The characters are beautifully drawn. Even minor characters like Doctor Death, a Chinese alchemist who makes a brief appearance, is fully developed. The main characters - Number Ten Ox and Master Li - are as memorable as any characters in fantasy. All are lively, ironic and self-consistent.

The plot is a delightful rollercoaster ride, a quest within a quest, that will keep you guessing until the marvelous conclusion. It's a nearly flawless assemblage of many Chinese myths, some developed in depth and some only mentioned in passing. And much of it is Hughart's own invention.

The narrative is quite good, and Hughart does an especially good job of explaining literally dozens of instances of Chinese culture that will be completely new to most Western readers.

Some reviewers say they were put off by the story's many anachronisms. But Hughart doesn't pretend to be writing Chinese history or Chinese literature. Most readers don't know and don't care that events are out of sequence, or that myths have been distorted; those that do need to read the brief author's note that opens the book. I direct them specifically to the definition of "prolepsis" that appears there.

This is an absolutely terrific read. You don't need to know a thing about or even like Chinese myth or Chinese culture to delight in this tale. This is a delightful story that is exceptionally well told. Like any great work of fantasy, when you finish reading it, and have bowed with Number Ten Ox to the four corners of the world, the real world you return to will seem just a little dimmer than the brilliant vision Barry Hughart has created.

I am Barry Hughart's number one fan.

With that said, I recommend this book without reservation. In fact, any book involving Hughart's alter-ego, Master Li, and Hughart's young hero, Number Ten Ox, would be high on my "must read" list.

I just re-read this tale of a mad prince and his array of fascinating characters and was just as enchanted and entertained as I was the first time I read it in ten years ago.

If you're looking for a wonder-filled story with character that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, read this book!

You can also do yourself a huge favor by purchasing "Bridge of Birds" and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen," the only other Master Li/Number Ten Ox adventures. "Bridge of Birds" was Hughart's first effort and the book introduces the reader to Master Li...the most interesting character is all of fiction.....

After all, how can you NOT love someone who introduces himself by saying:

"My surname isLi and my personal name is Kao, and there is a slight flaw in my character"?

The people at amazon.com are masters at locating the "difficult to find" books on their site. Order this book....and then, read and enjoy!