Under Heaven

by Guy Gavriel Kay
Under Heaven cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4588
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780007342105
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Under Heaven transports readers to the vibrant and intricate world of 8th-century China, a time of political intrigue and cultural richness. Shen Tai, a man of honor and service, finds himself entangled in a web of danger and mystery when he is gifted 250 Sardian horses by the Emperor of Kitai. The catch? He must claim them in person, a task that will test his wit, courage, and loyalty. As Shen Tai embarks on his journey, he navigates a landscape filled with hidden threats and unexpected alliances. The novel masterfully blends historical detail with a compelling narrative, offering a glimpse into a bygone era while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-22
brilliant 4.70

The book is brilliantly written with well-crafted characters and a compelling story. It is a standout work by the author.

This reviewer was captivated by the book's brilliant writing and the way it brings characters and scenes to life. They found the pacing to be excellent, keeping them engaged from start to finish. The story is rich and well-developed, making it a memorable read. The reviewer also appreciated the author's ability to create a unique and immersive world, which adds depth to the narrative. They highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    What a wonderfully written book, the characters, scenes, pace and story are all brilliantly done.

    This is the first GGK book I have read, and I can certainly see why he is so highly regarded.

    The world-building is exceptional, and the historical elements are seamlessly integrated into the fantasy.

Nick Wisseman · Nick Wisseman · 2019-09-14
good 3.50

The book is a good historical fantasy, but it felt too slow-paced at times. The setting is rich and the writing is of high quality.

Nick Wisseman found the book to be a good read, particularly appreciating the rich setting and high-quality writing. However, they felt that the pacing was a bit slow, which made some parts of the story drag. Despite this, they enjoyed the historical elements and the way the author brought the setting to life. They also appreciated the depth of the characters and the intricate plotlines. Overall, they found the book to be a good addition to the historical fantasy genre, but with room for improvement in terms of pacing.

Quick quotes

    I liked Under Heaven, Guy Gavriel Kay's take on 8th-century China, but it might be the first historical fantasy I've read that felt too slow.

    There's a lot to like about Under Heaven: the quality of the writing, the richness and novelty of the setting.

    The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, but the pacing could use some work.

She Reads Novels · She Reads Novels · 2019-04-20
good 4.00

The book is enjoyed for its beautiful writing and moving narrative, but the reviewer notes some issues with the ending and the portrayal of female characters.

She Reads Novels appreciates the beautiful writing and moving narrative of the book, finding it to be a very enjoyable read. However, they note some issues with the ending, which they find to be less satisfying compared to the rest of the story. Additionally, the reviewer mentions a recurring issue with the portrayal of female characters, which they find to be somewhat problematic. Despite these quibbles, She Reads Novels finds the book to be a compelling and emotionally resonant read, with a richly detailed world and engaging characters.

Quick quotes

    Beautifully written and very moving.

    If I have any quibbles at all it is with the ending.

    Most of the female characters are in love with him.

thecaptivereader.com · Unknown · 2013-08-20
fascinating 3.50

The book is a well-researched and intelligent analysis of the evolution of punishment and discipline, but it can be dense and challenging to understand. The reviewer appreciates the insights but questions the practical application of the philosophical inquiry.

The book is a comprehensive examination of the history and philosophy of punishment and discipline, from medieval times to the modern era. The reviewer finds the analysis fascinating and well-researched, particularly the discussion on Bentham's Panopticon and the transition from public to private punishment. However, the book can be quite dense and challenging to understand, especially in the later sections. The reviewer appreciates the intelligence and determination behind the analysis but questions the practical utility of such philosophical inquiry. They also note that Foucault's subtle approach to taking a stance can make it difficult to grasp his main points. Overall, the book provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of power and control in society, but it may not offer clear solutions or suggestions for addressing these issues.

Quick quotes

    The famous chapter on Bentham’s _Panopticon_, the ideal surveillance architecture that involves an authority in a central tower looking through darkened windows at a ring of cells — the prisoners know they _can_ be seen at all times, but they never know the precise moment in which they are.

    The public execution was the logical culmination of a procedure governed by the Inquisition. The practice of placing individuals under ‘observation’ is a natural extension of a justice imbued with disciplinary methods and examination procedures.

    It is important to set up the framework for a discussion before having the discussion itself.

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