"A Bond Undone: Legends of the Condor Heroes, 2" is the long-awaited sequel in Jin Yong's timeless Chinese classic, now available to English-speaking audiences. With over 300 million copies sold worldwide, it's safe to say that this series is nothing short of a global phenomenon.
The story picks up with Guo Jing (Chinese: 郭靜) in the bustling Jin capital of Song Dynasty. As he uncovers the truth about his father's demise, he faces an unexpected twist – he is now entangled in a complicated betrothal to two women, neither of whom is his cherished Lotus Huang (Chinese: 黃蓉). This book delves into the complexities of love, duty, and destiny, all while Guo Jing embarks on a journey with Lotus, encountering enigmatic martial heroes and delving into the quest for the elusive Nine Yin Manual (Chinese: 九陰真經). To add to the intrigue, a vengeful widow from Guo Jing's past resurfaces, determined to exact her revenge.
At its core, "A Bond Undone" is a thrilling ride, blending martial arts mastery with a tinge of teenage romance, creating a unique genre cocktail. The characters, especially the ever-spirited Lotus Huang, continue to shine with their fighting finesse, culinary artistry, and quick-witted banter.
This book boasts a devoted following of readers who revel in the relentless martial arts action, the presence of formidable master characters, and the introduction of captivating new locales. For existing fans of the series, this installment keeps the torch burning with its seamless continuation of the epic narrative.
In summation, "A Bond Undone: Legends of the Condor Heroes, Book 2" is an exciting addition to the Legends of the Condor Heroes series. The story's compelling grip on readers and its charismatic characters make it a must-read for aficionados of wuxia (Chinese: 武術) and martial arts fiction. Jin Yong's epic continues to captivate readers worldwide, and this book is a testament to its enduring appeal." -- Starry Ferry Books
Praise for LEGENDS OF THE CONDOR HEROES:
"A delightful entertainment." -Kirkuson A Bond Undone"Jin Yong’s work is undoubtedly worth reading." -Publisher's Weekly
"Fans of sword-and-sorcery fantasy and historical fiction alike will enjoy this hard-hitting yarn." -Kirkus
"Filled to the brim with characters and action, this translation will allow English-speaking readers to finally enjoy a classic of the wuxia fantasy genre, and hopefully whet their appetites for more." -Booklist
"Pick [A Hero Born] up as soon as you can and check out its majesty for yourself." - SyFy Wire,10 SFF Books You Shouldn't Miss This September
"Full of noble heroes and pitched battles, Cha's stories were epic, featuring not just fantastical kung fu swordsmen who can fly and walk on water, but also complex characters and plots woven into dramatic historical events." – CNN
"Widely known by his pen name, Jin Yong, his work, in the Chinese-speaking world, has a cultural currency roughly equal to that of 'Harry Potter' and 'Star Wars' combined." -The New Yorker
"[A Hero Born is] actually one of the most famous works by author Louis Cha (commonly known as Jin Yong), a Hong Kong writer beloved across the Chinese-speaking world." –NPR
"...his works were loved by generations - both in China and worldwide." - BBC
“If you haven’t read Jin Yong’s work, you haven’t yet fully experienced the fantasy genre. Bursting with magic, heroism, history, drama, and epic martial arts battles, this is the wuxia genre at its very finest.” ―Fonda Lee, World Fantasy Award-winning author of the Green Bone Saga
“The Hong Kong writer, Louis Cha, writing under the pen name Jin Yong from the mid-1950s through the rise of a movie star named Bruce Lee, created what have become the world’s greatest and most beloved martial arts novels. When he passed in 2018, he left behind epic stories of betrayal and honor, intrigue and amour, slashing blades and flashing fists, and a dazzling parade of indelible characters that hundreds of millions of readers have come to love. The arrival of the U.S. edition ofThe Legends of the Condor Heroesis a major event. Welcome to the world of Jin Yong. Once you’ve entered, you may never want to leave.” ― Jeff Chang, American Book Award Winner and author ofCan’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation
"A Chinese Lord of the Rings." -Irish Times
“The world’s biggest kung fu fantasy writer.” –The Guardian
“In Anna Holmwood’s spirited translation, this action-packed and ideas-laden saga is as revealing of modern as of ancient China.” –economist.com
“…the novel makes use of hundreds of characters to create an epic world of martial arts and entangled human stories, not just about familial bonds and romance, but also brotherhood and patriotism.” –Global Times
“A Hero Bornreads like…an early legend, such as theDeath of King Arthur.” -GeekDad
“A Hero Bornis a stirring epic, full of gravity-defying kung fu, treachery, loyalty and love.” –The Times
“The plot includes betrayal and allegiance in different martial arts schools, and the rise and fall of dynasties.” –Telegraph UK
“…[Jin Yong’s novels have] become a touchstone for generations of readers, and an influence on authors such as Ken Liu.” –The Verge
“The world imagined by Chinese writer Jin Yong is one which celebrates loyalty, courage, and the triumph of the individual over a corrupt and authoritarian state – carried out by no less than heroes who fly through trees and deliver deadly blows to their enemies with a single finger.” –Quartzy.com
“You’ll be rooting for the heroes to the end.” –SFX Magazine, 4 starred review
“Cha…created an imaginary world in his 15 novels – one featuring martial arts, poetry and plots with deep roots in Chinese history, culture and beliefs.” –South China Morning Post
“Prepare to be swept along as our champion gallops towards his nemesis and destiny.” –Daily Mail
"Jin Yong's stories have been passed down in the East from generation to generation and thus nurture people of all ages." - Yan Lianke, Man International Booker-shortlisted author
