Review: "A Hero Born" by Jin Yong

Set in 1200 AD China, this story will have you diving into the world of Kung Fu in ancient China. Across the plains of Northern China and the pastures of Mongolia, Jin Yong takes you on an adventure as the Song and Jin Empires battle for control and kung fu masters battle for honour and wealth.

Synopsis:

The Song Empire has been invaded from the North by its warlike Jurchen neighbors. Half its territory and its historical capital lie in enemy hands; the peasants toil under the burden of the annual tribute demanded by the occupiers. Meanwhile, on the Mongolian steppes, a disparate nation of great warriors is about to be united by a warlord whose name will endure for eternity: Genghis Khan.

Guo Jing, son of a murdered Song patriot, grew up with Genghis Khan's army. He is a humble, loyal, perhaps not altogether wise, and is fated from birth one day to confront an opponent who is the opposite of him in every way: privileged, cunning and perfectly trained in martial arts.

Guided by his faithful shifus, the Seven Heroes of the South, Guo Jing must return to China to fulfill his destiny. But in a and riven by war and betrayal, his courage and his loyalties will be tested at every turn.

Overview:

Take a trip back into Ancient China and the world of kung fu...

In Ancient China a kung fu Master, fleeing from soldiers, is helped by two friends. When they are later murdered for providing this aid, their pregnant wives flee for their lives, and end up far from home. The two women soon find themselves in drastically different situations - one living as a rich concubine to a Jin prince, the other living on the Mongolian steeps with Gengis Khan's army.

Hearing about the fate of these two friends, the kung fu masters vows to track them down and protect them, and their soon-to-be born children. However tracking the wives is more difficult than expected, and he soon runs into the Seven Heroes of the South - a group of kung fu masters for hire.

The two declare a challenge - they will each locate one of the wives, and if she has a son, train him for a battle in 18 years time.

It takes several years for the Seven Heroes of the South to find one of the wives, living amongst the Mongolian tribesmen, but they eventually manage to, and this story follows their then and their training with Guo Jing.

Loyal and determined, but a little naive, Guo Jing struggles to pick up his Master's training. But he is determined to prevail, and trains hard, alongside serving the great Genghis Khan.

This story follows Guo Jing along his adventures in the Mongolian steeps, and his trip South into China to fulfill his Master's challenge. Having never been in China, or away from the Mongolian tribes, his journey South is filled with mishap - and of course kung fu action!

Overall:

If you are a fan of China and the world of kung fu, then it is definitely a book you will enjoy! It takes you across ancient China and deep into the world of kung fu, with detailed description of training and fight scenes.

But if you are not a huge fan of kung fu, the book might be a bit much for you! The long and unusual names for both the characters and the kung fu - such as 'Branch Beats the White Chimpanzee' - take a bit of getting used to and can slow down the pace of reading a little!