Book Review #4: A Bright Particular Star by Elizabeth Hanbury

This is the first book of Elizabeth Hanbury's that I've completed.

I would have completed it sooner, only I started reading one of her other works, 'A Midsummer Eve at Rookery End', at the same time (yay for team ADHD!) but I'm getting more focussed now, honestly.

If you like strong heroines, this is the book for you. Sophie Deveraux is no weakling and her skillful, playful handling of Theo is a real joy to read, and to visualise.

It's much like a road trip in the Regency period. I started thinking about Thelma and Louise for a similar reason. But the story is really about what Sophie wants as opposed to what is expected of her, and it's refreshing that a woman like this would have existed in this period.

Many times a character (often male, often Theo) will say "What the deuce?" (this or that) and I find it gently funny - and refreshing, that we don't need expletives here.

Sometimes I think profanity is okay, but only in context. But it's a nice take on the frustrations the characters would have felt in this period.

To be a good writer, you have to observe other writers who are successful in their genre, and I'm taken aback - quite literally, how detailed everything is in this regency world we find ourselves in.

Sometimes, I think "too much detail, you should have left it to the reader's imagination", but in other ways, I think I should read it from the point of knowing nothing about regency romance (up until a week ago, I can say I definitely knew nothing).

As I mentioned on my 'currently reading' piece about this book, it's really quite delightful and I enjoyed every page.

Sophie is the perfect heroine and I understand this is perhaps not the only time we will see her.

I love to give five star reviews and will happily do so here. I'm still enjoying the author's other book that I have and will look forward to one more (when I've ordered it, sorry Elizabeth!).

Consider me a fan. I loved this book!

Elizabeth's website is here:- http://www.elizabethhanbury.com/

Author website

Amazon book page

Book Revew #3: The Story of Lingerie

I bought this book in 2006, and it remains the largest sized book in my entire collection. I'm starting to re-read some of my books again and this remains the most beautifully illustrated book I own. I'm going to scan some pictures from it and add them here.

It's interesting that this book is largely unavailable now. The Kindle version is worldwide, but this version is only available from a few Amazon sellers.

I wouldn't part with it, even though it's not really a 'story'. It could be more accurately entitled 'The History of Lingerie' because in that detail, it is very informative indeed and you get a real appreciation of the work that goes into designing these garments.

It covers all aspects of lingerie, and there's a particularly excellent section on corsets.

Recommended very highly indeed.

Can't Wait to Read: The Cinderella Debutante by Elizabeth Hanbury

I'm probably going to order the print version of this novel. Many books are fine on Kindle, but some, you just have to have the original paper book! It would also be great to see a novel by this great author on my bookshelf!

Regency romance novels, I'm learning, are actually a lot different from the classic romance ones (M&B - although some of their catalogue is good, admittedly) or YA ones (heavy on the swoon / swearing factor). They seem to have the right balance here and Elizabeth Hanbury certainly treats the reader with respect by not going too sugary - something, even Jane Austen could be guilty of at times.

Still reading through 'A Bright Particular Star' and 'Midsummer Eve at Rookery End'.

Still reading, and still enjoying.

Elizabeth's website is here:- http://www.elizabethhanbury.com/

Author website

Amazon book page

The Healing Powers of Tai Chi

I read a story on a Chinese news website about a young man who contracted terminal cancer.

This was obviously devastating to him, but he resolved to make use of whatever time he had left. One of the things he did, was take up Tai Chi (Taijiquan).

Now I know all about the benefits of the system, but this man was to experience them for a further twenty years (and counting).

I'm not saying Tai Chi cured his cancer, I would never say that.

But what is not in doubt, is Tai Chi assisting in the health and general well being of its practitioners.

I mentioned in my book, The Essence of Martial Arts that Tai Chi could be considered as the Supreme Ultimate Art.

If even a small part of the practise assisted in the man's health, we can feel proud every time we practise Chen, Yang, or whatever style we happen to do.

Book Review: Antigoddess by Kendare Blake

Kendare Blake is one of the growing numbers of 'new' authors on my list. Having stuck with horror writers like Dean Koontz, Stephen King and Anne Rice, for years, it was Kendare's novel 'Anna Dressed in Blood' that grabbed me by the throat some months back. It was followed up by 'Girl of Nightmares', but to date, there is no third installment of 'Anna', so you can imagine my thoughts on approaching Antigoddess.

