Book of a Thousand Days
Book of a Thousand Days
Shannon Hale
The orphaned nomad Dashti leaves her life on the plains to seek employment in the city. Her gift for healing songs finds her a position as the maid of a fine lady. As part of her employment she is taught to write, so that she can also be her mistress's scribe. Soon after her employment begins, her lady Saren is banished to a lonely, windowless tower for refusing to marry the man to whom her father has promised her. Loyal Dashti agrees to go with Saren, saving both her life and sanity. While locked in the tower the two are plagued by darkness, rats, and hunger. Plus two visitors. One, the man who Saren claims to truly love, the other the terrible brute she is promised to marry. Distraught Lady Saren refuses to speak to either of them, ordering Dashti to do so in her place. Doing so, she finds herself torn between her proper place in the world, and where her heart's desire might lead her...
Once again, Hale has created a tremendous fantasy adventure with a strong female lead that make her way on wits and kindness. Taking place somewhere very much like historic Mongolia, this book is suitable for all teens, though passionate enough for any hard-core romantic. Highly recommended.