At just 14 years old, Li Wei was abandoned in the bustling streets of Beijing, with nothing but a fractured memory and a will to survive. Taken in by a small-time criminal gang, Li Wei learned the harsh realities of street life and quickly rose through the ranks. His natural intelligence and fierce determination made him a prodigy in the criminal underworld.
Years later, he has become "The Black Lotus", the most feared and elusive mafia boss in China. Ruling from the shadows, Li Wei commands a vast empire that stretches from the neon-lit streets of Shanghai to the darkest corners of rural China. His reign is defined by a code of honor and ruthless efficiency, earning both fear and respect from rivals and allies alike.
But behind the power lies a deep void, a longing to uncover the truth about his past. As he delves into his origins, he discovers that his abandonment was no accident. Powerful enemies, both within the government and the criminal world, are connected to the mystery of his childhood, threatening not only his empire but also his very identity.
Faced with betrayal from those closest to him and a rising threat from a rival syndicate backed by foreign powers, Li Wei must navigate a web of lies, loyalty, and vengeance. To survive, he will need to confront the ghosts of his past and become more ruthless than ever before.
Saving the life of the infamous rookie pirate, Captain Ruben Kirk, catapults Jessica Red into a sea of magic, jewel heists, and world-saving adventure.
*****
After years of watching pirates fighting with the king's navy off the coast of Harvest Island, Jessica Red saves the life of the infamous rookie pirate, Captain Ruben Kirk, and the two become fast friends. Little does she know, Ruben Kirk is only the first of three rookie pirates she'll meet during a whirlwind of sea-faring adventures - but when Jessica learns the corrupt King Mordred has plans to destroy her island home, can she convince them to help her save it?
("The Rookie Pirates" is Book 1 in "The Adventures of Jessica Red" trilogy.)
[[word count: 300,000-350,000 words]]