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Once There Was #1
Once There Was
A novel about an Iranian American girl who discovers that her father was secretly a veterinarian to mythical creatures—and that she must take up his mantle, despite the many dangers.
Once was, once wasn’t.
So began the stories Marjan’s father told her as a little girl—fables like the story of the girl who sprung a unicorn from a hunter’s snare, or the nomad boy who rescued a baby shirdal. Tales of extraordinary beasts that filled her with curiosity and wonder.
But Marjan’s not a little girl anymore. In the wake of her father’s sudden death, she is trying to hold it all together: her schoolwork, friendships, and keeping her dad’s shoestring veterinary practice from going under. Then, one day, she receives a visitor who reveals something stunning: Marjan’s father was no ordinary veterinarian. The creatures out of the stories he told her were real—and he traveled the world to care for them. And now that he’s gone, she must take his place.
Marjan steps into a secret world hidden in plain sight, where mythical creatures are bought and sold, treasured and trapped. She finds friends she never knew she needed—a charming British boy who grew up with a griffon, a runaway witch seeking magic and home—while trying to hide her double life from her old friends and classmates.
The deeper Marjan gets into treating these animals, the closer she comes to finding who killed her father—and to a shocking truth that will reawaken her sense of wonder and put humans and beasts in the gravest of danger.
Once was, once wasn’t.
So began the stories Marjan’s father told her as a little girl—fables like the story of the girl who sprung a unicorn from a hunter’s snare, or the nomad boy who rescued a baby shirdal. Tales of extraordinary beasts that filled her with curiosity and wonder.
But Marjan’s not a little girl anymore. In the wake of her father’s sudden death, she is trying to hold it all together: her schoolwork, friendships, and keeping her dad’s shoestring veterinary practice from going under. Then, one day, she receives a visitor who reveals something stunning: Marjan’s father was no ordinary veterinarian. The creatures out of the stories he told her were real—and he traveled the world to care for them. And now that he’s gone, she must take his place.
Marjan steps into a secret world hidden in plain sight, where mythical creatures are bought and sold, treasured and trapped. She finds friends she never knew she needed—a charming British boy who grew up with a griffon, a runaway witch seeking magic and home—while trying to hide her double life from her old friends and classmates.
The deeper Marjan gets into treating these animals, the closer she comes to finding who killed her father—and to a shocking truth that will reawaken her sense of wonder and put humans and beasts in the gravest of danger.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2023
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8944 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews
December 15, 2023
•✿•➳5✫
“𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙”
My only hope for this month was to have at least one 5 star read and HERE IT IS AND I HAD NO IDEA IT WOULD BE A MIDDLE GRADE FANTASY.
I started this thinking it would be a fun comforting little read but actually it got dark and real as the story went on and i was very impressed with everything. Marjan's journey with the grief she experienced really made my heart break.
The story is brilliant and the storytelling is really making me turn the pages to find out more. I feel like my 10 year old self is healing while reading this. This book is pure magic and i love everything about it.
If you're looking for a gift for your cousin/nephew/niece, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!
“𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙”
After tragically losing her father, Marjan is trying hard with life, school, friendship, and especially keeping her father's veterinary practice alive. And suddenly she got a mysterious guest who told her to help a mythical creature in need, a Griffon.
And starting with that, Marjan's life is turning upside down with all the secrets her father has hidden from her. The existence of the mystical creatures that only she heard about in fairytales is actually real, and she tries to find out who killed his father.
My only hope for this month was to have at least one 5 star read and HERE IT IS AND I HAD NO IDEA IT WOULD BE A MIDDLE GRADE FANTASY.
I started this thinking it would be a fun comforting little read but actually it got dark and real as the story went on and i was very impressed with everything. Marjan's journey with the grief she experienced really made my heart break.
The story is brilliant and the storytelling is really making me turn the pages to find out more. I feel like my 10 year old self is healing while reading this. This book is pure magic and i love everything about it.
If you're looking for a gift for your cousin/nephew/niece, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!
July 25, 2025
Brilliant, dark and dangerous and angry
Marjan Dastani is an orphan. Her mother died of cancer when she was eight years old. Her mother's death broke Marjan and it broke her father Jamsheed. Eight years passed, then her father was murdered. That was three months ago. Marjan is still grieving, and hers is not a gentle grief. Marjan does not grieve gentle -- she grieves hard and she grieves angry.
Marjan's father was a veterinarian. He had a small, struggling practice in Berkeley. Marjan, being still in High School, has no formal training in veterinary practice. Her father, however, let her watch while he treated animals, and even asked her assistance. Even without formal training, Marjan is a practically trained vet.
Marjan's father frequently left Marjan to herself for days or a week while he left town on unexplained trips. Now, months after her father's death, she receives a phone call, and a request to travel to England (along with a first-class air ticket). At the airport a dignified English gentleman meets her. He takes her to his country estate, where she meets what the publisher's blurb describes as "a charming British boy who grew up with a griffon". This is her first intimation that the magical creatures of the Iranian folktales her father used to tell her are real, and that she has a gift that allows her to understand them.
The story proceeds apace. Marjan meets and helps more magic creatures. She learns more about the shadowy organizations that watch over the creatures and call on her to help them. The publishers open their description of Once There Was with the words
To me, far more than Fantastic Beasts or anything by Neil Gaiman, Once There Was resembles A Wrinkle in Time. Marjan, like Meg, is a brilliant, broken, angry girl, on whom the burden of saving "humans and beasts in the gravest of danger" falls hard.
I give this book a five star rating not because it is perfect, but because it is brilliant. It is not perfect. It is Kiyash Monsef's debut novel. He is not new to creative writing, "Kiyash Monsef is an Emmy Award nominated producer and director; a writer of short stories, videos, comic books, and games; and a designer of innovative conversational and voice interface experiences." But there is no denying some rough edges. Like A Wrinkle in Time, Once There Was is not a feel-good book . It is dark and dangerous and, at times, scary.
