Dragon in Chains.

Fox, Daniel Dragon in Chains.
Ballantine see Random 2009 399p 15.00 978-0-345-50305-3 hs/adult
In a world dominated by a great, chained dragon beneath the straits between the mainland and the small island of Taishu, magic is stirring. Supernatural creatures and unexpected forces of nature change all the participants in this exciting tale of fantastical rebellion and romance in feudal China. In a world dominated by a great dragon chained beneath the straits between the mainland and the small island of Taishu, magic is stirring. Fog, the dragon's breath, covers everything in a deep miasma of enchantment. Enslaved by pirates after the murder of his scribe master, Han becomes the ship's boy after a duel with a magician's apprentice. Li Ton, the leader of the pirates, has bigger things in mind than just simple piracy. Involved in the conspiracy that has sent the young emperor of China fleeing his land, he wishes to make sure of the emperor's death. Supernatural creatures and unexpected forces of nature change all the participants in this exciting tale of fantastical rebellion and romance. When Han is forced to break the magical chains holding the dragon captive, she will rise and try to end all life on the surface.
First, volume in a proposed series, this dark and densely written novel provides engaging, suspenseful, well-written historical fiction with excellent characterizations and a well-paced plot. It will hold the reader's attention from beginning to end and leave them hungry for more. There are scenes, however, of graphic violence and sexual encounters although they are appropriate to the time period and the story. S.Ogintz