The Black Tides of Heaven (Tensorate #1)

by Neon Yang

HEAD ABBOT SUNG of the Grand Monastery did not know it yet, but this night would change the course of all his days.

Earth, for gravity; Water, for motion; Fire, for hot and cold; Forest, for flesh and blood; Metal, for electricity. Everything else is extra.

“The saying goes, ‘The black tides of heaven direct the courses of human lives.’ To which a wise teacher said, ‘But as with all waters, one can swim against the tide.’”

“I thought you would find it funny.” “I’ll find it funny when it’s not the unmentionable crack of night. Go back to sleep, you turtle bastard.”