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Meister Atami und der kleine Mönch
»Der künftige Kaiser von China wird fünf schwarze Muttermale auf jeder Fußsohle tragen und alle fünfhundert Jahre in sein heiliges Land herabsteigen.« So steht es in den Schriften, und nur der elfjährige Waisenjunge Luka erfüllt diese Voraussetzung. Um den grausamen Besatzern des Reichs der Mitte, den Mogo-Invasoren, nicht in die Hände zu fallen, muß Luka seine Identität um jeden Preis geheimhalten. Seit er denken kann, ist der weise Bettelmönch Atami sein Ziehvater. Der wacht über Luka und hofft, daß sich die Weissagung eines Tages erfüllen wird. Auch in der uralten Kunst des Kung Fu unterweist er den künftigen Rächer seines Volkes. Als Atami von den gnadenlosen Feinden gefangengenommen wird, geht Luka seinen Weg allein weiter. Bevor er den Drachenthron für sich beanspruchen kann, fordern zahllose tödliche Gefahren seinen Mut und seine Klugheit heraus...
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
4 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Da Chen
26 books70 followersDa Chen (born in 1962 in Fujian, China) was a Chinese author whose works include Brothers, China's Son, Sounds of the River, Sword, and Colors of the Mountain. A graduate of Beijing Language and Culture University and Columbia Law School, Da Chen lived in the Hudson Valley in New York but then moved to Torrance, California with his wife, the paranormal romance author Sunni, and two children. Brothers has been awarded best book of 2006 by The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Miami Herald and Publishers Weekly.
Chen passed away on December 17, 2019 at his home in Temecula, California from lung cancer.
(from Wikipedia)
Chen passed away on December 17, 2019 at his home in Temecula, California from lung cancer.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 30, 2018
Animali incredibili e straordinari, ragazzi dalle capacità al limite del sovrannaturale, il solito cattivo che più cattivo di così non si può ecco tutti gli ingredienti di questo racconto, un continuo avvicendarsi di avvenimenti alcuni dei quali un po' scontati.
Pensando a un fantasy ambientato in Cina ci si aspetta esattamente ciò che si trova scritto in queste pagine.
Pensando a un fantasy ambientato in Cina ci si aspetta esattamente ciò che si trova scritto in queste pagine.
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November 23, 2020Enjoyed the look and learned about Chinese culture.
October 24, 2021
Well it was a cute youth book. Lovely characters in a nice little fictional world.
January 19, 2015
Looking for an amazing blend of Kung Fu action with magic? Look no further than Da Chen’s fourth book, Wandering Warrior. Through round house kicks and magic, this book teaches the reader of Chinese culture and heritage.
The holy boy or eleven year old Luka is born with five moles on the bottom of each foot. According to ancient sculptures, Luka is the future emperor of China. Not knowing who his father is and having a deceased mother, Luka is raised by a Buddhist monk named Atami. Atami is determined to keep Luka’s identity a secret for if revealed; Luka will be killed by the Mogo warriors. Atami begins to teach Luka the art of Xi-Ling Kung Fu in private as it is banned by the Mongol government. Luka’s body begins to become extremely tired due to lack of food and extreme training. After fighting with guards of the cruel Mongol government, Atami is imprisoned and Luka is sentenced to death. In prison, Luka meets his grandmaster (Atami’s master) and he must finish his training of Xi-Ling Kung Fu in time and not only save himself, but his master Atami, the art of Xi-Ling Kung Fu and the nation of China.
Including themes of maturity, responsibility, respect and determination, Wandering Warrior keeps the reader glued to their seat. Wandering Warrior never seems to lack enthusiasm. Whether it’s the final battle between Luka and the Sea Creature or when Luka discovers the secret school of Kung Fu, this book keeps the reader turning the pages and wanting to read more.
A minority of people who read this book won’t enjoy it because it often goes deep about Chinese culture. When Luka discovers a secret temple, he begins to learn about Chinese culture and this lasts for quite some time. However, the 20 page long extraordinary battle for the future of China makes up for any boring parts of the book.
