“The epic Chinese classic and phenomenon published in the US for the first time!
Set in ancient China, in a world where kung fu is magic, kingdoms vie for power and the battle to become the ultimate kung fu master unfolds, an unlikely hero is born.
After his father—a devoted Song Dynasty patriot—is murdered by the Jin empire, Guo Jing and his mother flee to the plains of Ghengis Khan and his people for refuge. For one day, he must face his mortal enemy in battle in the Garden of the Drunken Immortals. Under the tutelage of Genghis Khan and the Seven Heroes of the South, Guo Jing hones his kung fu skills. Humble, loyal and perhaps not always wise, Guo Jing faces a destiny both great and terrible.
However, in a land divided—and a future largely unknown—Guo Jing must navigate love and war, honor, and betrayal before he can face his own fate and become the hero he’s meant to be.”
This book is included in a distinctive genre that few Western readers are familiar with—wuxia which literally means “martial arts chivalry” in Chinese. It’s a unique blend of the Ancient Chinese martial arts philosophy of xia (chivalry) & the long history of wushu (Chinese kung fu). While deeply reflective of Chinese culture, with deep roots in Chinese history, language, & nuance, with culturally-specific plots which will appeal to historical fiction aficionados, wuxia also fuses in elements of martial arts fantasy. In this ancient Chinese world full of noble heroes & pitched battles, fantastical kung fu swordsmen who can fly & walk on water are woven into dramatic historical events making this an original genre which will appeal to those who love fantasy or those who love historical fiction.
Note: If you’re looking for the paperback in Amazon US, it appears as if there are 2 different versions—one that’s not out till March. I can’t tell the difference between the two (maybe a new publisher or a new translator). Amazon is doing funny things so if you want the paperback version or are having an issue seeing the paperback version that’s available now, use this link: https://amzn.to/2R0lmPp.
(Group read suggestion from Beth McCrea, book club co-founder.)