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Tales of the Swordsman #2
Fangs of the Black Tiger
The martial world only respects the strong.
Bounty hunters have taken Shu Yan.
Li Ming, the last swordsman of Blue Mountain, will stop at nothing to free the girl. To save her, he will have to count on the help of some old allies: a deadly spearwoman and an (occasionally) corrupt magistrate.
Meanwhile, Shu Yan must rely on more than her wits and a snarky joke to survive the custody of the most ruthless and dangerous scum of the martial world.
But there is unrest in the land. Shazha Kui, the butcher of Blue Mountain, is building a powerful army, awaiting the right moment to topple an empire.
Has the time finally come for Li Ming to avenge the ghosts of his family?
Bounty hunters have taken Shu Yan.
Li Ming, the last swordsman of Blue Mountain, will stop at nothing to free the girl. To save her, he will have to count on the help of some old allies: a deadly spearwoman and an (occasionally) corrupt magistrate.
Meanwhile, Shu Yan must rely on more than her wits and a snarky joke to survive the custody of the most ruthless and dangerous scum of the martial world.
But there is unrest in the land. Shazha Kui, the butcher of Blue Mountain, is building a powerful army, awaiting the right moment to topple an empire.
Has the time finally come for Li Ming to avenge the ghosts of his family?
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2021
40 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 17, 2023
Tales of the Swordsman book 2. Serious spoilers for book one ahead.
Our swordsman and the magistrate who is the only other survivor of his school, and a merchant woman who was with them, are recuperating and trying to find out what happened to the girl who traveled with him, and whom he finally admits is his (adopted) daughter.
Meanwhile, her captors run into trouble.
This involves monks and their monastery, the magistrate's history, the girl's admitting she can't read something to a dangerous man, sworn sisterhood, a boy who justly hates his uncle, and more.
Our swordsman and the magistrate who is the only other survivor of his school, and a merchant woman who was with them, are recuperating and trying to find out what happened to the girl who traveled with him, and whom he finally admits is his (adopted) daughter.
Meanwhile, her captors run into trouble.
This involves monks and their monastery, the magistrate's history, the girl's admitting she can't read something to a dangerous man, sworn sisterhood, a boy who justly hates his uncle, and more.
January 26, 2022
This is the sequel to the book which made me take a KU subscription again because I just had a great impulse to read it. And after the first one ended in a cliffhanger, I thought I would read this one immediately but my mood turned me towards other books. But I finally got to it and it was as fun as I expected.
The writing as I said before is very easy to breeze through and while it took me a few days to finish, I raced through the pages whenever I had it open. And it has so much of the common tropes found in wuxia dramas that I love the familiarity and it’s easy to get lost in these pages. While there were many action sequences and quite a few subplots going on, there were also equal moments of contemplation and reflection, thinking of joy and sorrow and everything in between. I think the author did a good job balancing all the elements.
This book had a very interesting character arc for Li Ming - from someone who is only full of guilt and regret and unable to open up his heart for anyone, to someone who is ready to accept that there are things more important than keeping his master’s word - he has come a long way. While I thought his interactions with Han Mama and others in Hebi’an were cool, this book was definitely about his relationship with Tao Jun - how much their lives are still intertwined even if they don’t always get to be together and how their brotherhood is ultimately stronger than any vows they might have made to their master.
Shu Yan on the other hand is on a journey of her own - from being a captive to getting to be a part of a rebel army. She finds she still has the capacity to care and is also yearning for family, the place where she can finally belong and people whom she can call her own, but she is thrust in the middle of a decades long brewing rebellion as well as equally old personal grudge and before this whole story ends, she is gonna have to make some very tough choices. I could totally sympathize with her situation but also wanted her to be more smart and not get driven away by her emotions.
To sum it up, this was as fun as any entertaining wuxia as well as palace dramas with all its found family vibes, sworn brotherhoods and long held grudges, incompetent emperor being challenged by strong rebel forces as well as bandits, and poor people suffering in between. It’s so easy to like these characters and feel their emotions and want them to be safe, and that’s why I’m excited to see how it’ll all end in the finale.
The writing as I said before is very easy to breeze through and while it took me a few days to finish, I raced through the pages whenever I had it open. And it has so much of the common tropes found in wuxia dramas that I love the familiarity and it’s easy to get lost in these pages. While there were many action sequences and quite a few subplots going on, there were also equal moments of contemplation and reflection, thinking of joy and sorrow and everything in between. I think the author did a good job balancing all the elements.
This book had a very interesting character arc for Li Ming - from someone who is only full of guilt and regret and unable to open up his heart for anyone, to someone who is ready to accept that there are things more important than keeping his master’s word - he has come a long way. While I thought his interactions with Han Mama and others in Hebi’an were cool, this book was definitely about his relationship with Tao Jun - how much their lives are still intertwined even if they don’t always get to be together and how their brotherhood is ultimately stronger than any vows they might have made to their master.
Shu Yan on the other hand is on a journey of her own - from being a captive to getting to be a part of a rebel army. She finds she still has the capacity to care and is also yearning for family, the place where she can finally belong and people whom she can call her own, but she is thrust in the middle of a decades long brewing rebellion as well as equally old personal grudge and before this whole story ends, she is gonna have to make some very tough choices. I could totally sympathize with her situation but also wanted her to be more smart and not get driven away by her emotions.
To sum it up, this was as fun as any entertaining wuxia as well as palace dramas with all its found family vibes, sworn brotherhoods and long held grudges, incompetent emperor being challenged by strong rebel forces as well as bandits, and poor people suffering in between. It’s so easy to like these characters and feel their emotions and want them to be safe, and that’s why I’m excited to see how it’ll all end in the finale.