I believe this book was simply awesome. It teaches the reader about Chinese culture and Kung Fu while making the reader wanting to know what will happen to Luka. Wandering Warrior is an action packed history lesson about China’s culture with a twist of magic and Kung Fu. This is a book that you won’t want to miss and many agree with me as USA Today referred to Wandering Warrior as “China’s answer to Potter”.
The holy boy or eleven year old Luka is born with five moles on the bottom of each foot. According to ancient sculptures, Luka is the future emperor of China. Not knowing who his father is and having a deceased mother, Luka is raised by a Buddhist monk named Atami. Atami is determined to keep Luka’s identity a secret for if revealed; Luka will be killed by the Mogo warriors. Atami begins to teach Luka the art of Xi-Ling Kung Fu in private as it is banned by the Mongol government. Luka’s body begins to become extremely tired due to lack of food and extreme training. After fighting with guards of the cruel Mongol government, Atami is imprisoned and Luka is sentenced to death. In prison, Luka meets his grandmaster (Atami’s master) and he must finish his training of Xi-Ling Kung Fu in time and not only save himself, but his master Atami, the art of Xi-Ling Kung Fu and the nation of China.
Including themes of maturity, responsibility, respect and determination, Wandering Warrior keeps the reader glued to their seat. Wandering Warrior never seems to lack enthusiasm. Whether it’s the final battle between Luka and the Sea Creature or when Luka discovers the secret school of Kung Fu, this book keeps the reader turning the pages and wanting to read more.
A minority of people who read this book won’t enjoy it because it often goes deep about Chinese culture. When Luka discovers a secret temple, he begins to learn about Chinese culture and this lasts for quite some time. However, the 20 page long extraordinary battle for the future of China makes up for any boring parts of the book.
I believe this book was simply awesome. It teaches the reader about Chinese culture and Kung Fu while making the reader wanting to know what will happen to Luka. Wandering Warrior is an action packed history lesson about China’s culture with a twist of magic and Kung Fu. This is a book that you won’t want to miss and many agree with me as USA Today referred to Wandering Warrior as “China’s answer to Potter”.
May 27, 2011
"You must be the boy."
"What boy?"
"The Holy Boy," the monk said. The other monks murmured. (p.154)
Wandering Warrior by Da Chen is China's Harry Potter-magic with kung-fu. Luka, a small boy who begs for food, has five moles on each toe on his feet-a sign that says he is destined to be the emperor of China. But the Mogoes, who have taken over China, will hunt him at every cost. Luka is protected by a single monk: Atami. He was a former commander of the Chinese army and part of a group that knows kung-fu. However, with kung-fu comes powers, and Atami has a secret-he knows one of the most powerful ones-the power of the sun. As Atami starts teaching basic kung-fu and powers the Luka, he gets captured, and Luka is also taken prisoner. In prison, Luka meets Grandmaster, the one who taught Atami and knows the power of the moon. If the power of the sun and the moon come together, anything is possible. After teaching the power of the moon to Luka, Grandmaster and Luka escape, and get to a temple where the rest of the kung-fu fighters are. There, Luka finds out something terrible-Atami is dying...
I would rate this book four stars out of five because it is fun to read and very interesting. Also, you learn more about the Chinese way of life and how the Buddhist monks live. However, the reading is a bit too simple for me. Overall, though, I like this book a lot.
Chris J.
"What boy?"
"The Holy Boy," the monk said. The other monks murmured. (p.154)
Wandering Warrior by Da Chen is China's Harry Potter-magic with kung-fu. Luka, a small boy who begs for food, has five moles on each toe on his feet-a sign that says he is destined to be the emperor of China. But the Mogoes, who have taken over China, will hunt him at every cost. Luka is protected by a single monk: Atami. He was a former commander of the Chinese army and part of a group that knows kung-fu. However, with kung-fu comes powers, and Atami has a secret-he knows one of the most powerful ones-the power of the sun. As Atami starts teaching basic kung-fu and powers the Luka, he gets captured, and Luka is also taken prisoner. In prison, Luka meets Grandmaster, the one who taught Atami and knows the power of the moon. If the power of the sun and the moon come together, anything is possible. After teaching the power of the moon to Luka, Grandmaster and Luka escape, and get to a temple where the rest of the kung-fu fighters are. There, Luka finds out something terrible-Atami is dying...
