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The Return of the Condor Heroes
A Past Unearthed
CHINA , 1237 A.D.
Genghis Khan is dead. The Mongolians, led by the conqueror's third son, Ogedai, have vanquished the Jurchen Jin Empire, and now turn their armies on their ally the Great Song Empire. A dozen years have passed since the second Contest of Mount Hua.
A new generation of martial artists are vying for recognition in the jianghu, but as the fall of their country looms closer, the making of a hero depends on more than mere kung fu skills.
A chance meeting with his father's sworn brother Guo Jing lifts Penance Yang from a life of vagrancy and initiates him into the martial world to which his parents Yang Kang and Mercy Mu once belonged.
Placed under the care of the Quanzhen Sect at their base in the Zhongnan Mountains, Penance stumbles across the mysterious history behind the founding of this most respected martial school and embarks on a journey during that forces him to come to terms with his family's past as well as secrets of his own heart.
Genghis Khan is dead. The Mongolians, led by the conqueror's third son, Ogedai, have vanquished the Jurchen Jin Empire, and now turn their armies on their ally the Great Song Empire. A dozen years have passed since the second Contest of Mount Hua.
A new generation of martial artists are vying for recognition in the jianghu, but as the fall of their country looms closer, the making of a hero depends on more than mere kung fu skills.
A chance meeting with his father's sworn brother Guo Jing lifts Penance Yang from a life of vagrancy and initiates him into the martial world to which his parents Yang Kang and Mercy Mu once belonged.
Placed under the care of the Quanzhen Sect at their base in the Zhongnan Mountains, Penance stumbles across the mysterious history behind the founding of this most respected martial school and embarks on a journey during that forces him to come to terms with his family's past as well as secrets of his own heart.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 1958
66 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Jin Yong
851 books762 followersLouis Cha, GBM, OBE (born 6 February 1924), better known by his pen name Jin Yong (金庸, sometimes read and/or written as "Chin Yung"), is a modern Chinese-language novelist. Having co-founded the Hong Kong daily Ming Pao in 1959, he was the paper's first editor-in-chief.
Cha's fiction, which is of the wuxia ("martial arts and chivalry") genre, has a widespread following in Chinese-speaking areas, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the United States. His 15 works written between 1955 and 1972 earned him a reputation as one of the finest wuxia writers ever. He is currently the best-selling Chinese author alive; over 100 million copies of his works have been sold worldwide (not including unknown number of bootleg copies).
Cha's works have been translated into English, French, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, Malay and Indonesian. He has many fans abroad as well, owing to the numerous adaptations of his works into films, television series, comics and video games.
金庸，大紫荊勳賢，OBE（英語：Louis Cha Leung-yung，1924年3月10日－2018年10月30日），本名查良鏞，浙江海寧人，祖籍江西婺源，1948年移居香港。自1950年代起，以筆名「金庸」創作多部膾炙人口的武俠小說，包括《射鵰英雄傳》、《神鵰俠侶》、《鹿鼎記》等，歷年來金庸筆下的著作屢次改編為電視劇、電影等，對華人影視文化可謂貢獻重大，亦奠定其成為華人知名作家的基礎。金庸早年於香港創辦《明報》系列報刊，他亦被稱為「香港四大才子」之一。
Source: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-tw/%E9%87...
Cha's fiction, which is of the wuxia ("martial arts and chivalry") genre, has a widespread following in Chinese-speaking areas, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the United States. His 15 works written between 1955 and 1972 earned him a reputation as one of the finest wuxia writers ever. He is currently the best-selling Chinese author alive; over 100 million copies of his works have been sold worldwide (not including unknown number of bootleg copies).
Cha's works have been translated into English, French, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, Malay and Indonesian. He has many fans abroad as well, owing to the numerous adaptations of his works into films, television series, comics and video games.
