Title: The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
Author: Zen Cho
First published June 23, 2020
176 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781250269249 (ISBN10: 1250269245)
Rating: 3.65
Overview
Step into a world of martial arts, adventure, and found family with Zen Cho’s latest book. In The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water, Guet Imm, a devoted member of the Order of the Pure Moon, finds herself in the midst of chaos when a bandit stumbles into a coffeehouse.
In order to protect a sacred object, she must unite with a group of unlikely thieves who have their own secrets to keep. As they journey together, Guet Imm realizes that the situation is far more complicated than she could have ever anticipated.
With vibrant characters drawn from the pages of history, this wuxia fantasy will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Hello! I’m an author of fantasy stories from Malaysia, and I currently reside in the UK. If you’re curious about my writing, feel free to check out my website at zencho.org.
Editoral Review
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water, the latest novel by award-winning author Zen Cho, is a masterfully-crafted work of fantasy that transports readers to a magical world of martial arts, revolution, and love. First published on June 23, 2020, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh, feminist take on the classic wuxia genre.
Cho’s writing style is both poetic and direct, infusing her characters and their world with a tangible sense of weight and history. The language is simple yet precise, allowing readers to easily connect with the story and its characters while still marveling at the beauty of her prose.
Cho’s themes of loyalty, identity, and the power of community are universal, giving the book a universal appeal while also providing a much-needed perspective on present-day conflicts. The novel opens with Meeting Wen, the hapless bandit who has been tricked into joining the order of the Pure Moon, a band of monks who follow non-violent principles.
While Meeting Wen initially struggles to reconcile his violent nature with the pacifist ways of the order, he soon becomes an integral member of the group and develops a deep connection with one of his fellow members, the mysterious and alluring Tet Sang. As the story progresses, Cho interweaves complex themes of revolution, corruption, and power, exploring the tension between traditional values and the need for change.
The conflict between the government and the people is set against a backdrop of magical creatures and supernatural forces, creating a visceral sense of danger and wonder that keeps the reader engaged throughout. The character development in The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water is particularly noteworthy, allowing the reader to connect deeply with all of the characters.
The relationships between the characters are complex and nuanced, creating a sense of authenticity that keeps the story grounded even as it moves into fantastical realms. Despite its many strengths, The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water does have a few minor flaws.
Some readers may find the pacing to be slow at times, particularly in the first few chapters. Additionally, the world-building, while rich and detailed, can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with wuxia or the mythologies that inspired Cho’s writing.
Overall, however, The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water is an exceptional book. It is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh and feminist take on the wuxia genre, and for anyone looking for a beautifully crafted story of love, identity, and revolution.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a rich and engaging reading experience. Rating: 4.5/5
