Sad to say that despite intriguing premise & decent characters, this book failed to grab and keep my interest. First de Lint book I've failed to finish in short order ( )

I am a big fan of Charles de Lint. I really enjoyed this new book. It is a bit of a different direction, using the Chinese folklore mixed with the Native American/Southwest. Although it is a YA book, there is plenty to engage adult readers. As always, de Lint's prose is lyrical; his descriptions of the desert scenery brings the Southwest to life to this Northern girl. Also, there is a good bit of humor in this book. It is a coming-of-age story with a twist; Jay Li has to learn how to control his inner dragon. ( )

If you want the break-down on Jay Li's story, go to the summary - it's there, all concise!
I've continued to read CdL, though he's left Newford behind... I guess I can understand it, time to move on, etc. The YA books he's been writing of late - it is refreshing to know there's something out there to recommend to teens that isn't Twilight & it's ilk. Mr. deLint's stories just seem more wholesome & almost innocent - a bit of "happy-ever-after" - but that's good, we need those too, to balance out the angst-books.
And if it reads like a Cozy Urban Fantasy to some, well, we aren't the target audience! I just enjoy visualizing his words.
Great story, as always, thank you Mr. dL. ( )

Young adult fantasy story, but very imaginative story telling. I bought it for my teenage son, and he has read it several times. ( )

Sad to say that despite intriguing premise & decent characters, this book failed to grab and keep my interest. First de Lint book I've failed to finish in short order ( )