Review: Three Kingdoms Volume 1 Legends from China by Wei Dong Chen

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

At the end of the second century, the lands of ancient China are thrown into turmoil when the Han Dynasty collapses, and when a tyrant overthrows the weak emperor, a group of regional lords forms an army to restore the nation. But bravery and valor are soon stifled by ambition and cunning, and the coalition dissolves before the battle is even won. Now, a new group of heroes must emerge if China is to survive. Based on one of the most popular and influential novels ever written,Three Kingdoms is an epic adventure of heroism and villainy, honor and deceit, and overcoming individual failings to serve a greater purpose.

MY TAKE:


I'm fascinated by Chinese history so anything related to that or ancient Chinese legends is a must-read for me.


In Three Kingdoms Volume 1, we are introduced to Bei Liu, Yu Guan and Fei Zhang, three fierce warriors who took a blood oath to restore the glory of their country. The book is part comic book, part history textbook.


At the start of each chapter, you read a summary of what will happen in the chapter. There's also a map so you get to imagine better where each part of the story takes place.


I'm not too fond of the combination of the coloring and the illustration style. It seems like the soft tones of the coloring didn't match well with the strong lines.

As for the story, I didn't feel a connection with the characters and it got confusing near the end because so many new characters were introduced. There were also some typos and the use of "cease" instead of "seize". Hopefully this is corrected by the time the book comes out.

Thanks to NetGalley and Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC for the e-ARC. Publication date of Three Kingdoms Volume 1 Legends from China is on September 4, 2012.


THE GOOD:

1. You learn more about Chinese history.
2. The personalities of the heroes come across easily.
3. The battle sequences are interesting.

THE BAD:

1. There are some typos.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Indeed. Let's toast to our victory.

READ IT IF:

1. You like learning about Chinese history.
2. You like anime and manga.
3. You like reading about military tactics.

RATING: