The Black Dragon

The fast-paced plot is full of chase scenes, mystery, and narrow escapes - not to mention kidnapping and crime syndicates. Danny's passion for magic is infectious, and descriptions of his death-defying stunts will have readers on the edge of their seats: "It takes vital seconds to locate the second lock in the gloom . . . [Danny] lets the air seep very slowly from his mouth. Almost one bubble at a time. The pressure's building and he's already desperate to take a clean lungful of air." Danny and his bodyguard, Zamora - a dwarf strongman - make a great team. It's fun to see them work together, with Zamora trying to protect Danny from physical hazards and dangerous information, and Danny proving that he's braver than anyone thinks. It is refreshing for a book to be set outside of North America or Europe. Hong Kong is described in fascinating detail as characters take ferries, motorcycles, and other forms of transportation through the territory's diverse islands, landscapes, and neighborhoods. Kids will be hungry for the next installment of this riveting new series.

After Danny's parents perish in a suspicious fire, Danny grows paranoid. He leaves his traveling circus family--the Mysterium--and moves in with his aunt, who is investigating gangs in Hong Kong. Her kidnapping leads Danny to discover an international criminal network. The twisty plot will keep readers guessing with its James Bond–style action and trickery.