September 22, 2024
JF Lee’s first novel, Sword of Sorrow, Blade of Joy, was a highly-entertaining wuxia adventure about the adventures of a swordsman, Li Ming, as he wanders about the (China-adjacent) empire looking for the elusive former general, Shazha Kui, who murdered his master, his wife, and his daughters, some years before. Joining him for the ride was a young girl named Shu Yan, who had sought his services and protection after fleeing the brothel she works at. The two grow into a surrogate father-daughter relationship as the story progresses. The story ended on a cliffhanger, with Li Ming and his martial brother, the magistrate Tao Jun, barely surviving an ambush, only discover that Shu Yan is missing.
The sequel, Fangs of the Black of the Tiger, picks up where the last book left off. Shu Yan has been captured by bounty hunters, led by a mysterious woman named Duan Cai. Joining Shu in her cage is an equally-enigmatic woman named Zemin. While resting in a bounty hunters’ village, an army of warriors descends upon the village and rescues Zemin and Shu Yan. Zemin is revealed to be the second-in-command of the Black Tiger gang, and Shu Yan is allowed to stay. There, she begins to come of age as a woman, finding family, acceptance, hidden talents, and even love…
Meanwhile, Li Ming and his friends are leaving no stone unturned in their search for Shu Yan. Their journey takes them into the hands of bandits, monks, and feuding crime bosses, ultimately ending in a showdown with the Black Tiger Gang and its leader…
Fangs of the Black Tiger is just as entertaining as the first book. It is just as episodic, although the episodes are both fewer and more developed. Moreover, Shu Yan’s experience with the Black Tigers follows a consistent character arc for our feisty female protagonist. And even Li Ming’s parallel journey has a more definite goal—find Shu Yan—than his vaguer journey in the last book. The narrative on the whole feels a lot less anthology-like than Sword of Sorrow, Blade of Joy.
Most importantly, the stakes are much higher this time around. The villains play for keeps, Li Ming and his colleagues are sometimes outmatched, and our characters are often thrust into situations where their decisions are not clear-cut black and white. The numerous side quests of the first book were very much “fun,” in which it felt like our heroes were rarely in real danger, because Li Ming was such a badass. But this time around, being a good swordsman (or even a great one), is simply not enough for the challenges thrown at him.
As with the first book, the banter between the characters really makes the story. Their interactions are always entertaining, the characters stay within their established qualities, but enjoy lots of lively dialog that pushes the story forward while being entertaining to read. The book is recommended on that quality alone. But add some layered characterizations and suspenseful conflicts to the mix, and you have a wuxia story worth revisiting!
The sequel, Fangs of the Black of the Tiger, picks up where the last book left off. Shu Yan has been captured by bounty hunters, led by a mysterious woman named Duan Cai. Joining Shu in her cage is an equally-enigmatic woman named Zemin. While resting in a bounty hunters’ village, an army of warriors descends upon the village and rescues Zemin and Shu Yan. Zemin is revealed to be the second-in-command of the Black Tiger gang, and Shu Yan is allowed to stay. There, she begins to come of age as a woman, finding family, acceptance, hidden talents, and even love…
Meanwhile, Li Ming and his friends are leaving no stone unturned in their search for Shu Yan. Their journey takes them into the hands of bandits, monks, and feuding crime bosses, ultimately ending in a showdown with the Black Tiger Gang and its leader…
Fangs of the Black Tiger is just as entertaining as the first book. It is just as episodic, although the episodes are both fewer and more developed. Moreover, Shu Yan’s experience with the Black Tigers follows a consistent character arc for our feisty female protagonist. And even Li Ming’s parallel journey has a more definite goal—find Shu Yan—than his vaguer journey in the last book. The narrative on the whole feels a lot less anthology-like than Sword of Sorrow, Blade of Joy.
Most importantly, the stakes are much higher this time around. The villains play for keeps, Li Ming and his colleagues are sometimes outmatched, and our characters are often thrust into situations where their decisions are not clear-cut black and white. The numerous side quests of the first book were very much “fun,” in which it felt like our heroes were rarely in real danger, because Li Ming was such a badass. But this time around, being a good swordsman (or even a great one), is simply not enough for the challenges thrown at him.
As with the first book, the banter between the characters really makes the story. Their interactions are always entertaining, the characters stay within their established qualities, but enjoy lots of lively dialog that pushes the story forward while being entertaining to read. The book is recommended on that quality alone. But add some layered characterizations and suspenseful conflicts to the mix, and you have a wuxia story worth revisiting!
September 18, 2021
AN EXCELLENT & CAPTIVATING SEQUEL
Picking up where JF Lee’s first book “Sword of Sorrow, Blade of Joy” left off, “Fangs of the Black Tiger” launches the main characters into a tale of intrigue with the immediate separation of the swordsman, Li Ming, and his female teenaged tagalong, Shu Yan, as its hook. Now, one searches desperately for the other, and in the course of that, Lee brings back former characters and places as well as introducing new ones. The story’s antagonist Shazha Kui is given a greater profile, too. He was a fairly shrouded character in the first book, but here he receives a proper introduction.
Whereas before I felt like the chapters of the first book were their own short stories connected with a thread of plot continuity (which I really liked), I found this book to have a plot that was more overarching and maintained the story from beginning to end. I liked that, too. And it makes sense. The first book seems to establish the players through the motifs and vignettes of what could have been disconnected tales, but actually sort of foreshadow the eventual culmination of the intended conflict. The story in this book delves more towards that end, but does not reach its final conclusion, though the reader does get a sampling of what’s sure to come.
