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Five Ancestors #7
Dragon
Tonglong, the deadly mantis Kung fu warrior, is stalking the secretly building an army, and marching towards the Forbidden City ...time is fast running out. China's only hope rests in the hands of five young warrior monks. Can Long, the dragon arts master, amass his own army in time to defeat them? Can his siblings prevent Tonglong's vast army from reaching their goal? And will their lost, rebel brother, the infamous, Eagle prove to be a valuable ally or a vile traitor ...Only time will tell in the final battle of the Five Ancestors.
246 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2010
22 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Stone
106 books159 followersJEFF STONE is the bestselling author of the International Reading Association (IRA) and American Library Association (ALA) award-winning, middle-grade, kung fu action/adventure series, THE FIVE ANCESTORS, and its follow-up trilogy, THE FIVE ANCESTORS: OUT OF THE ASHES. Published by Penguin Random House, there are 10 novels in total with nearly 700K copies sold in 14 languages. Audio versions by Listening Library/Penguin Random House Audio. Film rights previously optioned by Nickelodeon and Likely Story.
A veteran writing coach and former college writing instructor with 30+ years experience, Jeff has facilitated more than 150 writing workshops at universities, educator conferences, and K-12 schools on three continents.
Like his main characters, Jeff was an orphan. Unlike them, he was adopted into the very best family imaginable. He spent 15 years searching for his birthmother before finding her. He found his birthfather a year later.
A Detroit native, Jeff is the proud father of an adult daughter and adult son. His former wife is from Hong Kong, where they had a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony in the mid-90’s. His immersion in Chinese culture and shared ethnic experiences with their children informs his writing, as does his training in animal-style kung fu.
In 2005, Jeff traveled to Shaolin Temple in China with ambassadors from the Shaolin-Do Association and was given the HUGE honor of testing for his black belt in Shaolin-Do Kung Fu at Shaolin Temple. His highly interactive, kung fu storytelling school and library presentations are unforgettable.
A veteran writing coach and former college writing instructor with 30+ years experience, Jeff has facilitated more than 150 writing workshops at universities, educator conferences, and K-12 schools on three continents.
Like his main characters, Jeff was an orphan. Unlike them, he was adopted into the very best family imaginable. He spent 15 years searching for his birthmother before finding her. He found his birthfather a year later.
A Detroit native, Jeff is the proud father of an adult daughter and adult son. His former wife is from Hong Kong, where they had a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony in the mid-90’s. His immersion in Chinese culture and shared ethnic experiences with their children informs his writing, as does his training in animal-style kung fu.
In 2005, Jeff traveled to Shaolin Temple in China with ambassadors from the Shaolin-Do Association and was given the HUGE honor of testing for his black belt in Shaolin-Do Kung Fu at Shaolin Temple. His highly interactive, kung fu storytelling school and library presentations are unforgettable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 31, 2015
Um, I wrote it. :-)
May 1, 2011
Well, this is the end of the series, and even though I thought it was a good ending it was very slow moving getting there. Not the best book in the series. I had high expectations, I thought I would love Dragon most of all. I did love the end--Long returns to rebuild Cangzhen temple--the five did what Grandmaster asked before he died; they changed Ying's heart and the Emperor's as well. That was a wonderful ending, but it took so long to get there. And I was very disappointed that Ying had to die, I see why, but still...
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October 10, 2023Started this series when I was a little kid, and now I’ve finished it as a grown up! Comfort read ✅
July 29, 2017
The conclusion to this series was good, but not great. It was fairly predictable with only one or two minor twists. I would probably read more by this author, especially if one of my kids started reading them. If you've gotten this far in the series you need to finish it out and just enjoy the last part of the ride.
September 23, 2018
This is a great YF series. However, this final book did not have as strong a conclusion as I thought it should. The story moves a little slowly and is pretty predictable. And although the final fight scene has a few surprises, its a little bland. All in all, though, it was still enjoyable and brought together all the various storylines. Probably 3 1/2 stars.
January 3, 2021
A bittersweet ending to a fascinating series. Each book follows the perspective of the individual named the same as the book, intertwining the storyline with overlapping bits of information that made me not want to stop reading. Each of the characters have depth and experienced growth throughout the telling.
