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whattaylorreads's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
ssloeffler's review against another edition
3.0
My son is very much enjoying this series on audiobook. I'm uncomfortable with the "white guy writes Chinese Kung Fu book" model, even though the author has studied Kung Fu.
mckenzierichardson's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a lot better than I was expecting. I picked it up from the Little Free Lending Library, thinking I'd quickly read it and put it back. But now I'm kind of hooked on the series and really want to find the second book.
The writing was simple, but still engaging. I can see it being a good read for young readers. There is a lot going on in this novel. I loved all of the story arcs. The descriptions are also well-done. You can really picture what is happening.
The story itself was very fast-paced. I loved finding out more about the characters. I read it pretty quickly because I was so taken in by the writing and the plot.
There were only two things that were not quite to my liking. One was the serious lack of female characters. I get it, I totally get it. But I feel like Stone set the story up in a way that was not inclusive for female characters. Not only that, but "femininity" is often seen as degrading and bad. Fu is furious when they have to hide "like a bunch of girls." Ying changes the title of "Brother" to "Sister" to further shame Fu. I understand where it was coming from, but I was disappointed with the mindset. Granted, there are some good things that happen to females (children in the village), but overall the presentation of girls and women was problematic.
Secondly, this book is pretty violent. It is not done poorly. The descriptions aren't gory. But it is something to be aware of for young readers. There are a lot of fight scenes with blood and such. In general, the mindset is to only use violence when it is absolutely necessary, but there is quite a bit in here. Again, it's not overly gross or anything, but it is something to keep in mind.
Overall, a fantastic book. I really look forward to reading the next one in the series.
The writing was simple, but still engaging. I can see it being a good read for young readers. There is a lot going on in this novel. I loved all of the story arcs. The descriptions are also well-done. You can really picture what is happening.
The story itself was very fast-paced. I loved finding out more about the characters. I read it pretty quickly because I was so taken in by the writing and the plot.
There were only two things that were not quite to my liking. One was the serious lack of female characters. I get it, I totally get it. But I feel like Stone set the story up in a way that was not inclusive for female characters. Not only that, but "femininity" is often seen as degrading and bad. Fu is furious when they have to hide "like a bunch of girls." Ying changes the title of "Brother" to "Sister" to further shame Fu. I understand where it was coming from, but I was disappointed with the mindset. Granted, there are some good things that happen to females (children in the village), but overall the presentation of girls and women was problematic.
Secondly, this book is pretty violent. It is not done poorly. The descriptions aren't gory. But it is something to be aware of for young readers. There are a lot of fight scenes with blood and such. In general, the mindset is to only use violence when it is absolutely necessary, but there is quite a bit in here. Again, it's not overly gross or anything, but it is something to keep in mind.
Overall, a fantastic book. I really look forward to reading the next one in the series.
spunkysun's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book years ago when I was a teenager. I liked it so much that it made me want to read the rest of the series, and it encouraged me to want to try out other books. I gave it another read now that I am older, and it still holds up. The writing is simplistic and entertaining. I still remember the names of the characters. I recommend kids and teenagers give it a try.
rouver's review against another edition
2.0
First book of seven in a young adult series featuring several boys who have been raised in a secret Shaolin temple. Each book seems to focus on the adventures of an individual boy. One of their number felt he had been wronged by their teacher, so he returns to take his vengeance upon them all, causing the destruction of the temple & the scattering of the young monks. This book seems to be targeted to 10-12 yr old boys; there's violence (decapitations, specifically) and lots of references to bodily fluids. It's a quick & easy read & I have to admit I'm a bit curious as to where the story is going to go.
critter's review against another edition
3.0
It was a bit slow at times, but it was interesting with plenty of action.
alexa_ayana's review against another edition
4.0
Hmm aku baca buku pertama seri Five Ancestors ini sudah cukup lama. Jadi kalau kelak baca ulang, reviewnya akan kuupdate ya..
Fu si master ilmu harimau dan ke-4 saudara biksu remajanya menjadi pelarian saat kuil tempat mereka di besarkan di serang utusan Kaisar yang di pimpin salah satu kakak seperguruan mereka yang berkhianat. Storyline kisah ini di luar dugaan tampil beda dibanding buku YA lainnya. Buku ini penuh aura maskulin dengan banyaknya aksi bela diri dan pertarungan-pertarungan ala di film Kungfu.
Yang seru di sini karakter 5 bersaudara ini benar-benar menggambarkan ilmu yang mengadaptasi binatang pilihan mereka. Misalnya Fu si harimau tampil layaknya orang bershio harimau. Ceria, positif, suka bercanda, gampang tersulut dan selalu penuh energi. Perjalanan pelarian Fu membantu biksu muda ini untuk mengenali "harimau" dalam dirinya dan mendewasakannya.
So far buku pertama yang menarik perhatian dan bikin penasaran untuk lanjut ke buku 2, si monyet Malao.
Fu si master ilmu harimau dan ke-4 saudara biksu remajanya menjadi pelarian saat kuil tempat mereka di besarkan di serang utusan Kaisar yang di pimpin salah satu kakak seperguruan mereka yang berkhianat. Storyline kisah ini di luar dugaan tampil beda dibanding buku YA lainnya. Buku ini penuh aura maskulin dengan banyaknya aksi bela diri dan pertarungan-pertarungan ala di film Kungfu.
Yang seru di sini karakter 5 bersaudara ini benar-benar menggambarkan ilmu yang mengadaptasi binatang pilihan mereka. Misalnya Fu si harimau tampil layaknya orang bershio harimau. Ceria, positif, suka bercanda, gampang tersulut dan selalu penuh energi. Perjalanan pelarian Fu membantu biksu muda ini untuk mengenali "harimau" dalam dirinya dan mendewasakannya.
So far buku pertama yang menarik perhatian dan bikin penasaran untuk lanjut ke buku 2, si monyet Malao.
coolwhilebool's review against another edition
4.0
I did read that as a preteen/child and I think that's the people it's aimed for and not young adults. For preteens however, I think it is great and tells us about friendship and guilt.
ode_to_readers's review against another edition
4.0
As much as this book intrigued me, i think it was a bit too young for me. It seems to me that it would be more aimed for young boys who are interested in fighting.
I loved how each personality of the characters were shown in their name and actions by the appropriate words chosen. I must say that the moves involved in the story were really working my imagination as i've never seen or heard about any of them before.
Thus, i am giving it a four-star because the writing and storyline were both excellent.
I loved how each personality of the characters were shown in their name and actions by the appropriate words chosen. I must say that the moves involved in the story were really working my imagination as i've never seen or heard about any of them before.
Thus, i am giving it a four-star because the writing and storyline were both excellent.
peyton_'s review against another edition
4.0
This is a really good start to an adventure series set in ancient China. I read this when I was in elementary school and am looking to see how it holds up now. Im really enjoying it. There is some child humour and it definitely appeals to kids. I can’t wait to see what the next book holds.