The Crocodile and the Crane translates an ancient, hugely popular, and authentic literary tradition to the setting of a near-future apocalypse, while conveying insights into Asian philosophy, history, and martial arts tradition.

PRACTITIONERS OF A SECRET ART that bestows immortality and more, Sanfeng and Zetian are brother and sister and have lived together in China for more than 3000 years. Now, in the near future of 2009, they face an enemy they recognize from their childhood, a terrifying disease that left them orphaned and alone in the world. The disease kills quickly and without mercy--victims die grimacing grotesquely--and as it spreads, it brings the siblings to the edge of apocalypse and pits them against each other in a battle for the world.

They are joined in their global struggle by a famous American selfhelp guru, a na ve but smart young publishing executive, a bitter Australian cop, and a beautiful Indonesian nurse with a secret the whole world wants to steal from her.

This thrilling race against time offers a smorgasbord of Chinese history, an epic love story, and the trenchant tale of one very special, intimate, and gifted family. It is a warning against the pitfalls and perils of the modern world, and a clarion call to heed the wisdom of the ancients in new and ever more relevant ways--before it is too late.