A review by misterjay
Eight Skilled Gentleman by Barry Hughart

3.0

As with "The Story of the Stone," this adventure of Master Li and Number Ten Ox lacks that special something that made their first story, "Bridge of Birds" so transcendant. And, like with SotS, for me, it was the lack of a damsel in distress. Once again Li and Ox are acting more to satisfy their own curiosity than to protect or help any innocents and this leaves the story just a little flat. Add to that a convoluted mystery involving 3,000 year old demigods and, well, it took some time to get through this particular book.

However, having said all that, when the action picks up, it is still packed with humor, warmth, and all manner of interesting characters that make this book and fun and worthwhile read.