Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay

It's some time since I updated my reading mainly because Under Heaven is a stonking 700+ pages. What made matters worse was a mis-start and that fateful 'I'll just put it to one side for a little while'. However, since Canadian reader Lindy Gomm had spent a third of a day's wages posting this, one of her absolute faves, there was a certain obligation to give the book a fair try.
And I'm pleased I did as it gradually gripped and I didn't want it to end. A saga of dynasties and concubines, of politics and intrigue all set in Kitan - a far eastern empire. Mr Gavriel Kay can certainly write (although his way with a list pallled quite quickly) and he brought hero Shen Tai's family and a large cast of significant players to life. A cast list would have been useful, largely because of the number of similar names - at least to western eyes.
Most interesting was the concept of the Kanlins - a breed/race of supremely trained warriors who had almost diplomatic immunity because of their adherence to their creed. And in particular, Wei Song, a small, young, female Kanlin assigned to protect Shen Tai which she manages against supposedly overpowering odds.
There are several more such sagas in Gavriel Kay's backlist but while I enjoyed this one I think that's enough for me.