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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!
This book was beautiful!
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
shea_proulx's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
melrosebreed's review
3.0
Closer to 3.5 Some parts I loved, but I never felt swept up in an urgency to continue.
chelsss_ann's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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? No
4.0
Funny story before I begin my review - I brought some of my old books home after dinner at my grandpa's last week and today when I unpacked them, I found a physical copy of this book! I apparently have wanted to read this for a while, so I'm glad I finally got around to it!
My first and only criticism of this book is something that the author could have done nothing about. It's all on me. I should not have listened to this book. I should have definitely waited for a copy from the library (or just put my books away sooner and read the one I own). The weaving of history with fiction and myth was just a bit too complex for the head space I'm in right now. But even with not being in the right headspace, this book was beautifully written.
I'm going to have to read more by this author and others with a differing perspective on WWII. We get so many that are written about the US and Europe, but this is the first I've read from the perspective of China. Between that and learning more about Chinese legends and spirits, I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to Janie Chang's newest book, The Phoenix Crown (with Kate Quinn), even more.
My first and only criticism of this book is something that the author could have done nothing about. It's all on me. I should not have listened to this book. I should have definitely waited for a copy from the library (or just put my books away sooner and read the one I own). The weaving of history with fiction and myth was just a bit too complex for the head space I'm in right now. But even with not being in the right headspace, this book was beautifully written.
I'm going to have to read more by this author and others with a differing perspective on WWII. We get so many that are written about the US and Europe, but this is the first I've read from the perspective of China. Between that and learning more about Chinese legends and spirits, I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to Janie Chang's newest book, The Phoenix Crown (with Kate Quinn), even more.
gwalt118's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It is a love story. It is a reimagining of cultural folklore and myth (think Katherine Arden). It is historical fiction, based on events I didn't know anything about before reading this book. It is full of strong people - particularly women - who defy the odds in front of them. The characters are dynamic, and the book is driven by a consistent, forward-moving plot.
The last third of the book is certainly the best part. I was kind of wavering with it in the middle third, but I was so invested in the story that I wanted to see how it ended...and then it really came together at the end in a way that sort of saved the book for me.
I hesitated to read this book at this time because it is about war and there's a pandemic going on. I admit it was sort of odd to read about Wuhan at this time (!), but the war is not really the focus of the book. The book is much more about the characters' experience during war, and there is a lot more hope than despair in the novel.
I appreciated Chang's exploration of class in the novel, especially among political upheaval. Lian and Shao come from very different backgrounds and the way their relationship evolves around these differences was an intriguing subplot throughout the novel. That's one aspect of the book that will probably stay with me for some time.
This was my first Janie Chang novel, but I'd love to read more of her work. Once again, I'm grateful to BOTM for introducing me to a great author and providing me with the opportunity to read the book one month before official publication.
The last third of the book is certainly the best part. I was kind of wavering with it in the middle third, but I was so invested in the story that I wanted to see how it ended...and then it really came together at the end in a way that sort of saved the book for me.
I hesitated to read this book at this time because it is about war and there's a pandemic going on. I admit it was sort of odd to read about Wuhan at this time (!), but the war is not really the focus of the book. The book is much more about the characters' experience during war, and there is a lot more hope than despair in the novel.
I appreciated Chang's exploration of class in the novel, especially among political upheaval. Lian and Shao come from very different backgrounds and the way their relationship evolves around these differences was an intriguing subplot throughout the novel. That's one aspect of the book that will probably stay with me for some time.
This was my first Janie Chang novel, but I'd love to read more of her work. Once again, I'm grateful to BOTM for introducing me to a great author and providing me with the opportunity to read the book one month before official publication.