September 29, 2017
What can turn your number one enemy into one of your closest allies? In this action packed novel with a hint of fantasy, Dragon By: Jeff Stone is about a teenager named Long. About a year before the events of the book, Long’s temple was destroyed by his former brother, Ying. He is the strongest monk to come out of CangZhen in 2 centuries. After destroying his own temple, he sides with a man named Tonglong, who is trying to take over the country. Northern China in the 1500s isn’t the best place. The emperor is a terrible man and with Tonglong trying take over the country, it won’t get any better. At this point of the book, Soon Tonglong betrays Ying and he goes to the mountains, where he trains for months and months. Soon Long learns that Ying and him are cousins. Eventually, the two of them realize they can’t do it without one or the other. Do you think they can rid their country of evil? This book is probably my favorite book ever. I was just waiting to read the end because that’s how much the book sucks you in. I just love the betrayal and the good turning bad and the bad turning good. I would recommend this book to teenagers that love suspense, some fantasy, a bit of comedy, and of course action/adventure.
October 8, 2020
In the "Five Ancestors, book 7" by Jeff stone, the historical fiction book gave me some information about the Emperor of China, a huge fugitive, and monks. Monks are young teens or older children who inspires the Emporer. The fugitive, Tonglong, fought against the emporer and the monks came up with a plan. The monks all seperate from each other, the main character "Long" wanted the Emperor to stay on throne.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2024
This final book in the series follows the young monks, bandits and other friends into battle. Tonglong has raised a vast army but the strong hearts and morals of the heros and their loyal followers are slated to triumph. I appreciate that the extended outlook into the future of the Warrior monks is alluded to but not firmly stated. Well told series.
August 20, 2018
It was a great book explaining the history of China. I loved the action. It was great that Ying turned into a good person by helping his mom. I hope Jeff writes more books like this. I would highly recommend to read this book.
July 13, 2017
A satisfying end. I loved getting to know China, it's geography and it's people with rich history and diverse people.
July 27, 2017
I'm soooo glad I finally reread and finished this series. I fucking loved these books when I was younger and I love them just as much now.
May 17, 2019
I got attached to the characters, and Ying's or Saulong's death really hit me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 2, 2019I think that this one is one of the best ones so far and I really liked it.
January 22, 2020
A solid finish to a favorite series. Well done!
August 15, 2021
Well, that was alright. I felt the ending was really flat. I wanted more considering how much build there was for war and reordering politics. A good series, but needs a bit of work.
October 9, 2022
Still much action and excitement, but perhaps a bit less than previous in this series of 5 young temple students following and honoring their grandmaster’s wishes.
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January 12, 2017My boys loved the entire series
November 13, 2015
I have waiting a long to to finally get to this book. I started the series six years ago when the first book, Tiger, came out. Dragon was everything I hoped it would be, and more, but I am sad to see this series come to its conclusion. I know that Jeff Stone could do a lot more with these characters and I do hope that he writes more books that take place way, way back in China's history.
With the publishing of this book, the series that was originally intended to be five books, but grew into seven with the addition of Eagle and Mouse, is finally over. When it all began with the the destruction of the Cangzhen Temple and the killing of all but five of its inhabitants, I had not idea where the storyline would end up. The author always kept me guessing, and I never got it right. From the first chapter where Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok and Long are hiding in the clay vase, which made me laugh because of Malao's stinky feet in Fu's face, I fell in love with these characters.
Jeff Stone has created a classic series that steps outside the box. Not only does the story take place in China, but it takes place over 350 years ago and deals with young monks who are masters of their techniques. There is no other series out there like this one. All of the books are packed with action and intrigue as Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok and Long try to figure out why Ying attacked the temple and killed Grandmaster. Then the story takes a turn as Ying ends up teaming with the five of them to fight an even bigger threat. Tonglong, who I liked at first, has his own plans to become the most powerful leader in China and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal. I sure didn't see that coming!
Young Readers, especially boys, will love this book and the Five Ancestors series. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing as they read every page. The action is fast and furious and the characters wonderfully developed. Readers will instantly bond with Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok and Long and will become highly involved in their lives. After all, what young boy doesn't wish that he could master the art of kung fu? When I was a young teenager, I watched every Bruce Lee movie and wished I could move like him. He was a master, just like the Five Ancestors. These books reminded me of the feelings I had way back then when I watched the kung fu movies on television. I just wish that there would have been a series of books like the Five Ancestors for me to read when I was young.