Once There Was is not for everyone. But it is brilliant, and I certainly want to read more from Monsef.
I thank NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an advanced reader copy of Once There Was. This review expresses my honest opinion. To be released 4-Apr-2023.
Blog review.
Marjan Dastani is an orphan. Her mother died of cancer when she was eight years old. Her mother's death broke Marjan and it broke her father Jamsheed. Eight years passed, then her father was murdered. That was three months ago. Marjan is still grieving, and hers is not a gentle grief. Marjan does not grieve gentle -- she grieves hard and she grieves angry.
Marjan's father was a veterinarian. He had a small, struggling practice in Berkeley. Marjan, being still in High School, has no formal training in veterinary practice. Her father, however, let her watch while he treated animals, and even asked her assistance. Even without formal training, Marjan is a practically trained vet.
Marjan's father frequently left Marjan to herself for days or a week while he left town on unexplained trips. Now, months after her father's death, she receives a phone call, and a request to travel to England (along with a first-class air ticket). At the airport a dignified English gentleman meets her. He takes her to his country estate, where she meets what the publisher's blurb describes as "a charming British boy who grew up with a griffon". This is her first intimation that the magical creatures of the Iranian folktales her father used to tell her are real, and that she has a gift that allows her to understand them.
The story proceeds apace. Marjan meets and helps more magic creatures. She learns more about the shadowy organizations that watch over the creatures and call on her to help them. The publishers open their description of Once There Was with the words
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them meets Neil Gaiman in this thrilling novel about an Iranian American girl who discovers that her father was secretly a veterinarian to magical creatures—and that she must take up his mantle, despite the many dangers.This is not inaccurate, but pay attention to the words "thrilling" and "dangers". Once There Was is not a warm, cuddly children's book full of cute magical animals with big anime eyes. It is a thriller, and it feels dangerous. The creatures are not warm and cuddly. One of them, indeed, is the stuff nightmares are made of. There are people who want to burn everything down and start the world all over again.
To me, far more than Fantastic Beasts or anything by Neil Gaiman, Once There Was resembles A Wrinkle in Time. Marjan, like Meg, is a brilliant, broken, angry girl, on whom the burden of saving "humans and beasts in the gravest of danger" falls hard.
I give this book a five star rating not because it is perfect, but because it is brilliant. It is not perfect. It is Kiyash Monsef's debut novel. He is not new to creative writing, "Kiyash Monsef is an Emmy Award nominated producer and director; a writer of short stories, videos, comic books, and games; and a designer of innovative conversational and voice interface experiences." But there is no denying some rough edges. Like A Wrinkle in Time, Once There Was is not a feel-good book . It is dark and dangerous and, at times, scary.
Once There Was is not for everyone. But it is brilliant, and I certainly want to read more from Monsef.
I thank NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an advanced reader copy of Once There Was. This review expresses my honest opinion. To be released 4-Apr-2023.
Blog review.
November 24, 2023
One of my favorite books of the year. Do not sleep on this!!!
did-not-finish
January 8, 2023DNF 1/7/23 at 123 pages
Sorry, I just can't be bothered to finish this book. I was hoping for just a light and fun middle grade with magical creatures. This book did have that feeling at some times but honestly, this book seemed really confused about what age it was aiming for. We find out in the first few pages that the main character is a sophomore in high school but she also somehow inherited her father's house and his veterinary business after he died. And for some reason, they just allow a 15 year old to live in a house by herself and be responsible for running a business. It makes absolutely no sense to me and I was just so frustrated by this detail that I could not get into anything else. The moments where she was running into these magical creatures were okay but I don't know, I just couldn't get into it personally. It either should fully be YA or go fully middle grade. I even think if they aged her up and made it like a cozy adult fantasy it would work but it just feels confused to me from the first quarter of the book I had read. Maybe it changes later, but I don't care to find out.
Sorry, I just can't be bothered to finish this book. I was hoping for just a light and fun middle grade with magical creatures. This book did have that feeling at some times but honestly, this book seemed really confused about what age it was aiming for. We find out in the first few pages that the main character is a sophomore in high school but she also somehow inherited her father's house and his veterinary business after he died. And for some reason, they just allow a 15 year old to live in a house by herself and be responsible for running a business. It makes absolutely no sense to me and I was just so frustrated by this detail that I could not get into anything else. The moments where she was running into these magical creatures were okay but I don't know, I just couldn't get into it personally. It either should fully be YA or go fully middle grade. I even think if they aged her up and made it like a cozy adult fantasy it would work but it just feels confused to me from the first quarter of the book I had read. Maybe it changes later, but I don't care to find out.
September 3, 2025
wow. i am veryyy pleasantly surprised. i was expecting a quiet story about mythological creatures, but i got this intricately woven tale of grief and love and friendship and humanity. there's still some questions left unanswered, and the structure was a bit messy, but overall, it was amazingg.
4.5 stars rounded up 🦄
4.5 stars rounded up 🦄
February 14, 2023
{19/2023} 4/5🌟Fantasy Fiction | 402 pages
Remember when were little, we loved gathering around the feet of our elders, while they were seated on the rocking chairs, telling us wonderful stories of magic, fantasy and magical beings? Well, this book might bring you back down those memory lanes.
Although slated for middle-grade readers, this is a book for all - especially if you enjoy whimsical, fantasy beings. From griffon, manticore, unicorn, gnome, to yokai and djinn - there’s a tale of its own in this story.
