Under Heaven #1
I read Under Heaven 13 years ago when it was released. I remembered that I really enjoyed it, but I couldn’t recall the specifics of the plot. Guy Gavriel Kay has been one of my favourite authors for ages, so I was happy to revisit this story. Whenever I pick up one of his books, it’s like visiting with a loved old friend.
As expected, it was a wonderful re-discovery. Shen Tai is a whip-smart, likeable character. The intricacies of the court were fascinating, and the women used whatever agency they had to advance their goals. I remember being heartbroken by this book the first time I read it, but it didn’t hit as hard this time. I hate crying when reading, so I’m relieved I didn’t tear up this time!
Kay writes about good guys vs. bad guys, but these bad guys seemed more hysterical and incompetent than actually “bad.” The good guys are ordinary people trying to live through difficult times with integrity. The characters rise to the challenge and become great. As I’ve gotten older, I do appreciate characters with a few more facets. The characters in Under Heaven feel like archetypes and aren’t the “morally grey” characters currently in vogue.
The subtle politics and power struggles in Under Heaven are epic. There’s so many competing factions and it’s hard to tell what a characters underlying motivations are, or where their allegiance lies. I made so many assumptions about particular characters, only to be astounded when they revealed themselves.
I enjoy that his books usually have a bard, poet, or troubadour type to act as an advisor or a foil to the protagonist. The songs and poetry add a layer of beauty and style to the books. I’m not into poetry at all, but it adds to the story here.
There is a second book in the Under Heaven series that I’m sure I’ve read but also need help remembering. I’m looking forward to the next one, as it’s so easy to get wrapped up in these stories.
Characters
Shen Tai – second son of Shen Gao. The main protagonist. He’s spent time as a solider, a religious acolyte and a scholar.
Shen Li-Mei – Shen Tai’s younger sister. Smart and wants to be far more independent than she’s allowed to be.
Spring Rain – a very classy courtesan from a distant land. Has a history with Shen Tai.
Wen Zhou – Prime Minister of Kitai, cousin of Precious Consort Wen Jian. A competitor of Shen Tai’s when they were scholars together.
Shen Liu – Oldest of the Shen siblings. Principal advisor to Wen Zhou. Brilliant but not personable.
Taizu – The Emperor of Kitai. Elderly and highly suspicious
Wen Jian – The Precious Consort, the favourite concubine of the Emperor. Easily underestimated.
Wei Song – A Kanlin warrior with her own past difficulties.
Sima Zian “The Banished Immortal” – A poet. A great drinking companion and has excellent knowledge of the court.
An Li “Roshan” – A general in command of three major districts. He’s an outsider at court despite being a very powerful leader. A non-Kitan, he’s considered a barbarian.
Meshag – Oldest son of Hurok, the Bogü khagan.
Links
thestorygraph
Guy Gavriel Kay’s Website
Other sloreads reviews of Guy Gavriel Kay books
Publication Information
Publisher: Penguin Canada
Imprint: Viking
First Published: May 17 2010
Format: e-book
Source: Library