Refining the Heavens

PrefaceMost of the experiences that occurred to the boys were drawn from life. The odd cultures touched upon is often a combination of traditions found in various lands from different eras. The values they embrace are a composite of the prevalent beliefs, in the East at the period after Confucius, and the West during the time when noblesse oblige, and chivalry clashed. Although my book is mainly intended for entertainment, I hope that it may bring about a robust and healthy philosophical use to my readers. May it bless their houses with many joy and wonder. I should like to thank five special persons, my mother, my father, my girlfriend, and my two sisters, who supported me in the making of this novel. I am greatly blessed to have you to lend me your time and letting me bounce my ideas off you. And, lastly, but certainly not the least, those who have followed the story since the start, thank you for supporting me throughout the writing in spite of the slowdown and delays in its creation. Without all of you, this book won’t be here, so once again, thank you for making it possible.