Marjan’s life changed tremendously after her father’s death. She was all alone in this world. Her mother had passed away when she was young. At fifteen, she had to manage the vet’s clinic, the only thing left by her father, and it wasn’t doing that well. Marjan didn’t grief for her father, yet all she could feel was anger towards him. Marjan knew there was something that her father hadn’t told her. His work sometimes required him to travel to unknown places and unknown time. Marjan was used to being left at people’s places when he had to go places.
That was until she received a visitor who passed her an envelope, and to be told that she had to go to England and take a look at a griffon; and no, it’s nothing like a dog. Of course Marjan wouldn’t trust a stranger just like that - not until that stranger told her that by doing this deal, Marjan could find out who killed her father. Marjan’s father was murdered. What did her father do and did it have anything to do with his death? The stranger who met her at the clinic did mention something about Hyrcanian Line? Who was her father, really?
Everything was strange, and became even stranger. Upon chance and fate, through a meeting at the clinic, she accepted Malloryn, a runaway teenage witch as a housemate, who didn’t even know that her familiar was a nine-tailed fox.
I would rather say that the book has quite a complicated storyline and I still have so much questions which need some answers, however, I do love the concept of the storytelling. Marjan’s adventures were interspersed with stories of magical and whimsical beings, probably told by her father, as introduction to the magical beings that Marjan would encounter. I also love the bits and pieces of a thriller element as Marjan raced against time to find out who murdered her father. There was also introduction to Marjan’s heritage as her father was an Iranian and I wished the author would put more details on this part in connection to the whole story.
Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable and a magical read for me and it certainly brought me down to my childhood memories of fantasy and magic. There was one part involving Marjan and Malloryn that was so musical, I wish I could see a visual version of it! Most importantly, it taught us about being respectful. The need to respect every single being in this whole wide world. Every single one of them.
A recommended read for readers, young and old, who still very much have those magic in their hearts!
Thank you #pansing for this review copy in exchange of an honest review.
#FebruaryReads #FebruaryTBRs #justreaddontbawang #bookmehnia #bookstagrammalaysia #bookstagrammy #malaysiamembaca #bookstagrammer #bookgram #bibliophile #bibliophilemy #bookish #bookaddict #bookaesthetic #bookish #readersofinstagram #goodreads #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookworm #fabulousfebruary #oncetherewas #kiyashmonsef
Remember when were little, we loved gathering around the feet of our elders, while they were seated on the rocking chairs, telling us wonderful stories of magic, fantasy and magical beings? Well, this book might bring you back down those memory lanes.
Although slated for middle-grade readers, this is a book for all - especially if you enjoy whimsical, fantasy beings. From griffon, manticore, unicorn, gnome, to yokai and djinn - there’s a tale of its own in this story.
Marjan’s life changed tremendously after her father’s death. She was all alone in this world. Her mother had passed away when she was young. At fifteen, she had to manage the vet’s clinic, the only thing left by her father, and it wasn’t doing that well. Marjan didn’t grief for her father, yet all she could feel was anger towards him. Marjan knew there was something that her father hadn’t told her. His work sometimes required him to travel to unknown places and unknown time. Marjan was used to being left at people’s places when he had to go places.
That was until she received a visitor who passed her an envelope, and to be told that she had to go to England and take a look at a griffon; and no, it’s nothing like a dog. Of course Marjan wouldn’t trust a stranger just like that - not until that stranger told her that by doing this deal, Marjan could find out who killed her father. Marjan’s father was murdered. What did her father do and did it have anything to do with his death? The stranger who met her at the clinic did mention something about Hyrcanian Line? Who was her father, really?
Everything was strange, and became even stranger. Upon chance and fate, through a meeting at the clinic, she accepted Malloryn, a runaway teenage witch as a housemate, who didn’t even know that her familiar was a nine-tailed fox.
I would rather say that the book has quite a complicated storyline and I still have so much questions which need some answers, however, I do love the concept of the storytelling. Marjan’s adventures were interspersed with stories of magical and whimsical beings, probably told by her father, as introduction to the magical beings that Marjan would encounter. I also love the bits and pieces of a thriller element as Marjan raced against time to find out who murdered her father. There was also introduction to Marjan’s heritage as her father was an Iranian and I wished the author would put more details on this part in connection to the whole story.
Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable and a magical read for me and it certainly brought me down to my childhood memories of fantasy and magic. There was one part involving Marjan and Malloryn that was so musical, I wish I could see a visual version of it! Most importantly, it taught us about being respectful. The need to respect every single being in this whole wide world. Every single one of them.
A recommended read for readers, young and old, who still very much have those magic in their hearts!
Thank you #pansing for this review copy in exchange of an honest review.
#FebruaryReads #FebruaryTBRs #justreaddontbawang #bookmehnia #bookstagrammalaysia #bookstagrammy #malaysiamembaca #bookstagrammer #bookgram #bibliophile #bibliophilemy #bookish #bookaddict #bookaesthetic #bookish #readersofinstagram #goodreads #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookworm #fabulousfebruary #oncetherewas #kiyashmonsef
June 29, 2023
There were two major issues with this book that didn't let me fully enjoy it.
The main character being 15 is absurd. She has family, which was a shock to come across, but they still left her on her own (basically - the neighbor isn't particularly involved). And her roommate, the one with the very religious parents - there's no way for that situation to work how it did and for her to enroll in school. So many pieces were really of an older young adult - not a barely high school kid.
And despite the reveal at the end, which could explain away some of this, most of the people interactions are off. The dialogue and actions between the characters, especially between the characters which should have closer relationships, are stiled, awkward, or unbelievable.
It's a shame because the basic idea of the book is wonderful and the stories in-between are great. I'm surprised that the author also didn't stick with What Was as the title, to put that great cultural story lead in front and center.
2.75 stars
The main character being 15 is absurd. She has family, which was a shock to come across, but they still left her on her own (basically - the neighbor isn't particularly involved). And her roommate, the one with the very religious parents - there's no way for that situation to work how it did and for her to enroll in school. So many pieces were really of an older young adult - not a barely high school kid.
