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eklsolo's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
elisaviihde's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
reader89's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
thinde's review against another edition
4.0
Despite the lack of realism in any aspect of this series, I enjoyed the read. However, this book relies too much on a lack of communication to drive conflict... even more than previous books.
The use of actual historical figures made the inaccuracies more glaring but also anchored the story in something familiar. I don't think I've ever seen the Mongols described in more romantic terms, but I suppose it was necessary since Guo Jing was raised by them.
I found the author's treatment of Viper to be irritating. Viper lies, cheats, stabs people in the back, and betrays anyone that helps him. But somehow, people keep treating him with respect. The only reason I can see is that the author needs the antagonist in the thick of things. Thus everyone must be stupidly forgiving. Sometimes it is like the entire cast is five years of age.
That child-like innocence and hope are what make Guo Jing so palatable as a protagonist. He has no evil in him and so the reader wants him to succeed. Over time, through a somewhat forced and trite internal philosophical struggle, he does reach some level of maturity. This makes the ending more satisfying as he finally accepts the agency that all protagonists should have.
The use of actual historical figures made the inaccuracies more glaring but also anchored the story in something familiar. I don't think I've ever seen the Mongols described in more romantic terms, but I suppose it was necessary since Guo Jing was raised by them.
I found the author's treatment of Viper to be irritating. Viper lies, cheats, stabs people in the back, and betrays anyone that helps him. But somehow, people keep treating him with respect. The only reason I can see is that the author needs the antagonist in the thick of things. Thus everyone must be stupidly forgiving. Sometimes it is like the entire cast is five years of age.
That child-like innocence and hope are what make Guo Jing so palatable as a protagonist. He has no evil in him and so the reader wants him to succeed. Over time, through a somewhat forced and trite internal philosophical struggle, he does reach some level of maturity. This makes the ending more satisfying as he finally accepts the agency that all protagonists should have.
rozanne_visagie's review
3.0
A Heart Divided is the fourth book in The Legend of the Condor Heroes series and is filled with martial arts and adventures. I'm not familiar with the series but after I've been gifted a copy of this book I found I enjoyed it. Martial arts is not a typical topic I'd read about, but I was caught up in the characters and the different moves.
The book is 591 pages and I felt certain parts dragged, but since it's the end of the series I understand why so much detail is included. A character list and illustrations are included which enhances the reading experience. The character list is especially helpful since there are many characters to keep up with. A Heart Divided is translated from Chinese by Gigi Chang and Shelly Bryant. The world-building is detailed and the reader is taken on a journey to finish the final chapter of this series.
My opinion is based on this book alone since I'm not familiar with the series, but after what I've read, this book is rich in descriptions and characters and I'm curious to see how the series began. It's interesting to read something that isn't your typical read, that way you discover a whole new territory, a whole new adventure and characters that keep you entertained.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this gifted copy.
The book is 591 pages and I felt certain parts dragged, but since it's the end of the series I understand why so much detail is included. A character list and illustrations are included which enhances the reading experience. The character list is especially helpful since there are many characters to keep up with. A Heart Divided is translated from Chinese by Gigi Chang and Shelly Bryant. The world-building is detailed and the reader is taken on a journey to finish the final chapter of this series.
My opinion is based on this book alone since I'm not familiar with the series, but after what I've read, this book is rich in descriptions and characters and I'm curious to see how the series began. It's interesting to read something that isn't your typical read, that way you discover a whole new territory, a whole new adventure and characters that keep you entertained.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this gifted copy.
argentrabe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tmathes's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love this series so much!
sahibooknerd's review against another edition
4.0
I really did miss not having an audiobook for this one but I was also very glad for finally getting to the conclusion of the Legend of the Condor Heroes.
This was definitely a lot more action packed and enjoyable than I found the third book and I read it pretty quickly. However, I did find that I enjoyed the action sequences and the descriptions of the various martial arts moves on audio more than reading. Coming to the plot and characters, I guess there were points which weren’t as satisfactory as I hoped they would be, especially the character arcs of Yang Kang or Mercy Mu. I grew to like Guo Jing a lot more in this book - seeing him fight so much for his love even if he can’t articulate it in words, never lose his devotion for Lotus despite challenging circumstances , trying to find a path and purpose in his life which would be more than just killing people using his superior martial arts skills - it was all very heartening to read and I felt happy that I followed him on this journey throughout. I still have conflicting feelings about Lotus and I can only say that she’ll always keep Guo Jing on his toes. I enjoyed the addition of King Duan and his four generals, their backstories and our couple’s interactions with them were all very interesting. Count Seven Hong also grew in my regard and the one monologue he has towards the end was just spectacular.
I have truly come to appreciate how seamlessly the author integrates historical figures into this action and adventure story and all scenes with Genghis Khan in this book were quite impactful. I guess I was expecting more explosive scenes towards the end and because it didn’t feel that way despite some cool fight scenes, I’m not feeling that high which comes with the end of a beloved series. But I’m still very glad to have gotten to know these characters and this world, and it’s also made me more excited for The Return of the Condor Heroes, whose translation I hope we will get soon. Until then, it’s gonna be a wait and I’m yet unsure if I wanna watch the adaptations in the meantime.
This was definitely a lot more action packed and enjoyable than I found the third book and I read it pretty quickly. However, I did find that I enjoyed the action sequences and the descriptions of the various martial arts moves on audio more than reading. Coming to the plot and characters, I guess there were points which weren’t as satisfactory as I hoped they would be, especially the character arcs of Yang Kang or Mercy Mu. I grew to like Guo Jing a lot more in this book - seeing him fight so much for his love even if he can’t articulate it in words, never lose his devotion for Lotus despite challenging circumstances , trying to find a path and purpose in his life which would be more than just killing people using his superior martial arts skills - it was all very heartening to read and I felt happy that I followed him on this journey throughout. I still have conflicting feelings about Lotus and I can only say that she’ll always keep Guo Jing on his toes. I enjoyed the addition of King Duan and his four generals, their backstories and our couple’s interactions with them were all very interesting. Count Seven Hong also grew in my regard and the one monologue he has towards the end was just spectacular.
I have truly come to appreciate how seamlessly the author integrates historical figures into this action and adventure story and all scenes with Genghis Khan in this book were quite impactful. I guess I was expecting more explosive scenes towards the end and because it didn’t feel that way despite some cool fight scenes, I’m not feeling that high which comes with the end of a beloved series. But I’m still very glad to have gotten to know these characters and this world, and it’s also made me more excited for The Return of the Condor Heroes, whose translation I hope we will get soon. Until then, it’s gonna be a wait and I’m yet unsure if I wanna watch the adaptations in the meantime.
merrrry's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
2.25
Took a whole 8 months to finish this book. Still really like the characters, but the novelty of the martial arts campiness and the Guo Jing x Lotus dynamic has worn off a bit after 3 books. Sadly, my main feeling about this book is that I'm glad I'm done.
As a whole, it was obvious that Jin Yong was just trying to tie things up, and I can't say I found much of it very satisfying.For example, Yang Kang death and Mercy's final appearance with a child was super underwhelming. Girl is just found in some bushes with a baby?? Ok??? I feel like Guo Jing and Lotus have been powering up this whole time, but the final resolution didn't reflect all the building that was done. I guess that's a common thing among serialized stories though.
This exhausted me so much that I don't feel much motivation to read more translated Jin Yong books. I'm sure I'll read another eventually.
As a whole, it was obvious that Jin Yong was just trying to tie things up, and I can't say I found much of it very satisfying.
This exhausted me so much that I don't feel much motivation to read more translated Jin Yong books. I'm sure I'll read another eventually.
ranok's review
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5