Lee’s writing is succinct and crisp, though fragmentary at times. Still, it is engaging, and propels both the story and the reader along in the pursuit of “What happens next?” He does a fantastic job with the character development of Li Ming and Shu Yan. With the first book, I found myself more interested in the swordsman. Here I found myself more interested the young girl and the potentially dire situation she finds herself in. Due to her circumstances, she is forced to reflect and mature to a certain extent, but Lee wisely keeps her snarky with a touch of sassiness. (Hey, she is a teenage girl after all.) And Lee also constructs his secondary players in such a way that causes the reader to become suspicious as to whether they are actually the ally or enemy they seem to be. That’s smart writing and good story-telling.
I will say that the action felt a little dialed back compared to the first book, as this second one is intent on fleshing out the greater elements of the story: character, plot, intrigue, etc. So as a reader, I would’ve liked a little more on the action front. Still, it has its moments, and when they hit, they’re handled well though I wish they contained more detail. (That’s a personal preference. Many will really enjoy the way Lee orchestrates his.)
“Fangs of the Black Tiger” is an excellent progression of the characters and story, and successfully ramps things up for another book. Fans of wuxia novels and films will certainly see their influences here, and I highly recommend Lee’s written efforts with this “Tales of the Swordsman” series. I am eager for the third installment. Will it bring on a grand finale enhanced with the themes of honor, justice, and revenge? I don’t know, but I’m anxious to find out. (Ideal for teenagers and adults alike. Again, I appreciate the lack of gratuitous sex and profanity. When a writer has good characters and a good story, he doesn’t need those crutches.)
Picking up where JF Lee’s first book “Sword of Sorrow, Blade of Joy” left off, “Fangs of the Black Tiger” launches the main characters into a tale of intrigue with the immediate separation of the swordsman, Li Ming, and his female teenaged tagalong, Shu Yan, as its hook. Now, one searches desperately for the other, and in the course of that, Lee brings back former characters and places as well as introducing new ones. The story’s antagonist Shazha Kui is given a greater profile, too. He was a fairly shrouded character in the first book, but here he receives a proper introduction.
Whereas before I felt like the chapters of the first book were their own short stories connected with a thread of plot continuity (which I really liked), I found this book to have a plot that was more overarching and maintained the story from beginning to end. I liked that, too. And it makes sense. The first book seems to establish the players through the motifs and vignettes of what could have been disconnected tales, but actually sort of foreshadow the eventual culmination of the intended conflict. The story in this book delves more towards that end, but does not reach its final conclusion, though the reader does get a sampling of what’s sure to come.
Lee’s writing is succinct and crisp, though fragmentary at times. Still, it is engaging, and propels both the story and the reader along in the pursuit of “What happens next?” He does a fantastic job with the character development of Li Ming and Shu Yan. With the first book, I found myself more interested in the swordsman. Here I found myself more interested the young girl and the potentially dire situation she finds herself in. Due to her circumstances, she is forced to reflect and mature to a certain extent, but Lee wisely keeps her snarky with a touch of sassiness. (Hey, she is a teenage girl after all.) And Lee also constructs his secondary players in such a way that causes the reader to become suspicious as to whether they are actually the ally or enemy they seem to be. That’s smart writing and good story-telling.
I will say that the action felt a little dialed back compared to the first book, as this second one is intent on fleshing out the greater elements of the story: character, plot, intrigue, etc. So as a reader, I would’ve liked a little more on the action front. Still, it has its moments, and when they hit, they’re handled well though I wish they contained more detail. (That’s a personal preference. Many will really enjoy the way Lee orchestrates his.)
“Fangs of the Black Tiger” is an excellent progression of the characters and story, and successfully ramps things up for another book. Fans of wuxia novels and films will certainly see their influences here, and I highly recommend Lee’s written efforts with this “Tales of the Swordsman” series. I am eager for the third installment. Will it bring on a grand finale enhanced with the themes of honor, justice, and revenge? I don’t know, but I’m anxious to find out. (Ideal for teenagers and adults alike. Again, I appreciate the lack of gratuitous sex and profanity. When a writer has good characters and a good story, he doesn’t need those crutches.)
August 23, 2022
First and foremost, if you haven't read Volume One first go and read it! The volumes go in order and end on cliffhangers. The next book picks up right where the first one ended, so there will be some spoilers in this review if you haven't read "Sword of Sorrow, Blade of Joy".
"A swordsmen, a magistrate, and a merchant?" Jingyi chuckled. "We sound like a bunch of heroes in a tavern story."
Shu Yan's been taken and the swordsmen's trying to stay hot on the trail leading to her. But nothing is easy and Li Ming finds himself needing help. Maybe journeying alone isn't always the best. Having company makes traveling better, sometimes very entertaining. Even if the company can be annoying at times. Will Li Ming ever admit that he actually likes the girl? Will he be able to find and rescue her?
"You're scared of your own fire." - Zhen
Shu Yan's having to face her own array of problems. Having followed Feng Zemin and Jia Bo she soon realizes that maybe she should have remained alone. Yet something about this new environment and life call to her. People are actually treating her like an equal. Even offering to train her! But there's just something in her gut telling her not to fully trust her new companions. And where's that swordsmen?
So I didn't realize the volumes could get any better. . .but it did! I absolutely love this series and I am wanting to dive into Tao Jun's book! After I get done reading Volume Three of the Swordsmen. But this book. . .this book had a little bit of a faster pace. Many things were happening that kept me engaged. Still several little mini arcs that I enjoyed along with the main one.
In this book, I am sorry if this is a spoiler I was just so excited, we get to see several epic fight scenes. Those Kung Fu movies where masters face off? We get a couple of those scenes in this book! The fight scenes are better than volume one and just, oh I loved them so much. I grew up with epic Kung Fu movies and the borderline-supernatural-powered martial artist. So I was beaming when I read the scenes.