I would rate this book four stars out of five because it is fun to read and very interesting. Also, you learn more about the Chinese way of life and how the Buddhist monks live. However, the reading is a bit too simple for me. Overall, though, I like this book a lot.
Chris J.
March 7, 2015
1,5/10
Se come me siete approdati a questo titolo in cerca di un fantasy che non fosse la solita minestra pseudomedioevale anglosassone ma un viaggio fantastico in una cultura e in una mitologia a cui qui siamo poco avvezzi, mi dispiace deludervi, ma: no. Davvero, no. Inoltre: no.
Il Guerriero Errante prende tutto il peggio dei fantatrash di ogni luogo e tempo e li piazza nel suggestivo scenario dell'antica Cina, ma anche l'ambientazione più dettagliata e interessante del mondo non riuscirebbe a salvare quella che è la storia più banale e raffazzonata del mondo - ovvero, giovane prescelto dal cosmo per portare la Pace nel Mondo(TM) deve diventare versato nel kung fu per prendere a calci in culo i bulletti, sconfiggere il brutto boss kattivo, salvare i suoi amici e vincere la mano del manichino femminile di turno. I personaggi sono delle sagomine di cartone che devono solo manovrare la storia sui binari predeterminati, l'umorismo è scatologico, la trama è prevedibile fino alla noia e niente in questo romanzo contiene un grammo di originalità, di brillantezza, di qualcosa che possa distinguerlo dalla massa di opere d'esordio di autori con più entusiasmo che effettive capacità.
Se come me siete approdati a questo titolo in cerca di un fantasy che non fosse la solita minestra pseudomedioevale anglosassone ma un viaggio fantastico in una cultura e in una mitologia a cui qui siamo poco avvezzi, mi dispiace deludervi, ma: no. Davvero, no. Inoltre: no.
Il Guerriero Errante prende tutto il peggio dei fantatrash di ogni luogo e tempo e li piazza nel suggestivo scenario dell'antica Cina, ma anche l'ambientazione più dettagliata e interessante del mondo non riuscirebbe a salvare quella che è la storia più banale e raffazzonata del mondo - ovvero, giovane prescelto dal cosmo per portare la Pace nel Mondo(TM) deve diventare versato nel kung fu per prendere a calci in culo i bulletti, sconfiggere il brutto boss kattivo, salvare i suoi amici e vincere la mano del manichino femminile di turno. I personaggi sono delle sagomine di cartone che devono solo manovrare la storia sui binari predeterminati, l'umorismo è scatologico, la trama è prevedibile fino alla noia e niente in questo romanzo contiene un grammo di originalità, di brillantezza, di qualcosa che possa distinguerlo dalla massa di opere d'esordio di autori con più entusiasmo che effettive capacità.
February 12, 2010
Book Review: Wandering Warrior by Chen Da (Da Chen in the West)
Luka has five moles on each of his feet and this marks him as the "Holy Boy." The future Emperor of China, he will be the man who will bring together the native Chinese and the hated Mongol invader. All Luka wants is enough food in his belly and the loyal fellowship of the brothers, Mahong and Mihong and his father-figure, Atami. But they are all captured and divided from Luka. He must escape his imprisonment and find a way to destroy the Mongol leader, Ghengi before he murders Atami.
"Wandering Warrior" is as much a coming of age novel as action, adventure, or fantasy. There are elements of Chinese mythos woven throughout, which is fun. However, the author employed anachronistic language which jarred me at times. That said, I doubt a teenage boy will notice or care and that's who the intended audience is. Despite the occasional "okay," or maybe because of the Wuxia-style of comradery and attention to detail, I found this YA book hard to put down.
