Bridge of Birds

This the first of three books in the "Master Li and Number Ten Ox" series, and it won the World Fantasy Award in 1985. Set in "an ancient China that never was", it's the story of a young peasant man who's as strong as an ox, and an ancient sage with a slight flaw in his character. It draws on Chinese folk tales and history, as well as a bit of Sherlock Holmes. It's a mystery with magic, humor, adventure, and it's simply mind-blowing.

This one one of those books that people ask to borrow and never return.

This is a delightful big fantasy novel. It increases my desire to learn Chinese mythology and I'm eager to read further adventures of Master Li and Number Ten Ox.

I love the way that Master Li introduces himself to everyone he meets: "My surname is Li and my personal name is Kao, and there is a slight flaw in my character."

Nobody ever asks him about the slight flaw. I'm afraid that wouldn't be the same if I introduced myself that way.