#1 the Black Dragon (Mysterium) - Hardcover

"When a mysterious explosion closes his boarding school early, 12-year-old Danny Woo accompanies his journalist aunt to Hong Kong. In spite of Danny's persistent questions, Aunt Laura refuses to talk about her story. But when Aunt Laura is abducted, all clues point to the Black Dragon, a Chinese organized crime syndicate. Together with his godfather, Major Zamora, a dwarf circus strongman, Danny is determined to rescue his aunt and bring down the people responsible. To succeed, Danny must draw upon the skills he learned from his late parents, circus performers. Mind control, lock picking, magic tricks, and the ability to master the high wire all come into play. But what chance do an inexperienced kid and one strongman have against a ruthless gang? While Danny's skills at mind reading, palming cards, and hypnotism are exceptional, his success is unpredictable. It is in these moments of failure that he shines. He recognizes that thoughtful problem-solving and dedicated effort are superior to any magical ability. This depth makes him a laudable and likable hero. The unusual location, intriguing characters, and a fast-paced plot further set this series opener apart. A clever mashup of crime drama and magical realism makes for an auspicious series start."Kirkus Reviews

"In this gripping series introduction, readers meet 12-year-old Danny, who is dealing with the traumatic and shady aftermath of his parents' deaths. Both of Danny's parents were entertainers at the dark, New Age, traveling Mysterium circus. An explosion at his school forces the boy to accompany his journalist aunt to Hong Kong. Soon after, his aunt is kidnapped, and it's up to Danny to infiltrate the Black Dragon, a Chinese organized crime syndicate, and rescue her. Danny, who is identified as biracial (Chinese and British), will endear himself to readers. The cool and calm he is able to find in intense situations, coupled with all of the amazing skills he has picked up from his parents, will both mesmerize and inspire audiences. Lending him a hand is his godfather, Major Zamora, described as a 'dwarf strongman.' The pacing is fast, featuring a strong blend of intense action and inner struggle. The ending is powerful and thrilling, clearly setting readers up for a second installment. VERDICT: For fans of action-driven adventure set in the criminal underworld."School Library Journal

"When an explosion rips through 12-year-old Danny's school, it turns out to be the first of many attacks he must dodge over the next several days. Having lost his parents in a fire a little over a year ago, the blast brings them to the forefront of his mind, along with his suspicion that their deaths were not accidental. In an attempt to cheer Danny up, his reporter aunt (and guardian) suggests that he come with her to Hong Kong while she investigates a story, giving him a chance to connect with his Chinese heritage. They have barely arrived when Aunt Laura's research into Hong Kong's criminal underworld results in her kidnap. Equipped with unusual talents from growing up in a traveling circus, Danny must attempt a death-defying rescue. This first installment in the Mysterium series is filled with action and stage magic, though Danny's struggles with identity and his parents' deaths are never far from the surface, making this adventure more than gangster brawls and misdirection."Booklist

Talented magician Danny, who is half-Chinese, half-British, and dwarf strongman Zamora try to find the connection between the disastrous end of the circus Mysterium, where Danny's performer parents were killed, and the disappearance of his guardian aunt,who is investigating sinister gangs in Hong Kong.