My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this novel that evokes the feeling and environment of the Tang Dynasty of 8th century China, we meet Shen Tai, son of one of the greatest generals serving the Emperor. He has spent the last two years honoring the spirits of the dead of both sides of his father’s last great battle by burying the slain of both armies at the battle site. In recognition of his labors, he is gifted an overwhelming reward: 250 Sardian horses, known throughout the world as the best and most sought after of horses. One would be a humbling gift. Four or five would propel a man to a rise in rank and the jealousy of too many. Two hundred and fifty is almost an unthinkable wealth. There is a stipulation: Tai must accept the horses in person, and that may be the only thing that has kept him alive so far. Once he has been given this gift, he is forced into the world of politics and society, things he never aspired to. And he finds himself with far too many enemies, one of which may be his own brother, and few friends, found in some of the most unlikely places.
Once again, Kay has spun an enchanting tale that weaves history and fiction into an almost seamless whole. The world of 8th century China unfolds around a cast of characters that run the gamut of human nature. From the hut Tai resides in at the battleground to military outposts along the Empire border to the Imperial Court and home to his family’s estate, Tai must navigate the intricacies and intrigues of life as one of the richest members of the upper class. There are dangers around every corner, and plots aplenty, both politically motivated and more personal. Kay doesn’t shy from the role of women in this society, either as mistresses to the wealthy or prostitutes in upscale brothels. Yet, he also doesn’t lose sight of the power those positions give to the most clever among these women. The rest of the characters are just as well written- poets with more knowledge than they let on, merchants who know how to use their influence in the upper levels of power, mercenaries for hire including women who are as deadly as any assassin. It’s a large cast, but every person has their role and all of them add to the layers in the plot.
I have enjoyed everything I have read by Kay, and “Under Heaven” is no exception. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that delivers both on the history and an intricate, believable plot should find this a satisfying read.
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My latest book is a collection of very short stories, half science fiction and half fantasy, called “Crossed Wires and Other Very Short Stories”. I have also written a few other short pieces, another collection, two novels, and an urban fantasy series. You can find most of them at Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and wherever e-books are sold. A few are also available from Amazon in paperback. My novel, “Circle Unbroken” is also on Kindle Unlimited, if that’s your reading preference. You can find out about all of them here.
There are also some stories you can read here on my site, mostly the yearly Halloween short I write, but there are a few others. You can read them from here
And So On... 