It was one of those books I found out about before it was out, so I pre-ordered it on Amazon, something I have never done before.

So, to the story. Well, it's about mythology, so was pretty far away from 'Anna Dressed in Blood,'. I wasn't expecting another horror story.

What we get, in fact, is a very intelligent twist on Greek legends, where the old Gods actually find they are not as immortal as they thought. The story builds up slowly, but you know something is going to kick off somewhere.

When the two 'goddesses' finally collide, the story shifts into high gear and the pace set in 'Anna' is kept up right until the end of the book.

I can honestly say that I didn't see the ending coming in the way it did.

That's what makes a Kendare Blake book so satisfying. I kept hoping for Anna Korlov to pop up, somehow, but actually, I had to leave that world behind if I was going to enjoy this one.

I can bet that you'll enjoy it too.

This is the first book in a series, but it doesn't feel drawn out or stretched like some other stories, that may get tired quickly.

You can see the importance of the build up in the first 150 pages or so of the book, so don't expect loads of action at the start. It builds to a nice crescendo and the ending, as I said, is thunderingly satisfying.

Onto Book 2, then, when it is released.

Buy the book here 

Currently Reading: Midsummer Eve at Rookery End by Elizabeth Hanbury

Whilst reading the delightful 'A Bright Particular Star', which is a full-length novel by Elizabeth Hanbury, I also came across this set of five stories (originally three) which I'm reading at this moment.

I've already read the first, entitled 'The Virtuoso Courtesan', a highly enjoyable story which, like all the best ones (especially in Stephen King stories!) there are only a few characters, and in this case, just two.

The other four stories I am sure will be as good as, if not better than the first, and it's a nice, gentle way to 'get into' Regency romance stories.

I can highly recommend this, and I'm probably going to get the print version of  'A Cinderella Debutante' as well. I really like the author's style of writing, and when you find an author you like, you just want more and more!

More on this when I've completed all five in this book. I defy anyone not to like these stories!

Elizabeth's website is here:- http://www.elizabethhanbury.com/

Author website

Amazon book page

Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity by Shifu Yan Lei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This utterly superb book not only beautifully details how to do the stretches, but has many pearls of wisdom littered throughout the book.

I don't think this book is aimed at beginners, though they could pick up much from this.

As a huge fan of Bruce Lee's 'Tao of Jeet Kune Do' and 'Fighting Method' books, it is no small matter finding a fine martial arts book.

The book is a work of art - but it has the substance to back it up and that is a major achievement.

Shifu Yan Lei is the real deal - you can tell that. So many 'master's prefix their name with such titles and in some cases, they are great at what they do. This man is a case in point.

If you are a martial artist, or just want tips to stay healthy and strong into old age (as opposed to just living to an old age) - buy and learn from this book.

Highly recommended.



View all my reviews

Making Your Book Great: The Importance of Editorial Evaluation

With my first book coming out in 2011, I was hesitating to go through the delays of editorial evaluation. I mean, this would mean further hold-ups to the release of the book, and why would I want to do that?

But wait a second.

Then another.

You must, because when it's your first book coming out, you are so excited, you want the world to know about it, but you must step back and realise just how big - or small, that world actually is.

There's another issue. Once that book is out there, you feel a bit 'flat'. After all, this book has consumed a lot of your time, coffee, sleepless nights, and with any free time you might have, it's taken up with thoughts about the book. Or the next book after that.

Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With The Wind authored one book and one book only. Gone With The Wind is a very famous book and film. I also had the pleasure of visiting her old home on a visit to the United States.

Who knows if she had any other books planned?

In some ways I am envious of authors who make their living from writing, but also from other things they do.

The editing of a book like Gone With The Wind would have been some undertaking. But whether it is a classic like that, or your own book, do pause and get the proper editorial evaluation done.

It's quite possible you won't like what they say, at least, at first.

But you will come to realise that they do know what they're talking about, and you can work the advice given into your book - regardless of the subject.

The two books I have completed so far, The Essence of Martial Arts, and also, Dark Winter, have both received editorial critique.

In the first book, I intimately know the subject matter, so what I needed from Editorial was a way in which it could just 'frame' the book better, and indeed the text was much better for it. Still not perfect, mind.

