A Love Illicit

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THE CHINESE “LORD OF THE RINGS” – NOW IN ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME.

THE SERIES EVERY CHINESE READER HAS BEEN ENJOYING FOR DECADES – 300 MILLION COPIES SOLD.

“Jin Yong’s work, in the Chinese-speaking world, has a cultural currency roughly equal to that of “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” combined” Nick Frisch, New Yorker

“Like every fairy tale you’re ever loved, imbued with jokes and epic grandeur. Prepare to be swept along.” Jamie Buxton, Daily Mail

For the first time in years, Penance Yang leaves the Zhongnan Mountains – to look for his martial teacher, the Dragon Maiden.

As he roams the Central Plains, he begins to unravel the true reason behind her abrupt departure and becomes embroiled in rivalries between different kung fu clans. On his travels he will witness the final battle between two of the greatest martial masters of the age and find purpose in the epic struggle to hold back the Mongol hordes from achieving total victory against the Great Song Empire.

But even if he manages to find the Dragon Maiden, it will be impossible for the martial world to accept their mutual affection, for love between student and teacher is expressly forbidden. And a woman of her beauty and fearlessness is likely to be coveted by many powerful warriors – Penance may find himself at odds with a deadly rival who believes that nothing merits dishonour in matters of love and war.

Translated from the Chinese by Gigi Chang

Reviews

[Jin Yong's] work, in the Chinese-speaking world, has a cultural currency roughly equal to that of "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars" combined . . . With his combination of erudition, sentiment, propulsive plotting, and vivid prose, he is widely regarded as the genre's finest writer . . . Holmwood's translation offers the best opportunity yet for English-language readers to encounter one of the world's most beloved writers
Nick Frisch, New Yorker.
The most widely read Chinese writer alive. His books have been adapted into TV series, films and video games, and his dense, immersive world inspires the kind of adoration bestowed on those created by writers like western worldbuilders such as JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling and George RR Martin.
Marcel Theroux, Guardian.
3This publishing phenomenon comes to us in a brisk and thrilling new translation . . . The tale is like every fairy tale you're ever loved, imbued with jokes and epic grandeur. Prepare to be swept along.
Jamie Buxton, Daily Mail.
[Jin Yong's] work, in the Chinese-speaking world, has a cultural currency roughly equal to that of "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars" combined . . . With his combination of erudition, sentiment, propulsive plotting, and vivid prose, he is widely regarded as the genre's finest writer . . . Holmwood's translation offers the best opportunity yet for English-language readers to encounter one of the world's most beloved writers
Nick Frisch, New Yorker.
The most widely read Chinese writer alive. His books have been adapted into TV series, films and video games, and his dense, immersive world inspires the kind of adoration bestowed on those created by writers like western worldbuilders such as JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling and George RR Martin.
Marcel Theroux, Guardian.
3This publishing phenomenon comes to us in a brisk and thrilling new translation . . . The tale is like every fairy tale you're ever loved, imbued with jokes and epic grandeur. Prepare to be swept along.
Jamie Buxton, Daily Mail.