JF Lee, brings some of the characters back from volume one. I liked that he also gave a couple short, refresher paragraphs about said characters. Or even some within the same book that may have been introduced briefly in this volume but not in depth until they resurface again. I also enjoyed the author's footnotes and the glossary in the back of the book.
Again I am sorry but one of my favorite characters was brought back and we get to see more of his personality! He very much reminds me of those Manga and Anime characters that always have their eyes closed until they don't. And you know that when they have their eyes open. . .you better run and not look back!
"Flips are always necessary!" Jin Lang called back. "Have to impress the ladies!"
"What ladies?! We're the only ones up here!" Li Ming growled back.
I would not be mad at all if JF Lee wrote a book featuring Jin Lang. I would devour that book in a heartbeat. I love the chaotic characters with a good sense of humor and who seem to find everything one big game. Until they get serious and then just run, or hide somewhere and enjoy the show.
This book went into depth with more of the characters and you got to see more of their individual personalities. Not to mention all the new cast members the author introduces. I am very excited to read Volume Three since again it is rumored to be the best one! These volumes do end on cliffhangers! There's of course violence, language both in English and Chinese, and some darker elements.
This is such a great series with all the drama, action scenes, twists, plots, great characters, witty banter, and so much more! Do enjoy the read and give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
"A swordsmen, a magistrate, and a merchant?" Jingyi chuckled. "We sound like a bunch of heroes in a tavern story."
Shu Yan's been taken and the swordsmen's trying to stay hot on the trail leading to her. But nothing is easy and Li Ming finds himself needing help. Maybe journeying alone isn't always the best. Having company makes traveling better, sometimes very entertaining. Even if the company can be annoying at times. Will Li Ming ever admit that he actually likes the girl? Will he be able to find and rescue her?
"You're scared of your own fire." - Zhen
Shu Yan's having to face her own array of problems. Having followed Feng Zemin and Jia Bo she soon realizes that maybe she should have remained alone. Yet something about this new environment and life call to her. People are actually treating her like an equal. Even offering to train her! But there's just something in her gut telling her not to fully trust her new companions. And where's that swordsmen?
So I didn't realize the volumes could get any better. . .but it did! I absolutely love this series and I am wanting to dive into Tao Jun's book! After I get done reading Volume Three of the Swordsmen. But this book. . .this book had a little bit of a faster pace. Many things were happening that kept me engaged. Still several little mini arcs that I enjoyed along with the main one.
In this book, I am sorry if this is a spoiler I was just so excited, we get to see several epic fight scenes. Those Kung Fu movies where masters face off? We get a couple of those scenes in this book! The fight scenes are better than volume one and just, oh I loved them so much. I grew up with epic Kung Fu movies and the borderline-supernatural-powered martial artist. So I was beaming when I read the scenes.
JF Lee, brings some of the characters back from volume one. I liked that he also gave a couple short, refresher paragraphs about said characters. Or even some within the same book that may have been introduced briefly in this volume but not in depth until they resurface again. I also enjoyed the author's footnotes and the glossary in the back of the book.
Again I am sorry but one of my favorite characters was brought back and we get to see more of his personality! He very much reminds me of those Manga and Anime characters that always have their eyes closed until they don't. And you know that when they have their eyes open. . .you better run and not look back!
"Flips are always necessary!" Jin Lang called back. "Have to impress the ladies!"
"What ladies?! We're the only ones up here!" Li Ming growled back.
I would not be mad at all if JF Lee wrote a book featuring Jin Lang. I would devour that book in a heartbeat. I love the chaotic characters with a good sense of humor and who seem to find everything one big game. Until they get serious and then just run, or hide somewhere and enjoy the show.
This book went into depth with more of the characters and you got to see more of their individual personalities. Not to mention all the new cast members the author introduces. I am very excited to read Volume Three since again it is rumored to be the best one! These volumes do end on cliffhangers! There's of course violence, language both in English and Chinese, and some darker elements.
This is such a great series with all the drama, action scenes, twists, plots, great characters, witty banter, and so much more! Do enjoy the read and give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
August 19, 2021
Even better than the first! Author JF. Lee has further perfected his craft of story telling. This novel picks up where the last one ended, with Shu Yan captured and Li Ming desperate to find her. Of course the path finding her is not straight forward and full of twists and turns. We get both Li Ming’s and Shu Yan’s points of view and get to see them grow as well as learn more about their backgrounds. We also learn more of the history of the famous swords Sorrow and Joy as well as some other new weapons. This story is very action packed with the fight scenes written out beautifully. I loved seeing She Yan become a warrior in her own right and appreciated the many strong women in this novel. It was a joy to read and I can’t wait for the next installment!
August 3, 2021
“Fangs of the Black Tiger” is the second instalment into the “Tales of the Swordman” series by JF Lee, who masterfully mixes traditional wuxia elements with a western writing style that offers the reader the best of both worlds. A real treat for any already fan of these martial arts/fantasy adventures and a wonderful lecture for those still not acquainted to the genre, who are looking to expand their lecture horizon.
The adventure consists of a series of short stories linked together through their main characters- Shu Yan and Li Ming – united in their journey by a destiny that appears to be random at the very first sight. While Li Ming quest consist of avenged the death of his own master, but exacting justice on the man that not only killed said master but also murdered his own family, Shu Yan just joined the quest to be able to hide from her pursues after having injured a nobleman’s son.
Both characters embark into a quest that have them facing bandits, con artists, and conspiracies along the way, much to the joyful entertainment of the reader.
