15, 2010
Jason
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A Sudden Dawn is a work of historical fiction, tracing the legendary path of Bodhidharma, a Buddhist master from India, as he traveled to China and brought Zen and the martial arts to the Shaolin Temple.
Powell makes for some exquisite characterizations. Bodhidharma comes across as a like-able, even charismatic, monk, who gives simple, common sense advice to anyone who asks for it... Even an emperor. Kuan/Ko is a sympathetic guy who always seems to get stuck with the short straw. We m More...
Powell makes for some exquisite characterizations. Bodhidharma comes across as a like-able, even charismatic, monk, who gives simple, common sense advice to anyone who asks for it... Even an emperor. Kuan/Ko is a sympathetic guy who always seems to get stuck with the short straw. We m More...
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Jun 11, 2010
KA
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Breathtaking! I read into the early hours of the morning of my karate grading because I couldn't put this novel down.
The saying goes that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but in the case of Goran Powell's A Sudden Dawn the stunning illustration is a perfect reflection of the imagery this book evokes.
This beautifully written story, a blend of well researched historical fact and gripping fiction, will take you back in time as you travel with Bodhidharma from India, More...
The saying goes that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but in the case of Goran Powell's A Sudden Dawn the stunning illustration is a perfect reflection of the imagery this book evokes.
This beautifully written story, a blend of well researched historical fact and gripping fiction, will take you back in time as you travel with Bodhidharma from India, More...
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Nov 29, 2010
Kris
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I enjoyed 'A Sudden Dawn' from start to finish. In the book Powell creates a fictionalized interpretation of the Buddhist monk Da Mo's life. The story explains why and how Da Mo became a monk, the difficulties he experienced during his road to enlightenment, and the people he met and trained along his journey. 'A Sudden Dawn' introduces the reader to a simplistic early history of the Shaolin Temple and the Zen philosophy, it also gives readers who know very little about the Buddhist religion
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Dec 19, 2011
Antun
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A Sudden Dawn has everything. It's an exciting story that follows a Buddhist monk from India to 6th-century China, where he starts the Shaolin monastery that we know today. The tale is intertwined with relevant historical facts, and real people and places. There's lots of fast-paced action, of course, since it's a martial arts novel. However that's balanced with spirituality that's amazingly believable and well-explained. The book incorporates fascinating historical themes that I didn't expect i
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Oct 07, 2010
Charmaigne
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I loved it.
Really was a great read and the story was so descriptive itmade me feel as if I was taking the journey with the charaters.
Really was a great read and the story was so descriptive itmade me feel as if I was taking the journey with the charaters.
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