Overall, Dragon is a fitting conclusion to an excellent series that should not be missed by any reader that loves a great and unique story. I am sorry that this series is over and I will cross my fingers and hope that Jeff Stone writes more books about kung fu masters in ancient China.
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
With the publishing of this book, the series that was originally intended to be five books, but grew into seven with the addition of Eagle and Mouse, is finally over. When it all began with the the destruction of the Cangzhen Temple and the killing of all but five of its inhabitants, I had not idea where the storyline would end up. The author always kept me guessing, and I never got it right. From the first chapter where Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok and Long are hiding in the clay vase, which made me laugh because of Malao's stinky feet in Fu's face, I fell in love with these characters.
Jeff Stone has created a classic series that steps outside the box. Not only does the story take place in China, but it takes place over 350 years ago and deals with young monks who are masters of their techniques. There is no other series out there like this one. All of the books are packed with action and intrigue as Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok and Long try to figure out why Ying attacked the temple and killed Grandmaster. Then the story takes a turn as Ying ends up teaming with the five of them to fight an even bigger threat. Tonglong, who I liked at first, has his own plans to become the most powerful leader in China and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal. I sure didn't see that coming!
Young Readers, especially boys, will love this book and the Five Ancestors series. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing as they read every page. The action is fast and furious and the characters wonderfully developed. Readers will instantly bond with Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok and Long and will become highly involved in their lives. After all, what young boy doesn't wish that he could master the art of kung fu? When I was a young teenager, I watched every Bruce Lee movie and wished I could move like him. He was a master, just like the Five Ancestors. These books reminded me of the feelings I had way back then when I watched the kung fu movies on television. I just wish that there would have been a series of books like the Five Ancestors for me to read when I was young.
Overall, Dragon is a fitting conclusion to an excellent series that should not be missed by any reader that loves a great and unique story. I am sorry that this series is over and I will cross my fingers and hope that Jeff Stone writes more books about kung fu masters in ancient China.
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
December 31, 2014
Long has won the championship, but at the cost of several injuries and a price on his head. Now that Tonglong has secured many allies, as well as the jade swords and armor set, he marches to his ultimate destination: the Forbidden City. The seat of the Emperor. Can the members of the Resistance break Tonglong's evil plans?
I like several things about this series. I like how good the historical detail is: everything from clothing to cities to using Chinese names for things like guns. I like how realistic the story is portraying fights and injuries and how long it takes to heal, thus demonstrating vividly why even a master is not quick to jump into a fight (especially when it's kung fu against guns). I like the mix of nationalities, Dutch and Chinese, and how those tensions play into the story. I like the complex web of relationships, betrayals, and counter-betrayals.
Long's story is in many ways as atypical as the rest of the series. He's not even able to do too much in the beginning thanks to all the injuries he sustained during the pit fight in the previous book. Like Seh, he's a plotter, gathering information and positioning himself before he makes his move. I found his fight against the bandits particularly interesting, as a movie would portray the Dragon master easily toppling a handful of men with bows and pistols; the book, in contrast, shows how very human even someone with Long's abilities is.
As a finale, this does a nice job. Most of the loose ends tied up; the only thing I really noticed that got dropped was Malao never reacting to Bing as the one who killed his father---I don't remember anyone telling Malao how or why it happened, so he took to her a little too easily, considering. I liked what happened with Ying particularly, as it proved he really had changed.
Overall this was a very quick read, like all the rest. If you've followed the series at all until now, this will be a satisfying conclusion. I rate this book Recommended.
I like several things about this series. I like how good the historical detail is: everything from clothing to cities to using Chinese names for things like guns. I like how realistic the story is portraying fights and injuries and how long it takes to heal, thus demonstrating vividly why even a master is not quick to jump into a fight (especially when it's kung fu against guns). I like the mix of nationalities, Dutch and Chinese, and how those tensions play into the story. I like the complex web of relationships, betrayals, and counter-betrayals.
Long's story is in many ways as atypical as the rest of the series. He's not even able to do too much in the beginning thanks to all the injuries he sustained during the pit fight in the previous book. Like Seh, he's a plotter, gathering information and positioning himself before he makes his move. I found his fight against the bandits particularly interesting, as a movie would portray the Dragon master easily toppling a handful of men with bows and pistols; the book, in contrast, shows how very human even someone with Long's abilities is.
