When novice monk Tenzin Dorje is told by his lama that the Red Army is invading Tibet, his country's darkest moment paradoxically gives him a sense of purpose like no other. He accepts a mission to carry two ancient, secret texts across the Himalayas to safety. Half a century later, in a paradox of similarly troubling circumstances, Matt Lester is called upon to convey his own particular wisdom as a scientist, when Matt's nanotech project is mysteriously moved from London to a research incubator in Los Angeles.

Tenzin and Matt embark on parallel adventures which have spine-chilling connections. Tenzin's perilous journey through the Himalayas, amid increasing physical hardship and the ever-present horror of Red Army capture, is mirrored by Matt's contemporary, but no less traumatic challenges, as his passionate relationship with his fiancee, Isabella, and his high flying career undergo escalating crises.

Magician of Lhasa: NRA Novice Monk, A Quantum Scientist, An Ancient Secret; David Michie; Conch Books; Paperback; 297 pages; $14.99

David Michie is the internationally best-selling author of The Dalai Lama's Cat series, as well as the spiritual thrillers The Magician of Lhasa and The Secret Mantra, and the non-fiction titles Buddhism for Busy People, Buddhism for Pet Lovers, Mindfulness is Better than Chocolate, and Hurry Up and Meditate. His books have been translated into 30 different languages and are available in over 50 countries. In 2015 he established Mindful Safaris to Africa, combining wildlife viewing and meditation sessions in journeys to unexplored places, outer and inner.