Ar-Shen, a naïve and idealistic monk, seeks the ultimate Teacher and Master. Inspired by the speculative treatise of an illustrious scholar, he treks into the wilderness on a misguided quest for the fabled Crystal Mountain, and two eternal wise beings. With his mismatched group of companions – Kiana, a warrior priestess; the elite swordsman Tyvor as a guide; and the former brigand Sahnee – he battles across the lawless Wildlands and into the untracked wilderness of the Deep Country. At the foot of the White Mountain, he must choose whether or not to embark on the treacherous path to the summit.

On a deeper level, Crystal Mountain, Turtle Pond is a spiritual fantasy that illustrates Taoist ideas through the physical and transformational journey of its main characters. Each protagonist faces self-limiting beliefs, and is forced to relinquish what they hold most dear. Ultimately, through disillusionment and tragedy, the survivors of the journey find humility, belonging, and peace.

Status:Submission.

Crystal Mountain, Turtle Pond was shortlisted for the 2004 Varuna Awards for Manuscript Development. And won a mentorship with the Varuna Writer's Centre.

The manuscript is currently under consideration for the 2008 Penguin/Varuna Scholarship.

Sample Chapters

To read a sample chapter from Crystal Mountain, Turtle Pond, please click on the first section and chapter below.