Twelve Paths to Glory by Joyce Chng

I would like to thank the author for an advance copy of this novella in exchange for fair and honest review

Published - Out Now

Price - £3.46 kindle ebook £8.61 paperback

A litrpg xianxia/wuxia novel based on the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. In a land filled with magic and beauty, a young cultivator strives for excellence and glory. Armed with a sword that sings, can a rabbit become a great warrior and earn honour for their clan?

Wuxia/Xianxia.

Increasingly western audiences are appreciating storytelling of of their cultures. One interesting area is exploring the genre of Wuxia/Xianxia where one strand covers cultivation where groups can channel powers of chi using links to various elements. A very popular example in recent years is The Untamed novel and Tv show. The tradition behind these stories though is much older. In Joyce Chng’s enjoyable novella we get an epic tale in miniature where the various shape-shifting Clans of the world face destruction and only one young student can save them.

There are twelve shape-shifting Clans in the world sworn to keep the world safe. They are governed by the aloof (some would say arrogant Dragon Clan) . One Clan the Pigs have been exiled for many years for their behaviour all has been calm…until now. An ancient powerful artefact has been stolen that gives the user immense power and the urge to kill. Into this the Clan gather unaware of the danger about to unfold. In the Rabbit Clan the young Jade Rain may be their only hope.

This is a really enjoyable fast paced fantasy read. Chng works very quickly in each character to set up the situation and world. Chng aids the reader with simple explanations when required of the magic system and the structure of the clans. The antagonist and their own motivation is pleasantly initially not just evil for evil’s sake but all is prelude to good old magic powered battles. We get shapeshifters using martial arts, descriptions of battles and ultimately Jade Rain’s own magical destiny unfolding. It flows quickly to its conclusion so I think of this as the main event in miniature novella form.

It’s fun, well paced and most of all entertaining well worth a read and I think readers will appreciate all the lore about the world and clans Chng gently unfurls for us too!