Readers of espionage novels may well be the most dedicated fans of any genre in the world. This certainly makes sense: compared to other suspenseful works of fiction, spy novels not only contain just as many conspiracies, lies, traps, and riddles, but are also often linked to wider subjects such as history, politics, and even the fate of entire nations and ethnic groups. These stories demand courage and intelligence from their readers, and often contain a mixture of combat, adventure, and the exciting feeling that one is on a mission themselves – all of which make captivating their audience a relatively simple task.

Spy novels typically involve spies or spy agencies, and stories that take place during World War I, World War II, the Cold War, or similar time periods. In the case of Chinese espionage novels, the focus is generally on wartime China during World War II.

One can hardly mention Chinese spy novels without mentioning the author Mai Jia; but in fact, the genre as a whole is very popular in China, and provides never-ending source material for various movie and television adaptations. Among Mai Jia’s peers in the industry is one author who is just like him, in that every piece of work that this writer creates is quickly turned into a movie or TV show. This person is none other than Hai Fei, whose novel Sparrow deserves a special recommendation of its own.

“Sparrow” is the codename for an undercover secret agent in 1940s Shanghai, working as a spy for the Chinese Communist Party within the Wang Jingwei-led puppet government. Sparrows exist in a state of constant motion, gathering then dispersing; they carry out their small tasks very quickly, and operate in such a nimble manner that their enemies can never find the source of their constant vexation. The book’s protagonist is no different: his whereabouts are constantly changing, never staying the same for too long. Though sparrows might be small, their vitality is near-limitless: even if some sparrows are shot out of the sky, it is impossible to kill all of them -- and more birds will always come to take the place of their fallen comrades.

About the book

At the outbreak of the Second World War, a puppet government supported by Japanese invading forces called the Wang Jingwei regime is established in eastern China. The regime establishes a Special Operations Team in Shanghai, led by former Kuomintang officer Bi Zhongliang. Working as associates for the Japanese invading forces, the Special Operations Team roams the streets of Shanghai with impunity, rounding up anyone who resists against the Japanese.

Chen Shen, codenamed “Sparrow,” has temporarily lost contact with his Chinese Communist Party unit. He goes undercover by disguising himself as a lowlife, and begins to work side by side with Bi Zhongliang. When his plan to save the “Prime Minister” fails, Chen is handed over to a new contact person, “the Doctor,” who orders Chen to obtain a crucial war plan drafted by the Japanese, code named “Zero Out”...

Unique Charms of This Tale of Espionage

The Vivid Portrayal of Different Characters Under Difficult Circumstances

The secret agents found in espionage novels often have high-IQ, logical thought processes, expertly-trained professionalism, reserves of willpower to accomplish their goals, rapid-response problem solving, and adaptability, to the point that the reader will be stunned by their formidable strength.

Of course, it’s also natural for people to exhibit all sorts of different behaviors, especially amidst the chaos of war; and thus it becomes important, in turn, for the novel to reflect this diversity in its characters.

Chen Shen, a suave people-pleaser, whose unruly exterior belies an unwavering commitment to his mission;

The meticulous thinker Bi Zhongliang, who loves his comrades like brothers, even as he suspects them of betrayal;

The pure and un-spy like Xu Bicheng, who protects those she loves in her own sort of way;

The worldly, experienced Meina, who is drawn to love like a moth to a flame...

A Constant Page-Turner

As each party’s interests intertwine, the situation grows ever more volatile.

When enemies set trap after trap for each other, how can anyone possible escape?

Is the betrayal of a trusted comrade just that and nothing more, or is it a ploy to become a double agent?

Will long-held convictions waver when emotions run hot?

To which agents do the mysterious codenames correspond?

And what on earth is the top-secret plan concerning the fate of a nation?

REVIEWS

‘This is top-notch espionage fiction. Hai Fei has reached a new level of success. I would not be surprised if he becomes even more successful.’

- MAI JIA，author of The Decoded

“Hai Fei’s writing exhibits both subtle beauty and brutal imagination; calmly suffocating, it still somehow draws you in until you become obsessed with it.”

– Jin Chen, Director of the Sparrow television series

“In portraying the complexity of human nature under extraordinary circumstances, Sparrow exceeds all expectations. Likewise, in his portrayal of characters who exhibit greatness in the face of impossible odds, Hai Fei demonstrates his own complicated and exacting imaginative powers. As such, Sparrow is a work that sits alone above the rest of the espionage genre.”

– Zhang Luyi, actor who played the role of Bi Zhongliang in the Sparrow television series

Hai Fei’s World of Espionage

TV Series

Extraordinary ratings and high praise

According to the city and online day ratings by CSM52, Sparrow was the second most popular series of the year, being the most-watched show for 37 days.

The season finale broke a record for the highest rating in a single day for a single episode.

The series was streamed online more than 10 billion times.

Awards

16th New Weekly Magazine New Television Series

Anhui Satellite TV National Drama Festival Television Series Award

University Student Favorite Television Series Brand Award

September 2021 will mark five years since the first airing of the Sparrow TV series, which served as the tentpole work of the “Hai Fei’s World of Espionage” franchise. Even now, Sparrow is poised to usher in a new universe of content based around its IP: a new Sparrow film series, as well as a Sparrow 2 television series, are both currently in production at the time of this writing.

Rights Sold: Thai