金庸，大紫荊勳賢，OBE（英語：Louis Cha Leung-yung，1924年3月10日－2018年10月30日），本名查良鏞，浙江海寧人，祖籍江西婺源，1948年移居香港。自1950年代起，以筆名「金庸」創作多部膾炙人口的武俠小說，包括《射鵰英雄傳》、《神鵰俠侶》、《鹿鼎記》等，歷年來金庸筆下的著作屢次改編為電視劇、電影等，對華人影視文化可謂貢獻重大，亦奠定其成為華人知名作家的基礎。金庸早年於香港創辦《明報》系列報刊，他亦被稱為「香港四大才子」之一。
Source: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-tw/%E9%87...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 10, 2024
This was a reread (in Chinese). I had first read the Chinese standalone novel 神鵰俠侶 as a child, which was decades ago. As I've forgotten most of the details, but have only retained a vague impression of the main characters like Huang Rong, Guo Jing, Yang Guo and Xiaolongnu, probably as a result of watching several TV and movie adaptations while growing up, this rereading felt like reading it for the first time.
These 4 volumes of The Return of the Condor Heroes (Chinese version), which is now considered as Part 2 in the Condor Heroes Trilogy, are being officially translated into English, and Volume 1 has been entitled A Past Unearthed and will be released on October 12, 2023, with 3 more Volumes awaiting release.
Part 1 of the Trilogy, or Legends of the Condor Heroes 射鵰英雄傳, has been published in English in 4 volumes, and they are respectively entitled: A Hero Born, A Bond Undone, A Snake Lies Waiting, A Heart Divided.
Part 3 of the Trilogy, or Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber 倚天屠龍記, is in the pipeline for translation and publication. I had also read the Chinese standalone novel in my childhood and watched numerous TV and film adaptations. Of the 3 Parts in the Trilogy, Part 3 made the deepest impression on my mind and has been my favorite (again what I've retained in my memory is probably from screen adaptations).
My present thoughts about Part 2 in the whole (Return of the Condor Heroes 神鵰俠侶):-
The main story line involves the tabooed romance between Yang Guo (son of Yang Kang the villain from Book 1) and Xiaolongnu the distant and beautiful hermit, also Yang Guo's kungfu master. It is a tabooed romance because in those times, love or marriage between a kungfu master and his/her disciple was forbidden and frowned upon by society in the same way as incest. Despite the social ban, the couple brave people's scorn and dive fearlessly into the relationship.
Around this main plot are woven numerous loose subplots of the couple's picaresque adventures in various cities and towns all over China, leading to a tragedy where both of them get fatally wounded by poison. He then begins to embark on an aimless journey until he stumbles on a huge magical earth-bound eagle who imparts formidable kungfu skills to him that also cures him. Subsequently, he gets to use the skills to help Guo Jing and Huang Rong to defend a strategic fort against Mongol invasion.
I found the story immersive and entertaining, the characters colorful and vividly painted, and the kungfu skills imaginative. The only nitpicking is that the plot structure seemed a bit loose, but it didn't take away the enjoyment overall.
These 4 volumes of The Return of the Condor Heroes (Chinese version), which is now considered as Part 2 in the Condor Heroes Trilogy, are being officially translated into English, and Volume 1 has been entitled A Past Unearthed and will be released on October 12, 2023, with 3 more Volumes awaiting release.
Part 1 of the Trilogy, or Legends of the Condor Heroes 射鵰英雄傳, has been published in English in 4 volumes, and they are respectively entitled: A Hero Born, A Bond Undone, A Snake Lies Waiting, A Heart Divided.
Part 3 of the Trilogy, or Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber 倚天屠龍記, is in the pipeline for translation and publication. I had also read the Chinese standalone novel in my childhood and watched numerous TV and film adaptations. Of the 3 Parts in the Trilogy, Part 3 made the deepest impression on my mind and has been my favorite (again what I've retained in my memory is probably from screen adaptations).
My present thoughts about Part 2 in the whole (Return of the Condor Heroes 神鵰俠侶):-
The main story line involves the tabooed romance between Yang Guo (son of Yang Kang the villain from Book 1) and Xiaolongnu the distant and beautiful hermit, also Yang Guo's kungfu master. It is a tabooed romance because in those times, love or marriage between a kungfu master and his/her disciple was forbidden and frowned upon by society in the same way as incest. Despite the social ban, the couple brave people's scorn and dive fearlessly into the relationship.
