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trudy1963's review against another edition
4.0
This book was recommended by an adult and I found it on my 13-year-old's bookshelf. Although it is definitely written for teens, it is a thoroughly enjoyable book and recommended for all ages.
tashaseegmiller's review against another edition
4.0
This is another beautiful book by Shannon Hale. Her narrators just suck me in and I just don't want to stop reading. I loved the Asian setting, the mystical elements that I didn't see coming and the wit of the main character to maintain what is necessary to survive. I really enjoyed it - will more than likely buy it when I find it on sale. I almost think I liked this better than Princess Academy - it's a toss up.
honnari_hannya's review against another edition
4.0
A little dated, but otherwise a wonderful YA novel in one of the most fully realized fantasy worlds I've read in a long time. Despite much of the book happening within an isolated tower, the setting is incredibly rich, the magical lore wonderfully fleshed out, and the relationships between characters—romantic, platonic, and antagonistic—incredibly well crafted. Hale's prose is terrific, and Dashti a great heroine for those who loves the truly good types of protagonists. There's so much going on in the language of this book that I think I'd have to read again just to get a handle on all the work Hale did to embed the richness of the history and life of her world into Dashti's POV. Though the end tied up a little too neatly for my tastes, this was a wonderful standalone.
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!
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!
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.