Book of a Thousand Days By: Shannon Hale

Book of a Thousand Days, is about a girl named Lady Saren and her maid, Dashti. The book is written as a diary (or, "book of thoughts" as Dashti writes it) by Dashti. Set in a fictional place inspired by medieval Mongolia. Dashti is part of a race of people called Muckers, said to be created of mud to serve the Gentry. When Dashti's mother dies she takes her last animal to trade for employment. Dashti is trained to be a Maid. When Dashti's training is done she is sent to a girl named Saren. Dashti learns that her Lady Saren is supposed to be wed to a man named Lord Khasan, but she refused. Lady Saren is sent to live in a tower for 7 years and Dashti, feeling it her duty to stay with Saren after swearing an oath, goes with her. In the beginning Dashti dutifully takes cares of Lady Saren and writes almost daily in her "book of thoughts." Lady Saren mostly cries and trembles all day while Dashti cooks, and cleans. After the time of 3 years Dashti and Lady Saren break free and make refuge in Song for Evela, where a man named Kahn Tegus who thought he would wed Lady Saren resides. They become scrubbers in the kitchen there. Dashti grows close to Kahn Tegus as Lord Khasan attacks and kills many people. Lord Khasan is looking for Lady Saren and now begins looking in Songs for Evela. Lady Saren tells Dashti that when she was young she was forced to witness Lord Khasan transform into a wolf. Dashti tells Kahn Tegus and the surrounding people that she is Lady Saren, out of Lady Saren's wishes. The next morning Dashti has help leaving the city where she forces Lord Khasan to transform in daylight. He attacks his men, who start attacking him. Lord Khasan is now dead and Lady Vachir, the woman who was betrothed to Kahn Tegus has found out that Dashti was posing as Lady Saren and wants her put to death. Lady Saren, and Kahn Tegus work together to clear her name. Lady Dashti and Kahn Tegus wed in the end. I rate this book a G, for general audiences.

In the beginning I was a little confused at the layout of the book, it took me a page or two to realize the layout, but after that I was fairly overtaken by this book. It was also a little confusing understanding the laws and customs to the book but with several pages in it became clear to me. The story had be guessing in the beginning all the way to the end. I love the relationship between Dashti and the characters, and I love the honesty Dashti shows to her "book of thoughts" It's like the inside look, that narrative pieces can't show. I would recommend this book to anyone. I loved it very much, and plan on buying it in the near future.