And despite the reveal at the end, which could explain away some of this, most of the people interactions are off. The dialogue and actions between the characters, especially between the characters which should have closer relationships, are stiled, awkward, or unbelievable.
It's a shame because the basic idea of the book is wonderful and the stories in-between are great. I'm surprised that the author also didn't stick with What Was as the title, to put that great cultural story lead in front and center.
2.75 stars
October 23, 2023
Той рідкий випадок, коли я щиро не розумію, чому в цієї книги такий високий середній рейтинг.
І не розумію, кому можна було б її порадити. Звісно, якщо вас зацікавила анотація, то може і варто спробувати, але я б радила хоч спробувати безкоштовний уривок на сайті прочитати.
Мені було нудно, наче щось і відбувалося, мені хотілось дізнатись завершення, тому й не покинула читання, але в результаті - ме 😐
Двійка чисто за оцінюванням гудрідз. Коли 3 - it was ok, a 2 - I don’t like it. Так от, мені не сподобалось.
І не розумію, кому можна було б її порадити. Звісно, якщо вас зацікавила анотація, то може і варто спробувати, але я б радила хоч спробувати безкоштовний уривок на сайті прочитати.
Мені було нудно, наче щось і відбувалося, мені хотілось дізнатись завершення, тому й не покинула читання, але в результаті - ме 😐
Двійка чисто за оцінюванням гудрідз. Коли 3 - it was ok, a 2 - I don’t like it. Так от, мені не сподобалось.
August 26, 2024
Кияш Монсеф - Някога имало
Някога имало,някога нямало...
С две думи мога да кажа - "Хареса ми !" ,а с повече - най-накрая едно фентъзи,което да е приятно,заради което да полетиш ,което да те кара да се изгубиш във времето и да си изтървеш спирката на автобуса и най-важното - главна героиня,която не дразни .
Харесаха ми приказките между главните сюжетни действия ,хареса ми т.нар."празнота",която имаше Марджан ,защото ако не скърбиш,какво ти остава,освен да потънеш в черна дупка. И още по-важното - хареса ми това,че "бихме били нищо без тези същества,защото въображението ни просто нямаше да съществува",което е абсолютен факт - кой не си е представял или страхувал от,или искал да бъде като някое свръхестествено същество? Или просто да го погали ,да полети с него или да го насъска срещу някого...Би ми било интересно да прочета и едно евентуално продължение,ако изобщо има такова ,защото Марджан има потенциал,който в книгата не използва много ,както може би се очакваше - да има сила,да тренира,за да я развие и да я използва на пълна мощност.
А коя е Марджан ? Марджан е най-обикновена десетокласничка,с две добри приятелки и класни работи,за които да мисли. За съжаление,тя губи баща си при мистериозни обстоятелства и това я хвърля в хаоса на живота на възрастните след като на тази крехка възраст трябва да ръководи ветеринарна клиника,да мисли как да кърпи бюджета и да добута до следващия месец . Но тя дори не подозира какви точно животни ще се наложи да спасява и колко неща ще научи за най-близките си хора,а и за себе си. Тази история ще ни срещне с най-различни същества,които са доста страшнички,но пак като в доста истории,човека се оказва най-голямото зло .
Някога имало,някога нямало...
С две думи мога да кажа - "Хареса ми !" ,а с повече - най-накрая едно фентъзи,което да е приятно,заради което да полетиш ,което да те кара да се изгубиш във времето и да си изтървеш спирката на автобуса и най-важното - главна героиня,която не дразни .
Харесаха ми приказките между главните сюжетни действия ,хареса ми т.нар."празнота",която имаше Марджан ,защото ако не скърбиш,какво ти остава,освен да потънеш в черна дупка. И още по-важното - хареса ми това,че "бихме били нищо без тези същества,защото въображението ни просто нямаше да съществува",което е абсолютен факт - кой не си е представял или страхувал от,или искал да бъде като някое свръхестествено същество? Или просто да го погали ,да полети с него или да го насъска срещу някого...Би ми било интересно да прочета и едно евентуално продължение,ако изобщо има такова ,защото Марджан има потенциал,който в книгата не използва много ,както може би се очакваше - да има сила,да тренира,за да я развие и да я използва на пълна мощност.
А коя е Марджан ? Марджан е най-обикновена десетокласничка,с две добри приятелки и класни работи,за които да мисли. За съжаление,тя губи баща си при мистериозни обстоятелства и това я хвърля в хаоса на живота на възрастните след като на тази крехка възраст трябва да ръководи ветеринарна клиника,да мисли как да кърпи бюджета и да добута до следващия месец . Но тя дори не подозира какви точно животни ще се наложи да спасява и колко неща ще научи за най-близките си хора,а и за себе си. Тази история ще ни срещне с най-различни същества,които са доста страшнички,но пак като в доста истории,човека се оказва най-голямото зло .
May 1, 2023
There were a few things that didn't work for me. Marjan is only 15 but is allowed to be in charge of running a business and lives alone, and nobody thinks either of those things is weird. She doesn't understand any of what's happening though the people around her do and refuse to tell her, which is something I absolutely despise in books.
The story felt a bit long and could have been shortened.
I liked the chapters that were stories of the animals.
This is categorized as middle grade, but it should be YA. The main character is a sophomore in high school, there's some light swearing, and nothing about it felt particularly middle grade to me.
The story felt a bit long and could have been shortened.
I liked the chapters that were stories of the animals.
This is categorized as middle grade, but it should be YA. The main character is a sophomore in high school, there's some light swearing, and nothing about it felt particularly middle grade to me.
May 2, 2023
A story about a teen veterinarian for magical creatures? I'm 100% onboard.
Oh how I wish my kid self could have read this book. It would have blown her little animal loving mind.
