A Hero Born

by Jin Yong
A Hero Born cover
Good Books rating 4.05
Fantasy
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 7824
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781848667914
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2018-02-22
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

A Hero Born is the first book in a series that has captivated Chinese readers for decades, now available in English. This epic fantasy is set in 1200 A.D. China, during a time of war and division, and follows the journey of Guo Jing, a humble and loyal young man destined to confront a formidable opponent. The story is rich with historical context and cultural significance, offering a unique blend of adventure, martial arts, and political intrigue. Translated by Anna Holmwood, this novel brings to life the grandeur and complexity of Chinese history and mythology, making it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts and history buffs alike. /n/n The novel is part of a series that has been compared to the cultural impact of 'Harry Potter' and 'Star Wars' combined. It features a diverse cast of characters, including the legendary Genghis Khan, and explores themes of loyalty, destiny, and the struggle between good and evil. The translation brings the original Chinese text to life, preserving the humor, epic grandeur, and intricate details that have made it a beloved classic in its home country.

Reviews
Spotlight on Stories · 2021-07-02
compelling 4.20

The book bears similarities to a Western bildungsroman, following the growth of a young, naïve hero. It offers a unique perspective on coming-of-age stories within a rich cultural context.

The reviewer draws parallels between this novel and Western bildungsroman, appreciating the way it portrays the journey of a young, naïve hero as he grows and learns. They find the cultural context of the story to be particularly enriching, offering a unique perspective on coming-of-age narratives. The reviewer enjoys the blend of adventure, personal growth, and cultural exploration, making it a compelling read. The novel's ability to transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with readers is highlighted, showcasing its universal themes and engaging storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Not to paint A Hero Born with a Western lens, but it bears similarities to a Western bildungsroman as its young naïve hero grows through his journey.

    The book offers a unique perspective on coming-of-age stories within a rich cultural context.

    The novel's ability to transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with readers is highlighted, showcasing its universal themes and engaging storytelling.

Madame Writer Blog · 2019-04-13
fun 3.50

It's a fun adventure with a wide array of characters and a glimpse into different parts of China and Mongolia.

The reviewer described the book as a fun adventure, praising the diverse cast of characters and the unique settings that transport readers to various parts of China and Mongolia. They appreciated the cultural insights and the way the story brought these different worlds to life. The reviewer found the narrative engaging and enjoyed the blend of action, history, and cultural exploration.

Quick quotes

    Basically, it's a fun adventure.

    It's got a wide array of characters and we learn about living in totally different parts of China and Mongolia.

    The novel gives us the history of strange martial techniques, assesses the merits of different schools of kung fu, and describes the mysterious ...

Novel Notions · 2019-04-06
exciting 4.00

The actions were great, the depiction of kung-fu was exciting and refreshing to read. The theme of friendships and loyalty was also enjoyed.

The reviewer found the action sequences thrilling and the portrayal of kung-fu both exciting and refreshing. They particularly appreciated the exploration of themes like friendships and loyalty, which added depth to the narrative. The reviewer enjoyed the dynamic between characters and the way their relationships evolved throughout the story. The setting and cultural elements were also highlighted as standout features, making the reading experience immersive and engaging.

Quick quotes

    The actions were great, the depiction of kung-fu was exciting and refreshing to read.

    I also enjoyed reading the theme of friendships, loyalty, ...

    The novel gives us the history of strange martial techniques, assesses the merits of different schools of kung fu, and describes the mysterious ...

The Guardian · 2018-03-16
compelling 4.50

The novel delves into the history of martial techniques and the merits of different schools of kung fu.

The reviewer highlighted the novel's deep dive into the history and techniques of martial arts, particularly kung fu. They appreciated the detailed exploration of different schools and their philosophies, which added a layer of authenticity and richness to the story. The reviewer found the narrative compelling and enjoyed the way the author wove together history, action, and cultural insights. The setting and character development were also praised for their depth and complexity.

Quick quotes

    The novel gives us the history of strange martial techniques, assesses the merits of different schools of kung fu, and describes the mysterious ...

    The actions were great, the depiction of kung-fu was exciting and refreshing to read.

    I also enjoyed reading the theme of friendships, loyalty, ...

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