Around this main plot are woven numerous loose subplots of the couple's picaresque adventures in various cities and towns all over China, leading to a tragedy where both of them get fatally wounded by poison. He then begins to embark on an aimless journey until he stumbles on a huge magical earth-bound eagle who imparts formidable kungfu skills to him that also cures him. Subsequently, he gets to use the skills to help Guo Jing and Huang Rong to defend a strategic fort against Mongol invasion.
I found the story immersive and entertaining, the characters colorful and vividly painted, and the kungfu skills imaginative. The only nitpicking is that the plot structure seemed a bit loose, but it didn't take away the enjoyment overall.
May 31, 2024
What a whirlwind of a story!
The next instalment in the Condor Heroes series introduces a whole score of new characters and at first I was somewhat disappointed not to be able to follow Guo Jing and Lotus anymore as they only appear briefly and are not at the heart of this story. However, the plot picked up and raced forward at astonishing pace, the new characters were complex, deep, fun and fascinating, the story weaved unpredictably towards a dramatic cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next book to be translated. All hail Gigi Chang!
I have it in audio and it’s a great audio version. Daniel York Loh is one of my favourite narrators, he is absolutely amazing and I couldn’t wish for a better voice to tell me this story. I can’t recommend the series enough, read it people, it’s brilliant.
The next instalment in the Condor Heroes series introduces a whole score of new characters and at first I was somewhat disappointed not to be able to follow Guo Jing and Lotus anymore as they only appear briefly and are not at the heart of this story. However, the plot picked up and raced forward at astonishing pace, the new characters were complex, deep, fun and fascinating, the story weaved unpredictably towards a dramatic cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next book to be translated. All hail Gigi Chang!
I have it in audio and it’s a great audio version. Daniel York Loh is one of my favourite narrators, he is absolutely amazing and I couldn’t wish for a better voice to tell me this story. I can’t recommend the series enough, read it people, it’s brilliant.
November 1, 2023
The adventures of the condor heroes from Legend of the Condor Heroes continue in Return of the Condor Heroes, albeit with a new generation of fighters. Jin Yong (pen name of Louis Cha) skilfully sets up new characters, interwoven with the continuing story of Guo Jing and Lotus Huang (originally Huang Ro). Return of the Condor Heroes is a succesful set-up, taking the series in a surprising new direction while remaining recognizable. It's an easy, pleasant read, skilfully plotted and unique, or uniquely interesting, to western readers in various ways.
The marketing, eager to emphasize the importance and popularity of these novels in Chinese culture, has made it out to be a sort of Chinese Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, but such comparisons, and the 'fantasy' label, really don't belong. They're wuxia books, meaning picaresque adventure novels about kung fu experts in ancient China, these involving fantastical elements but also real events. Yet both novels also have an important secondary genre: Legend of the Condor Heroes was also a historical novel, the story starting with unrest between the Jin invaders and the Song Empire, while the Mongolians, who raise Guo Jing, become a potent and unexpected threat. The last part of Legend of the Condor Heroes contains more military tactics than kung fu. Return of the Condor Heroes, meanwhile, is a romance novel through and through, and this first installment does not mention politics at all. Ghenghis Khan has passed away in between novels, says the blurb, but there's no mention of him in the text itself. Instead, the burgeoning, forbidden romance between its protagonists takes up most pages.
Centering romance made me hesitate initially, but my trepidation was not neccessary. As in Legend of the Condor Heroes, the novels, although essentially for young adults, have more than enough to entertain more mature audiences, like, say, Treasure Island. That goes even more for western readers, who will experience a slight culture shock that makes the novel doubly fascinating. There are parts of it that are really comical, especially in the romance department, but it's never laughable, often different and unique. For one thing, the woman is older, and is the younger man's martial arts teacher (shifu); she's also extremely cold, trained in hiding her emotions. The young man is headstrong and stubborn and mischievous, while also, especially when younger, prone to outburst of extreme emotion, and crying. When the two first meet, the young man is 14 and needs to be taken care of, and the older girl trains him in what are essentially women's martial arts, fleet and nimble. This is, of course, almost an exact reverse of what could normally be expected, yet this is done without betraying many of the expected gender dynamics. In some ways, as the young man grows older, he does take up the more traditional role expected of a male in burgeoning romance, and this tension between the master student relationship and their age difference and the expected gender roles of ancient China is really fascinating. More to the point, there's something genuinely touching about their romance, which is really the mark of a master, even if the book is no literary masterpiece. Do note there is an implied, horrific sexual act that is brushed aside to be resolved in later installments, and will turn your stomach if you are not prepared.