As a finale, this does a nice job. Most of the loose ends tied up; the only thing I really noticed that got dropped was Malao never reacting to Bing as the one who killed his father---I don't remember anyone telling Malao how or why it happened, so he took to her a little too easily, considering. I liked what happened with Ying particularly, as it proved he really had changed.
Overall this was a very quick read, like all the rest. If you've followed the series at all until now, this will be a satisfying conclusion. I rate this book Recommended.
December 30, 2014
And so, The Five Ancestors series comes to a close. The ending of the series was very martial arts-y. It's not that it ended with lots of action (although, it did), it's that it came full circle. In martial arts this idea of a circle, of the beginning being the end, and the end being the beginning, of a journey starting at a destination, is a *big deal*. It might even be the biggest deal. And true to proper martial arts form and ethos, The Five Ancestors comes full circle.
I've offered up a lot of complaints about the series, but overall it gets it right. The martial arts is right (and by that I mean the philosophy more than the action, although that rings true, too), the entertainment is right, the message is right. I critiqued, but I enjoyed, too.
The series is violent and bloody in spots, but I'd argue that it's no worse than what's served up in The Hunger Games. It might even be less shocking than what's in those books. I do think that this series is appropriate for upper elementary and middle school kids, and I think it could really appeal to reluctant readers who like action, anime, or fast-paced exciting video games. In other words, to my nephew. Unfortunately, he's seven, and while I *know* he'd dig this series, his mom would need to check these out before I'd feel comfortable reading these with him.
The Five Ancestors is a respectable series. Like every martial artist, it is not perfect, especially in the beginning. But like every good martial artist, it perseveres, and in the end it achieves its goal and looks ahead to the next.
I've offered up a lot of complaints about the series, but overall it gets it right. The martial arts is right (and by that I mean the philosophy more than the action, although that rings true, too), the entertainment is right, the message is right. I critiqued, but I enjoyed, too.
The series is violent and bloody in spots, but I'd argue that it's no worse than what's served up in The Hunger Games. It might even be less shocking than what's in those books. I do think that this series is appropriate for upper elementary and middle school kids, and I think it could really appeal to reluctant readers who like action, anime, or fast-paced exciting video games. In other words, to my nephew. Unfortunately, he's seven, and while I *know* he'd dig this series, his mom would need to check these out before I'd feel comfortable reading these with him.
The Five Ancestors is a respectable series. Like every martial artist, it is not perfect, especially in the beginning. But like every good martial artist, it perseveres, and in the end it achieves its goal and looks ahead to the next.
March 29, 2021
With all the characters and buildup over the course of the series, these last two books felt to have slowed things down and didn't entirely bring things together the way I would have liked. Long always felt a little distant from the rest of the monks, and that left this last book making you feel like it didn't wrap everything up for your faves. I do like how Fu, Seh, Hok, and Ying found their parents, and felt a little more at home with themselves before the end, how they found a home where they would always belong. And I liked how we got to hear where everyone was going at the end, knowing that they're all going to continue changing things and making them better. I was super disappointed with Ying's death, because I felt like he deserved more after everything he had been through and how he had just found redemption. I would have liked to see him and Long get along now that they know they're cousins. Overall, this was a grand middle grade series, and I loved the characters and how they uncovered the secrets of their lives and families.
March 4, 2015
Dragon, like the other Five Ancestor books was great. This is the final book of this part of this series. It is mostly about Long who's name means dragon in Cantonese. Along with the other books, you also learn many important secrets. As the book goes on, the siblings begin to reunite. Ying also impacts the story, and vows to do anything to stop Tonglong. I would recommend this book along with the others.
This story starts after the events of the fight club. Long reunites with his siblings, and sees how they have grown. Then, the Five Ancestors split up to help with the upcoming war. The Emperor is still held prisoner, and very few people know. Meanwhile, Ying trains with the dragon scrolls. The ending of this book is slightly unpredictable, and is like a movie. If you enjoy this book, you should start The Five Ancestors Out of the Ashes series. This part of the series takes place in present day Indiana.
This story starts after the events of the fight club. Long reunites with his siblings, and sees how they have grown. Then, the Five Ancestors split up to help with the upcoming war. The Emperor is still held prisoner, and very few people know. Meanwhile, Ying trains with the dragon scrolls. The ending of this book is slightly unpredictable, and is like a movie. If you enjoy this book, you should start The Five Ancestors Out of the Ashes series. This part of the series takes place in present day Indiana.
