Reviews with content warning for War - The Library of Legends

I found this book ages ago on a list of books recommended if you liked Outlander, and I can definitely see why. Both books are historical fiction with well-written female MCs and fantasy elements that don't dominate the story but add so much depth and richness to it.

The Library of Legends was such a beautiful premise that immediately intrigued me at the beginning. But it didn't take long for the rest of the book, Lian's story with her mother, Sparrow and Shao's relationship, and the budding something brewing between Shao and Lian to pull me in. The historical setting was definitely the best part though. This isn't a time period, place, or series of events that I know anything at all about really, so I learned a lot and was able to really put myself in their shoes (with canvas sandals attached) and see this history in such a new light.

Quotes:

"Maybe it's because legends are truer to our natures than serious literature. Maybe myths and legends reveal more about us than poetry or epic histories." (39)
"Myths are the darkest and brightest incarnations of who we are. They slip into our dreams and underpin our reality." (39)
"Right now, they mourn the homes and possessions they had to leave behind...But soon, even though they can't put it into words, they'll understand they've also left behind the places that defined them. Where they were known because of their families and professions. Where they had a place in the world." (40)
"When the dragon wings of disaster rush at you... You always believe yours will be the one house left untouched by the storm. You invest in one dubious scheme after another, never learning from past mistakes. You trust that a husband might stop drinking or a lazy son finally discover ambition."
"So have you given up on us," he'd said, "we mortals and our many failures?"
"Worse than that, Professor." A wry smile. "I've learned to hope." (53)
None of those people had gone to war but it had devoured them just the same. So many deaths, rendered anonymous by the sheer number of victims. (165)
A record of all that had been wondrous in China. A record protected by the gods so they would be remembered even after they were no longer worshiped, no longer needed. A record the gods now depended on mortals to preserve. Mortals who had never seen a herd of qilin awaken spring as they dashed into the woods. Or watched a Star live out her lonely, patient quest. (356)

Content Warnings

gaya3_'s review

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

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

4.25

Paints a beautiful picture of the trauma, sadness and apathy that come with war. The paint also adds color to the hope that the recovery after is so full of love

Content Warnings