Reviews

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

celittle21's review against another edition

5.0

Fantastic world building and such a unique set of religion/magic. Even with years locked away, it doesn’t feel slow. The ending so cleverly tied different parts together I hadn’t even considered, and made it so satisfying.

audiloohoo's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

x_librarian's review against another edition

4.0

Another great fairy-tale twist by Shannon Hale. I would highly recommend to both fans of Hale and Levine.

ae_oneal's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

shorty_320's review against another edition

5.0

Lady Saran's father, in a fit of anger, locks his daughter and her maid, Dashti, in a tower for seven years. "Book of a Thousand Days" is Dashti's diary of their imprisonment, escape, and the ensuing adventure.

I really enjoyed Hale's retelling of the Grimm's fairy tale, "Maid Maleen," which I was unfamiliar with until this point. I loved that it was written in a diary format (which I am a huge fan of); definitely made the story pass by in no time!

abaugher's review against another edition

5.0

since this appears to be loosely based on a fairy tale, its only fitting that it have a fairy tale ending. I wont give details, its bad enough that i leaked this much info.
a lady and her maid are to be locked in a tower for 7 years because the lady diobeyed her father. talk about overkill. the maid, Dashti, keeps a journal during their confinement and afterward.
Dashti is full of innocence and faith in her world, despite all the things that happen which might serve to undermine her beliefs. she prevails because of the strength of her convictions.
Great narration, too!

dromwald's review against another edition

4.0

I know that this is a children's book and I'm a 50 year old grandfather but I don't care I thoroughly enjoyed this. From the start this has the feel of something the Brothers Grimm might have written and that adds to its appeal. The culmination of the story is fairly predictable but that was almost part of the charm - it does what it sets out to do and the author does it well. The characters are well drawn and I really liked Dashti the heroine of the piece.

lemon_the_emu's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

shareen17's review against another edition

5.0

I really enjoyed her writing. I can't think of a better way to describe it than lyrical and full of simple imagery. Shannon Hale always does a great job of creating strong female characters, and this one is my favorite. I like how the she learns to challenge her belief system to find her happiness.

vibeke_hiatt's review against another edition

3.0

In parts, this book reminded me of The Goose Girl, although it wasn't as entertaining and Dashti wasn't as likable as Ani. Shannon Hale has a wonderful ability to take a story and allow her imagination to run with it and make it her own. The progress Dashti and Saren made throughout the story was natural and they both learned to make choices based on their own consciences and not the rules of society. Even though the playful talking between Dashti and Khan Tegus often seemed forced, their relationship was natural and believable, too. This book is definitely worth reading.