Under Heaven
By Guy Gavriel Kay
PR 9199.3 .K39 U53 2010
A mix of history and fantasy tells a fascinating tale. The author “evokes the subtle politics and careful social intercourse of eighth-century Tang dynasty China (Library Journal Review)” in this story. Shen Tai honors his father’s memory by burying the dead, enemies and friends alike, at an old battle-site on the border of the empire. Near the end of the two mourning years, he is given a great gift- two hundred and fifty Heavenly Horses.
“You gave a man one of the Sardian horses to reward him greatly. You gave him four or five of those glories to exalt him above his fellows, propel him towards rank- and earn him the jealousy, possibly mortal of those who rode the smaller horses of the steppes.”
The intrigue and pit-falls that await Tai as he deals with the overwhelming gift make an interesting read.
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