Book: A Sudden Dawn by Goran Powell

The epic journey of Bodhidharma, who brought Zen and martial arts to the Shaolin Temple.

This epic historical fiction novel opens with a young man named Sardili born of the warrior caste in 507 A.D. Sardili realizes that he would rather seek enlightenment than follow his family’s military legacy and sets out on a life-long quest for truth and wisdom.

Sardili becomes the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, known as Da Mo in China. He travels throughout India, brings Buddhism to China, and single handedly establishes the Shaolin Temple as the birthplace of Zen and the Martial Arts.

A Sudden Dawn is a refreshing take on the mythical origins of Kung Fu with a good pace, enjoyable interpretation of legendary characters, and wonderfully written adventures during the long journey across Asia.

AUTHOR(S)

Goran Powell's martial arts training spans more than 35 years, and today he holds the rank of 5th dan black belt in Goju Ryu Karate. He is a qualified instructor with Daigaku Karate Kai (DKK), one of the United Kingdom’s leading clubs, and assistant coach to the successful Mixed Martial Arts team, DKK Fighters.

REVIEWS

Dejan Djurdjevic blog spot

A Sudden Dawn is more that just a "martial arts novel". It is an ambitious, and ultimately fulfilling, account of the life and times of Bodhidharma. It provided me with a highly anticipated and enjoyable daily bus-ride to and from work and I was more than a little disappointed when I turned the final page and realised it would soon be over. Read more>>

Geoff Thompson, martial artist, British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA award-wining filmmaker)

Inspirational… I loved it!

Iain Abernethy, 5th dan karate, best-selling martial arts author

A powerhouse of a page turner!

Loren W. Christensen, 8th dan, best-selling author of 40 martial arts books

Superbly crafted. Surges with action!

Lawrence A. Kane, best-selling martial arts author

As good as James Clavell's Shogun, masterfully written, and hard to put down. Brilliant!