For the second book, which is basically 'a project' because I've never published a full length novel before, I needed Editorial to bash me over the head. Oh - I didn't like their critique at first. I thought they had bulldozed through what I'd written. But who am I, in the literary world? No-one! So I thought 'you have to get over yourself' and listen to these people.

Of course, I would listen in the end. And again, the book is far better for having professional critique.

So, although it may seem too obvious, do take the time to get your book edited. It may not be perfect, it may not win you more fans, it may not make you any money.

But your book will be better should you heed their advice.

Make your book great, okay?

Currently Reading: A Bright Particular Star by Elizabeth Hanbury

Well. It's nice to get away from the horrors, blood and guts of the final tweaks on 'Dark Winter', to read something a lot more lighter. Only starting reading it today, but it's got a cool heroine and the story moves at quite a pace.

That's not to say that pace equals a dry narrative. No. Elizabeth Hanbury describes the world of Sophie and Theo extremely well, and whilst it might seem a light read to some, it really isn't, and the more I get into it, it has the makings of a fantastic story here.

A full review when I've sped through this. I wouldn't normally say something like that, but this is a story that you just want to read, and keep reading. It's wonderfully crafted, historically accurate, with an engaging protagonist.

Awesome so far.

Author website

Amazon book page

Why Losing Your Job (and finding Martial Arts) could be the best thing that ever Happened to You

After nearly ten years in the same company, you'd think I'd be in the pot for an Omega watch, or a significant pay rise.

No.

There had already been warnings, back in 2005, that some of us were going to lose our jobs. Not because we'd done anything wrong, exactly. We had just gotten too big as a company, and the powers that be decided to slim us down.

The sales force were exempt from this, even though it could be said that they played some part in the company losing sales. They were referred to by one outgoing sales account manager as a 'sales prevention force'.

That may seem cruel, but it was at least in part, very apt.

I had already been teaching martial arts on a part time basis when the threat of redundancy loomed over me in 2005.

I hadn't necessarily done anything to warrant this, but our department had spent budgets out of existence. I was not happy with how things were, but the manager crushed dissent from me - or at least attempted to, because I wasn't part of her original crew, and so, I was easy to attack if the manager happened to be having a bad day.

Still, I avoided the chop back in 2005, only for her to leave soon afterwards, and I set about defining myself with a  career in marketing. I was now in charge of marketing, though in essence, I was 'it'.

Despite getting funding in from our partners to do campaigns, the management were unwilling or unable to back me and I became increasingly frustrated with the role.

I continued to work hard at my job, but also worked hard to become the best martial arts instructor I could be. Just a year from my actual redundancy in 2009, I took the decision to stop competing in martial arts tournaments in 2008.

Martial arts had been very good to me. I could see that my place of work was very much on a downward trajectory. The management seemed rather listless, and offered no real 'vision' for the company, except for 'we will survive'.

Well, a mayfly can survive for a day, but that's because it is constrained by it's biology.

So, through martial arts, was that the best I could do? Survive?

If in a life or death situation, I'd say survival was a pretty good thing.

Back at 'We Don't Know What We're Doing' plc, I thought survival, even if I survived 'the cut', was not likely to be a good, long term thing.

I had a mortgage to pay. I had to eat. When you have 'a job' and people ask you what you do, and you say 'oh, I'm in sales,' or 'I'm an accountant'....listen to the lifelessness in their voices.

I really did enjoy my role. Some of the people from there, I actually miss.

But I would not let it define me. It's not an ego thing either, but it's nice to say 'I teach martial arts, or 'I'm a writer', depending on who I'm talking to - sometimes both.

Like most things, we are more than the sum of our parts.

If you've got a job, do it well and be the best at that job. So if the one you work for doesn't appreciate that, move on to somewhere, someone, or in some manner that makes sense to you.

Because honestly, redundancy was probably the best thing that happened to me. It's not always easy, but teaching, and also writing, helps me change things. I feel like I'm doing something rewarding. Making a difference, and in a good way too.

Anyone who reads this, and finds themselves constrained by circumstances, or is working for a We Don't Know What We're Doing plc, just need to look at what else they can do - right now. Today. To change that.

Your boss ultimately doesn't care how you live, how you eat, what your dreams are, or whether or not you can survive. We are the mayfly in his world. But we still have value. Outside of his very small world, we can make it.

