Reviews

The Library of Legends by Janie Chang

odorothy's review

adventurous inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

ninacharlem's review

4.0

Slow start, but the last third of the book was fantastic. A book hasn't made me cry in years, but this one made me sob over the bittersweet ending. The hardships of war, the fear of a harsh political landscape, and the cultural significance of ancient China colliding with the 20th century were conveyed so beautifully.

lymadebell's review against another edition

adventurous sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

An interesting historical fiction about a time when Japan was attacking China and there was mass immigrant movement across China to get to safer places. This book is also full of magical realism, I would say. There's a star in people shape, There's gods and goddesses traveling through the world to get back to the Gates of heaven. It's interesting but pretty slow paced as not much happens really with the movement of basically refugees from one part of China to another part of China. There's a lot of walking so they do try and try and change it up to give more interest to the story but I didn't feel like it was terribly exciting, other than some of the parts with the Legends and myth cha acters coming out of the Library of Legends book which is sort of intriguing. Overall, it's another story I've heard before, but still the traveling kind of drags on you and makes the book feel a little bit longer than it should. The ending ties everything up in a nice sweet bow. So if you're looking for something that is historical fiction but still has a lightness that doesn't make it feel too heavy, this is a book for you.

steph_etleslivres's review

adventurous hopeful inspiring medium-paced

3.5

rcrikkit's review against another edition

5.0

I thought this was beautiful, and I loved the legends and the journeys we followed. I did tear up at the end, and I was satisfied with how things were tied up. I had no idea of the history of China at that time, and having it mixed in with supernatural beings was so enjoyable to read.

revengesrose's review

adventurous sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

jozie_bookshelf's review against another edition

emotional informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"Cranes, or at least they look like cranes," the Star said. "They were human once, sages who became immortal through attaining enlightenment. Now they take the form of birds for their journey."

This book was beautiful! 

gitzie98's review

emotional slow-paced

3.0

kellieamosberube's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I loved this book and recommend the reading to anyone. The little bit of lore in it enhances the story

bridget_coe's review

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25