YMAA Publication Center is excited to introduce a new literary category: martial arts fiction. In keeping with our dedication to in-depth quality writing, we have chosen Arthur Rosenfeld's The Cutting Season as our initial offering. The Cutting Season brings the venerated tradition of the true Asian martial arts novel into the America setting. Along with a thrilling story, The Cutting Season also conveys insights into martial techniques and philosophies.

Do no harm… Honor your teacher… Cut without mercy…

“It’s essential that you remember your previous lives,” she said. “Without that memory, you’re doomed to repeat your lessons.”

“You are a fearsome warrior no matter what skin you wear, no matter the shape of your eyes; it’s time to give up the scalpel and pick put your sword.”

“I’m a doctor.” I said. “And the way things look now, I’m a schizophrenic doctor.”

“Your visions always come true.” She said. “You are going to cut the man who burned his wife.”

“I’m telling you to cut him now!”

Dr. Xenon Pearl, mid thirties, is the best neurosurgeon in South Florida. He has a girlfriend; a close family and life should be great. But it’s not. Once his martial skills and deep training aided in his ability with a scalpel, now he’s using his medical training to exact a vigilante justice. Spurred by the specter of his dead martial arts teacher, he’s not sure if he’s communicating with another dimension or losing his mind. All he has trained for is in peril.

In the spirit of martial arts probity, The Cutting Season brings the traditional Asian martial arts novel to our shores, exploring human conflict, desires, and the search for moral certainties.