Rating: 
Summary: Utterly Delightful and Wonderfully Imaginative
Review:
Author Barry Hughart has done it again. Like his first book Bridge of Birds he brilliantly delivers another knockout adventure of Li Kao and Number Ten Ox. This time a mysterious murder and theft in a monastery sets this duo off in pursuit of a mysterious stone. But unlike their first adventure this quest takes them on a wholly different type of journey that, well, almost defies description. And why spoil the wonderful reading of this enchanting tale anyway? Read for yourself this truly imaginative and charming book. In addition to Li Kao and Number Ten Ox you'll meet Grief of Dawn, Moon Boy, the Laughing Prince, et al - uniquely eclectic characters that you will totally enjoy and long remember.
It's a pity that more readers haven't discovered Barry Hughart's wonderful works. But so be it. Just don't one of those who has missed them.
Rating: 
Summary: As fun as his other novels
Review: (...)Once again Hughart takes us on a fun and cleverly written journey through Chinese culture and legends. He really goes overboard this time, leading the reader through all the levels of hell and back again. I didn't find this story quite as endearing as the first, but still very intelligently written and thoroughly researched. With the exception of Number Ten Ox, there is not one character in this book that is not eccentric and out-of-this-world odd. I think that is what makes the book so charming. You know that each person you meet is going to have more than just a minor character flaw, and will certainly be endowed with bigger than life blemishes and imperfections. As with his first novel, this one is often written in such a fast-paced manner that I found myself re-reading sections to figure out what had taken place. I wouldn't say that's a major fault, though, and perhaps it's just my slow brain trying to keep up. The book follows a classic mystery format, where clues throughout the tale are all explained at the end. But it's not Holmes pacing the floor of his den in the last chapter, explaining it all to Watson; it's done in a way that all makes sense, with the explanations fitting very well into the storyline. I should make mention of something that I think is a major flaw in this book. The character Moon Boy is as peculiar as the rest, and with one exception, I thought of him as a quaint, likable and humorous addition to the group. That exception is his pedophilia. To have a pedophile as a minor character in a novel is not a problem, and you may call me old fashioned, but to have that person be a major character, and to treat his actions as humorous and almost acceptable, in my opinion is inappropriate. I don't think pedophilia is something to be laughed at and treated so lightly. However, Hughart displayed this character with the accompanying flaws of bestiality and other unrestrained passions, so to include all these traits in one character is probably not too far off the mark. With that said, I definitely wouldn't recommend this book for young readers.
Rating:
Summary: Master Li and Number Tex Ox do it again!
Review: I am Barry Hughart's number one fan. With that said, I recommend this book without reservation. In fact, any book involving Hughart's alter-ego, Master Li, and Hughart's young hero, Number Ten Ox, would be high on my "must read" list. I just re-read this tale of a mad prince and his array of fascinating characters and was just as enchanted and entertained as I was the first time I read it in ten years ago. If you're looking for a wonder-filled story with character that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, read this book! You can also do yourself a huge favor by purchasing "Bridge of Birds" and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen," the only other Master Li/Number Ten Ox adventures. "Bridge of Birds" was Hughart's first effort and the book introduces the reader to Master Li...the most interesting character is all of fiction..... After all, how can you NOT love someone who introduces himself by saying: "My surname isLi and my personal name is Kao, and there is a slight flaw in my character"? The people at amazon.com are masters at locating the "difficult to find" books on their site. Order this book....and then, read and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: addictive. exciting. fascinating
Review: best read aloud with a friend. if it is possible, it gets better with each additional reading.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I discovered this book as part of one of those book club deals several years ago -- you know the kind that send you books and charge you if you don't return them by a certain date. In this case, it was a blessing. I enjoyed the characters, the locations, the colors and the twists that unfolded in the story. If you can find it, it's definitely a must-read. Since then, I've collected the only other books that I know this author has produced: "Bridge of Birds" and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen". They are as enjoyable as this one.
Rating:
Summary: addictive. exciting. fascinating
Review: I have been looking for The story of the Stone for years. Mr. Hughart, please do not leave us like this! Your stories are wonderful, your characters, unforgivable, your world, amazing! I have read all your stories and am waiting anxiously for the next one.
Rating:
Summary: Where are Master Li and Number ten Ox?!
Review: I have been looking for The story of the Stone for years. Mr. Hughart, please do not leave us like this! Your stories are wonderful, your characters, unforgivable, your world, amazing! I have read all your stories and am waiting anxiously for the next one.
Rating:
Summary: great!
Review: i read this book many, many years ago when i was a kid--found it at the public library and have read it twice since then. this book is a true adventure and the author does a wonderful job of painting both character and setting. i just found out he's written other novels and can't wait to pick them up. it's been about 10 years since the first time i read this work, and i still find it as enchanting as i first did.
Rating:
Summary: A little too much like the first book
Review: If you haven't yet read the first Master Li and Number Ten Ox book, Bridge of Birds, go read it now; it's quite good. If you've already read it and want more of the same, then the Story of the Stone may slake your thirst. Be warned, however, that this iteration borrows more than just the two protagonists and the style of the first novel. Without giving too much away, too many of the plot twists from Bridge of Birds made it into the Story of the Stone. At the same time, this second novel lacks some of the grandeur and scope of the first. It's still not a bad read, though.
Rating:
Summary: A little too much like the first book
Review: If you haven't yet read the first Master Li and Number Ten Ox book, Bridge of Birds, go read it now; it's quite good. If you've already read it and want more of the same, then the Story of the Stone may slake your thirst. Be warned, however, that this iteration borrows more than just the two protagonists and the style of the first novel. Without giving too much away, too many of the plot twists from Bridge of Birds made it into the Story of the Stone. At the same time, this second novel lacks some of the grandeur and scope of the first. It's still not a bad read, though.
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