The Eagle and The Dragon


Fiction - Short Story/Novela
59 Pages
Reviewed on 02/03/2018
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Steve Zimcosky is an award winning and international selling author. He was born in the Slavic Village area of Cleveland, Ohio and has wanted to be an author since elementary school while reading books like White Fang and Call of the Wild by Jack London. He spends his retirement time writing short stories on a variety of subjects he hopes his readers will enjoy. Some of his favorite authors include Stephen King, James Clavell and Vivien Chien.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Charles Remington for Readers' Favorite

The Eagle and The Dragon is a charming novella by Steve Zimcosky, subtitled A Reiki Tale as it cleverly weaves the history and basic techniques of Reiki into a work of fiction. The tale starts with a grandfather telling his grandson how he had been posted to Japan shortly after the Second World War and how, as a result of saving an elderly man from a gang of robbers, he was rewarded by being taught the healing techniques of Reiki. Also known as Usui Teate after its creator Mikao Usui, the healing system originated in Japan during the late nineteenth century, and incorporates spiritual aspects of Tendai Buddhism, Shintoism, which is the national religion of Japan, and Shugendo, which combines Japanese folk traditions and Chinese Taoism. Practitioners of Reiki, through exercise and meditation, draw on universal energy to heal themselves and others. The book acts as both a novel and an introduction manual - the narrative provides the fictionalised tale of how the central character was trained to use the technique during his posting in Japan, while photos and graphics within the text provide a basic tutorial for the technique. There is also a useful list of books, media and organisations for those wishing to develop their interest further.

The Eagle and The Dragon is an unexpected gem. In a few short pages, the author has managed to pen a well-written novella, provide a cogent history of Reiki, and enough information within the text for one to try the technique for oneself. Cleverly, he has refrained from long-winded or overly technical explanations, concentrating instead on engaging and stimulating the interest of the reader. Steve Zimcosky is to be congratulated on a fine piece of work. I wish him every success and do not hesitate to recommend this book.

Sharon Amato

The beginning of the book is great, really impressive. It grabbed my attention and I couldn’t stop reading. Grandpa’s story of how he meets his teacher and is offered the gift of learning Reiki was very interesting. I like your discussion of the Precepts since they are relevant to anyone with knowledge of Reiki or not, guidelines for living your life as you wrote in the book.

Shabana Aziz

“The Eagle and The Dragon” pulled me in right away. The information on Reiki was true to this beautiful modality and very informative for anyone wanting to know more about it. What stood out though, was the touching friendship that formed between two men; teacher and student. It’s a very lovely read.

Jaclyn Kalkhurst

Thank you for creating this book as I like how you have drawn on some points that are forgotten to history. In todays world of fast food style learning of Reiki, you reminded us that there are finer points to remember. Reminds me of so many stories I remember hearing of how people learned Reiki through family.

Char Marie

I practice qigong and am an energy medicine specialist, healing arts/qigong and energy medicine teacher, as well as an acupuncturist. In the beginning of my studies, I also learned Reiki to level II before learning other forms of healing. I really appreciated this book, because it's full of accurate information, beneficial to any student or even a teacher. If you appreciate a good story that is infused with cultural tradition, rich in healing arts knowledge, and is gentle and friendly in its approach, you will like this book, very much. The story moves naturally and effortlessly, which adds a nice feel to the book. It also makes it easier to learn the information, if you are new to doing energy healing, healing work, and specifically, Reiki. It might make a nice additional "suggested/required reading" for students of Reiki, since it is, in a way, a reference book to the history and the symbols used in Reiki practice. Even if you don't know much or anything at all about healing arts and energy medicine, you'll probably enjoy this book, because there is some history in here in the story, and the characters are rather engaging. All around, a nice read with a little something new, for probably even most experienced healers/teachers with a lot of solid information for those who are new to Reiki or energy medicine.

Reiki Master Kate

I am an Usui Reiki Master, and I was excited to receive this book having had an interest in the story line. I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting.

Firstly, I need to mention, the depth of the back story really impressed me. On the surface, the reader learns the story of a boy interested in learning Reiki from his grandfather, but then we are taken on a journey through time back to the days of World War II, when the grandfather, himself, came to the aid of a Japanese man in need. In gratitude, the Japanese man taught him Reiki.

I found the book both informative and descriptive. There were points in time I got extremely emotional reading as I could relate today to some of the same internal struggles of the grandfather (in being willing to teach/pass on the Reiki tradition to his children but sensing a lack of interest or perhaps belief).

The visual descriptions of the scenes in the book were well done. I often felt I was right there in the room receiving a lesson from the Japanese man myself. The Eagle and the Dragon really “takes you there.”

The best part about this work is that it is great both for existing Reiki practitioners and those who are brand new to Reiki. It teaches basic Reiki hand positions, and it provides information about Reiki symbols, pronunciations, etc.

As a Reiki Master myself, though experienced with Reiki, my experience has been limited to what I have been taught by my Reiki Master Teacher. This book has helped with my expansion moving me beyond that. There is always something new to be learned, and I commend Steve Zimcosky for putting together such a comprehensive wonderful learning tool while combining it with an inspiring tale. It is truly wonderful, and I encourage Reiki practitioners and the public alike to embrace it.

Cynthia

What a lovely book. Written in a simple yet profound way that help the reader understand Reiki and Energy healing. Great beginners book and especially for children wishing the learn and understand Reiki, energy healing, meditation and self empowerment. Very simple, yet detailed explanations and information of how to engage Reiki energy and use it in your daily life for healing.

Sherri Engelmann

We have enjoyed this charming story and the images in the book so much! Thank you for sharing your personal successes and the changing of hearts and minds open to possibilities and wellness! Bravo!!

Allison

Thank you so kindly for reaching out and sharing your light! Divinely moving history, interpretation as well as presentation. Also deeply appreciate the beautiful kingdoms you channel through and with. Looking forward to any other works of your unique creation.

Chris

Because I have been taught basic mindfulness at my local senior center it helped me and still does today. I got the book for my Kindle to learn more.

SLA

This little book contains an amazing amount of information on the history, concepts and practices of Reiki presented within a very entertaining story. Good book for those wondering what Reiki is all about or as a resource for Reiki practitioners.