The Cultural Revolution in China is an interesting time for the setting of this book. Using it as background, we meet characters who were born wealthy as well as a boy who economic status was so low he felt the revolution would improve his family's life. Althouigh I am familiar with the Cultural Revolution, putting the devastation on such personal levels as this novel does, helps reinforce how much the Chinese people have been through.

I LOVED this book! This book is the prequel to the Scavenger's Daughter series and gives readers more insight into how the main character, Benfu, and how he became the man he is in the rest of the series. One does not need to have read the previous books to read this book as it does not give away any spoilers for the rest of the series.

This book is set during the Cultural Revolution in China, when China was in turmoil during Mao's was ruling China. When people lived in fear and uncertainty. Kay incorporated China's rich history into the book, making one really feel how the people felt who were living through this time of unrest. We feel the emotions that the characters feel, we feel their fear, their heartache and sense of loss.

I loved how this book answered questions as to why Benfu became the type of person he is in the series. He and his friend, Pony Boy, best friends from different backgrounds find that common thread that bonds them together. Benfu's family is wealthy, he is growing up with privilege and expectation set by parents, ones he must honor. He knows his parents love him, but outward display of affection are not the norm for his family. Pony Boy's family, on the other hand, is poor but what they don't have with money, they make up in love. Their home is filled with love, respect and affection. Benfu sees the differences and yearns for that relationship with his parents that Pony Boy has with his.

I could go on and on about this book as I loved it. I love Benfu and his amazing spirit and his big heart. I loved reading about him as a teen and young adult as I have felt so connected to his character in this series. Please read this book...and the Scavenger's Daughters series.

Note: I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

Kay Bratt does not disappoint in this installment of her Scavenger's Daughters series. It gives a wealth of information that brought Callie and Benfu to where they are in present time. I stayed up late a few nights because I could not put it down. I hope that Mrs. Bratt will continue to add to her portfolio because she is a very talented weaver of stories.