Helpful Score: 2
Reviewed by Jessica Cave for TeensReadToo.com
Shannon Hale's BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS is a riveting read that allows you to see into the soul of a young girl.
Angry at her for not marrying the ruler of a nearby kingdom, Lady Saren's father locks her and her maid in a tower. He plans to leave them there for seven years. It is Dashti, the maid's, responsibility to keep them fed and in good condition, no matter how hot or how cold it may be.
With evil lords, unresponsive guards, and dreamy suitors knocking on their tiny window on a daily basis, they have enough views of outside life to keep living through to the next day. But when all signs of outside human life suddenly vanish, they find themselves in a race against time to save the eight realms and their own lives.
I started and ended this book in a single day (despite having household tasks, homework, and a to-do list longer than it's ever been before). I was caught up in the world of Dashti and her dear Lady Saren. Their tale brought me to tears and made me laugh.
This novel was definitely an enjoyable read that kept me turning pages as fast as I could.
Shannon Hale's BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS is a riveting read that allows you to see into the soul of a young girl.
Angry at her for not marrying the ruler of a nearby kingdom, Lady Saren's father locks her and her maid in a tower. He plans to leave them there for seven years. It is Dashti, the maid's, responsibility to keep them fed and in good condition, no matter how hot or how cold it may be.
With evil lords, unresponsive guards, and dreamy suitors knocking on their tiny window on a daily basis, they have enough views of outside life to keep living through to the next day. But when all signs of outside human life suddenly vanish, they find themselves in a race against time to save the eight realms and their own lives.
I started and ended this book in a single day (despite having household tasks, homework, and a to-do list longer than it's ever been before). I was caught up in the world of Dashti and her dear Lady Saren. Their tale brought me to tears and made me laugh.
This novel was definitely an enjoyable read that kept me turning pages as fast as I could.
Helpful Score: 2
As much as I enjoyed the story, I also have to give the book a few extra brownie points for its unique presentation. It's written as a journal from the first person perspective of the main character, which you might not think is so out of the ordinary at first. The unique thing about this story, though, is that the physical book journeys with the main character through her ordeals, and plays a major role in how the story turns out, including being entered as evidence in a court trial. I appreciate the nuance.
Helpful Score: 2
This story is divided into 2 parts: Dashti and Saren's time in the tower and the time after they leave the tower. It was really difficult for me to stay interested in the first part. Based on other reviews, I decided to give it at least 100 pages and I'm glad I did. I found the second part to be much better than the first. It's in the category of y-a fiction and is perfect for that audience. Adults might find it juvenile at times. All told it was a good story.
Helpful Score: 2
Another excellent fairy tale retelling by Shannon Hale! This one is based on the Grimms "Maid Maleen", which I had never heard of, but that did not detract one bit from my enjoyment. Dashti, an orphan "mucker" or healer girl from the Mongolian steppes, goes to the city to make a living after her mother dies. She end up a ladies' maid to the Lord's daughter and stays with her mistress when she is condemned to be bricked up in a tower for 7 years for disobeying her father's command to marry a cruel neighboring lord. They eventually escape and must find their way through a war-ravaged land. Hale's stories are full of magical realism and adventure, and have a way of sweeping you up into strange and beautiful lands full of fascinating people.
Helpful Score: 1
This is an excellent story! The characters are captivating. This is a remake of a classic Brothers Grimm Fairytale.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book because it was one of the nominees for the Maine Student Book Awards. The story was excellent. It is well worth the read.
Absolutely fantastic! I loved it.
Fun quick read. Story of a not so well known fairy tale.
First of Shannon's books that I've read, ok correction listened too. My daughter has read them all and I was curious what had drawn her to this author. Don't get me wrong I'm concerned on what my children read.. and had not a true treasure suggested it.. I would of taken a closer look. I wish I'd taken interest sooner.. sadly lost time.
Loved this book!! Written in journal form which I wasn't use too but it worked well for this author. Some very great teaching moments in my opinion but I'm sure my daughter didn't even notice. (Maybe subliminal ha ha.) Take a moment and read it.. you'll be glad you did.
Loved this book!! Written in journal form which I wasn't use too but it worked well for this author. Some very great teaching moments in my opinion but I'm sure my daughter didn't even notice. (Maybe subliminal ha ha.) Take a moment and read it.. you'll be glad you did.
The cover of this book is a door. As you open it you step into a world. You are Dashti, the mucker maid, in the tower. The characters are complex, not perfect, but lovable. I love the gods and the beliefs of the people in the eight realms. Again Shannon Hale writes beautifully.
Book"Hale has created a richly imagined, mythical land...It's a highly successful romance." School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Book"Hale has created a richly imagined, mythical land...It's a highly successful romance." School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
I thouroughly enjoyed this book. I really liked the story and the way that it was told in journal form. It was a very fast and fun read. I would recommend this anyone.
Although I didn't know it when I originally chose to read the book, this story is based on a little known fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, the same people who brought us the likes of Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, and many others. As one might expect, the tale is as inviting as the others, and I found myself pulled in by the story.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=784
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=784
This is one of the loveliest books I've read this year. Based on a fairy tale, Maid Maleen, from the Grimm brothers it has touches of Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford. Yes, I found these facts in the author's acknowledgments.
Yet this tale is a story of its own that touches the hearts of those who read it. It's a story of struggle for life, one of true friendship and a romance. And, it includes a character any reader will hate named Khasar, a gentry ruler whose aims are to capture and rule the world in which he lives. He'll kill anyone who gets in his way. At times I found myself wondering why I was reading this fantasy. It wasn't until I reached the last chapter that I knew what a gift the author gave her readers. I can't help thanking her for such a captivating tale. Read it and judge for yourself.
Yet this tale is a story of its own that touches the hearts of those who read it. It's a story of struggle for life, one of true friendship and a romance. And, it includes a character any reader will hate named Khasar, a gentry ruler whose aims are to capture and rule the world in which he lives. He'll kill anyone who gets in his way. At times I found myself wondering why I was reading this fantasy. It wasn't until I reached the last chapter that I knew what a gift the author gave her readers. I can't help thanking her for such a captivating tale. Read it and judge for yourself.
Interesting read, never heard the tale from the Grimm brothers before. I liked the journal style, it was clear who was "talking" the whole time. Dashti is a great character, committed to her role as a maid but not without her own strengths. She serves Saren but thinks too. I really like Tegus as well. I think I would go insane in a tower without a view of outside which is crazy because I love to be at home reading and not looking outside. Quick read and I liked the ending.
