The award-winning historical fantasies of Guy Gavriel Kay have earned him international best-seller status and placed his books atop his fans' must-read lists. Under Heaven takes listeners to Tang dynasty China, where the son of an honored general has received an unheard of gift: 250 Sardian horses. But this is a prize men would, and will, kill for. "History and fantasy rarely come together as gracefully as they do in the novels of Guy Gavriel Kay."-Washington Post Book World
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"Yet another beautiful, haunting, melancholic book from Guy Gavriel Kay. With the one blip of Ysabel, everything he's written has been extraordinary. Like the Lions of al-Rassan and The Sarantine Mosaic, Under Heaven is an emotional look at the end of an age, through the eyes of characters who have come to love the time and place they inhabit."
— Tanglebones (5 out of 5 stars)
" Very enjoyable read. Kay seemed to fall back to the style he used in _A Song For Arbonne_ so the pacing of this book felt very familiar. The last 100 pages felt a bit rushed, but that didn't detract from the experience in any great way. "
— Phil, 2/12/2014" Always nice when you learn a bit about a historical culture by reading a fictional work :) "
— Leani, 2/7/2014" So far, this book is awesome! It gives you a taste of the political workings of the imperial Chinese. Also, it Kay provides the revered, but feared, fantasy of the supernatural, which only contributes to the delicacy of the story. Shen Tai is an awesome protagonist. Awesome book for anyone. "
— Nicholas, 12/27/2013" Courtiers, wine, horses, poets and the pleasure district. It had it's moments, but this may not be my moment in history to read about. "
— Carrie, 12/27/2013" (Still reading, it's a challenge. Moves rather slowly in that it sets up a lot of exposition, both past and present.)' "
— Lisa/Bluestem, 12/6/2013" An epic set in ancient Japan. Complex and filled with cultural and political details as well as interesting characters. "
— Elizabeth, 9/27/2013" Really good book! I have never read this author before, but I already have another of his books on my coffee table. There was a little mysticism, a lot of court intrigue, some romance, plenty of action. Very good. "
— Julie, 9/9/2013" Difficult to put down, great story, seamless writing, fabulous detail without being boring or pedantic, complex characters and storyline are well-developed and hold the interest. Highly recommended. "
— Gillian, 8/17/2013" A very interesting and moving look at a fictionalized (not too much though)Tang dynasty in China. Lots of great characters and events. Worth a read for sure. One of the best books I have read in a long time. "
— Gerry, 7/9/2013" This was not the most easiest read with all of the characters, and the setting but I loved it. Couldn't put it down until I finished it. I loved the main character Tai. "
— Fourborne, 3/17/2013" Epic fantasy set in a Tang Dynasty analog. Excellent read!! "
— Jared, 2/11/2013" I love his storytelling, more than I can say. Rich in the fabric of his created world, though always based in some historical reality (this time, Tang China), with every thread tied up at last. It's a glorious journey. "
— GraceAnne, 1/4/2013" I loved this story probably because I love Chinese history. I felt as though I was getting an understanding of the culture of the Tang dynasty and reading a really good adventure as well. I will read more of this author. "
— Pat, 11/6/2012" Fun fantasy/historical fiction based in 9th century China. Well written with strong character development. Plot is very strong as well and moves quickly making it great vacation reading. "
— Martin, 2/24/2012" I would've given it 6 stars if I could! "
— Hélène, 11/25/2011" Couldn't get interested, might try again.. "
— Corien, 10/2/2011" Kay's novels are grand historical epics that emphasize honor, devotion, and truth in plot and characters. I am seduced each time. "
— Darshan, 5/23/2011" Pacing was a bit slow, but I found the characters compelling. I actually missed them when I finished the book. "
— Jessica, 5/5/2011" Great read! This book had the best combination of historical fiction and magical realism. This author is definitely on my to read list. "
— Pamh, 5/3/2011" This author never fails to entertain me. "
— SueBell, 4/30/2011" Courtiers, wine, horses, poets and the pleasure district. It had it's moments, but this may not be my moment in history to read about. "
— Carrie, 4/9/2011" One of Kay's best - a return to Tigana/Song for Arbonne/Lions form. It could have been better - there is one plot point towards the end that I found inconsistent, but all in all excellent. "
— Chip, 3/19/2011" Kay's latest book does not disappoint. His prose is beautiful, the subject thought-provoking, and the ending is satisfying. I really enjoyed his twist on T'ang China. "
— Sarah, 3/1/2011" Started off really interestingly then tuned into a fairly ordinary "plotting and backstabbing at court" adventure. Unfortuntely the main characters weren't inteesting enough to make me care what happened to them so I didn't finish it. "
— Sc, 3/1/2011Guy Gavriel Kay is the internationally bestselling author of numerous novels. He has been awarded the International Goliardos Prize for his work in fantasy literature, as well as the World Fantasy Award in 2008. He has twice won the Aurora Award, and in 2014, he was named to the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honor. His works have been translated into more than twenty-five languages.
Simon Vance (a.k.a. Robert Whitfield) is an award-winning actor and narrator. He has earned more than fifty Earphones Awards and won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration thirteen times. He was named Booklist’s very first Voice of Choice in 2008 and has been named an AudioFile Golden Voice as well as an AudioFile Best Voice of 2009. He has narrated more than eight hundred audiobooks over almost thirty years, beginning when he was a radio newsreader for the BBC in London. He is also an actor who has appeared on both stage and television.