Description: "So many stories begin the same way: With a prophecy. A chosen one. And the inevitable quest to slay a villain, save the kingdom, and fulfill a grand destiny. But this is not that kind of story. It does begin with a prophecy: A child will rise to defeat the Eternal Khan, a cruel immortal god-king, and save the kingdom. And that prophecy did anoint a hero, Jian, raised since birth in luxury and splendor, and celebrated before he has won a single battle. But that's when the story hits its first twist: The prophecy is wrong. What follows is a story more wondrous than any prophecy could foresee, and with many unexpected heroes: Taishi, an older woman who is the greatest grandmaster of magical martial arts in the kingdom but who thought her adventuring days were all behind her; Sali, a straitlaced warrior who learns the rules may no longer apply when the leader to whom she pledged her life is gone; and Qisami, a chaotic assassin who takes a little too much pleasure in the kill. And Jian himself, who has to find a way to become what he no longer believes he can be--a hero after all"--
Review Quotes: "The Art of Prophecy is an ambitious and touching exploration of disillusionment in faith, tradition, and family, and but also unexpectedly funny. I loved following Wesley Chu's intricate narrative through this sprawling universe full of glorious reinvention of fantasy and wuxia tropes."--Naomi Novik, New York Times bestselling author of A Deadly Education
"In this superb fantasy saga of tough, old martial-arts masters and inexperienced young heroes, Wesley Chu has given us a richly inventive page-turner that delights on every page. The Art of Prophecy is Wesley Chu at the height of his imaginative powers, and I can't wait for the next installment!"--Helene Wecker, author of The Golem and the Jinni and The Hidden Palace "Electrifying, thrilling, and a glorious, romantic ride, The Art of Prophecy is a true delight. Readers won't be able to put it down."--Robert Jackson Bennett, author of The Founders Trilogy"Wesley Chu has done it again--this time on an epic scale. The Art of Prophecy is a terrific and compelling story that plays off so many classic tales taken from our own world and reinvents them all in classic fashion."--Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of Child of Light "Come for the awesome fight choreography, stay for the sly wit, worldbuilding, and a fresh and unexpected take on the hero's journey!"--Jacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of Kushiel's Legacy "A whirlwind tale rich with politics and fantastical martial arts . . . Chu tells a refreshing coming-of-age story with a 'chosen one' who faces real challenges to become a hero."--Robin Hobb, author of the Fitz and the Fool Trilogy "In The Art of Prophecy, Wesley Chu writes like a master war artist. The War Arts Saga introduces a lavish world of martial arts that transcends into the mystical, just as this grandiose epic fantasy adventure transcends the page and comes alive in your mind."--Peter V. Brett, New York Times bestselling author of The Desert Prince
"[The Art of Prophecy] is squarely directed at kung fu, wuxia, and wire-fu fans who adore Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Hero; The Legend of Drunken Master; Kung Fu Hustle, and the like, providing a story with an epic sweep punctuated with dashes of humor and sharp-edged banter. . . . Dramatic, fun, thoughtful, clever, and (literally) punchy."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Chu's wry prose and characters are a delightful counterpoint to the physical and emotional demands undertaken by Jian and his allies, while the subplots build a vast panoramic view of this incredible world in the first of a new series."--Library Journal