Tienkuo: The Heavenly Kingdom
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Tienkuo: The Heavenly Kingdom Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Li Bo (Author), Jack Nolan (Narrator), Steven A. Leibo (Publisher)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 155 ratings
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In Tienkuo: The Heavenly Kingdom, author Li Bo has drawn on his knowledge of East Asian civilization to transport listeners to 19th-century China. There a massive civil war is tearing the Qing dynasty apart.

At the heart of the rebellion is the mysterious Taiping Tienkuo, the Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace. The Heavenly Kingdom is the center for the Taipings, a religious and political movement determined to overthrow Confucian rule and establish a government based on semi-Christian beliefs. Leading the revolt is a man who claims to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ himself.

The Heavenly Kingdom is home to the devout, the zealous, and the courageous. Some regard them as mere rebels but others as visionaries.

For Jason Brandt, the son of a Hong Kong missionary, the Heavenly Kingdom holds an undeniable allure. Accompanied by his best friend, Wu Sek-chong, and the beautiful and stubborn Black Jade, the young man sets off to see the Heavenly Kingdom for himself.

In the great journey ahead, all three travelers will be tested as they confront their hidden desires and doubts. Could there be catastrophic consequences in the gripping adventure unfolding before them?

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  1. Listening Length
    7 hours and 31 minutes
  2. Author
    Li Bo
  3. Narrator
    Jack Nolan
  4. Audible release date
    September 5, 2017
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Steven A. Leibo
  7. ASIN
    B0757877G5
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 7 hours and 31 minutes
Author Li Bo
Narrator Jack Nolan
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 05, 2017
Publisher Steven A. Leibo
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0757877G5
Best Sellers Rank #464,721 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#373 in Chinese History (Audible Books & Originals)
#31,638 in Historical Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#183,217 in Historical Fiction (Books)

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
155 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

NH Buyer
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging work of historical fiction set in the tumultuous period of 19th Century China
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2020
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I am a huge fan of historical fiction novels and I thoroughly enjoyed this book because I learned so much about an era about which I was thoroughly ignorant. For example, I never knew that there was a religious movement in China led by a man who claimed to be the brother of Jesus Christ! The author deals with complex topics such as Chinese culture, interpersonal relationships (yes, there is love involved!), religion, and politics in such an engaging manner that the reader is drawn into the protagonist’s world effortlessly. Thus, the reader is able to experience the tumultuous 19th Century China from an outsider’s perspective, as well as from that of the native Chinese. To me, this was an impressive, extremely well-researched adventurous love story.

I gave the book a 5-star rating because I just learned so darn much about the Chinese culture, customs, and historical events of that time period! I suggest that the reader to search out the history of the Taipings before reading the book (just a suggestion!). All along I thought they were a figment of the writer’s imagination…but when I understood that they really existed, the book took on new and deeper meaning for me and held my interest to the end. I see that there is a follow-up volume to this first book so I look forward to reading that one as well!
3 people found this helpful
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Karen L.
4.0 out of 5 stars I enjoy reading about China
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2017
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I enjoy reading about China, so this book was of interest to me. I did not know anything about the Taiping revolution. So I was happy to learn something of it. The writer obviously is very knowledgeable about Chinese history, as there is a great deal of historical detail, including the setting and characters in the story. Of course, the story is fiction, so some license was probably taken. Often, in my reading, I go backwards in history, and this is the case with this book. I have read many books pertaining to 20th century China, so it was interesting to read what came before in the 19th century and what set the stage for the events of the next century. I know the writer is a Professor of Political Science, so it is very impressive that he is able to write so well in the genre of fiction. It is no easy feat to create a story, with protagonists, problems, conflicts, characters who go against the protagonist (antagonists), resolution, etc. The storyline has to hold the interest of the reader and be suspenseful yet plausible. Li Bo has accomplished all of these aspects.
8 people found this helpful
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Moshe Michel Werber
5.0 out of 5 stars In this historical novel, the author imbeds the plot in a background of a religion conflict
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2019
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In this historical novel, the author imbeds the plot of his novel in a background of one of China’s most tumultuous periods, when the Christian missionaries, backed by the Western military forces fight the followers of the newly created Chinese religion, the Taipings. The author has researched this topic in his professional work as a historian, but what is remarkable in this book, is the combination of the historical context with the plot, where we meet authentic characters, such as Prosper Giquel, involved with imaginary personages. The author thus displays a great talent for fiction literature and the result is a thrilling well-written story.
3 people found this helpful
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3.0 out of 5 stars A good book
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2019
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This was a very different story from my usual books. I enjoyed the knowledge about China and religion in earlier times. I learned a lot. I had no idea of all the history. I liked the woman character was strong, independent, and smart. I enjoyed reading this story.
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Angie K
5.0 out of 5 stars Riveting writing
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2021
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This book was thought provoking and action packed. I recommend this book to anyone seeking a better understanding of Chinese culture and the role religion plays on humanity. It’s a beautiful read.
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Very well done!
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2018
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I have to say I feel a bit silly writing, "very well done!" to a Harvard Associate Researcher... I feel even more silly admitting I read this book immediately after reading Kevin Kwan's first two books, Crazy Rich Asians and Crazy Rich Girlfriend. Talk about culture shock -
What a difference 100+ years can make! FYI, there are absolutely zero comparisons between these two author's works.
I has to keep reminding myself that the characters in Dr. (?why not?) Bo's book were fictitious. The book reminded me of Hudson Taylor's biography that I read in grade school and re-read a few years ago.
Great read and a great history lesson!
One person found this helpful
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David
5.0 out of 5 stars Adding to my education...
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2017
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What a delightful novel! Having never learned about this time period in my own schooling, I found this a wonderful way to breathe life into my own ignorance. Just as Abraham Lincoln used story-telling to educate those around him, so does Li Bo employ his protagonist, Jason, to teach us about nineteenth century China.

Required reading for students of history!
8 people found this helpful
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Kathy from CA
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Historical Picture of Asia
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
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I was reminded of some of Pearl Buck's writings. Like hers, the story telling in this book is very accurate of the times. It is a wonderful story with believable characters and a strong, interesting plot.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Janice J. Richardson
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging historical fiction
Reviewed in Canada on August 26, 2020
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Reading this scholar's work felt like reading Pearl Buck. While PB's works may not be loved by all, she is one of my favourites. The reader is transported to China and lives the story. Tienko: The Heavenly Kingdom provides the same experience. Given the author's background and education, it is easy to get caught up in this story, the sights, the culture and the experiences of the protagonists become real.
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HARRY ADAMS
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2015
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This book was really good and sometimes funny It is well worth the reading
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