Saving Seoul

Sword Punk, Book 1

By: Burning Bright

Narrated by: Gary Furlong, Jeff Hays, Justin Thomas James, Laurie Catherine Winkel

Akio Prince is one of the best in the world at a dying art.

He's put a lifetime of martial arts training to work in the arena, dueling with pulsing resin blades and carbon fiber for the masses. But winning championships is small consolation while his city is taken over by the Hachinin, ruthless criminals spreading corruption, violence and debauchery across the east.

When the same syndicate that claimed the life of Akio's master threatens the few friends he has left, he decides to make a stand.

After refusing to throw a fight at the behest of the city's kingpin, Akio enters a dangerous game of hunter and hunted--a bloody revenge tour that will push him to his limits and put his martial skills to the ultimate test.

In the near-future far-east, where heroes are hard to find, Akio discovers that a little bad might do a world of good.

©2026 Burning Bright (P)2026 Soundbooth Theater

I loved the music with the fight scenes.

Some of my favorite movies as a child were Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme films. This reminded me of those movies. I hope there are more books to come!

Great story. well done!

This one is worth the listen. loved the internal monologue narration. It feels like a cross between a film noir and a fighting game. well done!

Anime for the Ears!!! :D

5 Stars – Worth Every Credit!

Akio Prince is a total badass — more wise-cracking, reluctant hero in the Spider-Man or early Harry Dresden vein than stoic Jack Reacher. In the neon-drenched, not-too-distant-future Seoul (a gritty sci-fi urban hellscape overrun by corruption), he steps up as the vigilante the city desperately needs. With his found family by his side, Akio grows into the role in ways that feel earned and heartfelt.

The full-cast narration is phenomenal. The voice of Akio/Narrator leads with great energy, but the actors voicing Joon (the brother figure), Sang Hee, and Min absolutely steal scenes — I'm low-key crushing on those performances right now! No shade to the villains' voices either; everyone brings intensity and personality that makes the dialogue pop.

Shout-out to the original music and SFX too! They crank the cyberpunk-ninja vibe to 11, delivering all the thrill of high-octane anime without needing your eyes glued to a screen. It's immersive audio theater at its best.

I'm not a huge anime/manga obsessive, but when something clicks (like this), it becomes an instant addiction! The action is John Wick-level visceral, with real conscience, heart, and character depth! Despite leaning more action than hard sci-fi, it smartly weaves in real-world social issues and rumination.

If you love character-driven action, stylish violence with soul, or just want a fresh cyberpunk world that feels alive, grab this one! Highly recommend for fans of blade fights, found-family dynamics, and stories that make you root for the underdog. Saving Seoul: Sword Punk, Book 1 is a standout! Can't wait for more!

Great story!

The details are wonderful. The author make you fell like you feel like you are there.