Ryu Author:Joan Kelly Join second-generation Japanese-American John Takahashi as he is summoned to his ancestral homeland by a mysterious Shinto high priest who reveals a closely guarded Book of Secrets about the creation of ancient Japan. The secrets bring to life a mystical tale blending history, myth, spirits and fantasy. In "Ryu," author Joan Kelly draws on her ... more »experiences, intuitions and creativity from nearly a decade living in Japan to craft a riveting tale linking modern Japan to ancient East Asia. This page-turning story includes Mongol warriors, human-spirit hybrids, sensual encounters between goddesses, humans and spirits, battles between fallen angels and heavenly defenders, biblical and Buddhist characters, and the realistic development of Japanese culture and traditions in the East Asia islands. Follow the journeys of Ryu, a fallen angel who eventually renounces his brother Lucifer, and learns the ways of mankind and goodness on his own Dragon Planet, a floating mirror image of the Dragon Islands of early Japan. Joining with a nomadic Mongol leader, their travels build the foundations of primitive Japan and its cooperative society and imperial traditions. While learning from the Book of Secrets, Takahashi also discovers his own hidden ties to ancient Japan's lineage of leadership, as the high priest reveals a family secret. In addition to his journey through the mists of time, Takahashi travels through modern Japan, learning its history, geography and traditions. Enlightened by the secrets, Takahashi must wrestle with a difficult decision in a surprising conclusion involving the Japanese woman he comes to love, and their infant son.« less