As a child, I
have read many of Jin Yong’s wuxia novels and watched all the
big- and small-screen adaptations growing up. Those stories are in my DNA. Jin
Yong is hailed as “China’s Tolkien” and is a legendary wuxia fiction icon.
A Hero Born is a translated first
volume (of four) of Legends of the Condor
Heroes. It was a totally exhilarating reread
for me with its immersive plot and complex variety of imaginative martial techniques.
The fight scenes were cinematic, the background history compelling, and the
characterization of the lead couple most endearing.
Through
other rereads in recent years, I fell in love with wuxia fiction all over
again. Legends of the Condor Heroes
will always be a favorite of mine.
THE CHINESE "LORD OF THE RINGS" - NOW IN ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME.
THE SERIES EVERY CHINESE READER HAS BEEN ENJOYING FOR DECADES - 300 MILLION COPIES SOLD.
China: 1200 A.D.
The Song Empire has been invaded by its warlike Jurchen neighbours from the north. Half its territory and its historic capital lie in enemy hands; the peasants toil under the burden of the annual tribute demanded by the victors. Meanwhile, on the Mongolian steppe, a disparate nation of great warriors is about to be united by a warlord whose name will endure for eternity: Genghis Khan.
I’ve
been a fan of historical Chinese fiction, and The Scholar’s Blade was an outstanding read in 2023.
I loved that I
learned a great deal about the Taiping Rebellion, one of the bloodiest civil
wars in history, being certain that the novel was thoroughly researched and
based on real events and historical figures (let’s just say that I have faith
in the publisher).
On top of that, the novel had a movie feel to it with its explosive
action scenes and lively and stirring dialogue. There were many nail-biting
moments that kept me turning the page. I couldn’t recommend this novel more highly
to historical fiction fans and/or Chinese history junkies.
China – 1860. The Taiping Rebellion, led by a man who claims to be the living brother of Jesus Christ, controls huge swathes of Southern China. Caught in the chaos are Mark Falchion, a young China-born scholar and experienced swordsman; Meng, a vengeful Taiping warrior; and Mei, a beautiful young archer and former house slave now swept up into the Taiping army. Their destinies collide during the battle for the fortress town of Sungkiang, gateway to the rebels’ main prize – Shanghai. The Scholar’s Blade is a tale of brutal warfare, betrayal, and forbidden desire, all set against the backdrop…
On the surface, the novel is basically a tale
of personal vendetta a sect disciple takes up against his master, whom he deems
impossibly haughty and cruel. But in reality, it is a xianxia (Daoist cultivation)
story with a sensual twist centered on the tortured gay romance between a
morally gray disciple and his sorely misunderstood cultivation master.
Emotions
of jealousy, rage, thwarted desire, hatred, and addiction run deep throughout
the story. It’s a type of story that’s meant to unsettle your soul, and it did
have that effect on me. The portrayal of the lead couple Mo Ran and Chu Wanning, is done with exceptional brilliance. The novel left me pining for more.
Also known as 2ha, the wildly popular danmei/Boys' Love novel series from China that inspired a multimedia franchise!
A historical fantasy epic about a tyrant's second chance at life and the powerful cultivation teacher he can't get out of his mind.
Massacring his way to the top to become emperor of the cultivation world, Mo Ran's cruel reign left him with little satisfaction. Now, upon suffering his greatest loss, he takes his own life...
To his surprise, Mo Ran awakens in his own body at age sixteen, years before he ever began his bloody conquests. Now, as a novice disciple…
The Heavenly Sword and its sequel are a unique blend of an epic wuxia story and Chinese myths.
The goddess
Chang’e is sent to Earth to rein in the tyrant Zhu Di, formerly a Sky Wolf. Reborn
as Tang Sai’er, a simple village girl, her celestial mission requires her to master
a special martial arts skill but to succeed, she must fight her growing
feelings for a member of Zhu Di’s court.
When Zhu Di incites a civil war that imperils her village
people, she is forced to lead the White Lotus Sect in direct combat. But even though
she gets help from the gracious immortals in the violent feuds, she finds that
her mission is on a collision course with her dreams.
