The Ascension — John Gess

The Ascension continues the story of Jacob Cahill, a child prodigy raised by former Buddhist monks in China after the death of his parents when he was three. At the age of fifteen he is forced to return to the U.S. under duress and enter what for him is a foreign culture. He adjusts well but when he turns eighteen, he chooses to join the Army and fight in Vietnam, a life-changing experience that scars him both physically and mentally. This book four in the series begins upon his departure from Vietnam and takes us on his journey through dangerous challenges to great achievement. And with each step and each confrontation, Jacob absorbs more lessons and gains more understanding about himself and the world around him.