A Thousand Nights
-
-
5.0 • 4 Ratings
-
-
- £3.99
-
- £3.99
Publisher Description
He killed three hundred girls before he came to my village, looking for a wife.
When a powerful and dangerous king arrives in the desert to take one of the village girls as his next wife, one girl will stop at nothing to save the life of her sister - even if it means sacrificing herself.
At his palace she is sure death awaits. But the king's fascination with her keeps her alive night after night, as the tales she weaves for him create a strange magic between them and her words come to life before her eyes. As her stories become more intricate and beautiful, her magic becomes more powerful, but will it be enough to save her?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Inspired by the Scheherazade story, Johnston (Prairie Fire) introduces a nameless 17-year-old heroine who takes her sister's place as wife to a murderous king. Thanks to her sister's prayers channeled through an original magic system by which revered ancestors become "smallgods" through the worship of their descendants she acquires godlike powers while still living. As she struggles to survive her marriage and adapt to city life, she discovers that the king, Lo-Melkhiin, is possessed by a demon fascinated by her newfound powers. Johnston creates a memorable world populated by craft-obsessed demons who prey on humans by forcing them to create art even as it destroys them. The power of sisterhood, both literal and figurative, gives the protagonist the strength to stand between her people and total destruction. Though the ending is slightly rushed, the focus on female solidarity and worth in a male-dominated world, along with the ethical questions raised as the heroine's magic alters the course of her sister's life, make this a powerful read. Ages 14 up.
Customer Reviews
Star of my skies
Captivating, stunning yet deadly love story. This book has it all. Mystery, legends, love, war...magic of ancient mythological times. The story has been intricately woven around the enchantment of a middle eastern desert.
I turned each page greedily and now yearn for more just like it. Unique.
A Thousand Nights
Wow. This book is amazing and a definite treasure for me. Highly recommended for all young adult book readers. It's just so good and very hooking. I wish I read this book earlier!