The Library Of Legends

by Janie Chang
The Library Of Legends cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 7013
  • Added: 2025-12-08
  • Updated: 2025-12-08
  • ISBN: 9780062851512
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2020-05-12
  • Reviews: 3

In 1937, as the Japanese invade Nanking, Hu Lian and her classmates from Minghua University embark on a perilous journey to escape the conflict. Carrying with them the Library of Legends, a 500-year-old collection of myths and folklore, they face hunger, cold, and the constant threat of aerial attacks. Along the way, Lian finds friendship and romance with Liu Shaoming, but their journey is fraught with danger and secrets that could put them all at risk./n/nAs the students travel across China, the ancient books they carry awaken immortals and guardian spirits, setting off an exodus that changes the country's fate forever. Lian's journey is not just a physical one but also a spiritual and emotional one, as she learns about the true identities of her companions and confronts her feelings for Shao.

Reviews
Amanda's Book Corner · Amanda · 2020-11-06
enlightening 4.00

The book is an interesting and illuminating story that weaves in more actual history than initially realized. It offers a unique blend of historical fiction and mythology.

Amanda found The Library of Legends to be a captivating read that skillfully integrates historical events with mythological elements. She appreciated how the narrative brought to light aspects of Chinese history that were new and refreshing. The characters, each with their own unique backstories, added depth to the story, making it both educational and engaging. Amanda particularly enjoyed how the book balanced historical facts with a touch of magic, creating a rich and immersive experience for the reader.

Quick quotes

    The Library of Legends is an interesting and illuminating story, and it weaves in more actual history than I initially realized.

    In fact, I was surprised by how much history was woven into the narrative.

    The characters themselves were interesting and brought unique backstories to the narrative.

Madame Writer Blog · Madame Writer · 2020-06-24
evocative 4.50

The book is a lush historical novel that draws on the dark history of the Japanese invasion of China and Chinese mythology. The blend of history and myth creates a unique and engaging narrative.

Madame Writer praised The Library of Legends for its lush and evocative prose, which effectively drew the reader into the historical setting. They appreciated how the book seamlessly blended historical events with elements of Chinese mythology, creating a unique and engaging narrative. The dark history of the Japanese invasion of China was handled with sensitivity and depth, adding a layer of emotional resonance to the story. Madame Writer also noted that the characters were well-crafted, each bringing their own unique perspectives and backstories to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    Set in the 1930's, this lush historical novel draws on the dark history of the Japanese invasion of China and Chinese mythology.

    The blend of history and myth creates a unique and engaging narrative.

    The characters were well-crafted, each bringing their own unique perspectives and backstories to the narrative.

The Lit Bitch · The Lit Bitch · 2020-05-12
compelling 3.50

The history in the book was new and refreshing, and the characters were interesting with unique backstories. However, the pacing felt uneven at times.

The Lit Bitch highlighted that the historical aspects of The Library of Legends were particularly compelling, offering a fresh perspective on a lesser-known period. The characters were well-developed, each contributing their own unique stories to the overarching narrative. However, they noted that the pacing of the book could be uneven, with some parts feeling rushed while others dragged. Despite this, the blend of history and mythology created a rich tapestry that kept them engaged throughout.

Quick quotes

    The history alone was new and refreshing for me.

    The characters themselves were interesting and brought unique backstories to the narrative.

    It was a bit uneven in pacing, but overall, it was a compelling read.

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