So. Find your passion, and be the best at it. I don't think I am the best martial arts teacher in the world, and I know I am not the best writer in the world. You know what? That doesn't matter.

I resolve to be the best I can be every single day. If I had kept my job back in 2009, I would be fulfilling someone else's dreams.

No. No. No.

Why martial arts (and not governments) will keep people safe

This week saw a man admitted his guilt of the manslaughter of 16 year old Christina Edkins. She was stabbed in the chest whilst on a bus in Birmingham. She was just on her way to school, that's all she was doing.

Her killer was a mental patient on release from hospital. Clearly, he has his problems, and he knows that he shouldn't have been amongst the general public.

Mental? Perhaps by some definition he is - but it's interesting to me that he chose to attack a young school girl, as opposed to someone his own size. Yet he chose not to, which says to me he knew what he was doing. Is it still manslaughter then?

Yet the authorities involved say 'we will learn the lessons', 'this won't happen again under our watch', 'we will get rid of knife crime in this country', and so on.

I'm sure they believe it when they say that, but really? A girl lies dead, and it wasn't like there weren't warnings. This guy had form. I wish he had gotten the help he needed, and that Christina could have just gone about her business that day. 

I have tried to strike a balance in lessons between the Art side of martial arts, and the Reality or self defence aspects.

Too  much of one or the other isn't good, and as instructors, we should be aiming - always, for that balance.

I never offer a 100% guarantee that students will survive an attack by someone thrusting a knife in their face. 

But we do work on aspects of the training so that in scenario one - where they can turn, move, but are not allowed to block - it is likely that the knife will get through.

Scenario two does allow them to block, and by and large they do stop the knife hitting vital areas.

For reasons known only to them, the current UK government cut funding of sports to schools. Martial Arts teaching was a major casualty of this measure. 

I know football, netball, gymnastics, basketball et cetera are all fun. But give the children a life skill - isn't that what martial arts should be viewed as?

Schools, governments and authorities wouldn't need to 'learn the lessons' if they just put what is needed in place instead of what's easy to do. 

I was often shocked at the lack of fitness - and discipline at some schools when I taught there.

I do hope that for some of the children I taught, that they got enough from it to pursue martial arts in their life outside school.

The world isn't necessarily more dangerous. We just need to recognise what we can do to help ourselves.

Christina Edkins should have had that help and the basic right to enjoy her bus ride in safety. 

I hope people do take up the chance to learn an effective martial art that keeps them safe within the law. 

If they do, a repeat of Christina's case may never happen, and I will campaign in my own way to make sure our streets are a safe place to be.

Currently Reading "The World According to Bob" by James Bown

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18043373-the-world-according-to-bob?ac=1

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed 'A StreetCat Named Bob', it's really no surprise that this book follows in the same vein. Bob is a totally cool cat, and truly, the book's strapline doesn't lie - the duo do have many more adventures and it is a fun, if scary read, sometimes.

Fun - because anyone who has a cat will know of their little 'ways' in the manner only an owner knows.

Scary - because some of the situations they find themselves in are indeed 'what the hell?' moments and you can't put the book down because you want to know what happens next.

Anyway, it's a top read so far. I understand there are seven boos in the series, so whilst some may feel it is more of the same, I honestly feel like it's a very fresh read. It leaves you with a nice feeling inside. How mant books can you say have done that for you?

The Mentality of a Martial Artist

As some of you may know, I teach martial arts on a full-time basis. What is most important then, as an instructor, and indeed, as a student, is the mentality.

If you are an unwell, ask yourself can you push yourself through your training, even if you have no idea what the lesson on that day may entail.

If you are injured, how did this happen? You know, most of my student's injuries have come via the gym, where abnormal weights were lifted. Or it might have been at the football ground.

When I was aged 19, as well as training in martial arts, I also played ice hockey for a 'B' or reserve team. I was never professional. I played for the enjoyment. We were a team that provided the warm up for the crowd whilst they waited for the main event to start.

They would cheer us on, all the same, because some of that team played in the senior A team, and others dropped back to the C team level.

That year, in 1992, I suffered my worst injury to date. I was in a collision at high speed with one of the opposing team. I smashed into the barrier at rink-side, thinking my leg was broken but actually, my knee had been all but shattered. This shattered my theory about the knee being the hardest bone in the body.