I adored Marjan as a character and loved that Monsef allowed her to be angry, an emotion that is often hushed and pushed to the side in middle grade and I thought the discussions of grief and cultural identity were wonderful. I do question somewhat about the target audience of the book as, whilst the story elements feel middle grade, some of the language felt much more aimed at a teen audience. That being said, I do think this is the kind of story that has the power to capture readers of all ages.
Magical, gutsy, heartbreaking, thrilling, dark and addictive, Once There Was is a book for every animal lover (children and adults alike) looking to add a little magic and adventure into their day with a read that feels like a classic adventure story.
Oh how I wish my kid self could have read this book. It would have blown her little animal loving mind.
I adored Marjan as a character and loved that Monsef allowed her to be angry, an emotion that is often hushed and pushed to the side in middle grade and I thought the discussions of grief and cultural identity were wonderful. I do question somewhat about the target audience of the book as, whilst the story elements feel middle grade, some of the language felt much more aimed at a teen audience. That being said, I do think this is the kind of story that has the power to capture readers of all ages.
Magical, gutsy, heartbreaking, thrilling, dark and addictive, Once There Was is a book for every animal lover (children and adults alike) looking to add a little magic and adventure into their day with a read that feels like a classic adventure story.
May 2, 2023
I knew this would be special before I even opened the first page! I can’t tell you what it meant to hold a book in my hands at this point in time that brings veterinary care and fantasy together into one story. As someone constantly torn between both pursuits, this was a balm to an ever-raging anxiety spiral and constant existential crisis. Yes this sounds dramatic! No I don’t care!
That said, this is lovely for a hundred bigger reasons. I went in expecting cozy comfort but instead got a story wise beyond its years, so rich and deep and even surprisingly dark. It is as much an ode to animals and folklore as it is an exploration of grief, of loss, of biracial identity, of the search and yearning for belonging in a chaotic, uncaring world.
All of it is wrapped in this feeling of melancholy, but consequently, also infinite wisdom, and beauty, and brilliance. And above all, hope.
I’ll say it once and say it again: never underestimate the majesty of a middle grade fantasy book! When you find the right one, they just reach your heart on a level no other book has access to. It’s always so special.
“I imagined a world crisscrossed with the paths of people and animals, trying to find each other. Chasing the feeling of something that wasn’t there, finding themselves alone in places where the language was unfamiliar, where the customs made no sense. Crossing highways in the dark, hiding out in the deepest forests, or the most silent deserts, or on the lonely rooftops of tall buildings. And then finally finding themselves face-to-face in a warm doorway somewhere, fur caked in mud, hearts bruised and hurting, knowing for the first time why they’d both come so far.
Maybe the day you welcomed one of these animals into your life, the day you accepted both its gifts and its trials, the day you chose to shoulder that weight, was the day you understood at last the shape of the thing that was missing.”
That said, this is lovely for a hundred bigger reasons. I went in expecting cozy comfort but instead got a story wise beyond its years, so rich and deep and even surprisingly dark. It is as much an ode to animals and folklore as it is an exploration of grief, of loss, of biracial identity, of the search and yearning for belonging in a chaotic, uncaring world.
All of it is wrapped in this feeling of melancholy, but consequently, also infinite wisdom, and beauty, and brilliance. And above all, hope.
I’ll say it once and say it again: never underestimate the majesty of a middle grade fantasy book! When you find the right one, they just reach your heart on a level no other book has access to. It’s always so special.
“I imagined a world crisscrossed with the paths of people and animals, trying to find each other. Chasing the feeling of something that wasn’t there, finding themselves alone in places where the language was unfamiliar, where the customs made no sense. Crossing highways in the dark, hiding out in the deepest forests, or the most silent deserts, or on the lonely rooftops of tall buildings. And then finally finding themselves face-to-face in a warm doorway somewhere, fur caked in mud, hearts bruised and hurting, knowing for the first time why they’d both come so far.
Maybe the day you welcomed one of these animals into your life, the day you accepted both its gifts and its trials, the day you chose to shoulder that weight, was the day you understood at last the shape of the thing that was missing.”
April 5, 2024
До якогось моменту мені подобалася книга. Цікава задумка із впровадженням легенд про фантастичних істот, але виконання, на жаль, ніяке. Слоган книги — «чогось бракує». Як сюжету, так і героїні, так і історії загалом.
Під кінець почалася люта дичина і я чекала, коли вже зможу завершити цю книгу і взятися за якусь іншу. Дуже багато нелогічних подій, дірок в тексті і відчуття казочки.
Також окреме питання щодо роботи з текстом від КСД. Невже послуги редактора так дорого коштують? Дякую, що з «крилом» постаралися, але на інші книги не варто забивати, бо цей орфографічний жах сильно вкурвлює під час прочитання ваших книжок
Під кінець почалася люта дичина і я чекала, коли вже зможу завершити цю книгу і взятися за якусь іншу. Дуже багато нелогічних подій, дірок в тексті і відчуття казочки.
Також окреме питання щодо роботи з текстом від КСД. Невже послуги редактора так дорого коштують? Дякую, що з «крилом» постаралися, але на інші книги не варто забивати, бо цей орфографічний жах сильно вкурвлює під час прочитання ваших книжок
March 23, 2024
Хубав замисъл, но ми липсваше магията, просто не смятам че вълшебните същества (понеже йокаи, и джиовете, и гномовете не са точно животни) са вид домашни любимци, които са оцелели хилядолетия, но имат нужда от нашите антибиотици, за да оздравеят или трябва да бъдат "приспани".
Може би ако авторът се беше се ограничил към магичното и към единствено към една митология, щеше да е по-добре, деветоопашата лисица малко ме подразни, а за дракона да не говорим.
Все пак има оригинални идеи в историята и по-младите читатели ще я прочетат с удоволствие, предполагам.
