New Book Alert: The Old Dragon's Head by Justin Newland; Enchanting Magical Historical Fantasy About Ancient China

 New Book Alert: The Old Dragon's Head by Justin Newland; Enchanting Magical Historical Fantasy About Ancient China

By Julie Sara Porter

Bookworm Reviews

Spoilers: In my review of the Enchanted World, one of the books that I reviewed was Dragons. One of the strongest themes in that book was the difference in how dragons were perceived in the West than they were in the East. In Europe, they were seen as malevolent monstrosities, something to be feared, avoided, fought, and ultimately slain. In Asia, they were seen as benevolent beings who brought good luck and fortune to those who encountered them. They were powerful  but were treated with respect by the humans observing them. Dragons were even considered symbols of the Emperor and often put on carvings and designs. That respect for dragons is in play in Justin Newland's enchanting historical fantasy set in Ancient China, The Old Dragon's Head.

The protagonist is Bolin, a young man working on the Eastern End of the Great Wall of China. Supposedly, the wall is protected by the Great Dragon, Lao Lang. In fact, Bolin's crew are standing on the head. 

However, Bolin has other things to concern himself with than a dragon that no one has ever seen. The army just sent a Mongolian Army into retreat. Unfortunately, the victory was short-lived after the death of the emperor. His grandson seized the throne and the young emperor's uncle formed a rebellion against him.

Bolin's life is just about to get more complicated. He begins seeing visions of ghosts and events before they happen. Many call it having ying-yang eyes, the ability to see beyond. Whatever it is, it terrifies Bolin and he isn't sure that he wants to be a part of it.

There are also other concerns. There is Prince Zhau Di, the emperor's uncle, who wants to find a dragon pearl so he can claim leadership and control over Lao Lang. The magistrate has been let go for another one who is a spy for the Mongols. A jailer has a preference for toture and doesn't mind using it on anyone regardless of guilt or innocence. Luli runs the local po office (not post office), where people come to her to communicate with spirits. Her predictions are becoming more dire. There is a palpable tension and everyone is waiting in fear and apprehension for war or revolution or both. Perhaps, it's time for Lao Lang to make his appearance. 

This book is excellent in character and setting. The history and mythology of China are well written and interwoven perfectly. The Imperial conflicts, the war against the Mongols, and the construction of the Great Wall are revealed. The Reader gets a full sense of how hard the laborers worked and the difficulties that they were up against while building this awesome architectural project. Worker's deaths were all too common and it was very easy to obtain another worker. 

There are also some fascinating yet terrifying looks at the judicial system. A person could get arrested and face the worst kinds of punishments including whippings, beatings, and various forms of torture.  The passages are particularly frightening, such as when Luli's mentally disabled son is taken from her and abused. With families fighting  for the Imperial throne, sadistic jailers, avenging armies, and magistrates playing both sides, there's no point in being afraid of dragons. Humans are much scarier.

Newland also brings elements of fantasy usually within the characters. Bolin's Yin-yang eyes make him stand out. The Chinese concept of Yin-yang refers to doubles: dark and light, male and female, solid and liquid, things that are complete opposites but exist side by side, interdependent and reliant on each other. Bolin is able to see both the natural and supernatural world. Those eyes show him many things that he needs to see but not always what he wants. 

One of his first visions is to see his father plummeting to his death. There are many times when he doubts his visions and even his sanity. Luli tells him that his abilities could lead to great things. Bolin responds by running in the opposite direction and not wanting to be a part of it. He doesn't want to stand out. He just wants to be one of the workers. Instead the Yin-yang eyes are calling him for a higher purpose, one that makes him an outsider.

The one who understands Bolin's position is the best character in the book: Luli. Some come to her for advice to remove spirits or have their destinies foretold, but just as many fear or distrust her. She is a single mother with a mentally disabled son. The people treat them like outsiders and when things go bad, it's all too easy to use them as convenient scapegoats.

The final third deals with a lot of fighting, revelations, and a few twists. Some of it is a bit hard to follow. But Newland expertly weaves the opposites of history and fantasy and makes one terrific whole.