Damian Allen takes the reader on a trip to Motion’s more difficult to achieve compositing effects.  Allen assumes you’ve read the Getting Started tutorial from Apple Pro Series.
The book takes a project-based approach, which works well in covering complex Motion topics.

Nevertheless, he starts with a tour of Motion and runs you through the story behind the application, the interface and a brief intro to what kind of talent you need --believe me: you need plenty to do something more than just the plain, boring compositions that you can find all over the Internet.

The intro takes just 59 pages; then Allen switches to a higher gear. He starts with Motion Generators, changing their looks as he goes. Layers and Objects are his next topic, but he only touches these briefly. In fact, he needs some sort of introduction to the next chapter, which teaches you how to use and create templates.

Standard included Particles and Parameter behaviour are covered in the next chapter, but again this one is more of an introduction to the next chapter, which deals with advanced Particle design. In this chapter you will learn how to start with a default particle system and change it so that it becomes something completely different.

Obviously, Allen also covers the lesser known issues with gesture drawing, the “Ink” capabilities that make Motion so unique. In my experience, these gestures are not a great feature, but after reading Damian’s coverage, I’ve changed my opinion. They’re actually useful.

A large part of the book is reserved for Keying, Keyframing, and creating text effects. Audio and mixing audio tracks correctly with Motion content using markers is covered as well. Finally, a very important chapter is dedicated to using Motion if you’ve migrated from After Effects.

The book comes with a DVD containing the lessons and the resulting projects. From these, it’s clear that although Motion isn’t as powerful as Shake, it comes very close if you have the talent it takes.