The Academician - Southern Swallow - Book I (Paperback)

~ Edward Patterson (Author)
Key Phrases: grand tutor, household emissary, vermilion robe, Prince Kang, Han Lin, Mei Lin (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"A bigger fool the world has never known than I - a coarse fellow with no business to clutch a brush and scribble. I only know the scrawl, because my master took pleasure in teaching me between my chores. Not many men are so cursed . . ." Thus begins the tale of Li K'ai-men as told by his faithful, but mischievous servant, K'u Ko-ling - a tale of 12th Century China, where state service meant a life long journey across a landscape of turmoil and bliss. A tale of sacrifice, love, war and duty - a fragile balance between rituals and passions. Here begins the legacy of the Jade Owl and its custodian as he holds true to his warrants. The Academician is the first of four books in the Southern Swallow series, capturing the turbulence of the Sung Dynasty in transition. Spanning the silvery days under the Emperor Hui to the disasters that followed, The Academician is a slice of world events that should never have been forgotten.

About the Author

Edward C. Patterson has been writing novels, short fiction, poetry and drama his entire life, always seeking the emotional core of any story he tells. With his eighth novel, The Jade Owl, he combines an imaginative touch with his life long devotion to China and its history. He has earned an MA in Chinese History from Brooklyn College with further postgraduate work at Columbia University. A native of Brooklyn, NY, he has spent four decades as a soldier in the corporate world gaining insight into the human condition. He won the 2000 New Jersey Minority Achievement Award for his work in corporate diversity. Blending world travel experiences with a passion for story telling, his adventures continue as he works to permeate his reader's souls from an indelible wellspring.

Product Details

• Paperback: 402 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (March 4, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 144149975X
• ISBN-13: 978-1441499752
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,684,723 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Academician, May 4, 2009

By	Alan H. Chin - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Edward Patterson takes the reader deep into ancient China, during the Sung dynasty, when the Emperor was considered the "Son of Heaven" and vast armies trembled at his every whim. Out of this rich history comes the riveting journey of one man, Li K'ai-men, that begins at his graduation from an academy where he studied under a venerable master, to his rein over a province ruined by the previous corrupt administrators, to his appointment as Grand Tutor to the ninth son of the Emperor in the capital city of K'ai-feng. When warring hoards from the north threaten the safety of the realm, Li K'ai-men must use his sharp intelligence and a bit of magic to take extraordinary measures to save his life, his family, and liege lord. Li K'ai-men's journey, which includes a rather touching relationship with his male lover, Fu Lin-t'o, is told through the eyes of K'u Ko-ling, Li K'ai-men's rather clownish manservant who was the son of a cowcumber farmer.

Edward Patterson stretches his considerable talents in this daring novel that mixes history with fantasy. This story is a vivid, imaginative, and often humorous romp through a pivotal point in Chinese history. It has surprising power, with images that grab hold of you and don't let go. In the midst of this fanciful tale, Patterson creates a heartwarming gay love story. The love interest is not the main plot, however, but rather a tantalizing spice spread over the plot.
The author uses a technique that I have seen only once before. The narrator starts and finishes each chapter with his 1st person point of view, but the bulk of the story is told in 3rd person. I found these POV switches to be seamless, and greatly added to developing the depths of the main characters. This is a character driven story, and Patterson skillfully allows us see these characters to their core.
I had only two problems with this story. The first problem was that because there were a host of minor characters, and the Chinese names were somewhat confusing, I had some trouble telling them apart. The second issue was that this is the first novel in a series, which means that it sets the stage for much more story to come. I was left with a feeling of incompleteness, and somewhat miffed that I must wait for another installment or two to finish the story.
The plot is complex, which combines with his consummate skill at crafting prose and his well-researched details to keep the reader fully engaged until the last page. I would recommend this read to anyone who enjoys multifaceted characters, humor, and a well-crafted story.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very exciting read!, August 21, 2009

By	Lila L. Pinord "Author of Min's Monster and o... (Port Angeles, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Academecian is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It's one of those you want to go on and on - and Mr. Patterson is going to see that it does! It is an epic story beginning with the scholar Li K' ai-men's appointment to the Yan-chou Yamen, accompanied by his faithful servant K'u Ko- Ling. Though very young, Li K' ai-men takes over the palatial palace and brings about many changes, all for the good of his people.
Later on, he becomes the Master Tutor to a young prince who preferred to have a friend more than a teacher. Then we follow along as an important dynasty begins its decline and all the changes that follow, the devastation and wars. Li and his prince and their loyals face death many times during their journeys and we hold our breaths each time.
Mr. Patterson causes us to believe in his characters so deeply, that we can't wait to continue their adventures throughout history-making events. One of the best is young K'U Ko-ling, so loyal, so humorous at times, and the narrator of the story. The author couldn't have chosen a better story teller!
This book is highly recommended to all readers who love adventures into history!
Great job, Mr. Patterson!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Academician, April 2, 2009

By	Barbara L. Mahoney - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Acadamician, Southern Swallow, by Edward C.Patterson is an absorbing tale written by a true China Hand. Although I am not a fan of fantasy; actually I never read fantasy but I could not put the book down. I was carried along on an incredible journey through old China through the eyes of lovable Ko-Ling. The destruction of ancient K'ai-feng (in the story) and the moving lament by Ko-Ling is a highlight.
Excellent writing. Down to Earth characters.
I also read The Jade Owl, The Third Peregrination and The Dragon's Pool by Mr. Patterson.