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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Evidently haven’t reread this in a while, so thought I’d revisit to see whether it holds up and is worth keeping on the shelf. I went through a phase where GGK was one of my favorite fantasy writers, though since then I’ve made an effort to diversify the books and authors I read.
On a smaller scale, UH is about Shen Tai, the second son of general Shen Gao. Despite his youth , Tai has tried his hand at being a soldier, Kanlin, and scholar - the last of which was interrupted by his father’s death before he could sit the examinations. During his mourning period, rather than staying home as expected, he decides to honor Shen Gao by returning to the site of his father’s regret and grief: Kuala Nor.
Once a battleground between Kitai and Tagura, where forty thousand lay dead, Kuala Nor is far away from the glittering, civilized seat of the empire. It’s also, notably, haunted by the ghosts of deceased soldiers, whose grief, pain, and anger are made known by their nightly shrieks, cries, and moans. Tai takes it upon himself to lay these dead to rest, in remembrance of his father, an act which earns him the respect (and incredulity) of the nearby border soldiers, Kitan and Taguran alike.
Unbeknownst to Tai, it also earns him the regard of the Rygal Court’s Kitan princess, who, in the thoughtless extravagance of royalty, rewards him with a gift of two hundred and fifty Sardian horses. Sardian horses, as in one of the most coveted, highly-sought-after commodity in Kitai, known for their beauty, speed, and value in battle. Though a generous expression of gratitude, it draws a big ol’ target sign on Tai’s back and forcefully thrusts him at the center of imperial courtly intrigue.
Really though it’s a much more sweeping story of the Kitan empire at its peak in the Ninth Dynasty, but where the balance of power is threatened by its most influential, highest ranking officials. Tai’s story is but one small thread woven into this larger tapestry, although even a single person’s trajectory and choices can ripple outwards and have unexpected impacts. Li-Mei’s trek though the Bogü lands is a good example of this, when it’s revealed thatTai’s previous actions during his stint north of the wall is what precipitated her rescue .
I do think my feelings towards different moments in the book have changed since the first time I read it. A notable example is towards the end of UH, whenAn Li’s rebel forces, due to Wen Chou’s (deeply self-motivated) order for the army to leave Teng Pass against all strategic sense, successfully take Xinan and force the Emperor to flee. He’s accompanied by a small group, including his heir Shinzu, favored concubine Wen Jian, First Minister Wen Chou, and Tai’s party (Tai being even more important given the imminent need for Sardian steeds).
When someone reveals Wen Chou’s role in the resounding defeat, he’s unceremoniously killed by soldiers - who, to everyone’s surprise, also demand the death of Wen Jian. It’s not an unpredictable consequence, given her relation to the First Minister. While reading, Shen Tai and Sima Zian’s reactions to this demand (the former in denial the second in horror) felt a bit over-blown or dramatic. Upon reflection, one could argue these stemming from a sort of grief... not just of Wen Jian but for what she represents.
On a smaller scale, UH is about Shen Tai, the second son of general Shen Gao. Despite his youth , Tai has tried his hand at being a soldier, Kanlin, and scholar - the last of which was interrupted by his father’s death before he could sit the examinations. During his mourning period, rather than staying home as expected, he decides to honor Shen Gao by returning to the site of his father’s regret and grief: Kuala Nor.
Once a battleground between Kitai and Tagura, where forty thousand lay dead, Kuala Nor is far away from the glittering, civilized seat of the empire. It’s also, notably, haunted by the ghosts of deceased soldiers, whose grief, pain, and anger are made known by their nightly shrieks, cries, and moans. Tai takes it upon himself to lay these dead to rest, in remembrance of his father, an act which earns him the respect (and incredulity) of the nearby border soldiers, Kitan and Taguran alike.
Unbeknownst to Tai, it also earns him the regard of the Rygal Court’s Kitan princess, who, in the thoughtless extravagance of royalty, rewards him with a gift of two hundred and fifty Sardian horses. Sardian horses, as in one of the most coveted, highly-sought-after commodity in Kitai, known for their beauty, speed, and value in battle. Though a generous expression of gratitude, it draws a big ol’ target sign on Tai’s back and forcefully thrusts him at the center of imperial courtly intrigue.
