10 Best Wuxia Novels for Martial Arts Fans

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Wuxia is a Chinese literary genre that follows the adventures of martial artists, with stories typically set in ancient China.

Wuxia novels come in many types but they all exhibit a few core characteristics: the importance of honor, pursuit of glory, fighting injustice, and rising to the top. This is why most wuxia stories frequently show characters doing heroic deeds.

Though the majority of wuxia stories feature superhuman feats (pulverizing rocks, leaping over buildings), they are not considered supernatural or fantastical, but are accepted as a natural part of practicing martial arts. Instead, the focus is given to the protagonist’s development and growth, both in character and in the martial arts.

Top Wuxia Novels

I’ve curated a list of some of the best wuxia novels currently available. Some of these are classics that shaped the genre, while others are contemporary additions and stories that carry wuxia elements. Check them out below!

1. A Hero Born by Jin Yong

This seminal work tells of two men who were meant to be sworn brothers, but circumstance has turned them into enemies. The protagonist, Guo Jing, slowly turns from a slow-witted man into one of the best martial artists in the land.

2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Wang Dulu

Best known for its movie adaptation, this novel features a couple unable to fulfill their love due to the wide gap in their social status. The theft of a famed sword provides them the opportunity to finally be in love.

3. The Eleventh Son by Gu Long

Xiao Shiyi Lang, by some will of fate, rescues Shen, the fairest woman in the martial world. They both fall in love, but situations that rapidly spiral out of control prevent them from pursuing their feelings. Both must deal with unexpected admirers and a plot to paint Xiao as a killer.

4. The Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong

This book covers the events leading up to and during the Three Kingdoms era of China. It’s not a true wuxia novel, but a historical one. However, many wuxia fans consider it part of the genre as it highly dramatizes the historical characters that influenced much of what happened during this period.

5. Water Margin by Shi Nai’an

A group of 108 outlaws settle on a mountain, slowly gathering a sizable army. Given full amnesty by the government, they are sent to resist foreign invaders and rebel forces. Though this novel appears way before wuxia, it was influential in setting the many elements that form the core of the genre.

6. Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay

Shen Tai, the second son of a renowned general, is given a lavish gift of 250 high-quality horses. With powerful figures now taking note of his existences, Shen Tai must decide whether to get pulled into the empire’s political games or forge his own way forward.

7. The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo

In-yo is a disgraced royal in exile. Her family is ruined, their riches and armies have gone to ash. With few resources and even fewer friends, she must navigate political games and treachery to bring down her enemies.

8. The Initiate Brother by Sean Russell

Lord Shonto is sent to govern a province that’s long been under threat from barbarians. He knows he’s being sent to his death, but his enemies severely underestimate his skills and that of his followers. Not only is he a military genius but his advisor, Initiate Brother Shuyun, is gifted with extraordinary powers not seen in a thousand years.

9. The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho

After being sheltered for more than a decade, Guet Imm finally leaves the temple to explore the land. Unfortunately, war is raging in almost every corner. Joining a band of bandits, she gets herself entangled with a highly dangerous mission and she must do what she can to survive.

10. The Sword Dancer by Jeannie Lin

Set in the Tang Dynasty era of China, this romance novel follows Li Feng, a thief searching for her family. Always on her trail is the thief catcher Han, who slowly questions his loyalties as he learns more about the graceful swordswoman he is chasing.

What Is the Difference Between Wuxia and Xianxia?

Xianxia, a sister to the wuxia genre, is everything that wuxia is with the addition of fantastical elements. So you can think of xianxia as the eastern equivalent to high fantasy, and wuxia as low fantasy.

The biggest difference is the existence of supernatural creatures such as spirits, demons, and gods. These entities, along with magic, are common elements in any xianxia setting, while wuxia sticks to more believable elements, albeit written to exaggerated levels.

Another difference is the end goals of their protagonists. Wuxia protagonists seek to better themselves, eventually becoming the best martial artists in the land or claiming a high position in society; xianxia protagonists take this a step further by striving to become immortal.

Wuxia’s Rising Popularity

Until recently, you could only find wuxia content in adapted movies and terribly translated works. That has changed with the advancement of the digital age, and the growing popularity of this genre. It is now easier for everyone to find quality translations of wuxia novels, comics, and movies.

Western interest has also produced non-Chinese writers enthusiastically trying their hands with this genre, increasing the volume of wuxia novels being published. With this much supply and demand, it’s easy to get confused about where to start.

A lot of wuxia novels are also published in serial format or as web novels. These two formats are also experiencing massive popularity, adding to wuxia’s increasingly widespread readership.

Whether you’re a fan of the genre or not, this genre can still be an interesting read. Not only is it a window to other cultures’ treatment of fiction, but it could also expand your reading habits.

Have you read any wuxia novels? Share your experience in the comments below!

 

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