The two central characters are expertly drawn, memorable and colorful without resorting to caricature, or even unbelievability. The new plot, and villains, that are set up are great. What also really interests me about these novels is the way philosophy, albeit not particularly deep philosophy, is woven into them, as with Apothecary Huang, who renounced Confucianism. In this novel, the philosophizing is often about love and attachment: pride is continually punished, selflessness is needed in love. Almost every conflict in these books starts because of pride, and involves various misunderstandings. This can be irritating, and even almost alienating to western readers, but has to be placed in cultural context of ancient China, and especially the legend of martial masters, whether largely fictitious or not.
Readers watching along with the Shaw Brothers movie adaptations of these novels will find that this book is featured partly in The Brave Archer and His Mate (The Brave Archer 4), partially in the unofficial sequel The Dragon Maiden, although the latter should not be watched yet at this point, as it will spoil too much. There are also several television adaptations, and I myself, as fan of classic kung fu movies, suprisingly enjoyed watching the 1980s adaptation of Legend of the Condor Heroes by TVB, the television branch of shaw brothers, although I had to personally download subtitles and synch them one episode at a time. (See what I have to go through?) The Return of the Condor Heroes was also adapted in 1983, and is also on Youtube, once more without subtitles. To many, these are the definitive adaptations, although more come every decade. This is book one of a four book series, other translations to follow in the coming years. Happy reading and viewing.
The marketing, eager to emphasize the importance and popularity of these novels in Chinese culture, has made it out to be a sort of Chinese Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, but such comparisons, and the 'fantasy' label, really don't belong. They're wuxia books, meaning picaresque adventure novels about kung fu experts in ancient China, these involving fantastical elements but also real events. Yet both novels also have an important secondary genre: Legend of the Condor Heroes was also a historical novel, the story starting with unrest between the Jin invaders and the Song Empire, while the Mongolians, who raise Guo Jing, become a potent and unexpected threat. The last part of Legend of the Condor Heroes contains more military tactics than kung fu. Return of the Condor Heroes, meanwhile, is a romance novel through and through, and this first installment does not mention politics at all. Ghenghis Khan has passed away in between novels, says the blurb, but there's no mention of him in the text itself. Instead, the burgeoning, forbidden romance between its protagonists takes up most pages.
Centering romance made me hesitate initially, but my trepidation was not neccessary. As in Legend of the Condor Heroes, the novels, although essentially for young adults, have more than enough to entertain more mature audiences, like, say, Treasure Island. That goes even more for western readers, who will experience a slight culture shock that makes the novel doubly fascinating. There are parts of it that are really comical, especially in the romance department, but it's never laughable, often different and unique. For one thing, the woman is older, and is the younger man's martial arts teacher (shifu); she's also extremely cold, trained in hiding her emotions. The young man is headstrong and stubborn and mischievous, while also, especially when younger, prone to outburst of extreme emotion, and crying. When the two first meet, the young man is 14 and needs to be taken care of, and the older girl trains him in what are essentially women's martial arts, fleet and nimble. This is, of course, almost an exact reverse of what could normally be expected, yet this is done without betraying many of the expected gender dynamics. In some ways, as the young man grows older, he does take up the more traditional role expected of a male in burgeoning romance, and this tension between the master student relationship and their age difference and the expected gender roles of ancient China is really fascinating. More to the point, there's something genuinely touching about their romance, which is really the mark of a master, even if the book is no literary masterpiece. Do note there is an implied, horrific sexual act that is brushed aside to be resolved in later installments, and will turn your stomach if you are not prepared.
