This is the second book in the Legend of Condor Heroes series. Originally written in Chinese, this was a great continuation from the first book, A Hero Born. It can be a little tricky at times to keep track of all the characters but after a while you settle into the story. It can also take a bit of time to get used to the writing style. Overall this was a great instalment and I would definitely recommend checking this series out. If you enjoyed the first book, I think you'll like this one too.

Described as the Chinese Lord of the Rings, A Bond Undone is the second novel in the Legends of the Condor Heroes series, and it's another complex and beautifully woven tale from the most popular contemporary Chinese writer of the modern era. I admit the writing style takes a little time before you are fully immersed in this fascinating story of love, loss, revenge and heart vs head decisions. Translated from Chinese by Gigi Chang, I never felt that anything was lost in translation as I often do with these type of books, and everything flows perfectly from one page to the next.

It's crucial, in my opinion, to have read the first book as this is basically a continuance of the happenings from book one; you'll definitely benefit from reading them chronologically. The author creates an authentic world which is so, so absorbing, and due to the vivid prose, it almost feels as though you are living in the world with the characters rather than just peeking into their lives. You really need to have your wits about you as it is a challenging read due to the number of characters and intricate plot, however, you are rewarded with an intriguing story after which you long for the next instalment.

Many thanks to MacLehose Press for an ARC.

An amazing book, fascinating and complex.
I was a bit confused at the beginning by the high number of characters and the unusual style of writing, I didn't read the first installment in this series, but after a bit I was hooked and couldn't put this book down.
Even if it's marketed as the Chinese Lord of the Ring it's definitely something else, not sharing anything with Tolkien work.
A lot of fantasy book set in Far East are being published but this the real thing, a real Chinese work and it's like discovering a wonderful world and you don't know if that world comes out the mind of the writer or is the historical depiction of an era. In the end you don't mind as you're engrossed in reading.
I look forward to reading further installment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for this ARC