review 1: I loved Under Heaven, but I wasn't as enthusiastic about River of Stars. I thought it would continue the story but it's completely a new story on its own. River of Stars is more of a Chinese history lesson. Still a good read but the relationships between the characters were not as deep or interesting as in the previous book. There are many characters and it's difficult to keep track of the plot from chapter to chapter. review 2: So far, nothing has compared to The first book of Kay's that I read, Sailing to Sarantium. He sticks generally to the same themes, individuals trying to create meaning in their lives in the shadow of once-great empires, but this book is more sprawling and repetitious. I think he needs an editor. Still, well worth a read if you don't... more mind being melancholy for a few days. And it made me want to finish Tale of Genji. less