Seven operations later, my knee was functioning again. During that time, I had many highs and lows, but I never stopped training, even from the hospital bed. I would do all manner of punch drills, blocking techniques.

I never gave up. Especially when the doctors told me I would not play ice hockey again, or throw a punch in a martial arts tournament.

And you can't, when something inevitably gets in your way.

The mentality to win, to come through, to see a future where you'd like to be, is what should consume martial artists on a daily or yes - hourly basis!

On that note, I'm off to teach now.

Book Review: A Street Cat Named Bob: How One Man and His Cat Found Hope on the Streets

A Street Cat Named Bob: How One Man and His Cat Found Hope on the Streets 
by James Bowen 

John Hennessy's review

Sep 27, 13  ·  edit

5 of 5 stars

Read from July 12 to 19, 2013

What a simply beautiful book.

I have three cats of my own, but that doesn't mean I'm a sucker for a book that has a cure cat on its cover.

A Street Cat Named Bob is a wonderful, honest account of a man, James Bowen, and his cat, Bob. What makes this book superior to many other reads is how James never lets the terrible things in his life get him down for long.

Bob is clearly part of his salvation and, knowing how wonderful cats are, I can only say that anytime Bob was in danger, I felt genuinely worried something bad might happen to him.

The book is well written and super easy to read. You could read this in one sitting, or spread it out, like I did.

It's one of those books I didn't want to finish, so it's great that 'The World According to Bob' was published soon after.

If you like cats, like antiheroes like James (very likeable guy but not without his faults - making him even better in my eyes) and just a fine read, look no further than this. Then get all the 'Bob' books in the series.

Bravo James, I wish you and Bob the best.

Release Date for 'Dark Winter'

Okay. So the draft has been completed. And then re-drafted. Then re-drafted several times more. The script has been through editorial, some friends have had snippets of the script, and well, friends, we are all but there.

So I have a date for its release - 9th October on Kindle (and other devices) and printed version to be available soon after that.

I prefer the 'hard copy' version of books but can see some merit in e-books. Whichever one you happen to be, I hope you'll try this book and see something different in it.

It's my first 'official' novel, so I don't know how it will be received. Sometimes, you just have to go for it and  see what happens.

Nervous? You bet. But it won't have been the first time, and sure as hell won't be the last.

Book Review: This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

It is not a zombie book either. 

No. Not really. And that's why, having bought this back in January 2013 it has taken me nearly six months to complete it.

I didn't buy this on Kindle. I bought the paperback version. I still can't make out who it is on the front cover.

But these details aren't that important. What is important, however, is a good story, with good characters, and for the first hundred pages or so, I was waiting for something definitive to happen.

I didn't like the f-word on practically every page. It made the characters more unlikable, but I stuck with it because the premise of the children stuck in the school was good. Not original - but who cares, so long as it is told well.

This, is where Miss Summers raises the story above an average yarn. The in-fighting reminded me of Lord of the Flies - a good book which was spoiled by having it rammed down our throats at school.

I have never read that story again, and I was pretty sure I wouldn't give this book a second read, because I doubted I could complete it the first time around.

Nothing seemed to be happening, but - (see spoilers below) when it really got going, it was unputdownable. I have read the remaining 220 pages this afternoon.

This is Not a Test is not so much about zombies - though their inclusion is well written and satisfyingly executed. What it is about is surviving - day by day, down to second by second.

In some cases that reflects the struggles of many people today, who battle every single moment in order to survive.

Replace zombies with bills at the door, and you will know what I mean.

Sloane is without doubt the best written character in the book. I couldn't feel much for the others until much later. Miss Summers doesn't give you it all in the first chapter...instead she lets us peel away the layers - much like the zombies rotting skin, to reveal their true feelings, true angst, and the 'what the hell do I do now?' that they feel at every turn of the page.

I'm not a prude. I don't mind profanity - and yes, I would use it myself in this situation! Just a little less would be good.

So. It gets four stars for an amazingly gripping 220 pages. The first 100 failed to take off for me, but I still love this book.

It's got zombies in it, but what it mainly has is an emotional impact rarely experienced in YA novels. That hit me harder than any of the zombies going on the attack.

A solid, super read.

Well done Courtney Summers :)

***SPOILER ALERT***

Thank Heavens for Mr Baxter then! When he arrives, around page 120 or so, things really kick off.

