The Inner Circle Wu Xing Book 1

“Duel of the Sorcerers” starts with the hero Paul Tian-Kermode, a young Welsh-Chinese orphan and trainee lawyer, sitting behind his antique Chinese desk above the family shop called 'The Chinese Epicurean Centre' in Liverpool's Chinatown on Sunday, 29th, 1916. It ends with Paul's confrontation with his nemesis, the evil necromancer, Gregori Gurdjeef, in revolution-torn Petrograd's 'Church of the Epiphany' on April 17th, 1917. During his physical and mystical journey, Paul learns that he is ‘Guardian of the Water Element of the Wu Xing’ and can ‘surf’ through Time. His duty, like his Hakka-Chinese ancestors before him, is to protect the Universe and even Time itself from the evil machinations of Gurdjeef and his Sarmoung Brotherhood. Journeying deeply into the mystical parallel worlds of the Wu Xing (Chinese Elements ‘Fire’, ‘Water’, ‘Earth’, ‘Wood’ and ‘Metal’), the ancient Kabbalah, and modern physics, 'The Inner Circle, Book One' is an immersive historical and fantastical fiction like no other.History, mystery, and Scouser sorcery - all come together in an intriguing tale that brings Chinese philosophy and adventure together with style and verve.”Rana Mitter, Professor of the History and Politics of Modern China, University of Oxford“’The Inner Circle Wu Xing: Duel of the Sorcerers’ is a truly remarkable book. Patrick has conjured a cosmopolitan adventure of mystical and secular forces let loose against a meticulously researched European historical narrative and reflects the author’s deep knowledge of and respect for Chinese culture, philosophy and tales of the supernatural. The central mission is part of the seemingly endless fight of good against evil. The story has pace, twists and turns, time travel and other surprises. It will delight those who enjoy tales of the esoterica and a ripping yarn told well, alike.”Stefan Gannon, author of “The Green Door”“…a tour de force” Philip Bowring, author of ‘Empire of the Winds'