G1212 Book Review of A snake lies waiting by Jin Yong

 

Name of Book: A Snake Lies Waiting

Author: Jin Yong

ISBN: 978-1-250-25012-4

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Part of a Series: Legend of Condor Heroes 3

Type of book: Fantasy, martial arts, wuxia, historical fiction, romance, survival, China, 1200s, Song Dynasty, beginnings of Mongolian dynasty, exploring, martial art greats 

Year it was published: 2020

Summary:

China: 1200 A.D.

Guo Jing has confronted Apothecary Huang, his sweetheart Lotus' father, on Peach Blossom Island, and bested the villainous Gallant Ouyang in three trials to win her hand in marriage.

But now, along with his sworn brother, Zhou Botong of the Quanzhen Sect, and his shifu, Count Seven Hong, Chief of the Beggar Clan, he has walked into a trap. Tricked by Huang into boarding a unseaworthy barge, they will surely drown unless Lotus - who has overheard her father's plans - can find a way to save them.

Yet even if they are to survive the voyage, great dangers lie in wait on the mainland. The Jin Prince Wanyan Honglie has gathered a band of unscrupulous warriors to aid him in his search for the lost writings of the Great Song patriot General Yue Fei. If he is successful, the Jin armies will gain the key to total victory over the Song Empire, condemning Guo Jing's countrymen to centuries of servitude.

Characters:

There are a lot of characters in the story, but important ones in this story include Guo Jing, a talented and patient martial artist who tends to learn slowly but is loyal and dogged when it comes to his teachers and friends. He will also hold his word and do it, even when he doesn't want to do it. There is also Lotus Huang, a clever, intelligent and quick girl who does what she can to help Guo Jing. She is often seen as the cleverest. In addition to them there is Apothecary Huang, an eccentric martial arts master who happens to be Lotus's father, Viper of the West, an enemy who specializes in SNAKE poisons and Count Seven Fingers who is a beggar and leads a group of beggars. 

 
Theme:

I am not sure if the book has a centralized theme, but it's a wonderful story though. 

Plot:

The story immediately picks up from the second book, when the ship begins to sink and Guo Jing as well as his teacher and martial brother are out at sea and get captured by Viper of the West and his entourage. So yes, reading the previous two books is a must in order to continue the story.  The story focuses a lot on martial arts and fighting, and I sense there is a seriousness to it that wasn't there in the other two books. At the same time there is also plenty of humor and enlightenment, especially treatment of women as pertains to Lotus' abilities. 

Author Information:
(From book)

Jin Yong (pen name of Louis Cha) was a true phenomenon in the Chinese-speaking world. Born in mainland China, he spent most of his life writing novels and editing newspapers in Hong Kong. His enormously popular martial arts novels have become modern classics and remain must-reads for eaders looking for danger and adventure. 

Anna Holmwood is a producer and translator from Chinese and Swedish into English. She is cofounder of the Emerging Translators' Network in the UK.

Gigi Chang translates from Chinese into English. Her translations include classical Chinese dramas for the Royal Shakespeare Company and contemporary Chinese plays for London's Royal Court Theatre, the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre. 

Opinion:

From the time I finished the previous two novels, A Hero Born as well as A Bond Undone, I was excited about A SNAKE LIES WAITING coming out, and yes I was counting the days to when I will get it, which I did. Just like it's predecessors, A SNAKE LIES WAITING is a perfect comfort read for 2020, and it's marvelous, fantastical and comedic, although I am sensing a more serious turn in the story. Yes, A SNAKE LIES WAITING did match my expectations and I eagerly await the 4th book of the quartet, A Heart Divided to see the adventures the beloved characters traverse. 

This was given for review 

4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)