Under Heaven

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Review:

Synopsis:

About the Author

What Our Readers Are Saying

Add a comment for a chance to win!

Average customer rating based on 5 comments:

TKS, January 17, 2011 (view all comments by TKS)
This is vintage Kay: intricate plots within one grand scheme, subtle characterization, pitch-perfect dialog. Kay brings history books to life and writes between the lines, so that his novels devour you whole. His addition of a mystical element is skillful, and adds layers of complexity and beauty to an already fascinating world.

One of the things I love about Kay's "historical fantasy" novels is their evocation of places and times often lost to the non-specialist. In this case, a reader leaves Under Heaven sure that she has lived some time in this world that is not quite T'ang China, and curious to expand her knowledge. More than worthy as itself, Under Heaven is also one of those novels that opens many more doors when you close the cover.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

dforres1, January 2, 2011 (view all comments by dforres1)
This historical fiction novel takes place in China during the eighth century. Under Heaven is an extremely well-told tale.

The story begins with Shen Tai -- the son of a war general -- burying the dead, living by a battlefield. As his supplies are delivered to him, he receives a message: He has been gifted 250 rare Sardian horses. This is a life-changing event, and it could also be a dangerous one. The horses are extremely valuable. After two years spent burying the dead, he leaves his cabin to go back towards the capital.

Kay certainly has a way with words. It's a lyrical style. There's a lot of imagery. It's fairly challenging reading, but it's also very rewarding. At least, it was for me. The writing shifts between exposition and narrative. The narrative voice changes to reflect the viewpoint. There are a few main viewpoints, but it also goes to minor characters to set the stage. It is consistently written with a lot of skill and perceptiveness.

One thing that really stood out to me was how Kay's writing gets you thinking. In this book, the writing strikes a balance between showing and telling. It is very good storytelling. I really liked the narration, and it kept me engaged with the work and deciphering the nuances of it.

Here are some noteworthy points about Under Heaven:

The "Principal Characters" page and the map. These deserve a mention because they are nice to have, particularly at the beginning.
It has a cinematic quality to it. Sometimes a chapter becomes more of a scene. It comes to life.
The interplay of differently stylized passages. There are different styles for different characters or themes. It works.
Finally, the simultaneous interweaving of narrative and history. I thought it was very well done.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

Christine Gordon, January 1, 2011 (view all comments by Christine Gordon)
Since a friend recommended his work a number of years ago, I have read all of Kay's novels and eagerly anticipate each new one. He writes remarkably complex and interesting stories that illuminate contemporary life even as they reveal his own imagined worlds. His work has never disappointed me.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

View all 5 comments

Product Details

ISBN:

9780451463302

Author:

Kay, Guy Gavriel

Publisher:

Roc Hardcover

Subject:

Fantasy - General

Subject:

Fantasy fiction

Subject:

Imaginary wars and battles

Subject:

Science Fiction and Fantasy-Fantasy

Edition Description:

B-Hardcover

Publication Date:

20100427

Binding:

Hardback

Grade Level:

from 12

Language:

English

Illustrations:

Y

Pages:

592

Dimensions:

9.3 x 6.62 x 1.76 in 1.8 lb

Age Level:

17-17