The two central characters are expertly drawn, memorable and colorful without resorting to caricature, or even unbelievability. The new plot, and villains, that are set up are great. What also really interests me about these novels is the way philosophy, albeit not particularly deep philosophy, is woven into them, as with Apothecary Huang, who renounced Confucianism. In this novel, the philosophizing is often about love and attachment: pride is continually punished, selflessness is needed in love. Almost every conflict in these books starts because of pride, and involves various misunderstandings. This can be irritating, and even almost alienating to western readers, but has to be placed in cultural context of ancient China, and especially the legend of martial masters, whether largely fictitious or not.
Readers watching along with the Shaw Brothers movie adaptations of these novels will find that this book is featured partly in The Brave Archer and His Mate (The Brave Archer 4), partially in the unofficial sequel The Dragon Maiden, although the latter should not be watched yet at this point, as it will spoil too much. There are also several television adaptations, and I myself, as fan of classic kung fu movies, suprisingly enjoyed watching the 1980s adaptation of Legend of the Condor Heroes by TVB, the television branch of shaw brothers, although I had to personally download subtitles and synch them one episode at a time. (See what I have to go through?) The Return of the Condor Heroes was also adapted in 1983, and is also on Youtube, once more without subtitles. To many, these are the definitive adaptations, although more come every decade. This is book one of a four book series, other translations to follow in the coming years. Happy reading and viewing.
August 16, 2024
This was glorious fun - high energy kung fu action shot, revolving around deeply personal relationships, with scenes of startling intimacy.
March 24, 2024
It's not a novel by itself but a first volume of the new and ongoing English translation of the second novel of the Condor Heroes trilogy. I's not as good as the first novel (or as any of the first four volumes in English translation): the protagonists are less endearing, the villains are less menacing, the character set and the geography are more limited and the adventures are less imaginative. But it's still a captivative story and lot of fun. I hope it's just a start and the next volume will be better.
March 18, 2025
2 stars not because of the story, which I absolutely love, but because of the awful translation. Similar to Legend of the Condor Heroes, I don't understand why would the translator do a literal translations for some of the name eg Yang Guo becomes Penance Guo, but leave some name like Yang Kang as it is. Just leave original name as it is than butchering them with half translation. Words such as 'hong chen' was literally translated into 'red dust' instead of the 'secular, material world' meaning in Buddhism. Another gripe with the translation is this books sounds alot more colloquial what with the numerous 'Aiyaaaaa' or 'Aiyoooo'. It is really written that way in the original text? Overall I feel the translator Gigi Chang is buthering both Legend of the Condor Heroes and Return of the Condor Heroes with her often direct and sloppy translation.
December 22, 2024
When I saw this was up for presale I had to get it ordered. I loved the original series, and missed the characters. But now here we are with the return of the Condor Heroes. There are some old characters you will remember, Guo Jing, Huang Rong (she's not called that in the book), and Viper Ouyang. The book takes up the story of the son of Yank Kang and Mu Nianci after their deaths, when he is discovered as an orphan by Guo Jing.
If you liked the condor Heroes you will like the continuation of their story, and their childrens.
If you liked the condor Heroes you will like the continuation of their story, and their childrens.
January 18, 2024
I loved the first four volumes of this series but was disappointed with this beginning to the next phase in the saga. I was more than halfway through the book before it began to hold my interest. The plotting is much more lopsided, and the conflicts felt a bit repetitive from the early books. Perhaps it will get better as it goes along, but it seems like an awfully long set-up to get the story in motion.
August 28, 2024
I don't care about the story, but YOU DON'T TRANSLATE SOMEONE'S NAME! I don't care if people will find it hard to spell the names. Do you translate a Chinese student's name who study in your country just because you feel his/her name difficult to spell? If a translator doesn't know about the writing rules, you can forget reading his/her book. Let's us translate all American names, in your language, for example: what do we call Jack Black, or Johan Armstrong? LoL.