This new instalment follows both Shu Yan and Li Ming on their separate adventures, working to avenge their own past and fulfil their destiny. The relationship between master and sidekick (which is one of the pivotal elements of wuxia tales) evolves through the tales, showing a much more accomplished Shu Yan, who has outgrowth her sidekick role and has to rely not only on her inherent jokingly nature, but also on her gained strength to survive her journey with her very unsavoury and ruthless companions. Meanwhile Li Ming avenge journey seems to come to an end.
This second instalment is even superior to the first book in the series, and a clear recommendation to anyone looking for good-written adventure fantasy with interesting plots, witty characters, and intelligent twists.
The adventure consists of a series of short stories linked together through their main characters- Shu Yan and Li Ming – united in their journey by a destiny that appears to be random at the very first sight. While Li Ming quest consist of avenged the death of his own master, but exacting justice on the man that not only killed said master but also murdered his own family, Shu Yan just joined the quest to be able to hide from her pursues after having injured a nobleman’s son.
Both characters embark into a quest that have them facing bandits, con artists, and conspiracies along the way, much to the joyful entertainment of the reader.
This new instalment follows both Shu Yan and Li Ming on their separate adventures, working to avenge their own past and fulfil their destiny. The relationship between master and sidekick (which is one of the pivotal elements of wuxia tales) evolves through the tales, showing a much more accomplished Shu Yan, who has outgrowth her sidekick role and has to rely not only on her inherent jokingly nature, but also on her gained strength to survive her journey with her very unsavoury and ruthless companions. Meanwhile Li Ming avenge journey seems to come to an end.
This second instalment is even superior to the first book in the series, and a clear recommendation to anyone looking for good-written adventure fantasy with interesting plots, witty characters, and intelligent twists.
August 19, 2021
An excellent adventure with plenty of action and character development.
February 21, 2023
The characters I loved from the first volume returned in this book and were given greater depth and development. We were also introduced to some fabulous new characters who allowed us to see the old favourites in a new light and allowed them to move in new directions.
It had a completely different feel to the first volume, there was a lot less levity, but this more sombre tone was a reflection of the more serious themes of the book: revenge and obligation. I loved how both of these themes were visited by different characters, in different situations, and from different angles, forcing us to question the moral implications of pursuing both of these ideals of the wuxia world.
The end of the book was tense and dramatic and left me very ready for volume three.
It had a completely different feel to the first volume, there was a lot less levity, but this more sombre tone was a reflection of the more serious themes of the book: revenge and obligation. I loved how both of these themes were visited by different characters, in different situations, and from different angles, forcing us to question the moral implications of pursuing both of these ideals of the wuxia world.
The end of the book was tense and dramatic and left me very ready for volume three.
July 11, 2025
This is gonna be a hard one without spoilers... but I'm gonna try.
Aha! There's the backstory I was waiting for! The second book in Tales of the Swordsman answered so many questions I had after the first one. Why did Li Ming agree to keep her around so long? Why would Shu Yan trust him over others? Without spoiling it, we finally see into the history of these two characters, which really gives an added depth that I was looking for. Li Mings personal backstory and not just the martial one really made him come more in focus. Then, seeing Shu Yan grow with each new strong woman in her life really makes it stand out more. Tao Jun continues to be a favorite, and his extra screen time and more backstory for him was just the icing on the cake.
I liked the format of this story rather than the jumping around of the first, but I do see why the various jumps needed to happen. I love the pulling together of all the threads from the first book to create the one big story. Han Mama and the crazy assassin Jin Lang I was especially glad to see more.
I have to give a mention that I left out of my first review- the footnotes. I love a cheeky or funny footnote ala Jasper Fforde. Both books are full of not only helpful language explanations but great little winks to the reader. (Seven... he had seven) For all that this book is definitely more serious and deep, the little footnotes are a nice bit of levity.
And this definitely was a more mature and serious story. Leaving out spoilers, the hard spot that Shu Yan finds herself in is one of those situations that really makes a person question their core beliefs and feelings. Not only of themselves, but also the world around them. While she has a long time to ponder these things, and is still pondering them, I love that Li Ming basically experienced the same thing later in a heartbeat. It was a nice parallel to her struggles, showing that despite differences in age and experience, some things are universal.
Overall I did enjoy this book even more than the first. Not only that, but I realized why those "complaints" from the first book are there, it all flows together as one big building story. This is one reason I find it hard to review individual books in a series, for me it's about the whole. Which means some books are slower to provide set up, and others are the pay off of the set up. Given the pay off so far I can't wait to get into book three!
Aha! There's the backstory I was waiting for! The second book in Tales of the Swordsman answered so many questions I had after the first one. Why did Li Ming agree to keep her around so long? Why would Shu Yan trust him over others? Without spoiling it, we finally see into the history of these two characters, which really gives an added depth that I was looking for. Li Mings personal backstory and not just the martial one really made him come more in focus. Then, seeing Shu Yan grow with each new strong woman in her life really makes it stand out more. Tao Jun continues to be a favorite, and his extra screen time and more backstory for him was just the icing on the cake.
I liked the format of this story rather than the jumping around of the first, but I do see why the various jumps needed to happen. I love the pulling together of all the threads from the first book to create the one big story. Han Mama and the crazy assassin Jin Lang I was especially glad to see more.
I have to give a mention that I left out of my first review- the footnotes. I love a cheeky or funny footnote ala Jasper Fforde. Both books are full of not only helpful language explanations but great little winks to the reader. (Seven... he had seven) For all that this book is definitely more serious and deep, the little footnotes are a nice bit of levity.
