The internationally bestselling novel about love, war, and The Great Wall of China…
John Shors reimagined one of the world’s greatest love stories–the romance that inspired the Taj Mahal–in his critically acclaimed, international bestseller Beneath a Marble Sky. Now, with Unbound, Shors recreates an ancient and celebrated Chinese legend about a pair of young lovers separated by war and the … and the Great Wall.
The year is 1548, and the Chinese Empire faces an imminent Mongol invasion. All that prevents the violent end of a dynasty is the Great Wall. Yet even this famed fortification has weaknesses, and against his will, a talented Chinese craftsman is taken from his home and wife, so that he may labor alongside the wall’s defenders.
Fan has been missing for a year when his wife, Meng, decides to do the impossible–to leave everyone and everything she knows in a daunting effort to find him. At a time when many women fear even stepping outside their homes, Meng disguises herself as a man and begins a perilous journey of deliverance.
As two armies gather at the Great Wall, the fates of Fan and Meng collide with a Mongol horseman seeking redemption, a Chinese concubine fighting injustice, and a ruthless general determined to destroy them all.
more
John Shors is one of my favorite authors. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every one of his books. His characters are so real, and I like learning a bit of history about a new location as I read. There is plenty of action in this book. I highly recommend Unbound which takes you to the building of the Great Wall of China.
This may be one of the most unusual books I have ever read. I enjoyed it immensely.
I really enjoyed reading about Fan and Wend. Reading about the great wall of China was new for me.I love reading fiction that has a history but this was a first one set inChina with the great wall.
This was a refreshing change to mysteries and deeper novels I usually read. In some respects it is a simple story, but also has an ambient and intriguing background.
I am a big fan of Pearl Buck. While this author’s writing style is different, the detail of life in China as portrayed in this book is reminiscent of her books. It is a great story, with accurate historical details. It kept me totally intrigued for the length of the book and I just loved the story. The story is so well told and the figures so finely drawn that you feel like you experienced this book, not just read it.
I loved this book. I have always loved history, but I learned so much from this book about the Great Wall and China in that period. I rooted for the two main characters from the beginning. At the end, there were 3 secondary characters who didn’t live. One deserved his fate, but the other two I was quite sad about.
I loved the book and how it was written. I was a bit disappointed in the ending though. I would still recommend the book
This is not a fast-paced read, more of a contemplative writing style – beautiful and haunting story that is quite popular in another culture – left me angry, shocked, saddened, inspired, involved at different points.
One of the best books I’ve read in many years. The author makes characters come to life. It’s almost as if he was there hundreds of years ago and is retelling what he experienced. This book should be mandatory reading in high school. I loved this author ‘s writing so much that I have bought another of his books and hope to read them all.
Easy reading and fun book to read in between a heavy one
Very good so far. Halfway through. Might gain a fifth star after the end!
Very historical and lots of information on the wall, but a little long winded at times.
One of the best novels I have read in a long while. It should be a movie!
I loved this book! Best read in a long time. Bought a copy for my daughter for Mother’s Day. Fascinating and incredible book.
Great characters. China always interesting.
Loved it
Absolutely loved this book (and now this author!) This was so different from what I usually read like psychological thrillers and mysteries but I was so glad I chose it! Such interesting characters both good and evil. The historical information on the Great Wall of China and what it was like to be part of that was so fascinating and sad also. One of those books where I was sad that the story ended because I wanted to know more.
This book was one of the most accurate descriptions of the horrors that the Jewish people were faced with surviving the concentration camps. My heart breaks that human beings were subjected to such torture. Reading this book is a must read.
Seemed to drag at times, based upon a Chinese legend. However, the “endings” justified the “means”, that is getting through all the sometimes long winded writing.
I enjoyed reading this book because it was unlike any other I have read. The Great Wall of China was such an unusual setting. The warring between the Chinese and the Mongols was relentless, yet there was tenderness on display. Good storyline and plenty of action. I was entertained from start to finish.