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  • The Library of Legends

  • A Novel
  • Written by: Janie Chang
  • Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
  • Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (13 ratings)

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The Library of Legends

Written by: Janie Chang
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
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Publisher's Summary

From the author of Three Souls and Dragon Springs Road comes a captivating historical novel in which a convoy of student refugees travel across China, fleeing the hostilities of a brutal war with Japan

"Myths are the darkest and brightest incarnations of who we are...."

China, 1937.

When Japanese bombs begin falling on the city of Nanking, 19-year-old Hu Lian and her classmates at Minghua University are ordered to flee. Lian and a convoy of students, faculty, and staff must walk 1,000 miles to the safety of China's western provinces, a journey marred by the constant threat of aerial attack. And it is not just the refugees who are at risk; Lian and her classmates have been entrusted with a priceless treasure: a 500-year-old collection of myths and folklore known as the Library of Legends.  

The students' common duty to safeguard the Library of Legends creates unexpected bonds. Lian becomes friends and forms a cautious romance with the handsome and wealthy Liu Shaoming. But after one classmate is arrested and another one is murdered, Lian realizes she must escape before a family secret puts her in danger, too. Accompanied by Shao and his enigmatic maidservant, Sparrow, Lian makes her way to Shanghai in the hopes of reuniting with her mother.  

During the journey, Lian learns of the connection between her two companions and a tale from the Library of Legends, The Willow Star and the Prince. This revelation comes with profound consequences, for as the ancient books travel across China, they awaken immortals and guardian spirits who embark on an exodus of their own, one that will change the country's fate forever.

©2020 Janie Chang (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The Library of Legends

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I enjoyed the story immensely

Very interesting story I thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrator has a pleasant easy to listen to voice. Definitely worth the listen.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Well researched and written

I very much enjoyed this book! The historical details are well-researched making the story interesting and fascinating. Perfect for a summer time book, or any time of year. I was disappointment when I came to the end of the book because I was still interested and engaged in the story. Highly recommended!

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Plodding

Seems as if the author couldn’t decide whether she was writing a historical fiction or a fantasy. Not a bad story, but slow moving throughout. Performance was okay, but I sped the narration to 1.3 because of a combination of slow talk and meandering storyline.

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