Customer Reviews

Outlaws of Moonshadow Marsh, The: The Sign of Qin - Book #1

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

THE SIGN OF THE QIN is both the best and one of the most complex Young Adult fantasies being published during the first half of 2004. If book awards were given to characters the way Oscars are given to actors, then the smartass Monkey would be a shoe-in for Supporting Character of the Year. This exciting, humorous, and meticulously crafted book, an absolute piece d'resistance, is written by a highly respected children's book editor under her married name and contains not a single out-of-place word. Our most experienced middle school fantasy reader, who thoroughly enjoyed the tale, noted that it borrows heavily from Chinese legends. I have no experience with those legends, but found THE SIGN OF THE QIN to be an absolute delight to read and savor. I look forward to rereading it next year before the second book in the trilogy appears.

L.G. Bass makes a stunning debut in "Sign of the Qin," the first book of a series drawing on Chinese myth and legend. Taut, lushly written and wonderfully characterized, "Sign" is an enthralling fantasy with plenty of action, mythic monsters, and a dash of romance and destiny.

The emperor is horrified when he sees his newborn son, because the child has the mark of the Qin, a rebel sign, on his cheek. He throws out the child's mother, Silver Lotus, and secretly plots to kill the baby -- especially since the commoners adore him, since they believe he is the new Starlord, who will renounce his noble birth and be their savior. But the Starlord has a nursemaid and rebel allies who will do whatever it takes to keep him safe.

A recent volcanic eruption has let all sorts of demons loose on the land, and the evil Lord of the Dead Yamu is also plotting against the Starlord's life, calling out vile shapeshifters and evil harpies. To combat him, the lords of heaven send the incorrigible trickster Monkey to take care of the innocent little boy as he comes closer to his rebel allies.

Like a flower, "Sign" has to unfold slowly and carefully. But Bass makes it worth the while, infusing the story with lots of character development and background information. Chinese legends aren't used very often in fantasy, allowing Bass's story to seem entirely fresh and original, complete with sea dragons and conveniently-placed goddesses.

Bass's writing is suitably detailed and solemn, with lots of details on swords, filthy streets and jewelry. The descriptions of things like moving tattoos or statues coming to life are astounding. But there's humor as well; the immortality-hungry Monkey provides most of it, but there is also the putrid demon kappa being defeated with good manners, or the elaborate funeral held for a woman who had only fainted. And most stunning of all are the action scenes, usually quite bloody, gritty and very fast-paced.

At first glance, Prince Zong (or "little Starlord") seems like a pretty typical Child of Destiny -- he walks and talks within days of being born, and has immense wisdom. But Bass makes him a little naive and very sweet. The twin rebels (who are also sons of a sea-dragon) White Streak and Black Whirlwind are also well-drawn. Even the villains like Yamu and the snivelling Emperor are well-written.

Bass provides a slow-moving but rich fantasy in "Sign of the Qin," and the finale promises more adventures to come. Fantastical, funny and grim, this is a definite must-read.

I bought this book for my boyfriend's brother for his birthday. The kid is 13 and I wanted something well written but still fun, that was a change from Harry Potter, Eragon, or anything closely linked to the whole teen sorcery genre. And this book does have some Chinese mythology in it, which he likes, so I thought that was a plus too.

I did read this book myself, just to make sure it was a good story for a young guy without any *gasp! mushy stuff. I was pretty pleased. There is a lot of action from the very beginning, as well as a lot of humor. The characters are like sophisticated superheroes, and overall this is a really fun book (I think) for any teenish reader who likes action and adventure without mush ;)

"Sign of The Qin: Outlaws of The Moonshadow March" was an auspicious start to what was supposedly a trilogy. The first book was released in 2004 and now, seven years later, there is still no second installment. What an incredible disappointment to become engrossed in a wonderful fantasy novel, to appreciate the finely drawn characters, their travels and travails, only to discover there is no continuance. This work had all the makings of a classic and now what?