And this definitely was a more mature and serious story. Leaving out spoilers, the hard spot that Shu Yan finds herself in is one of those situations that really makes a person question their core beliefs and feelings. Not only of themselves, but also the world around them. While she has a long time to ponder these things, and is still pondering them, I love that Li Ming basically experienced the same thing later in a heartbeat. It was a nice parallel to her struggles, showing that despite differences in age and experience, some things are universal.
Overall I did enjoy this book even more than the first. Not only that, but I realized why those "complaints" from the first book are there, it all flows together as one big building story. This is one reason I find it hard to review individual books in a series, for me it's about the whole. Which means some books are slower to provide set up, and others are the pay off of the set up. Given the pay off so far I can't wait to get into book three!
August 22, 2025
J.F. Lee’s Fangs of the Black Tiger of Joy continues the adventures of Li Ming and Shu Yan with even higher stakes, sharper blades, and an ever-expanding martial world. Where the first volume laid the foundation, this installment plunges the reader straight into danger, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of vengeance.
The story wastes no time raising the tension: Shu Yan has been captured by bounty hunters, and Li Ming, the last swordsman of Blue Mountain, must call on both his skill and old allies to save her. His unlikely companions—a deadly spearwoman with her own grudges and an “occasionally” corrupt magistrate—add layers of unpredictability, camaraderie, and tension to the narrative. Together, their uneasy alliance injects both humor and friction, grounding the fast-paced battles with moments of personality and wit.
Meanwhile, Shu Yan’s arc shines. Forced to rely on more than her quick tongue and irreverent humor, she must navigate the custody of ruthless outlaws while proving that she’s far more than just a runaway in need of saving. Her resilience makes her a standout, balancing Li Ming’s stoic drive for justice with her sharp-edged defiance.
The looming threat of Shazha Kui, the butcher of Blue Mountain, raises the stakes beyond a simple rescue mission. His growing army and ambition to topple an empire create a palpable sense of dread. For Li Ming, this isn’t just another step on his journey—it’s the chance to face the man responsible for his greatest loss and finally avenge his family. The result is a tale of vengeance that feels both epic and deeply personal.
Lee’s prose captures the spirit of wuxia storytelling beautifully, filled with fluid fight sequences, razor-edged banter, and cinematic tension. At times, the pacing can feel relentless—moving so quickly through battles and confrontations that a few emotional beats don’t fully settle—but the sheer energy and flair of the narrative keep you hooked.
The story wastes no time raising the tension: Shu Yan has been captured by bounty hunters, and Li Ming, the last swordsman of Blue Mountain, must call on both his skill and old allies to save her. His unlikely companions—a deadly spearwoman with her own grudges and an “occasionally” corrupt magistrate—add layers of unpredictability, camaraderie, and tension to the narrative. Together, their uneasy alliance injects both humor and friction, grounding the fast-paced battles with moments of personality and wit.
Meanwhile, Shu Yan’s arc shines. Forced to rely on more than her quick tongue and irreverent humor, she must navigate the custody of ruthless outlaws while proving that she’s far more than just a runaway in need of saving. Her resilience makes her a standout, balancing Li Ming’s stoic drive for justice with her sharp-edged defiance.
The looming threat of Shazha Kui, the butcher of Blue Mountain, raises the stakes beyond a simple rescue mission. His growing army and ambition to topple an empire create a palpable sense of dread. For Li Ming, this isn’t just another step on his journey—it’s the chance to face the man responsible for his greatest loss and finally avenge his family. The result is a tale of vengeance that feels both epic and deeply personal.
Lee’s prose captures the spirit of wuxia storytelling beautifully, filled with fluid fight sequences, razor-edged banter, and cinematic tension. At times, the pacing can feel relentless—moving so quickly through battles and confrontations that a few emotional beats don’t fully settle—but the sheer energy and flair of the narrative keep you hooked.
January 14, 2023
The second part of a trilogy that picks up where the first book left off on a cliffhanger. Shu Yan has been captured and Li Ming is off to find her, no matter the cost. Li Ming will have to rely on some old friends, including a magistrate who is sometimes not always on the right side of things and a spearwoman. Shu Yan must use her wits and skill to survive captivity and eventually finds her way to an army.
This was okay. While I appreciated that this was no longer the episodic type of storytelling that was in the first book and more or less "settled" on our two main characters (which is what drew me early on in Book 1), I also thought this book had the typical "middle entry syndrome" in which it serves as a bridge between the beginning and end but isn't necessarily the strongest or best or of the same level as the other entries.
All the same, though, the story does advance and it was nice to see that both Li Ming and Shu Yan get character development (perhaps was part of the purpose of splitting them up and having two divergent stories, sometimes another feature of the middle entries of a trilogy). It was not a page turner like the early part of Book 1 was for me, but it's still enough to keep me curious to reading onto the last entry.
Obviously, if you haven't read the first book ('Sword of Sorrow, Blade of Joy'), you can't pick up this one since this does start out in the middle of things and you need the events of 'Sword' to understand what is going on here. But if you're looking for something a little different, don't be discouraged by this review.
Borrowed via Kindle Unlimited and I'd recommend that or a library borrow.
This was okay. While I appreciated that this was no longer the episodic type of storytelling that was in the first book and more or less "settled" on our two main characters (which is what drew me early on in Book 1), I also thought this book had the typical "middle entry syndrome" in which it serves as a bridge between the beginning and end but isn't necessarily the strongest or best or of the same level as the other entries.
All the same, though, the story does advance and it was nice to see that both Li Ming and Shu Yan get character development (perhaps was part of the purpose of splitting them up and having two divergent stories, sometimes another feature of the middle entries of a trilogy). It was not a page turner like the early part of Book 1 was for me, but it's still enough to keep me curious to reading onto the last entry.
