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Interesting concept though I agree that the religious aspect seems a bit out there... I bet the bits of history that are referenced also make this for a more satisfying read than just a straight fantasy would have been.

I read this book last month and enjoyed it immensely. I find it interesting that the contrasts between Buddhist and American cultures was so fascinating for you. While I found that part interesting, for me, it was the interweaving of the events of the Chinese shift to a communist government that captured my imagination - and how the author so skillfully used real events that are engrossing in their own right as a backdrop for the mc's adventures. Nice job on the review - I enjoyed reading your persective.

Silvermoon wrote:This book seems to have an interesting premise, although the religious aspects of is seem a little off. I'm okay with Jesus not being from earth, but am a little confused by the Buddhist aggression. Your review is thorough and helpful. Great job!

Out of curiosity, are you familiar with Buddhist views? They seek Nirvana, a concept that is free of pain and suffering. Humanity is full of pain and suffering, so really they try to transcend all of that mortality/human stuff. I'm really awful at explaining Buddhist concepts. (I apologize to all Buddhists!) It's not quite far-fetched that a Buddhist immortal would view prolonged human life as punishment. The human shell is full of pain, whether it is emotional or physical. To stay in that shell is to stay grounded to Earth. Needless to say, that's not transcending anything and that's not finding Nirvana. So staying a human is not seeking Nirvana, which is like seeing punishment. Instead of letting your essence transcend, you're forcing it to stay put. Definitely a form of punishment. Sure, it may stretch it a little, but I can see it.

Nice review! It sounds like something that would be interesting and different to read. However, the unusual view on the religious themes is off-putting. I haven't decided if I want to read this book.

Wow , I was amazed at this book. I love war stories . The characters portrayed were so explicit. Thanks Marisa rose for such a great review.

Great thorough review. Will have to check the book out. Thank you.

Great review! I was intrigued by the sample, and your review summarised plot points I'm interested in reading more about. Definitely an interesting integration of concepts.

This is great review. However after reading the review i am thinking not to read this book as the books that cover the topics of religion and also detailing the horrifying acts of cruelty are not my cup of tea. Thank you again for the detailed insight into the book

Awesome review! You really captured the essence of the book without revealing too much! I can't wait to read this book!

I like it when you have a mix of historical facts and pure fantasy so this one might be in my ally. But I'm not sure the book benefits from the Jesus reference.

Congratulations on such a well-written review! I have come to like fictional books with a touch of history in them. As for this book, immortality gave the protagonist a lot of other powers, so I'm excited to know how he used this powers over time.

Great review, very interesting stuff and you make the book sound great! Thanks!

Because this is history mixed with fantasy it makes it very appealing for me. I read this book earlier last month and I was surprised how much I liked it. This review helped a lot in figuring out if I'd want to read, because I wasn't convinced by the sample. Great job!

It doesnt sounds like a book for me, There are some things you mentioned in your review that made me feel uncomfortable about the plot, specially the "Jesus is not from this world" part and the fact that is not relevant in the story.

Great review! The review gave me insight into what the book is actually about. I do not think it is something I would be interested in but the story is interesting. The religious aspect may throw some people off from the book but I think it is a great incorporation. One would not think that religion could mix with magic in a book but this author seems to have done it. Thank you for the review!