Book Review: Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
Published On: September 15, 2009
Genres: Fairy Tale, Retelling, Young Adult
Source: Purchased

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The Short, Sweet, and Spoiler-Free Blurb:

When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years for Saren’s refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment. With Shannon Hale’s lyrical language, this forgotten but classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is reimagined and reset on the central Asian steppes; it is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise.

The first thing that I loved about this book was the writing style. I was immediately immersed in this journal from a maid that felt so authentic.  The maid also had me laughing with her honesty. The mythology was so beautiful and unique. I knew where I hoped the plot would go, but I honestly couldn’t tell if that was going to happen. I love it when books make the happily-ever-after impossible! I really connected with the maid who was narrating and felt everything she did. This isn’t really a fairy-tale re-telling.  It’s more like the author was inspired by fairy tales and made them her own. Romance, danger, amazing characters, wonderful mythology, and a strong voice  all kept me up well into the night. I feel a little speechless after finishing it.

Content Rating: Mild, for some very minor violence.