Obviously, if you haven't read the first book ('Sword of Sorrow, Blade of Joy'), you can't pick up this one since this does start out in the middle of things and you need the events of 'Sword' to understand what is going on here. But if you're looking for something a little different, don't be discouraged by this review.
Borrowed via Kindle Unlimited and I'd recommend that or a library borrow.
July 27, 2021
I got an advanced Readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the perfect Wuxia novel that builds on the strengths of the first books, mainly it's strikingly realized and human characters and expands upon them but testing their values and ideals. Shu Yan is separated from Li Ming and has a truly great character arc where we see her go from a girl desperate to be saved from her captors to learning not just combat but cunning and tactics on her own. Li Ming meanwhile realizes that his values need to change with the times and we uncover more about Tao Jun. That's not mentioning the amazing new cast like Feng Zemin and my two returning favorites the badass spear wielder Bai Jingyi and Lin Jin. The fight scenes also have a new level of detail and complexity showing our heroes growing skills, but it's the characters that give the fights new meaning and depth. Overall, a masterpiece of Wuxia fiction at it's finest a must read for new and old fans alike. I haven't even touched on the great humor found in both the story and the notes by the author which had me laughing out loud.
This is the perfect Wuxia novel that builds on the strengths of the first books, mainly it's strikingly realized and human characters and expands upon them but testing their values and ideals. Shu Yan is separated from Li Ming and has a truly great character arc where we see her go from a girl desperate to be saved from her captors to learning not just combat but cunning and tactics on her own. Li Ming meanwhile realizes that his values need to change with the times and we uncover more about Tao Jun. That's not mentioning the amazing new cast like Feng Zemin and my two returning favorites the badass spear wielder Bai Jingyi and Lin Jin. The fight scenes also have a new level of detail and complexity showing our heroes growing skills, but it's the characters that give the fights new meaning and depth. Overall, a masterpiece of Wuxia fiction at it's finest a must read for new and old fans alike. I haven't even touched on the great humor found in both the story and the notes by the author which had me laughing out loud.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
Thank you to the author of this book, JF Lee, for sharing an ARC copy of with me.
Fangs of the Black Tiger excels pretty much at the same aspects I praised about the first entry of the series: it’s captivating, the characters are memorable, the plot is fascinating, the banter is clever, the character development flows as it should, the pace is balanced and the Chinese culture is portrayed with such dedication and care as only a Chinese author could do it.
The status quo changes for the most part of the book following the ending of the first installment, and yet the events that followed never felt forced or out of place. Every dialogue, as insignificant as some might feel, serve a specific purpose. No interaction feels wasted or as simple filler.
If Sword of Sorrow Blade of Joy was a strong start of this book series, Fangs of the Black Tiger delivers an equally strong continuation that will leave us craving more. 100% recommended.
Fangs of the Black Tiger excels pretty much at the same aspects I praised about the first entry of the series: it’s captivating, the characters are memorable, the plot is fascinating, the banter is clever, the character development flows as it should, the pace is balanced and the Chinese culture is portrayed with such dedication and care as only a Chinese author could do it.
The status quo changes for the most part of the book following the ending of the first installment, and yet the events that followed never felt forced or out of place. Every dialogue, as insignificant as some might feel, serve a specific purpose. No interaction feels wasted or as simple filler.
If Sword of Sorrow Blade of Joy was a strong start of this book series, Fangs of the Black Tiger delivers an equally strong continuation that will leave us craving more. 100% recommended.
September 20, 2025
This is a review of the second book in the tales of the Swordsman series by Jeff Lee. The story is continued and you meet the rebels and the Black Tiger General. You find out that the Black Tiger General is Honorable but flawed.
You see that he and his people are trying to do the right thing but are going to extremes and hurting the people. What I really like about JF Lee's writing is he shows realistic people that demonstrate real Behavior. You really get to like the Black Tiger General and Shu Yan’s sister in the black tigers. Again this is really an incredible work in my opinion it is by far the best Kung Fu fiction I have read. It has my highest recommendation as a kung fu film fan and it's a Chinese martial arts practitioner for now 33 years. Read the whole series you will fall in love with it!
You see that he and his people are trying to do the right thing but are going to extremes and hurting the people. What I really like about JF Lee's writing is he shows realistic people that demonstrate real Behavior. You really get to like the Black Tiger General and Shu Yan’s sister in the black tigers. Again this is really an incredible work in my opinion it is by far the best Kung Fu fiction I have read. It has my highest recommendation as a kung fu film fan and it's a Chinese martial arts practitioner for now 33 years. Read the whole series you will fall in love with it!
December 1, 2022
This series is like comforting buttery book popcorn, and this sequel added some caramel alongside it.
This sequel is better in everyway to the first book, not saying the first was bad by any means, but it felt like a base concept for a story, with some fun characters and a fun Wuxia world. But this sequel notched everything up, a far better main plot with some heart and evolution for all our core characters, better writing in general that flowed better and was just pure brain candy to read. For anyone just wanted pure unadulterated Wuxia fun, give this a read.
This sequel is better in everyway to the first book, not saying the first was bad by any means, but it felt like a base concept for a story, with some fun characters and a fun Wuxia world. But this sequel notched everything up, a far better main plot with some heart and evolution for all our core characters, better writing in general that flowed better and was just pure brain candy to read. For anyone just wanted pure unadulterated Wuxia fun, give this a read.
May 18, 2024
In Fangs of the Black Tiger, the last swordsman of the Blue Mountain searches for his captured young companion, who is trying to survive in the company of rebels. Vol. 2 is more introspective, with the reader learning more about the swordsman, the girl, and fierce supporting characters. The fulsomeness of martial arts is explored, lending insight into characters and enriching the fantasy worldbuilding. The last fight scene is intense. Also, the book's footnotes are helpful and humorous.
