Customer Reviews

Capoeira: A Tale of Martial Arts Mastery, Mysticism and Love

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I practice the art form known as capoeira, and this just isn't it. if you want to be misguided, buy the book. if you like pulp afro-fiction, rent the book. if you like good books, buy a case of these, then take them to the recycling center so they can see some use.

i ordered this book with a gift certificate that i won and i waited anxiusly for it to arrive. when it did it almost broke my heart, i bought it without reading any reviews because it was just being released. IT IS TERRIBLE!!! wow, the only way you may enjoy it is if you are into extremely cheesy sci-fi novels. avoid! or buy with this knowledge in mind. ...

As a Screenplay, this book gets three stars. As a book, one and as a Capoeira manual (I play Capoeira), none. This being said, Om-Ra-Seti has the germ of a really interesting story which could be made into a great action/martial arts picture. I would *love* to see the final battle envisioned here with all of the Orishas attending on the big screen - with the talents of a better writer.

9/21/10
I just saw a message from the author on another forum - looks like the book *was* originally intended as a screenplay. I'll stand by my original assesment: as a Screenplay, this rocks! Great story, just not translated well into book form.

CAPOEIRA takes us on a journey through time, where past and present collide in a page turning series of events. It is 2010 and the World Free Style Martial Arts Association has gained a huge fan base and following and has brought martial arts to a whole new level of popularity. The main character in the story, Ptah, is the champion of the welterweight division and part of the Dogon Clan. The Dogons are part of a long family line of people with special spiritual powers and abilities. Soon readers learn that the Dogon Clan is not without enemies, and that Ptahs journey to remain a champion will delve deeper than his bouts in the ring. Indeed they become part of his deeper journey into mysticism and to further his spiritual development. Ptah, along with the other members of the Dogon Clan, are involved in the universal fight against good and evil, but they have to fight these battles in both the physical and supernatural realms.

CAPOEIRA is a book that has a little of everything. Drama, suspense, and fantasy are all wrapped up in this interesting story. For fans of martial arts, this book is a must read, as the author takes us to a time when martial arts is a sport that can gather arena size crowds like football or boxing can today. The author carefully weaves in a lot of information about various types of martial arts and incorporates it into the story so well that readers who are not already fans will learn a lot, but still enjoy an otherwise fast paced story. The elements of fantasy and spirituality add additional depth to the story while the drama and suspense will keep you turning pages. My only complaint was that at times the author seemed a bit repetitive. This is a must read for martial arts fans and a book many others will truly enjoy.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This novel is simply a product for the "big screen," because the settings, and the energy are absolute vehicles. Today, most young people (all races) are into the martial arts and the struggles of physical fitness and survival. The energy in "Capoeira" is profound, and it captures the black family as a strong institution. This is significant, because family structures prevail againist the odds for the betterment of society. Therefore, people can benefit in many ways from this interesting story.

Science fiction and mysticism fused in a timeless spiritual embrace. Heroes and villains, conspiracies and revelations, are what best describe this compelling and all around off-the-hook novel. Capoeira possesses a sublime 'deepness'. It's author is a weaver of literary magic. He
tells several stories on many levels, while entertaining and informing the reader.

The world in which this epic journey unfolds, is for some, already here, and for others, not too hard to envision. It's a place where the subculture of Extreme Combat, and the Battle Mania Brawls seen on Pay-per-view, have grown into the dominant sports attraction.

The people who populate this place of African themes and inner discovery, are important and multi-faceted. Is Ptah; the main character, an arrogant fighting machine, or is he a spiritual phenomenon, destined to pierce the veil of human consciousness? What of the Dogon Clan, his powerful family? And then there are the Akans. Arch rivals to the Dogons.

Capoeira is replete with symbolism, inner visions, and spiritual attainment. It is a speculative panorama. Like the Martial Arts that permeates It's pages, this book is fast paced and snags you immediately. It is a complete tale of epic proportions. The conclusion; mature and appropriate. Capoeira is simply, essential reading.

I found the book Capoeira interesting, spiritual and historical. It recaps ancient times and it deeply stirs the reader's imagination. Capoeria researches the lineage of our ancestors and brings us up to this present date. I grew excited about the martial art form of Capoeira and the central characters of this story. The book Capoeira offers the reader suspense, drama, entertainment and knowledge of self-defense. It was a real pleasure reading this book.

I really enjoyed reading Capoeira because it was very interesting, and took me on a odyssey I will never forget. I never of heard of Capoeira until reading this book, and I must say it is a wonderful tale of martial arts, mastery, mysticism and love in a nutshell. I also enjoyed the deep cultural and historical facts that were interwoven throughout the story. Once you get started, it's hard to put it down.

Here is a truly unique novel, one that actually draws upon powerful history & cultural icons to weave a tale of love, global competitive martial arts and family battles. By using cultural images such as the Dogon, Ptah, Nzinga, etc. the author
tells a story that readers of any age can get fully involved in. I certainly hope that many more tales are forthcoming from this literary warrior.