A Bond Undone

Author Jin Yong
Narrator Daniel York Loh
Publisher Quercus
Run Time 18 hours and 31 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Asian history, Fiction in translation, History, Martial arts, Modern and contemporary fiction, Sports and Active outdoor recreation, Traditional stories, myths and fairy tales.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

THE CHINESE "LORD OF THE RINGS" - NOW IN ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME.

THE SERIES EVERY CHINESE READER HAS BEEN ENJOYING FOR DECADES - 100 MILLION COPIES SOLD.

In the Jin capital of Zhongdu, Guo Jing learns the truth of his father's death and finds he is now betrothed, against his will, to two women. Neither of them is his sweetheart Lotus Huang.

Torn between following his heart and fulfilling his filial duty, he journeys through the country of his parents with Lotus, encountering mysterious martial heroes and becoming drawn into the struggle for the supreme martial text, the Nine Yin Manual. But his past is catching up with him. The widow of an evil man he accidentally killed as a child has tracked him down, intent on revenge.

Meanwhile, his true parentage at last revealed, Yang Kang, the young prince Guo Jing must face in the Garden of the Eight Drunken Immortals, is forced to choose his destiny. Will he continue to enjoy the life of wealth and privilege afforded to him by the invader of his homeland, or give up all he has known to avenge his parents?

Translated from the Chinese by Gigi Chang

(P)2019 Quercus Editions Limited

Critics Review

Jin Yong’s oeuvre has been passed down in the East from generation to generation and thus nurtures people of all ages. For adults, they are fairy tales, while for children, they are mythologies. Anyone who longs to grow up and yearns for innocence after reaching maturity must read his novels.

Yan Lianke, Man Booker International shortlisted author

Jin Yong (Louis Cha) has long been a legend in China. Now Anna Holmwood’s elegant translation brings his world to English readers in all its historical glory . . . [A] unique treat for historical and fantasy fiction fans. Prepare to be hooked!

Paul French, author of Midnight in Peking

Jin Yong . . . is working with themes that are absolutely timeless – good versus evil, love versus sacrifice, nature versus nurture, honour versus deceit . . . This is magnificent writing that will more than reward your patience. It’s also nice to finally read a translation that isn’t stilted in any way and is as fresh on the page as if the source material were written yesterday.

Starburst.

The pace and drama is as swift and smooth as the intricate and detailed fighting scenes. This is the first in the series and I shall look forward to reading the second.

Historical Novel Review.

The world’s biggest kung fu fantasy writer . . . Guo Jing, a young soldier among the massed ranks of Genghis Khan’s invading army and son of a murdered warrior, may soon become as familiar a questing literary figure as Frodo Baggins from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, or Jon Snow from Game of Thrones.

Observer.

[Jin Yong’s] fantasy worlds rival J.R.R. Tolkien’s every bit in creativity, breadth, and depth

Quartzy.

A Chinese Lord of the Rings.

Irish Times.

A stirring epic, full of gravity-defying kung fu, treachery, loyalty and love . . . hugely entertaining.

The Times.

Because of the scope of the narrative, both in terms of time scale and geography, and the sheer number of characters, it’s the unreal action and clever plot twists that captivate . . . You’ll be rooting for the heroes to the end.

SFX.

In Anna Holmwood’s spirited translation, this action-packed and ideas-laden saga is as revealing of modern as of ancient China.

Economist.

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.

Guardian.

[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.

New Yorker.

This 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.

Daily Mail.

More from the same

Narrator

About xigxag

Enjoy the best audiobooks on xigxag, an innovative, user-friendly audiobook platform that makes it easy to find, purchase, and enjoy your favorite books in audio format. xigxag’s flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less – affordable prices and the best audiobook deals with no subscription required. Give the perfect gift with our audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

xigxag’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices ensures a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform – an exciting alternative to big tech. Enjoy audiobooks from the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service and a leader in audiobook innovation.

Search effortlessly, read honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the book and the narration, and discover hidden gems. Download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere and get the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.

Find your favourite titles