The back story of Lily and Sloane is so emotional - it's brilliantly well done, and you would have to be made of stone - or just 'cold' like the zombies themselves, not to feel something for the girls and their awful father (putting it mildly).

Just finished reading: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

Okay. Need to rest after reading this one. I blasted through the last 120 pages or so. I do still think you read it more carefully when it is the printed book rather than Kindle, so for authors I really love, I will get the printed book. I am still not sold on the whole Kindle thing!

Wow. A terrific read that balances the first book nicely. It was a very satisfying book, and I never expected it to be as godo as the first. If you take it as one whole volume, you have one hell of a story there.

Apart from Kendare's amazing way with words and descriptions, what''s really freaky is that there is a home, just like on the cover of Anna Dressed in Blood, close to my old junior school. I haven't been up there in years, but now I am tempted, just to see if Anna's there. God, I hope not.

I need to relax and recover from this one, then do a more detailed review. Good on you Kendare Blake. You've done it again.

Book Review #2: The Selection by Keira Cass

Book Review:The Selection by Keira Cass

Good, but lacking **something**.

Okay, so the premise of The Selection is very good. The cover is brilliantly enticing, and yet, within the first few pages, the dystopian world is 'ropey', to say the least. It may sound harsh, but calling your principal character 'America' and one of the others, 'Aspen', seems bizarre to me.

The author's name is Keira, and that's a beautiful name, befitting a princess. So would it have been a bad idea to maybe call America, Keira? This is a small gripe. The story, such as it is, moves along reasonably well, and in that sense, I think Keira Cass writes in a quite engaging manner.

I like the Cinderella premise, i.e. poor, but beautiful and refined girl makes good - but the story ends with sequel-itis in mind, so you wonder what is the point of the book, in and of itself...because it is not the complete story.

Prince Maxon seems at first a bit wooden and stuffy, but I suppose even if you are heir to the throne of Illea and you have 35 girls fawning after you...you would be. He develops better than any other character, for me, and then, just a few chapters before the end, he puts his crown firmly back on his head and lashes out at America...I lost all the likeability that had been built up for him.

The story could easily be four stars, but it could be two stars as well.

I give it three stars out of five because it does have potential, but has a lot of filler chapters where the intention must have been to spread it out to two or three books, which is a shame. If it is one story, then tell it like one, because stretching it out affects what could have been a truly great read.

As it is, it is just another in a long line of YA dystopian novels. There's no vampires, trolls, zombies...just the cast system of Illea and thirty five girls that make up The Selection. The love triangle seems...very strange, because to have one, America would have to love Aspen and Maxon, and for the Prince to be in love with America.

It is not clear how America or Maxon really feel. Even Aspen seems to have a bit of the caveman about him. Maybe that is the design of the main characters. I kind of feel that the dystopian world will be explored more in The Elite. I just don't know if I can stretch to that one to find out.

Nonetheless, a good try from Keira Cass.

Currently Reading: "The Selection" by Keira Cass

I'm reading The Selection by Keira Cass. I'm also reading Wizard's First Rule, Truckers, This Is Not a Test, Lords of the Rings (again), and many others.

 This one, from HarperTeen, has promise. It seems a bit of an X-Factor meets Hunger Games meets Don't Tell the Bride mash up, but it may come into it's own a bit later.

 The cover is fantastic, but that in itself shouldn't be the reason to buy it (it wasn't - I bought it on recommendation) but it's a big pull all the same. I've read so much YA in the past year that maybe, just maybe, I am a bit jaded on the sector, but this is shaping up to be a good read. More when I've completed it.

Book Review: Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout for Longevity

Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity by Shifu Yan Lei
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This utterly superb book not only beautifully details how to do the stretches, but has many pearls of wisdom littered throughout the book.

I don't think this book is aimed at beginners, though they could pick up much from this.

As a huge fan of Bruce Lee's 'Tao of Jeet Kune Do' and 'Fighting Method' books, it is no small matter finding a fine martial arts book.

The book is a work of art - but it has the substance to back it up and that is a major achievement.

Shifu Yan Lei is the real deal - you can tell that. So many 'master's prefix their name with such titles and in some cases, they are great at what they do. This man is a case in point.

If you are a martial artist, or just want tips to stay healthy and strong into old age (as opposed to just living to an old age) - buy and learn from this book.

Highly recommended.



View all my reviews