March 8, 2025
It's often I give a book a five star rating, but this one thoroughly deserves it. Every morning i got up looking forward to reading it. Of course, i wouldn’t recommend reading it until one has read The Legend of the Condor Hero book, which precede this book.
Yes, the Kung Fu and Neigong is a little far fetched, but who cares, it's a great action story infused with humour and, at times, tenderness .
I hope they hurry up with next novel.
Yes, the Kung Fu and Neigong is a little far fetched, but who cares, it's a great action story infused with humour and, at times, tenderness .
I hope they hurry up with next novel.
October 15, 2023
It's the first quater of a story, I can't review one quater of a story, this is purely the introduction... a good introduction but I can't for a conclusive opinion of the whole from the first volume of a multi volume narrative.
It is a good introduction though. I hope the rest is good, I like the Legend of the Condor Heroes books.
It is a good introduction though. I hope the rest is good, I like the Legend of the Condor Heroes books.
May 31, 2025
It is a quite interesting series following a kung fu clans clashes, family intrigues and ancient art. However, it can get quite descriptive and takes some time to get used to the usage of kung fu and Chinese terminology throughout the book. Unsure, if I decided to continue with the sequels, as the it is not the fastest read either.
August 2, 2025
Really enjoyed A Past Unearthed. The story pulled me in right away, and I especially loved the family connections—how the past and present came together in such a moving way. It was emotional without being overdone, and the characters stuck with me after I finished.
December 30, 2023
A rough start to the sequel, but builds up in a way that makes the other three seem promising!
February 5, 2024
A Very Good, Very Surprising Story.
I had lower expectations for this one than of the others in the series.
However; it turned out to be surprisingly good.
I had lower expectations for this one than of the others in the series.
However; it turned out to be surprisingly good.
April 12, 2024
There may not be as many women terrorizing the wulin as there are men, but the ladies are equally bizarre and that has to count for something.
August 10, 2024
I did feel a bit like the story was just warming up by the end, still really liked it and will be watching for the next in the series.
September 7, 2024
The only bad thing about this series is the long wait for the next volume. A fantastic series translated well by a talented translator!
September 28, 2025
This sequel is a fantastic follow-up to Legends of the Condor Heroes, continuing the epic saga I previously devoured. The story immediately draws us in by introducing Yang Guo, connecting the new narrative directly to the world of Guo Jing and Huang Rong.
While the forbidden master-disciple romance between Yang Guo and Xiaolongnu is the emotional core, the book is equally defined by its thrilling wuxia action. Against the world-changing backdrop of the Mongol invasion, the excitement comes from the intense martial arts conflicts.
I was particularly drawn to the vibrant rivalries, especially the protracted conflict at the Quanzhen Sect. This setting brilliantly pits the established, good-aligned monks and disciples against a host of dangerous villains and renegade fighters threatening the balance of the Jianghu (the martial world), brilliantly escalating the personal stakes.
The sheer energy of the constant action and the imaginative kung fu skills ensured a swift pace, even if the plot structure felt slightly looser than the first series. The masterful storytelling also expertly weaves in deep philosophy about pride and attachment. This blend of epic martial arts contests and touching personal relationships cements the novel as a captivating read. Having loved the first installment, I’m already waiting anxiously for the next volume!
While the forbidden master-disciple romance between Yang Guo and Xiaolongnu is the emotional core, the book is equally defined by its thrilling wuxia action. Against the world-changing backdrop of the Mongol invasion, the excitement comes from the intense martial arts conflicts.
I was particularly drawn to the vibrant rivalries, especially the protracted conflict at the Quanzhen Sect. This setting brilliantly pits the established, good-aligned monks and disciples against a host of dangerous villains and renegade fighters threatening the balance of the Jianghu (the martial world), brilliantly escalating the personal stakes.
The sheer energy of the constant action and the imaginative kung fu skills ensured a swift pace, even if the plot structure felt slightly looser than the first series. The masterful storytelling also expertly weaves in deep philosophy about pride and attachment. This blend of epic martial arts contests and touching personal relationships cements the novel as a captivating read. Having loved the first installment, I’m already waiting anxiously for the next volume!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews