Under Heaven Reviews at SFFMeta

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Under Heaven *Written by Guy Gavriel Kay*
buy on Amazon.com buy on powells.com (more shops) Average Score: 91⁽¹⁵⁾ In his latest innovative novel, the award-winning author evokes the dazzling Tang Dynasty of 8th-century China in a story of honor and power. Inspired by the glory and power of Tang dynasty China, Guy Gavriel Kay has created a masterpiece. It begins simply. Shen Tai, son of an illustrious general serving the Emperor of Kitai, has spent two years honoring the memory of his late father by burying the bones of the dead from both armies at the site of one of his father's last great battles. In recognition of his labors and his filial piety, an unlikely source has sent him a dangerous gift: 250 Sardian horses. You give a man one of the famed Sardian horses to reward him greatly. You give him four or five to exalt him above his fellows, propel him towards rank, and earn him jealousy, possibly mortal jealousy. Two hundred and fifty is an unthinkable gift, a gift to overwhelm an emperor. Wisely, the gift comes with the stipulation that Tai must claim the horses in person. Otherwise he would probably be dead already...
Book Details Fantasy Hardcover, 592 Pages Published by Roc Hardcover on April 27, 2010 First Published by Penguin Canada in 2010 ISBN-10 0451463307 ISBN-13 978-0451463302

Reviews
Library Journal \| Jackie Cassada	Review Rating: 100
Meticulously researched yet seamlessly envisioned, the characters and culture present a timeless tale of filial piety and personal integrity. (Starred Review) Full Review Link



Pat`s Fantasy Hotlist \| Patrick	Review Rating: 100
...I'm woefully aware that this pathetic review can never do justice to just how grandiose Under Heaven truly is. Simply put, this is one of the very best novels I have ever read. Full Review Link



Publishers Weekly	Review Rating: 100
...the complex intrigues of poets, prostitutes, ministers, and soldiers evolve into a fascinating, sometimes bloody, and entirely believable tale. (Starred Review) Full Review Link



SF Reviews \| Thomas M. Wagner	Review Rating: 100
I could go on about specific memorable characters, powerful scenes in which Kay gets more suspense from people in a room talking than many writers manage to squeeze out of full-blown battles. Full Review Link



SF Site \| Dominic Cilli	Review Rating: 100
...a masterful blending of fact, fiction and fantasy and readers around the world will be hard pressed to find better writing or a more seamless melding of the three elements. Full Review Link



The Wertzone \| Adam Whitehead	Review Rating: 100
...a superb book from one of our best writers working at the top of his game... Full Review Link



Fantasy Literature \| Kat Hooper	Review Rating: 98
[Audio Version] ...Under Heaven is just as gorgeous as Kay's previous historical fantasies: It's well-researched, carefully constructed, tightly plotted, and beautifully written. Full Review Link



Fantasy Literature \| Stefan Raets	Review Rating: 95
This is one of those novels that's so good, you'll occasionally close the book after finishing a chapter, just to enjoy and savor what you've read before moving on. Full Review Link



Fantasy Literature \| Rob Rhodes	Review Rating: 92
It's simply a beautiful and epic tale. Full Review Link



Fantasy Book Critic \| Cindy Hannikman	Review Rating: 80
The characters and background stories were amazing, and the mystery involved with the main plot was captivating. Full Review Link



Fantasy Book Critic \| Liviu Suciu	Review Rating: 80
"Under Heaven" has two awesome qualities that make it a worthwhile read by themselves: beautiful writing and exquisite world building. Full Review Link



Locus Online \| Cecelia Holland	Review Rating: 80
What is this, other than a beautiful, compulsive read and an excuse for a crash course in T'ang China? Full Review Link



SF Signal \| Darren Cepulis	Review Rating: 80
A poetic escape for readers that leaves you wanting more. Full Review Link



Stephen Hunts SF Crownest \| Pauline Morgan	Review Rating: 80
This is a book that starts with a strong image and unfolds in a mannered way. Full Review Link



The Green Man Review \| Kelly Sedinger	Review Rating: 80
...simply, a great book. Full Review Link