I really wanted to love this one more than I did, but it fell short for me. On the surface, this book sounds spectacular: an epic journey across China, based on true events during the late 1930s, with an element of magic added in. I am still in awe over how hundreds of Chinese university students had the strength and courage to make this journey largely by foot to shelter from the war with Japan.

That said, this felt like two books that don't fit together cohesively, despite having the same characters. In the first half, the students are making their way to their final destination. You follow Shao and Lian the closest throughout, though are exposed to several secondary characters that they are friends with. Their determination is admirable, though so much is crammed into this first half that many events (especially the more horrific ones like the bombings they experience) feel glossed over. Then, partway through, Shao and Lian head back to Shanghai to rescue a friend and see a sick family member. Suddenly, the book isn't about their journey but about their time in Shanghai, in the international sector that is relatively safe from the war. All of the sudden, it is as if the war isn't happening any longer and the biggest concern are this friend and family member. There are vague mentions of the university students who have continued their journey but the second half felt so separate from the first.

The magical elements also felt very forced. I liked the idea of these heavenly creatures being a part of our world, but it didn't feel like it added much to the story.

Overall, I had high expectations for this book and was a bit let down by how it ultimately turned out.

3 stars