During world War II cousins Birch, Jasmine, and Daisy are each going through so many horrible things, but then we also have Danny who is just trying to survive, as well. When their paths all cross a wonderful heart wrenching story is born.

Wow, this was an amazing and engaging read. I felt so connected to the characters and felt their fear and relief with them. That is the sign of some amazing writing right there. Particularly, I liked close to Jasmine. She was so kind, sweet, and amazing amounts of brave. Even her cousin Daisy was so sweet and pure and kind and I adored these two characters the most. Even though it was bound to happen I believe that the deaths were not just unexpected and thrust in there to get rid of the characters or not really thought out. (A pet peeve for me.)

My only complaint is the fact that sometimes the time would shift forward and there would be no warning as to when it happened or to how far in time that the story was going. That threw me off a couple times until I finally realized.

A warning though that this book has scenes blood, death, rape, and torture so if that is something you can't read then you have been warned. ( )

n the dark days after the Nanjing Massacre, as the Second Sino-Japanese War is turning into World War II, an American pilot crashes into the Chinese countryside. Daisy, her cousin Jasmine and her older brother Birch, have to save the injured pilot, Danny, while trying to protect their homeland in Wings of a Flying Tiger.

The author is very blunt about the upsetting events of the war, especially the Rape of Nanking. Although it’s very well done, both moving and factually accurate, this is your content warning for violence, rape, and cruelty in general. Some of the more disturbing moments were when Jasmine, Father John and Professor Valentine realized they could use their influence to protect a few people from the invading Japanese army, but they couldn’t save the city, and they had to choose who could be saved.

Full review on my book blog!

Jasmine Bai has been sent to live with her aunt, uncle and cousins in Chungking during World War II. Her parents are still in Nanking teaching at a college. As the Japanese close in and the danger intensifies, Jasmine decides to travel to Nanking and convince her parents to leave. Jasmine arrives in Nanking just as the Japanese decide to massacre everyone in their path. Jasmine miraculously survives Nanking after witnessing unspeakable atrocities and reunites with aunt, uncle and cousin in time for the threat of danger to reach Chungking. Jasmine and her cousin, Daisy are sent to a remote country village in western China. Here, Jasmine and Daisy rescue a downed Flying Tiger, Danny. Danny is injured and sick with malaria, with the help of the village doctor, Jasmine and Daisy help care for him. However, the Japanese have heard that the Flying Tiger has been hiding in the Village of Peach Blossoms and will stop at nothing to capture Danny. Jasmine, Daisy and the villagers risk everything to keep Danny safe so he can continue fighting for them.

Wings of a Flying Tiger captured me in the opening scene with Danny's bravery, passion for the cause and immense emotion. I didn't really know about The Flying Tigers and were amazed to learn about these real heroes, a group of American volunteers under of the Chinese Air Force. After that first scene, the perspective is switched to Jasmine for a while. Jasmine is an intelligent young woman who knows what she wants and does it, which is rare for a young woman in China at the time. While I was aware of the Nanking Massacre, the writing of the violence was intense and graphic, however; I'm sure it only conveyed a fraction of the true terror of harrowing reality of those six weeks. I was amazed at the resilience and fortitude of the people who managed to survive. When Danny and Jasmine's stories collide, the danger intensifies but the element of romance is added. They both have an immense amount of respect for each other and the situation that they are in. I was astonished at the collective protection of the town towards Danny and their willingness to do anything to keep him safe for the greater good. The ending is gut wrenching and heartbreaking, showing the true courage of people fighting for their freedom.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ( )

I chose this book due to my interest in the historical fiction war theme in China and wanting to learn more about the Flying Tigers.

The Fei Hu, or Flying Tigers, were the First American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Chinese Air Force in 1941–1942 recruited under presidential authority. The character of Danny is one of those pilots who gets shot down near the small village of Tao Hua Cun—Village of Peach Blossoms where Jasmine and her cousin, Daisy, rescue the hero who risks his life to help China.

The character of Jasmine in Wings of a Flying Tiger is Ms. Yang’s homage to the strong women in her life who overcame cultural barriers and escaped the horrific Nanking Massacre which she depicts in the novel.

"Courage is doing something when you’re scared half to death."

This book is full of heroes. Not only Danny and Jasmine who overcome inconceivable hardships, but the wonderful, supportive characters such as sweet Daisy, Jasmine’s cousin, who would do anything to help Jasmine and Danny, Doctor Wang, the herbalist who provides shelter for Jasmine and provides Danny with the treatments to heal faster, and Daisy’s brother, Birch, who gives Danny the strength he needs to continue.

The story is fast-paced and the historical elements reveal the brutality of war including rape and murder, but most importantly, it reveals the courage and resilience of the Chinese people.

In all, it is an unforgettable, emotionally draining and tragic love story of a young, fearless, Chinese woman and a young, valiant, American pilot who both unselfishly risk their lives many times over to help others.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough! ( )

I had to stop reading this book about ~5% in due to the graphic depictions of violence, death, and sexual violence.

Also confused as to why a person in 1937 would be referring to World War I as World War I, and irritated that two professors are referred to differently based on their gender (Professor Bai vs Mrs. Bai).

Not my cup of tea. ( )