A review by leahsbookstack
A Thousand Steps into Night by Traci Chee

4.0

This book was a fantastic read, brimming with magic, whimsy, & adventure - everything you want in a good fairytale! It felt like a studio Ghibli movie & it was great

The Japanese-inspired realm of Awara was fascinating & vividly described. The highlight of the entire book for me was the variety of spirits that Miuko encountered; their diverse personalities were incredible, & I found myself wishing I could meet some of them

Although it's classified as YA, it never felt like a book for a younger audience only. It was a wonderfully addictive magical adventure that can be enjoyed at any age

I was concerned about the shift in part two, but ended up really enjoying how it allowed us to explore more of the realm

My only criticism is that I felt the story could have ended on the bank when Muiko returned. It felt like it stretched on a little unnecessary afterwards & the conclusion seemed a bit anticlimactic, although I liked the very end & knowing what happened to everyone afterwards, as well as the open ending that leaves us wondering what Muiko will get up to next

I enjoyed this story a lot & it’s a book I know one day I’ll want my children to read