October 26, 2013
The Five Ancestor:Dragon was a very great book because this book told us that the five kids save the day.I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to know if Long and his former brothers and sister can help the emperor out of TongLong's palm.The author wrapped the story nicely because I always scared that TongLong killed Long ,his former brothers and sister, and emperor.For example:" Wuya, perhaps I will let you be the one to execute Xie. It would be fitting for you to take his title as the new Western Warlord b removing his head with a jade sword. The stone is surprisingly sharp."(Pg 208)This makes the reader worried that if the Western Warlord died,will the emperor died next?It's a great trick to keep the readers to interest what will happen next.That is just an example why I like this book.
August 28, 2011
Always afraid with a series like this that the end will be a disappointment, but Jeff Stone wrapped things up nicely. Overall a pretty satisfactory experience from beginning to end; yes, there are a few moments in some of the books that make you wish things would wrap up, already, but then they get interesting again with a nice twist or new character--thank goodness for ShaoShu, the little mouse!
Series especially recommended for early, perhaps reluctant YA readers with a taste for martial arts...kids who missed the chance to enjoy growing up with David Carradine's "Kung Fu", where you loved the Eastern philosophy that advocated living a peaceful life except when violence was absolutely demanded--and knew that every week at some point it would be absolutely demanded.
Series especially recommended for early, perhaps reluctant YA readers with a taste for martial arts...kids who missed the chance to enjoy growing up with David Carradine's "Kung Fu", where you loved the Eastern philosophy that advocated living a peaceful life except when violence was absolutely demanded--and knew that every week at some point it would be absolutely demanded.
February 19, 2012
Seventh and final in the "Five Ancestors" series, DRAGON is fast-paced and action packed. All the various factions, including the young monks, come together to save the Emperor, with Ying/Saulong sacrificing himself to stop Tonglong. The Emperor offers a place at the palace for Shaoshu (who'd helped the Emperor along the way). At the celebratory dinner hosted by the Emperor, he declares the young monks "The Five Ancestors." Long excuses himself, picks up Ying's (his cousin) chain, and their grandfather's sword, and heads for the burned temple, intending to rebuild it. Fast paced series of particular interest to young boys. 4 stars for the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2010
The sixth and last book in this thundering series, Dragon has done it all. The five temple siblings that were separated when their home was under attack have finally sat together to celebrate their victory and morn their new ally and previous temple brother, Ying (eagle). I'm very glad that the Emperor has had a change of heart and that Tonglong(mantis) is now dead. But Ying's death gave the series a stony finish, since his alliance to the very brothers and sister he tried to kill had grown stronger and stronger. Great battle scenes, and even greater turning points, a perfect series finale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2011
This book was really shockingg at some points. Like when the main character faced some problems, he did what ever he could to survive. Some of the things were kind of bad like he killed a camel and slept in the skin to keep warm. I thought he could hav found another way to stay warm. Like he could have stayed in a cave or something. I thought killing that camel was unnecessary. But i still liked this book and this series because it showed me different points of views from different people. I like this unique thing about this series.
December 3, 2010
This book is very much slower than the others in the series. Unlike the others as well, there aren't as many battles and there is not as much action. Long, whose name means Dragon, and his newly found cousin Ying (Eagle) work together in the end to change the emperor's heart. Long also works with the new western warlord Xie (Scorpion) to infiltrate the forbidden city. Long's temple brothers work with the bandits and their Dutch friend Charles to hold Tonglong (Mantis)off while they change Wuya's (Crow') mind.
May 14, 2012
The Seventh Historical Fiction of Jeff Stone's "The Five Ancestors" series (224 pages and recommended for teens/adults).After seeing his temple burn down and his brothers and sister go into hiding,Long now comes to play his role in changing the emperor's heart. Ying has gone through a change of heart. Will Ying help his temple siblings or inhibit them? Will Tonglong become emperor? What will happen to the real emperor?
Jeff Stone also wrote-The Five Ancestors:Tiger, Mouse, Snake, Eagle, Crane and Monkey.
Jeff Stone also wrote-The Five Ancestors:Tiger, Mouse, Snake, Eagle, Crane and Monkey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews