Jin Yong
A Hero Born: The Definitive Edition (Legends of the Condor Heroes, 1) 射雕英雄傳第一集( 英文版)
A Hero Born: The Definitive Edition (Legends of the Condor Heroes, 1) 射雕英雄傳第一集( 英文版)
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Listen to the audiobook "A Hero Born: The Definitive Edition (Legends of the Condor Heroes, 1) 射雕英雄傳第一集( 英文版)" provided by Libro.fm
MORE THAN 300 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE
The epic Chinese classic and phenomenon published in the US for the first time!
Featured in iO9's 2019 Fall Preview.
Set in ancient China, in a world where kung fu is magic, kingdoms vie for power and the battle to become the ultimate kung fu master unfolds, an unlikely hero is born… in the first book in the epic Legends of the Condor Heroes by the critically acclaimed master of the genre, Jin Yong.
After his father―a devoted Song patriot―is murdered by the Jin empire, Guo Jing (Chinese: 郭靜) and his mother flee to the plains of Ghengis Khan and his people for refuge. For one day he must face his mortal enemy in battle in the Garden of the Drunken Immortals. Under the tutelage of Genghis Khan and The Seven Heroes of the South, Guo Jing hones his kung fu skills. Humble, loyal and perhaps not always wise, Guo Jing faces a destiny both great and terrible.
However, in a land divided―and a future largely unknown―Guo Jing must navigate love and war, honor and betrayal before he can face his own fate and become the hero he’s meant to be.
The Legends of the Condor Heroes series
1, A Hero Born
2, A Bond Undone
3, A Snake Lies Waiting
4, A Heart Divided

Editorial Reviews
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
About the Author
Louis Cha Leung-yung (Chinese: 查良鏞); 6 February 1924 – 30 October 2018), better known by his pen name Jin Yong (Chinese: 金庸), was a Chinese kong fu ("martial arts and chivalry") novelist and essayist who co-founded the Hong Kong daily newspaper Ming Pao in 1959 and served as its first editor-in-chief. He was Hong Kong's most famous writer, and is named along with Gu Long and Liang Yusheng as the "Three Legs of the Tripod of kung fu".
His kung fu novels have a widespread following in Chinese communities worldwide. His 15 works written between 1955 and 1972 earned him a reputation as one of the greatest and most popular martial or kung fu writers ever. By the time of his death he was the best-selling Chinese author, and over 300 million copies of his works have been sold worldwide. According to The Oxford Guide to Contemporary World Literature, Jin Yong's novels are considered to be of very high quality and are able to appeal to both highbrow and lowbrow tastes. His works have the unusual ability to transcend geographical and ideological barriers separating Chinese communities of the world, achieving a greater success than any other contemporary Hong Kong writer.
His works have been translated into many languages including English, French, Catalan, Spanish, Finnish, Korean, Japanese, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, Malay and Indonesian. He has many fans outside of Chinese-speaking areas, as a result of the numerous adaptations of his works into films, television series, comics and video games.
Product details
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Publication
St. Martin's Griffin
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Author
Jin Yong
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Language
English
Lexile:
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Pages
416
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ISBN-13
978-1250220608
Having had the privilege of experiencing the entire "Legends of the Condor Heroes" series in its original Chinese form, I can confidently say that the English versions of these books are a treasure trove for readers seeking an equally profound and immersive experience.
Jin Yong's epic saga, which takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the wuxia world, is a literary masterpiece. The richness of his characters, the intricate plots, and the exploration of moral complexities make this series a timeless classic.
What's truly commendable is the dedicated effort in translating these books into English. The heart and soul of the Chinese originals have been retained, allowing English-speaking readers to delve into the world of Guo Jing, Huang Rong, and the myriad of unforgettable characters. The translation ensures that the essence and cultural depth of the story remain intact, so it feels as though you are revisiting old friends, rather than encountering strangers in a foreign world.
These English versions not only make Jin Yong's work accessible to a broader audience but also stand as a testament to the enduring quality of his storytelling. It's a rare and precious opportunity to witness the moral dilemmas, the philosophy of martial arts, and the intricacies of honor in a culture so beautifully depicted in the original.
