This is a compilation of 3 books Stabenow previously wrote. It is the story of Johanna, granddaughter of Marco Polo. The tale begins in 1292 while Polo still resides in Cambaluc(what we know as The Forbidden City), then follows the life of, first her mother and father and then Johanna after she loses them both. With only 2 dear foster siblings left to trust, Johanna flees down the Silk Road she traveled so many times with her parents.The journey spans over 3 decades and is rife with battles and intrigue. There was a bit of everything in this book: history, mystery and romance(beware: the author dives into raving sex scenes once or twice, but they can be avoided.)

I really enjoyed reading this and I am glad I had the 3 books together I would have been antsy waiting to finish the story. There was a decent glossary at the back, but I think it could have been better. Also, the author gets a bit snarky in one of then entries("my book, my rules") and I did not like it.

I wanted to give the book 5 stars, but I found too many areas and cultures that should have been researched more, or the editor should have stepped in and made corrections. My review Ms. Stabenow-My Rules! ( )

There’s something about the Silk Road that sparks off a latent dream of adventure deep inside me. One day I’d love to travel through these souks and caravanserais and to visit Samarkand, but for now I have to restrict myself to my imagination. And this wonderful book gave me ample opportunity for that. It’s a sprawling adventure, epic in every way, that crosses the breadth of the known world in the 14th century. Our heroine is Wu Johanna, the remarkable (and fictional) granddaughter of Marco Polo. Like a fairytale heroine, the orphaned Joanna escapes her wicked stepmother – and her ardent suitor – to follow her heart and heritage as a merchant on the trade routes of Asia. Dreaming of finding her grandfather, she presses further and further west with her small but loyal band of friends and family – and one very splendid horse. This is a super book, full of scents and spices and adventure, set in a most unfamiliar period of history, and with a very determined heroine at its heart. It’s a winner on all counts...

For the full review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2018/11/08/silk-and-song-dana-stabenow/ ( )