The Magician of Lhasa (A Matt Lester Spiritual Thriller Book 1)

Not only was this a book I needed to read right now, but it's also a story I know I need to reread, several times, and here's why...Plot: The book follows two separate timelines and sets of characters. One is in the present day, the other, 1950s Tibet. The way the author has woven these storylines with the growing awareness and mindfulness of Buddhism throughout was pure literary beauty. One character is having a bit of a modern life crisis/change, while the other is a part of a small band of monks fighting against time to rescue some hidden and sacred texts from the invading Chinese army.Characters: Before I talk about the two main characters, let me first say that there were no fluffy bunnies in here. All of the characters had a purpose and a uniqueness to them which was appreciated. So, the two MCs are Matt Lester, currently a science researcher/developer in nanotechnology, living in England, being faced with a drastic life change, and Tenzin Dorje, a sixteen-year-old monk, hiking through the Himalayans on a dangerous but important mission, with his older brother and teacher. Worlds apart in every way, it almost felt as though the two had nothing to do with the other... but you come to see soon enough just how alike and connected they truly are.The Writing: The chapters alternate between Tenzin and Matt, both told in first person POV. The writing is fluid and smooth and engaging... very easy to get absorbed in.In Case You Wanted to Know: There is within the first chapter some (not TOO explicit) sex, which on the whole, felt out of place with the rest of the book, but, in some way, it did help illustrate the differences between Matt and Tenzin. And when we follow along with Tenzin on his sacred mission, there is some violence faced as they try to evade the Red Army.Overall: The book says it's a Spiritual Thriller, but I didn't get that feeling. Instead, I was warmed with feelings of hope and love, and convictions of beliefs I've always had. This is a story about fate, purpose, and connections, not magic. It's a story that really brings wonder and appreciation back into a busy modern life. Filled with so many quotable teachings, it's a book I'll come back to and read again many times.

There are two story lines going on in this book -- a modern one and one set back at the time of China's invasion of Tibet in 1959. The latter was an incredible story, both as historical fiction and as an inspirational read. It even left me with a feeling of calmness and peace in reading about the lives of these three Buddhist monks that cross the Himalayas. The modern story had a little different affect on me. In the beginning, it focuses on the relationship between Matt and his hot Italian girlfriend Isabella. Their deep passion for each other is the stuff that Harlequin Romances are made of. (gag) I found myself wanting to get through those early sections as fast as possible. But the author does have a reason for subjecting us to their over-the-top love affair early in the story. It is to convey the basis for true happiness: (SPOILER ALERT) It isn't found in the hot Italian girlfriend! The modern story of Matt is less interesting than the story of the monks escaping Tibet, and if I had to rate it on its merit alone, I would probably give it three stars. But the story of the monks was so awesome and inspiring that it carried this book. I hope the author will take on another fiction work like this. You can read a lot of non-fiction books on Buddhism, and never get a sense of what it can achieve like you can from reading about the people who practice it.

Its a good thing I didn't expect much and just wanted something mild to get me through the bad weather while stuck in the house. All in all, I can recommend this book for people who want a bit of romance and heart without all the invasive sexual details, and also a bit of intrigue even if it is a separate story, and if the reader doesn't mind hearing about reincarnation and that a person can sometimes come back really quickly after one life and see people you knew in your last life. For that reason alone, I thought this story idea was pretty novel, but like some other opinions here, I was more caught up much more in the story and characters in Tibet in 1959 than the other modern day story. The one in Tibet seemed more real to me, even though there probably were lots of things that weren't correct, and it was told in a modern way. But I cared about those characters, and even a few days later they linger in my mind. The other parallel story I thought was good in parts, but it was more of tell than show, and I never really believed the feelings very much. Still, it was rather a sweet portrayal. I objected to some of the talk about how reincarnation works between lives because it was a trite version and maybe this writer really does not know very much about it, so that could have been better. The five or more pages of court litigation towards the end of the book was completely extraneous (I don't know who he thinks his audience is) and I skipped it. I don't mind an abrupt ending, and I knew it was abrupt to get me to buy the next book, but I'm not sure I will get do that. It may not be as good as this one. We'll see.

I used it for fu reading and information.

A clear way to explain what Buddhism is. Thank you Mr. Michie for that amazing nudge!

Absolutely love the way Mitchie intertwines the past and present weaving an enthralling story about relationships and adventure that I can’t resist. Yes, its entertaining, but moreover, its also challenging me to live my most authentic life. A treasured read!

I loved this book. It was well written and original. Too many books are like a much repeated formula and they all blur together. This book grabbed me from the first page and kept me enthralled for the entire book. I have been to the Himalaya’s so I know that author has as well. Everything was authentic. I am reading the second book and am buying the other books written by David Michie. I hope he keeps writing Matt Lester books - as they are wonderful fun! Enjoy - I did.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great read.

Tutto perfetto, ottimo prodotto, grazie.

Amazing book.Really hope we will get more Matt Lester's stories !Mix of adventure and spirituality. Perfect for meHighly recommended .

I can’t say in words how amazing this book was..waiting for the second part eagerly!!

I really like the work of this author. He not only tells a very good story but he also teaches you about the philosophy of Buddhism. In this book, the author tells 2 stories of 2 different people leading very different lives many years apart. The 2 people, however, are linked by time and circumstances but eventually, they are tied together. You need to read the book to find out how as I am not going to give the story away!