Luka has five moles on each of his feet and this marks him as the "Holy Boy." The future Emperor of China, he will be the man who will bring together the native Chinese and the hated Mongol invader. All Luka wants is enough food in his belly and the loyal fellowship of the brothers, Mahong and Mihong and his father-figure, Atami. But they are all captured and divided from Luka. He must escape his imprisonment and find a way to destroy the Mongol leader, Ghengi before he murders Atami.
"Wandering Warrior" is as much a coming of age novel as action, adventure, or fantasy. There are elements of Chinese mythos woven throughout, which is fun. However, the author employed anachronistic language which jarred me at times. That said, I doubt a teenage boy will notice or care and that's who the intended audience is. Despite the occasional "okay," or maybe because of the Wuxia-style of comradery and attention to detail, I found this YA book hard to put down.
January 6, 2010
The Wandering Warrior is a good read for anyone that is interested in a non-traditional theory of Kung Fu. In The Wandering Warrior, the main character, known as "His Holiness" (Reason being is that he was supposed to be the next Holy Emperor of China), is a 10 year old boy. He is looked after by his Guardian, a buddhist monk, and he is tought the art of Xia Ling Kung Fu. After a large battle fighting against guards of their harsh Mongol government, the Monk is taken away and His Holiness in thrown into prison at the age of 10. Sentenced to death, His Holiness seeks to find a way out. After nights upon weeks of tunneling, he meets his grandmaster, Meaning the master of his master, and he is tought the counter art of Xia Ling Kung Fu. With which he gains the steryeotipical trait known about Kung Fu, which is flight. With this power he flys out of the Prison to go search for his guardian which is presumed Dead.
August 17, 2009
This book was written by my professor for my first semester in grad school. He recommended this to me because he thinks my writing voice works well for young adult fiction.
I liked this book. It was cute, funny, and full of action. I do, however, think it's for younger audiences than what I traditionally consider "young adult." I would consider it ideal for a fifth grader. Although, I heard that what denotes children's books has to do with length, and clocking in at 322 ages, this book didn't make the cut. So I suppose that's why it's considered young adult.
Still, quite fun, with witty dialogue, and does a good job of painting a portrait of ancient China with a slightly magical twist.
I liked this book. It was cute, funny, and full of action. I do, however, think it's for younger audiences than what I traditionally consider "young adult." I would consider it ideal for a fifth grader. Although, I heard that what denotes children's books has to do with length, and clocking in at 322 ages, this book didn't make the cut. So I suppose that's why it's considered young adult.
Still, quite fun, with witty dialogue, and does a good job of painting a portrait of ancient China with a slightly magical twist.
March 7, 2011
Luka has five moles on the bottom of each foot, which according to prophecy makes him the next emperor of China. Luka's mother is dead, and he doesn't know who his father is, but the monk Atemi guards and protects him. His existence must be kept from the evil invaders, the Mongols, and their ruler who consorts with evil monsters. Luka is China's only hope, but only if he masters all of the lessons his teachers taught him.
September 30, 2009
Having been orphaned at the age of eleven, Atami takes over the role of caretaker for Luka, a child who bears the marks of the future emperor of China, thus when Atami is captured by the enemy, Luka must turn to his kung fu training and warrior instincts to set Atami free and, in the process, become the leader he was meant to be.
October 24, 2010
This old man gave Luka and his other friend a note. It helped them figure out which way or which prison cell to move on next to rescue his other friend. The prison was named the "Water Prison." Soon then,Luka's master got captured by bad guys. Luka had to soon then train himself to risk his life to save others.
July 26, 2008
This book was really boring. There was waaay too much stuff that happened - halfway through I had already forgotton why the main character was doing what he was doing. Too many characters with not a lot of development. Not enough detail. Not a very good book.
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September 14, 2009Pretty entertaining, and nice to learn a little more about culture and kung fu and stuff
January 14, 2009
Might seem pointless in the beginning, but it gets very exciting later.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews