SOLVED. YA (?) fantasy novel about a boy who works in his mother's magic shop until she mysteriously vanishes and he has to go on a quest to find her. [s]

[Jules]

The book was set in ancient China with a very modern twist (cities with skyscrapers) + a combination with magic. Demons/dark spirits come out at night without the protection of a wizard (like the boy's mother) or some kind of magical light
She either vanishes on some mission for the emperor or she vanishes and he decides to go consult with the emperor to find out why
He goes with a girl, though I don't remember why or who she is in relation to him. They're accompanied by some kind of animal (a demon? his mother's talking pet cat thing? i wish i knew- he had a sassy relationship with it though, definitely cared about each other)
they go on this long journey across this weird modern-ancient china-inspired place and get to this huge city, where they meet these university students who smuggle them in as visitors to the emperor somehow

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

When did you read this? Paper book, ebook, online, other format? Remember the cover? Author male or female?

[Jules]

I read this a few years ago- 3-5? It was a hardcover from a library. I can't picture the cover, but I think the author was female (but not 100%)

[Kris]

Fox and Phoenix by Beth Bernobich seems to match your description.

Some Amazon reviewers say: "Kai Zou is a street lord, with a small gang of friends, each of whom have strengths and weaknesses. Kai Zou's mother owns a magic shop and teaches magic; Kai Zou has to help out, creating conflicts between his street life and home life. And he has homework."

"Fox & Phoenix is a charming, delightful adventure through a fantasy China where old world traditions mix with futuristic technologies powered by magic flux. In this world, Kai and Yun are on a quest to find Princess Lian and return her to her home city and her ailing father... Where did Kai's mother disappear to? ..."

[Jules]

Kris wrote: "Fox and Phoenix by Beth Bernobich seems to match your description.

Some Amazon reviewers say: "Kai Zou is a street lord, with a small gang of friends, each of whom ..."

Oh my god that's it!!! Thank you so much!! I honestly didn't think anyone could find it!

[Kris]

Glad we could help! I got lucky with a Google search of Amazon reviews, something like:

site:www.amazon.com "fantasy" china magic wizard mother disappear