5 Must-Read Wuxia Novels You Won’t Miss

“The Wu in wuxia means both “to cut” and “to stop.” It also refers to the weapon-usually a sword-carried by the assassin, the hero of the story. The genre became very popular during the Song Dynasty [960–1279]. These stories often depicted a soldier in revolt, usually against a corrupt political leader. In order to stop corruption and the killing of innocent people, the hero must become an assassin. In the Tang Dynasty, a prominent poet named Li Bai wrote some verses about an assassin. This is the earliest example I know of wuxia literature. Gradually, the genre gave shape to ideas and stories that had been percolating in historical and mythological spheres. Although these stories were often inspired by real events of the past, to me they feel very contemporary and relevant.

It’s one of the oldest genres in Chinese literature, and there are countless wuxia novels in English today.

What Is A Wuxia Novel?

To put it simply, the wuxia genre tells stories about martial artists and their adventures in an alternate ancient China. Sometimes wuxia novels feature fantastical elements like we see in The Untamed, but many times they don’t. For a couple cinematic examples of wuxia, think back to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers.

There are many types of wuxia novels, but certain elements recur time and again. The protagonist typically comes from the lower class. Wuxia heroes tend to follow a personal code of honor that drives them to fight injustice, right past wrongs, and take down oppressive and corrupt figures.

Top 5 Best Completed Wuxia Novels

1. A Hero Born

Jin Yong is an unfamiliar name in the English-speaking world but a superstar in the Chinese-speaking one. This book set in ancient China, in a world where kung fu is magic, kingdoms vie for power and the battle to become the ultimate kung fu master unfolds, an unlikely hero is born… in the first book in the epic Legends of the Condor Heroes by the critically acclaimed master of the genre.

2. The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water

Highly recommended by Amazon. "A fun and sweet wuxia-inspired tale of banditry, faith, and changes both of the world and of the self. By turns hilarious, sharp and heartbreaking, it will keep you turning the pages late at night."The Order of Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho delivers a heartwarming story of a found family set in the backdrop of a wuxia fantasy.

3. Unsouled

Sacred artists follow a thousand Paths to power, using their souls to control the forces of the natural world.

Lindon is Unsouled, forbidden to learn the sacred arts of his clan.

When faced with a looming fate he cannot ignore, he must defy his family's rules...and forge his own Path.

Explore Massive Popular Novels And Comfortable Reading Experience In Novelcat

NovelCat contains various kinds of book genres, Romance, History, Modern, Billionaire... You can choose the genres that you are interested in. Different rankings also help you to pick your favorite novels.

Novelcat has more than 10 million registered users. It has ranked first in the Google Play and App store market reading lists in many countries.

Conclusion

After checked out the list of five best wuxia light novels, if you want a book that will make you, give one of these wuxia light novels a try in Novelcat! NovelCat has captured the hearts of authors all over the world, and we have published more than 50,000 high-quality novels. More than 10,000 writers from all over the world are here to realize their writing dreams. Read the best wuxia novel online now!

Explore The Top 5 Popular Wuxia Novels Of All Time

Explore The Top 5 Popular Wuxia Novels Of All Time

More Reads