Tom, a boy living with his eccentric grandmother, discovers that the stories she tells him, and the lessons she teaches him have basis in fact in one eventful, memorable, horrifying afternoon. Mr. Hu, his grandmother's former apprentice (the place Tom now holds) visits, bringing with him a change for Tom. As he becomes Mr. Hu's apprentice, Tom learns more lessons and finally understands what his grandmother taught him as Mr. Hu and crew fight against an evil force. But will Tom make the ultimate sacrifice before the end? ( )

This was an interesting book. There are talking animals who can change shape and appear human. There is a lot that isn't explained in the first book that I have to assume is fleshed out in further books. Still, it was an exciting story that I didn't want to put down. It could possibly be used in curriculum about Chinese mysticism and mythology. ( )

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooo incredibly....BORING!!! ( )