Tales of self-cultivation, weaving martial arts, spiritual awakening, and high-stakes adventure into a transformative human journey.
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There is No Me
Book One
A tale of self-cultivation, weaving martial arts, spiritual awakening, and high-stakes adventure into a transformative human journey. Follow Min Je’s path through the workings of karma, the development of patience, and inner purification.
Moriko and her Shaolin teacher, Yin Fan, embark on a profound journey to Tibet, confronting challenges that deepen their bonds and illuminate paths of compassion and shared purpose.
Coming Soon!
There is No Us
Book Three
Moriko’s daughter, Suzu, ventures into the wilds of South America—Peru—on an epic quest to heal Min Je’s shattered energy system, ravaged by samurai entangled in the corruption of 1868.
Coming Soon!
Meet the Author M Xan
Yes! It’s me—Xanda Monteiro—writing as M Xan for my Asian historical fiction. (The pen name draws from Zen mindfulness and the essence of "no mind"—a quiet space for stories to emerge.)
I am a devoted storyteller, deeply drawn to the history of Japan's samurai era, which brought over 250 years of peace to a nation, not without suffering, for one can’t escape the human condition. I am fascinated by that period where the willingness to stand firmly for one's beliefs—true honour in its deepest sense—offers profound lessons for us today.
I am a meditator with over thirty years of disciplined practice as my guide; I craft narratives of self-cultivation, resilience, and the quiet strength to find light within adversity.
In the No Mind Trilogy, set in the vibrant Japan of the 1800s, I weave authentic Tokugawa-era details into grounded stories infused with Buddhist teachings—no fantastical elements, only human journeys toward self-discovery and awakening.
Become Part of the Journey
I warmly invite you to join me in The Heart Room on Substack, a gentle space for guided meditations and mindful reflections.
Early Access: First to read new chapters and content Exclusive Content: Behind-the-scenes insights and bonus chapters Community Access: Private forums and author Q&A sessions
Monthly story updates • Community-driven narrative
No Mind Series FAQ
What is the No Mind series?
A historical fiction series by M Xan (Xanda Monteiro) that travels across times and places, from Japan and Korea to China, Tibet and South America. It begins with Moriko (Book Zero), set in Edo Japan, followed by Book One, There is No Me, set in Joseon Korea and Japan. These are stories of redemption.
What is the reading order?
Moriko (Book Zero) is where the journey starts. Then come Book One, There is No Me; Book Two, There is No You; and Book Three, There is No Us. More books will follow.
Are the books published yet?
Not yet. The series is still being written. This page is a showcase of the books to come.
Can I read Moriko before it comes out?
Yes. Moriko will be serialised chapter by chapter on my Substack, Echoes of the Primordial Mind, so subscribers can read it as it unfolds. The start date will be announced to subscribers first.
Where will I be able to buy the books?
When each book is published, you will be able to buy it direct from this website. Subscribers will hear first.
How do I follow the series?
Join the Echoes newsletter using the sign-up on this page. As well as the Moriko chapters and launch news, you'll get essays like Alpenglow, which opens: 'Imagine golden light dancing across the delicate strokes of Japanese art—ink-washed scrolls and Zen haiku'. There are also haiku, koans and short pondering thoughts.
Who is M Xan?
M Xan is the pen name Xanda Monteiro uses for her adult historical fiction. Her Beehive Secrets children's books are published under Xanda Monteiro.