May 22, 2022
I enjoy the smooth and easy flow of the books in this series .
The story of this book didn't feel as amazing as book one, but the world building and character developed hugely
Looking forward to branching off into the supplementary stories in this world, to learn more about the fringe characters
The story of this book didn't feel as amazing as book one, but the world building and character developed hugely
Looking forward to branching off into the supplementary stories in this world, to learn more about the fringe characters
January 7, 2024
Entertaining Read
Li Ming is trying to find Shu Yan who was taken by bounty hunters. She doesn't wait around and escapes with another girl who happens to be an officer of the Black Tigers. Battle, betrayal, relationships, and intense training ensue. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and relationship development. I look forward to the next book.
Li Ming is trying to find Shu Yan who was taken by bounty hunters. She doesn't wait around and escapes with another girl who happens to be an officer of the Black Tigers. Battle, betrayal, relationships, and intense training ensue. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and relationship development. I look forward to the next book.
January 18, 2024
Once again J.F. Lee delivers a masterful adventure in the second book to his martial arts fantasy series. Lost ancient relics, a dynasty on its last dregs of existence, found family, guerilla battles... what's not to love. When you pair that with the clever writing style of Lee, you get a book you cannot help but love and live in.
June 12, 2022
I actually bought the hardcover copy of this book just to see how awesome the artwork was and I was no at all disappointed. This was an absolutely fantastic way to follow up from the previous book. Awesome job at blowing my mind again and I look forward to the next book when it does come out.
June 13, 2022
nice sequel
Picks up from where it left off in book one . I feel this book compensates for a lot of things from previous book. Action packed fighting scenes, powerful enemies,humour and more. Can’t wait for the next one
Picks up from where it left off in book one . I feel this book compensates for a lot of things from previous book. Action packed fighting scenes, powerful enemies,humour and more. Can’t wait for the next one
August 21, 2025
this was probably one of the best sequels I've read. if you're looking for something action-packed with character development, pick this! you won't regret giving this genre a try.
thank you to J.F. Lee, for this free copy. my thoughts are my own.
thank you to J.F. Lee, for this free copy. my thoughts are my own.
October 22, 2025
i enjoyed this one better then the first one which keep me coming back form more. I did think if i was Lin Ming i cut my lost when Shu Yan when there separated from eachother but we wont have this story if he did. so happy this was an omibus because i can just read right through the next book.
September 6, 2021
Great story! Looking forward to the third part!
Love all the traditions and Chinese used in the books! I needed to read new wuxia novels. These have been great so far!
Love all the traditions and Chinese used in the books! I needed to read new wuxia novels. These have been great so far!
August 21, 2025
worth the read! I enjoyed it.
August 22, 2025
This book was amazing, absolutely recommend it to everyone!
the magistrate (my favorite character) make a appearance in this one too, I was so happy 😊
the magistrate (my favorite character) make a appearance in this one too, I was so happy 😊
August 20, 2021
While I described the first volume in this series as a gentle introduction to the wuxia genre, the second takes the story to an entirely new level. Following directly on the cliff-hanger of the first volume, this second entry in JF Lee's beautiful crafted world builds on the mystery, introducing nuance and intrigue that, honestly, I did not originally expect. I'd love to see this world some day as a video game or a movie.
I can see now this story of Shu Yan and the Swordsman has a depth to it that will leave you wanting to walk the same streets, ride the same boats and maybe... run across the same roofs.
I can see now this story of Shu Yan and the Swordsman has a depth to it that will leave you wanting to walk the same streets, ride the same boats and maybe... run across the same roofs.
November 5, 2025
Edited 11-04-2025
Still love this book.
I was a bit nervous to get into this book. After the first one and not being the biggest fan of it, I wasn't sure if I should continue. But there were plot points I really wanted to get to and figure out what happened to Shu Yan.
I can say with 100% certainty that I LOVE this book! I felt that everything I didn't like in the first book wasn't an issue in this one. First off, I got to know the characters much better. Instead of only getting surface level information, I got genuine backstories. There was genuine character growth. Li Ming calling Shu Yan his daughter was just so sweet! Had me clapping my hands!!
Shu Yan grew so much because of the circumstances she found herself in, yet she stayed the sassy girl I loved in book 1. The villian became an active part of the book instead of the vague figure that he was in book 1. He added so much tension and mystery to this one.
I'm so glad I took the chance and continued on with the series! There is so much more plot to this one, and the nuances spread throughout the story made it so much better. I very much enjoyed the writing, the action, the characters, everything!! 5/5 for book 2 of the Swordsman series!!
Still love this book.
I was a bit nervous to get into this book. After the first one and not being the biggest fan of it, I wasn't sure if I should continue. But there were plot points I really wanted to get to and figure out what happened to Shu Yan.
I can say with 100% certainty that I LOVE this book! I felt that everything I didn't like in the first book wasn't an issue in this one. First off, I got to know the characters much better. Instead of only getting surface level information, I got genuine backstories. There was genuine character growth. Li Ming calling Shu Yan his daughter was just so sweet! Had me clapping my hands!!
Shu Yan grew so much because of the circumstances she found herself in, yet she stayed the sassy girl I loved in book 1. The villian became an active part of the book instead of the vague figure that he was in book 1. He added so much tension and mystery to this one.
I'm so glad I took the chance and continued on with the series! There is so much more plot to this one, and the nuances spread throughout the story made it so much better. I very much enjoyed the writing, the action, the characters, everything!! 5/5 for book 2 of the Swordsman series!!
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