Може би ако авторът се беше се ограничил към магичното и към единствено към една митология, щеше да е по-добре, деветоопашата лисица малко ме подразни, а за дракона да не говорим.
Все пак има оригинални идеи в историята и по-младите читатели ще я прочетат с удоволствие, предполагам.
July 17, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was recommended to me by several staff at my local indy bookstore. I was all about reading something they all “loved”…. Well, I think they gushed over it because they had too many copies in stock and needed to clear inventory.
The premise of an teen who just lost her veterinarian dad to a mysterious murder only to discover his side huddle was being a vet for mythical creatures was intriguing. Unfortunately, that’s where my interest stopped.
The main character never had any movement or growth. She was angry at the beginning and angry at the end. She was basically a terrible friend throughout and really didn’t trust anyone (which, that one, I don’t blame her because of everything going on) but it was totally unrealistic (aside from the mythical creatures) that any of this would happen.
This was about 100 pages too long. There were just pages and pages of descriptions and “world building” that ended up not even mattering to the final climax of the book… which, was about 20 pages! 350 of fluff for 20 pages of something. The ending was just too fast and just wrapped up in the most unrealistic fashion. This is a YA book but even if this was middle grade, I don’t know if this would be fast paced enough to keep pre-teen attention. This is definitely not a character driven story but would be billed more plot driven- except the plot is just so drawn out.
The side characters were pretty weak and all of them acted like teenagers. These grown adults were flip flopping their feelings and betraying their adult peers to help this child who they 10 pages ago were dead set on not helping.
Overall this was a “meh” for me and will probably forget most if not all the plot points except the cool creatures that were mentioned.
This book was recommended to me by several staff at my local indy bookstore. I was all about reading something they all “loved”…. Well, I think they gushed over it because they had too many copies in stock and needed to clear inventory.
The premise of an teen who just lost her veterinarian dad to a mysterious murder only to discover his side huddle was being a vet for mythical creatures was intriguing. Unfortunately, that’s where my interest stopped.
The main character never had any movement or growth. She was angry at the beginning and angry at the end. She was basically a terrible friend throughout and really didn’t trust anyone (which, that one, I don’t blame her because of everything going on) but it was totally unrealistic (aside from the mythical creatures) that any of this would happen.
This was about 100 pages too long. There were just pages and pages of descriptions and “world building” that ended up not even mattering to the final climax of the book… which, was about 20 pages! 350 of fluff for 20 pages of something. The ending was just too fast and just wrapped up in the most unrealistic fashion. This is a YA book but even if this was middle grade, I don’t know if this would be fast paced enough to keep pre-teen attention. This is definitely not a character driven story but would be billed more plot driven- except the plot is just so drawn out.
The side characters were pretty weak and all of them acted like teenagers. These grown adults were flip flopping their feelings and betraying their adult peers to help this child who they 10 pages ago were dead set on not helping.
Overall this was a “meh” for me and will probably forget most if not all the plot points except the cool creatures that were mentioned.
January 16, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I decided not to finish this book at 35%, but I don't think it's a bad book - just not something I'm in the mood for, and haven't been for the last few weeks that I've been reading it. HOWEVER, I do think that this book would be perfect for middle grade/young adult fantasy lovers. Here's why:
Marjan is in high school and recently became an orphan. Her mom died a few years ago from illness, but her dad's recent death was completely unexpected. After he dies, she learns that he wasn't just a regular veterinarian, but rather, one who worked with magical creatures. As Marjan learns more about her dad, his powers, and how he died, she begins to discover that she may have some of the same powers.... so, now what?
Bonus: Iranian American representation!
I decided not to finish this book at 35%, but I don't think it's a bad book - just not something I'm in the mood for, and haven't been for the last few weeks that I've been reading it. HOWEVER, I do think that this book would be perfect for middle grade/young adult fantasy lovers. Here's why:
Marjan is in high school and recently became an orphan. Her mom died a few years ago from illness, but her dad's recent death was completely unexpected. After he dies, she learns that he wasn't just a regular veterinarian, but rather, one who worked with magical creatures. As Marjan learns more about her dad, his powers, and how he died, she begins to discover that she may have some of the same powers.... so, now what?
Bonus: Iranian American representation!
February 13, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
2,5 stars
I wanted to love this book but there was just too much going on in a short amount of time. Also the age of the main character just didn't make sense and I am not sure why this is marketed as a middle school book. I think I am a little too old to be reading this book and that might be why I didn't enjoy it as much
2,5 stars
I wanted to love this book but there was just too much going on in a short amount of time. Also the age of the main character just didn't make sense and I am not sure why this is marketed as a middle school book. I think I am a little too old to be reading this book and that might be why I didn't enjoy it as much
January 8, 2025
Once There Was is a magical story with themes of grief, family, and friendship, that weaves in legends of mythical creatures such as griffins, manticores, and unicorns.
Marjan is a great protagonist and I liked her a lot. Though she is a high school sophomore she navigates life following her father's death with impressive maturity. Marjan's expression of her grief manifests more as anger than sadness and it was heartbreaking to finally understand why she feels that way.
The premise is intriguing, and while investigating her father's murder Marjan uncovers secrets and gets tangled up with a shady organization. Marjan's work introduces her to people with questionable motives, and at times she must ally with people she can't trust.
Friendship plays an important role, with some new friends who help Marjan cope with the discovery of her father's legacy as well as school friends who offer her some normalcy. The story also touches on Marjan's complicated feelings surrounding her Iranian American heritage.
In between Marjan's POV chapters, there are stories about legendary creatures like the nine tailed fox and unicorns, stories that weave beautifully into her narrative. I enjoyed the different creatures that she encounters throughout the story.
