Reviews
"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
“Imagination runs riot as Chinese mysticism and I-Ching take half Welsh half Hakka young man Tian Kermode from Liverpool to a remarkable world. He picks and glides through early 20th century history from his native Liverpool via Constantinople to Petrograd involving the likes of Winston Churchill, Mustapha Kamal (Ataturk) and Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov (Lenin). Into play too are Kabbalah -- Jewish mysticism and the Jewish right to a National Home, the Armenia massacre and references back to the massacre of Hakka at the end of the Taiping rebellion. All along Tian-Kermode confronts a darker form of the occult in the form of one Gregori Gurdeef an evil and brutal populist genius but is helped by a light from a blue stone illuminating ancient scripts.
The transitions back and forth from the occult to matter of fact , entertaining dialogue, and a wealth of references to events of the history of that era when escalators were new and frightening and E=MC2, Mata Hari and Le Corbusier were news. The author's brain itself moves in mysterious ways which makes for a fascinating, complex read. This is very original work, a tour de force, bringing together mystery, myth, fact and lessons in the Chinese Wu Xing, , and an I-Ching inspired take on events which somehow intersects with the Torah”
Philip Bowring, journalist, author of ‘Empire of the Winds’
“’The Inner Circle Wu Xing: Duel of the Sorcerers’ is a truly remarkable book. Patrick Dransfield 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”.
“Duel of the Sorcerers is a fantastical deep dive into the imaginary development of the ancient Chinese philosophy of Wu Xing through the eyes and experience of Paul Tian-Kermode. An early twentieth century Eurasian, Paul meets real-life personages as well as others modelled on famous people. Dransfield displays an impressive knowledge of the mystical elements of Taoism, Judaism and Islam in a novel of action, adventure, fact and fantasy. A character list, glossary, map and I Ching divination chart assist readers in their navigation through real and supernatural worlds, the illustrations of Chloe Pfrang adding colour and drama.”
Jane Houng, author of Bloodswell.
“I found the photographs presented on the Asia Society book launch video (20 January 2021) of ‘Track of Time: Moments of Transition’ surprisingly arresting. They were quite brilliantly augmented by Patrick Dransfield’s intriguing narration which was interwoven with art history/theory. I was particularly struck by Dransfield’s analysis of the Cubists (principally Braque and Picasso) and their contributions. The ‘Cubist Moment’ Dransfield refers to may also be viewed as having profound relevance for the processes of global politics and creative collaboration today - assuming we are entering a period of renewed convergence - and Congruence as he suggests.”.
Donald Lewis, Research Associate, China Business Studies Initiative (CBSI), University of San Francisco School of Management
“A wonderful, magical-realistic adventure coursing through multiple traditions and timeless philosophies...always from a profound and lovingly-drawn human perspective. The author's deep, sonorous voice guides us with warmth and humour through every exciting twist and turn...and every keen observation of human foible, weakness, corruption and strength. But don't take my word for it. Take a listen for yourself!”
Richard Croft, Philosopher
'The Inner Circle Wu Xing Book One: Duel of the Sorcereors' is a remarkable feat of imagination, knowledge and research! It has the most extraordinary reach and scope. I can’t think when I’ve read a book that does so much - history, culture, religion - and the most remarkable thing is that the author has managed to build a captivating plot out of all these strands (AND even got Runcorn in to the novel!) I am so impressed with 'Duel of the Sorcerers' and am looking forward very much to the sequel'
Chris Wright, author of 'No more worlds to conquer' and 'Rum & Coal' and financial journalist