What has become of the author, L. G. Bass? I haven't been able to find any clues online. Even the publisher is mum about the whole thing.

I would highly recommend this book, but can't because it would be like recommending disappointment. Imagine reading the first Harry Potter book and finding there was no sequel. Or devouring the first book in Jonathan Stroud's Bartimaeus Trilogy, "The Amulet of Samarkand", and finding there weren't going to be Parts 2 and 3. Imagine only one Oz book from Frank L. Baum. Or only one volume of Tolkien's "The Lord of The Rings". Would most people choose to read an unfinished novel? Why then go forward with reading the first installment of an unfinished trilogy as this work must surely be? Did something unfortunate fall upon Ms. Bass? I pray not. I hope she is able to someday complete this work that deserves, unlike so many trilogies I've read, to reach completion.

So remember the name of this work for future reference because there is always the chance that it will someday take its place as the beginning of a much larger work.

Until then, don't crack the book open and above all don't read it unless you are glutton for punishment and want to be disappointed when you realize the characters and their adventures are currently left dangling midair.

My favorite character was Monkey because he was sneaky, but he took his responsibilities well. I think the author wrote very deep words and had a very positive idea about what she was going to write. For example, if she had put "Monkey was very fast," she would have changed it to "quick". It is very violent although it is soft in a way. I like how the prince was very accurate even though he was young. His personality was stubborn just like the Star Lord, Hung Wu. The Master Hand was firm, but never too hard.General Calabash had alot of patience but knew when to let his students in on advice. He was secretive and knew when he couldn't get caught. It is unusual that the author put Puk as the king of the sea, but when it came to fighting he was a coward.White Streak was a very agile fighter, but did not test the limits of life. He wouldn't go too far in trying to do something. For example, he wouldn't try to defeat Yamu without some help. I like how the author made up the name of the cave that the statue of the river goddess stood upon. The name was "The Water Curtain Cave. This was the best book I've ever read. I hope you like my review and please make the next book soon.

This is a great book. The polt moves quickly, with many twists and turns. It's action-packed and full of great characters. I am a very picky reader, and the moment I started reading this book I could'nt put it down! I can't wait to read the next two in this fascinating trilogy!

My favorite character was Monkey because he was sneaky, but he took his responsibilities well. I think the author wrote very deep words and had a very positive idea about what she was going to write. For example, if she had put "Monkey was very fast," she would have changed it to "quick". It is very violent although it is soft in a way. I like how the prince was very accurate even though he was young. His personality was stubborn just like the Star Lord, Hung Wu. The Master Hand was firm, but never too hard.General Calabash had alot of patience but knew when to let his students in on advice. He was secretive and knew when he couldn't get caught. It is unusual that the author put Puk as the king of the sea, but when it came to fighting he was a coward.White Streak was a very agile fighter, but did not test the limits of life. He wouldn't go too far in trying to do something. For example, he wouldn't try to defeat Yamu without some help. I like how the author made up the name of the cave that the statue of the river goddess stood upon. It was the best book I've ever read. I hope you like my review and please make the next book soon.

I truly enjoyed this book and the depth of texture that the author gives. It reminds me very much of Barry Hugharts Bridge of Birds trilogy in the amount of mythology, theology, and philosophy that is included. I look forward to the next book - although at 33 I am a bit beyond the "target" age group!

I probably couldn't add much more to the glowing list of reviews, except to say that it has been over four years and I am wondering if the sequel (you are left hanging) will appear in the near future :sigh: I have so many books where I have been awaiting the sequel four years or more, someday I am going to have to spend a whole year of my life just re-reading.

I picked this book up for my 11 year old son, and ended up reading it myself. I was so pleased with book I tried to read every opportunity I had. My only complaint is that I was really hoping to read the 2nd book in the series. It is almost 2012 and still no book!! Argh! Please L.G. Bass we're all waiting!!