Overall, this story has more of a darker tone and, despite some lighter moments, it's not a cozy read. As Marjan takes over veterinarian duties, she cares for mythical creatures that are injured, mistreated, or in distress. There are dangerous and sometimes deadly situations. I appreciated that there were real stakes which made me all the more invested in this story.
The target age range seems to be somewhere between Upper Middle Grade and Young Adult, but even as a reader in my thirties I loved this story!
Marjan is a great protagonist and I liked her a lot. Though she is a high school sophomore she navigates life following her father's death with impressive maturity. Marjan's expression of her grief manifests more as anger than sadness and it was heartbreaking to finally understand why she feels that way.
The premise is intriguing, and while investigating her father's murder Marjan uncovers secrets and gets tangled up with a shady organization. Marjan's work introduces her to people with questionable motives, and at times she must ally with people she can't trust.
Friendship plays an important role, with some new friends who help Marjan cope with the discovery of her father's legacy as well as school friends who offer her some normalcy. The story also touches on Marjan's complicated feelings surrounding her Iranian American heritage.
In between Marjan's POV chapters, there are stories about legendary creatures like the nine tailed fox and unicorns, stories that weave beautifully into her narrative. I enjoyed the different creatures that she encounters throughout the story.
Overall, this story has more of a darker tone and, despite some lighter moments, it's not a cozy read. As Marjan takes over veterinarian duties, she cares for mythical creatures that are injured, mistreated, or in distress. There are dangerous and sometimes deadly situations. I appreciated that there were real stakes which made me all the more invested in this story.
The target age range seems to be somewhere between Upper Middle Grade and Young Adult, but even as a reader in my thirties I loved this story!
November 20, 2024
Приятна лека приказка за убиване на време 😊
January 1, 2023
This review was written for an ARC I received at work.
Right from the first page, I was really gripped by this book. The scenes are beautifully descriptive and the characters feel real and wonderful. But I have to admit I did have some troubles with this book. First and foremost, I had so much trouble trying to identify just who this story is /for./
It's written in first person and focuses on a high school student, Marjan, who has inherited her father's vet clinic after he was murdered. There's scenes of riding home from school in your best friend's new car. Talking to and falling for a boy. Allowing a roommate to move in with you. All this seems like a type of things you would find in a YA novel. And yet half the time the story sounds like an MG novel instead. The back of the book classifies this as middle grade fiction. Amazon says "ages 10 and up." Clocking in at about 400 pages, I think most kids in that age range would be quite daunted by such a book.
Another issue I had was the main character and her emotions. She is so, so angry. All the time. Angry angry angry. I'm not saying that's an angry character is always a bad thing, nor do I think it's unrealistic. I think that's a very normal reaction for a teenager in her situation to have. But it's hard for me to really like this character because she's just constantly angry at everything and everyone. I'm trying hard to be sympathetic and instead I just find myself annoyed with her and her reactions.
I can't help but remember the popular "Save the Cat!" advice for novels -- that the main character has to do something very early on in the story to grip us and make us like her. As this story starts and we are introduced to Marjan and how her father was murdered and how absent he was her whole life and how her life is terrible and how she is just angry at the whole world, I struggle to find a "save the cat" moment that really makes me like her.
I picked up this book because the mythological creatures that seem to play a significant part of the story. Right from the start we get an intriguing prologue with a unicorn (the scene in the prologue is very similar to a prominent scene in my favorite childhood story, Into the Land of the Unicorns by Bruce Coville). And yet at first Marjan does not seem that interested in mythological creatures at all!
Early on in the novel, Marjan flies to England to meet a real griffon. At that point, she is pulled into this world where the fantastical creatures exist and are real, and she seems to have some sort of magical power to connect to them. But then... she just goes home, and doesn't do anything else with the magic or the mythical creatures for quite some time. For weeks she just goes to school and tends to her father's failing vet clinic. I don't understand. If I was in her place, I would be freaking out. Griffons! Griffons are real! I must research them!
If this were any other MG novel, the scenes after Marjan returns home would be filled with a research montage in which she learns all about griffons. She wonders about what other mythical creatures might be real. She tries to use her powers to help other animals. This is all stuff I would do if I suddenly learned griffons were real and I could connect to them! But she does none of it. She goes to school and argues with her friends. I don't understand Marjan at all.
But enough of me complaining about things, let me tell you the really good things about this story. The word choice is beautiful. There's a whimsy and a fairy tale aspect to this story that exactly fits the tone and the quality of writing, even among the mentions of high school and cell phones.
And especially, I want to say that the strength of this novel is its characters. I love so many of these characters. Even when there's one that only appears for one short scene, Monsef always explores them and describes them to us and makes us really /see/ them. My favorite was Malloryn. I love her and the positive way she sees the world.
This story is a poignant tale of dealing with grief and being ostracized from the world around you, either for your background or your circumstances. I encourage anyone teen or older to read it, despite some of my personal frustrations I felt as I read it.
Right from the first page, I was really gripped by this book. The scenes are beautifully descriptive and the characters feel real and wonderful. But I have to admit I did have some troubles with this book. First and foremost, I had so much trouble trying to identify just who this story is /for./
It's written in first person and focuses on a high school student, Marjan, who has inherited her father's vet clinic after he was murdered. There's scenes of riding home from school in your best friend's new car. Talking to and falling for a boy. Allowing a roommate to move in with you. All this seems like a type of things you would find in a YA novel. And yet half the time the story sounds like an MG novel instead. The back of the book classifies this as middle grade fiction. Amazon says "ages 10 and up." Clocking in at about 400 pages, I think most kids in that age range would be quite daunted by such a book.
Another issue I had was the main character and her emotions. She is so, so angry. All the time. Angry angry angry. I'm not saying that's an angry character is always a bad thing, nor do I think it's unrealistic. I think that's a very normal reaction for a teenager in her situation to have. But it's hard for me to really like this character because she's just constantly angry at everything and everyone. I'm trying hard to be sympathetic and instead I just find myself annoyed with her and her reactions.
