"Li Kao may have a slight flaw in his character but the book has none. I recommend it unconditionally and I predict Barry Hughart has quite a future as a fantasy writer."--Anne McCaffrey When the children of his village were struck with a mysterious illness, Number Ten Ox sought a wiseman to save them. He found master Li Kao, a scholar with a slight flaw in his character. Together they set out to find the Great Root of Power, the only possible cure. The quest led them to a host of truly memorable characters, multiple ...
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"Li Kao may have a slight flaw in his character but the book has none. I recommend it unconditionally and I predict Barry Hughart has quite a future as a fantasy writer."--Anne McCaffrey When the children of his village were struck with a mysterious illness, Number Ten Ox sought a wiseman to save them. He found master Li Kao, a scholar with a slight flaw in his character. Together they set out to find the Great Root of Power, the only possible cure. The quest led them to a host of truly memorable characters, multiple wonders, incredible adventures--and strange coincidences which were really not coincidences at all. And it involved them in an ancient crime that still perturbed the serenity of Heaven. Simply and charmingly told, this is a wry tale, a sly tale, and a story of wisdom delightfully askew. Once read, its marvels and beauty will not easily fade from the mind. The author claims that this is a novel of an ancient China that never was. But, oh . . . it should have been!
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Add this copy of Bridge of Birds to cart. $2.28, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 1985 by Del Rey Books.
Add this copy of Bridge of Birds to cart. $2.28, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 1985 by Del Rey Books.
Add this copy of Bridge of Birds to cart. $2.28, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1985 by Del Rey Books.
Add this copy of Bridge of Birds to cart. $2.28, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1985 by Del Rey Books.
Add this copy of Bridge of Birds to cart. $2.28, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 1985 by Del Rey Books.
Add this copy of Bridge of Birds: a Novel of an Ancient China That Never to cart. $2.59, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1985 by Del Rey.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Bridge of Birds: a Novel of an Ancient China That Never to cart. $2.59, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Ruby rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1985 by Del Rey.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Bridge of Birds: a Novel of an Ancient China That Never to cart. $2.59, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1985 by Del Rey.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Bridge of Birds: a Novel of an Ancient China That Never to cart. $2.59, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1985 by Del Rey.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Bridge of Birds: a Novel of an Ancient China That Never to cart. $2.59, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1985 by Del Rey.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
I love this book because it has a setting that you don't often see in fantasy: China--a China full of magic, where mythology is reality, where everyone is flawed, where a mystery will engulf you with laughs along the way. The answer/solution is beautifully unraveled, and leaves you very satisfied. If you enjoy this book, you should read "Paper Mage" by Leah R. Cutter. She cites this book, and the settings are similar (a fantastical China). I am very disappointed that Barry Hughart didn't write more about Master Li and Number Ten Ox (next two books are "Story of the Stone" and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen"), and if you read this book, you will too.
Rexton
Apr 3, 2007
One of the best adventure fantasies ever written
This story follows the adventures of a Master Li, a Chinese sage with a slight flaw in his character, and his client Number Ten Ox, as they travel through seventh century China in a search for the Great Root of Power. If they don't find it in time, a sickness that knows how to count will kill all the children in Ox's village.
This is a tale of love, magic, gods, religion, adventures, and friendship. It may be my favourite fantasy novel of all time. I've bought and given copies to at least 6 other people.
