The Five Ancestors

Book 3

Henan Province, China

4348—Year of the Tiger (1650 AD)

Cover of kung fu novel SNAKE by author Jeff Stone from The Five Ancestors series.

Shaolin Temple, like Cangzhen, has been destroyed.

Where can a young monk go to seek answers?

Secrets. Seh, a master of snake-style kung fu, knows that knowledge equals power. Close-lipped and ever-watchful, he uses his sharp senses to collect information about his brothers, the temple, and even Grandmaster. But now, with Grandmaster gone and the temple in ruins, everything Seh knows has been turned upside down.

Shedding his monk’s robe like an old skin, Seh meets his father and joins a powerful group of bandits. Together they journey deep into the mountains to the bandits’ secret stronghold. There Seh encounters a mysterious and beautiful woman whose name means “cobra” and learns that keeping secrets can sometimes hurt as much as it can help.

The exciting Five Ancestors series continues with this third volume as five young monks search out the secrets of their past—and their destiny.

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Awards

· Children’s Choice - International Literacy Association & Children’s Book Council

What People Are Saying

Publishers Weekly

"Taking on a third orphan of the quintet who were living at Cangzhen Temple with their Grandmaster, Jeff Stone continues his ("riveting," in PW's words in a starred review) Five Ancestors series with Snake, focusing on 12-year-old Seh after the temple's destruction. Seh seeks answers and attempts to avoid terrifying Ying. Fans of the series' signature martial arts and mind games will find plenty more here."

AudioFile · Audio

“In the third volume of Stone's Five Ancestors series, Seh, a young master of snake-style kung fu, takes to the road when his teacher, the Grand Master, is killed. Along the way, Seh finds a haven with bandits hiding in the mountains. Young martial arts devotees will love this story. Not unlike a kung fu master, Kiki Barrera delivers Stone's story with focused energy. His narration is especially effective in the story's many fight scenes. Barrera doesn't rush or overact. Young listeners will feel Seh's fear, his determination, and ultimately his victory as he defeats his enemies and finds his way in the world. If you love Saturday morning cartoon-style kung-fu, this production is for you.”

goodreads -Jeph

“Snake by Jeff Stone was and continues to be my favorite of the series so far, but perhaps that's because I identify with Seh, the Snake Kung Fu artist the most. Having said that, Snake is certainly the most action heavy so far of the series, or so it seemed to me. The action starts flowing quickly as Seh meets up with the bandits described in Book 2 : Monkey. Again, allies are made, those once thought to be friends plot against and betray our heroes and the family ties and criss-crosses develop even further. Snake, however, introduces a bulk of flavorful characters that make this book one of the best. From mysterious yet helpful bandits like Mong (Python), Gao (Dog) and N'gung (Centipede) to treacherous villains like Hung (Toad) and AnGangSeh (Cobra), the cast of characters expands for the better in Snake.”

goodreads -Alaina Sloo

“Book 3 of the Five Ancestors series which follows the adventures of some child warrior monks after the destruction of their temple. Short books full of adventure, detailed descriptions of kung fu moves, and Chinese culture, these are appealing books (especially for adventure-loving readers) for readers who are working up to longer books, with the added bonus of learning something about Chinese history and culture along the way.”

goodreads -Jeff

“My nine year old daughter and I continue to devour this series. The books are short and very well done. The different perspectives from the heroes keeps the story fresh and exciting as the overall story moves along. We can't wait to start the next one in the series.”