As someone who has been captivated by the Chinese version, I can wholeheartedly recommend these English translations of "Legends of the Condor Heroes" to fellow book lovers. They are a gateway to reliving the enchanting saga while gaining a fresh perspective on its intricate themes and timeless wisdom. These books are not just adaptations; they are a love letter to the essence of the Condor Heroes, ensuring that Jin Yong's legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world.
As someone who's devoured the entire "Legends of the Condor Heroes" series in its native Chinese, I wholeheartedly endorse the English translations. Jin Yong's epic wuxia saga is a timeless masterpiece filled with unforgettable characters, intricate plots, and profound moral dilemmas.
The English translations maintain the essence of the original, making it feel like a reunion with old friends. These books are a bridge that allows a broader audience to appreciate the depth and wisdom of Jin Yong's storytelling. If you've already been entranced by the Chinese version, these English renditions provide a fresh lens to reexplore a beloved world. Highly recommended for fellow book lovers and fans of the Condor Heroes.
I've totally delved into "The Lord of the Rings" and got lost in the world of "Legends of the Condor Heroes," and let me tell you, these two series are like those old friends you love to hang out with.
"The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien is like the granddaddy of fantasy. It's got wizards, hobbits, and this whole Middle-earth thing going on. Tolkien's world-building is insane, the characters are as real as it gets, and the whole battle of good versus evil is a classic theme that never gets old.
Now, "Legends of the Condor Heroes" by Jin Yong is a different beast. It's all about martial arts, ancient Chinese history, and complex characters. You've got honor, loyalty, and a boatload of human nature stuff going on, all set in this world of martial arts and historical drama.
So, comparing the two, "The Lord of the Rings" wins the prize for epic world-building and creating entire languages. But "Legends of the Condor Heroes" is all about those intricate characters and the philosophy of martial arts. They're like two different flavors, but both will take you on a wild ride to new places.
If you love one, you should definitely dip your toes into the other. Tolkien's work is the OG of high fantasy, while Jin Yong's "Legends of the Condor Heroes" gives you a taste of wuxia and Chinese literature. These series are a reminder of how books can transport you to incredible places and make you believe in the power of storytelling.
As someone who's devoured the entire "Legends of the Condor Heroes" series in its native Chinese, I wholeheartedly endorse the English translations. Jin Yong's epic wuxia saga is a timeless masterpiece filled with unforgettable characters, intricate plots, and profound moral dilemmas.
The English translations maintain the essence of the original, making it feel like a reunion with old friends. These books are a bridge that allows a broader audience to appreciate the depth and wisdom of Jin Yong's storytelling. If you've already been entranced by the Chinese version, these English renditions provide a fresh lens to reexplore a beloved world. Highly recommended for fellow book lovers and fans of the Condor Heroes.
Having had the privilege of experiencing the entire "Legends of the Condor Heroes" series in its original Chinese form, I can confidently say that the English versions of these books are a treasure trove for readers seeking an equally profound and immersive experience.
Jin Yong's epic saga, which takes us on a mesmerizing journey through the wuxia world, is a literary masterpiece. The richness of his characters, the intricate plots, and the exploration of moral complexities make this series a timeless classic.
What's truly commendable is the dedicated effort in translating these books into English. The heart and soul of the Chinese originals have been retained, allowing English-speaking readers to delve into the world of Guo Jing, Huang Rong, and the myriad of unforgettable characters. The translation ensures that the essence and cultural depth of the story remain intact, so it feels as though you are revisiting old friends, rather than encountering strangers in a foreign world.
These English versions not only make Jin Yong's work accessible to a broader audience but also stand as a testament to the enduring quality of his storytelling. It's a rare and precious opportunity to witness the moral dilemmas, the philosophy of martial arts, and the intricacies of honor in a culture so beautifully depicted in the original.
As someone who has been captivated by the Chinese version, I can wholeheartedly recommend these English translations of "Legends of the Condor Heroes" to fellow book lovers. They are a gateway to reliving the enchanting saga while gaining a fresh perspective on its intricate themes and timeless wisdom. These books are not just adaptations; they are a love letter to the essence of the Condor Heroes, ensuring that Jin Yong's legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world.