The previous reviewers seem to really enjoy this book, and I found it a quick, easy read. However, I don't agree that it's a classic, or great writing. In this review, I'll try not to give away the story, as I believe many readers will continue to enjoy it, but I have to mention that the tale is full of inconsistencies that not only detract from the credibility of the story but also distract from the reading of the book. For example, a pivotal character is injured on the right side. Then for two-thirds of the book, it's the left side. Then in Chap 17 it reverts again to the right side. There are similar errors throughout which I won't itemize, but they constantly niggle, like a sliver or a papercut that breaks your concentration. They're so blatant, I'm amazed the editor(s) didn't catch them.

The story is an odd mix of genres that puzzled me even though I'm quite tolerant of multi-genre art forms and experimental works. It suggests a fantasy book at the beginning, then turns into a detective story which isn't especially original then reverts back to a fantasy story right at the very end. The fantasy is alluded to throughout the story, but in a sort of irrelevant, unconvincing way. It should have formed a stronger warp to the fabric of the tale rather than being a fringe tacked on at the beginning and the end.

I read this book because I was growing tired of books in which the male characters get to have all the lead roles and exciting adventures and the female characters get left behind or relegated to being not much more than the love interest, a situation common to many science fiction/fantasy books. I was hungry for stories with good strong female characters and my friend recommended this one. Alas, it didn't satisfy me in that respect either. It's basically another book in which women are victims and the man is the strong, wise Prince Charming who rescues them.

Classic fiction? I don't think so. An enjoyable tale for those who love to read? Sure, it satisfies that niche and probably also would be a delight to younger readers who may not be as distracted by technical inaccuracies as those of us who have been reading for a long time. Will I read the sequel? Probably, because I like the main character, but were it not for the potential and intrique of that character, I would look elsewhere.

This is a story anyone could fall for. It's just delightful. At first glance it seems to be a fantasy novel, then you think it might be a hard-boiled detective story, but in reality it is a love story. It is fairly typical of MacAvoy's work, all of which is superb.

You will find the main characters a little out of the ordinary. On the one hand we have a, middle aged musician, worried Mother and on the other we have a centuries old Chinese dragon transformed into approximately human form.

That's as far as I am willing to go into the details. Suffice to say that it is a quirky, delightful and warm story from a writer who knows and thoroughly enjoys the business of writing. And if you love this book, as I know you will, you may also want to try the sequel "Twisting the Rope".

If you are expecting a traditional fantasy novel, skip this one and its sequel "Twisting the Rope." If, however, you are interested in a beautifully written book with wonderful characters that has just a touch of fantasy, I cannot recommend this too highly. I am devastated that it is out of print--I was hoping to buy a replacement copy for my paperback that is falling apart from multiple re-readings. One of my favorite books.