The Dragon Soldier's Good Fortune

Book excerpt: An American soldier in Vietnam is guided through the war by a supernatural spirit in Robert Goswitz’s The Dragon Soldier’s Good Fortune. Pvt. Ed Lansky is a fresh recruit in Vietnam, trying to navigate his way through the war-torn region. It will take more than basic training to survive dangerous missions through the oppressive heat of the jungles against the tactics of an unpredictable enemy. From Sergeant Chen, whose arms are covered in dragon tattoos, Lansky learns how the Dragon Spirit protected the Vietnamese from evil specters in ancient times. Skeptical of Chen’s true belief in the country’s Dragon power, Lansky chooses to place his faith in the recreational drugs circulating among the troops to cope with his tour of duty. But in time he learns that there is something greater watching over him, keeping him safe from the horrors of war and healing his pain. A large, green dragon has seemingly bonded with Lansky, making him realize that this Vietnamese Spirit is no myth, and embraces his protector. Pvt. Vernon Huddle is suspicious of Lansky’s continued, unscathed survival in battle after battle. As Lansky receives medals and media recognition for his heroics, Huddle believes his uncanny success portends an approaching apocalypse that may consume their very souls. And as the war worsens for last remaining American infantry in Vietnam, Lansky wonders why the country’s Dragon Spirit chose him—and if its power will see him safely home . . .