Really though it’s a much more sweeping story of the Kitan empire at its peak in the Ninth Dynasty, but where the balance of power is threatened by its most influential, highest ranking officials. Tai’s story is but one small thread woven into this larger tapestry, although even a single person’s trajectory and choices can ripple outwards and have unexpected impacts. Li-Mei’s trek though the Bogü lands is a good example of this, when it’s revealed that
I do think my feelings towards different moments in the book have changed since the first time I read it. A notable example is towards the end of UH, when
When someone reveals Wen Chou’s role in the resounding defeat, he’s unceremoniously killed by soldiers - who, to everyone’s surprise, also demand the death of Wen Jian. It’s not an unpredictable consequence, given her relation to the First Minister. While reading, Shen Tai and Sima Zian’s reactions to this demand (the former in denial the second in horror) felt a bit over-blown or dramatic. Upon reflection, one could argue these stemming from a sort of grief... not just of Wen Jian but for what she represents.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
This was a really wonderful book. I was told that it had a very slow and steady pace and I found that this worked really well for me. I'm not familiar with the dynasties of China and the character names were a bit more difficult for me. Additionally, I was using the audio. So the way that the characters were introduced one by one, leaving time to get to know them before another was introduced, really worked. The pace did pick up, as did the complexity. I was with it right up to the moment that politics became important. Politics make my brain short out :) So yes, I got confused in there, but I really loved the story. I loved that the wrap-up wasn't entirely what I expected but was still appropriate and still happy.
To all my buddies who haven't read this - get on it already!
To all my buddies who haven't read this - get on it already!
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
5 stars
One of the best books I've read so far, this was such a satisfying yet melancholic book, and that ending was just happy endings done well, but with a tang of bittersweetness. The way Kay weaves this story is just mesmerizing.
It's melodramatic and it's melodramatic in a good way, hundreds of pages describe the events as they unfold in a few days, and a few paragraphs tell the tale of passing decades.
One of the best books I've read so far, this was such a satisfying yet melancholic book, and that ending was just happy endings done well, but with a tang of bittersweetness. The way Kay weaves this story is just mesmerizing.
It's melodramatic and it's melodramatic in a good way, hundreds of pages describe the events as they unfold in a few days, and a few paragraphs tell the tale of passing decades.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Guy Gavriel Kay’s bibliography is a journey through the world's history, each entry a portal to his romanticized version of one era or the other. In Under Heaven, we are immersed in the realm of Kitai, modeled on ancient China during the Tang Dynasty, a fascinating period of history and a high point of Far Eastern culture and art.
This is the story of Shen Tai, who spends two years in mourning of his father, a famously renowned general, and honors him by burying the dead on a battlefield still haunted by the ghosts of the slain. He soon finds himself in the midst of political turmoil after he receives a gift worthy of emperors; 250 prized horses of a legendary breed. It is a gift so staggeringly lavish that it inadvertently brings him into the focus of the most powerful, and the most dangerous men and women of the empire.
It's an unusual story and I enjoyed my time with it. It's exquisitely told and carries you away to a lush and colorful world. The prose borders on poetry for its beauty, which is nothing new for fans of Guy Gavriel Kay. He weaves his words like brushes on a silken scroll, his beautiful language enriching the story and bringing it to life.
Kitai is a magnificent setting, rich in history and a vibrant culture that is both aesthetic and inviting yet also intimidating in its unforgiveness and cruelty between bloody wars and a treacherous court.
For all its beauty, and this might even be a notch above his other books in terms of artistry, the story does have problems I have to lament. There are some very memorable moments, well written characters all around, and the plot has just the right amount of drama but the character story and the political story are too far apart, and not quite believably interwoven.
Furthermore, the pace and structure were not quite coherent. There is a lot of slow buildup (which I enjoyed) but it gets very hectic in the last quarter, and the epilogue alone offers enough story to justify its own novel.
Summarizing Under Heaven, it's a tremendously beautifully told - but not entirely convincingly executed - story.
This is the story of Shen Tai, who spends two years in mourning of his father, a famously renowned general, and honors him by burying the dead on a battlefield still haunted by the ghosts of the slain. He soon finds himself in the midst of political turmoil after he receives a gift worthy of emperors; 250 prized horses of a legendary breed. It is a gift so staggeringly lavish that it inadvertently brings him into the focus of the most powerful, and the most dangerous men and women of the empire.
It's an unusual story and I enjoyed my time with it. It's exquisitely told and carries you away to a lush and colorful world. The prose borders on poetry for its beauty, which is nothing new for fans of Guy Gavriel Kay. He weaves his words like brushes on a silken scroll, his beautiful language enriching the story and bringing it to life.
Kitai is a magnificent setting, rich in history and a vibrant culture that is both aesthetic and inviting yet also intimidating in its unforgiveness and cruelty between bloody wars and a treacherous court.
For all its beauty, and this might even be a notch above his other books in terms of artistry, the story does have problems I have to lament. There are some very memorable moments, well written characters all around, and the plot has just the right amount of drama but the character story and the political story are too far apart, and not quite believably interwoven.
Furthermore, the pace and structure were not quite coherent. There is a lot of slow buildup (which I enjoyed) but it gets very hectic in the last quarter, and the epilogue alone offers enough story to justify its own novel.
Summarizing Under Heaven, it's a tremendously beautifully told - but not entirely convincingly executed - story.