I can't help but remember the popular "Save the Cat!" advice for novels -- that the main character has to do something very early on in the story to grip us and make us like her. As this story starts and we are introduced to Marjan and how her father was murdered and how absent he was her whole life and how her life is terrible and how she is just angry at the whole world, I struggle to find a "save the cat" moment that really makes me like her.
I picked up this book because the mythological creatures that seem to play a significant part of the story. Right from the start we get an intriguing prologue with a unicorn (the scene in the prologue is very similar to a prominent scene in my favorite childhood story, Into the Land of the Unicorns by Bruce Coville). And yet at first Marjan does not seem that interested in mythological creatures at all!
Early on in the novel, Marjan flies to England to meet a real griffon. At that point, she is pulled into this world where the fantastical creatures exist and are real, and she seems to have some sort of magical power to connect to them. But then... she just goes home, and doesn't do anything else with the magic or the mythical creatures for quite some time. For weeks she just goes to school and tends to her father's failing vet clinic. I don't understand. If I was in her place, I would be freaking out. Griffons! Griffons are real! I must research them!
If this were any other MG novel, the scenes after Marjan returns home would be filled with a research montage in which she learns all about griffons. She wonders about what other mythical creatures might be real. She tries to use her powers to help other animals. This is all stuff I would do if I suddenly learned griffons were real and I could connect to them! But she does none of it. She goes to school and argues with her friends. I don't understand Marjan at all.
But enough of me complaining about things, let me tell you the really good things about this story. The word choice is beautiful. There's a whimsy and a fairy tale aspect to this story that exactly fits the tone and the quality of writing, even among the mentions of high school and cell phones.
And especially, I want to say that the strength of this novel is its characters. I love so many of these characters. Even when there's one that only appears for one short scene, Monsef always explores them and describes them to us and makes us really /see/ them. My favorite was Malloryn. I love her and the positive way she sees the world.
This story is a poignant tale of dealing with grief and being ostracized from the world around you, either for your background or your circumstances. I encourage anyone teen or older to read it, despite some of my personal frustrations I felt as I read it.
July 14, 2024
"A veces, la única alternativa es el caos"
La historia de Marjan es una cargada de magia y fantasía, pero al mismo tiempo tratada con una sutileza que me ha gustado mucho. No te presentan sin más un mundo puramente mágico, sino que se entremezcla con la realidad y logra camuflarse entre ella. Me parece que este tipo de mundos son muy interesantes y siempre me entra curiosidad de como le autore va a desarrollarlo, con el habitual choque de la magia y la normalidad en la vida de les protagonistas.
He de decir que Marjan no es un personaje con el que haya simpatizado mucho y no me ha terminado de gustar. Aunque dan explicaciones para algunas cosas que le ocurren y que sabe, éstas no me terminan de convencer y me ha parecido que se ha quedado a medias de lo que podría haber sido. Siento que hay conflictos que no se han explorado con la profundidad que se debería, y el giro final justifica algunas cosas, pero no todas. El resto de personajes, sin ser nada espectaculares, están bastante bien y suplen algunas de las carencias de la prota, pero no puede decir que haya alguno que se convirtiese en mi favorito.
Es una lectura que está bien, pero no tiene mucho más. Lo que más me ha gustado es poder conocer un poco más de la cultura persa de la protagonista y el ver seres mitológicos un poco alejados de los habituales de Occidente. Una obra interesante que te hace pasar un buen rato, pero de la que posiblemente te olvides después de un tiempo.
Irbis.
La historia de Marjan es una cargada de magia y fantasía, pero al mismo tiempo tratada con una sutileza que me ha gustado mucho. No te presentan sin más un mundo puramente mágico, sino que se entremezcla con la realidad y logra camuflarse entre ella. Me parece que este tipo de mundos son muy interesantes y siempre me entra curiosidad de como le autore va a desarrollarlo, con el habitual choque de la magia y la normalidad en la vida de les protagonistas.
He de decir que Marjan no es un personaje con el que haya simpatizado mucho y no me ha terminado de gustar. Aunque dan explicaciones para algunas cosas que le ocurren y que sabe, éstas no me terminan de convencer y me ha parecido que se ha quedado a medias de lo que podría haber sido. Siento que hay conflictos que no se han explorado con la profundidad que se debería, y el giro final justifica algunas cosas, pero no todas. El resto de personajes, sin ser nada espectaculares, están bastante bien y suplen algunas de las carencias de la prota, pero no puede decir que haya alguno que se convirtiese en mi favorito.
Es una lectura que está bien, pero no tiene mucho más. Lo que más me ha gustado es poder conocer un poco más de la cultura persa de la protagonista y el ver seres mitológicos un poco alejados de los habituales de Occidente. Una obra interesante que te hace pasar un buen rato, pero de la que posiblemente te olvides después de un tiempo.
Irbis.
August 16, 2025
The months it took me to read this are in no way a reflection on the book itself, i absolutely loved this.
August 11, 2023
Tykkäsin persialaisten kansantarujen yhdistämistä tarinaan. Tykkäsin eläimistä ja päähenkilöstä. Arvostin sitä, että päähenkilö Marjan sai olla vihainen melkeinpä läpi kirjan, koska sellainen nuori hänen tilanteessaan olisi.
En kuitenkaan oikein tiennyt, mikä kirjan kohdeikä on. Välillä tuntui että on YA:ta (Marjan ikä, ajatukset, asuu yksin, ajelevat autolla, ihastuksen tunteet), mutta juoni on taas kirjoitettu nuortenkirja tyyliin. 🤷🏻♀️
En kuitenkaan oikein tiennyt, mikä kirjan kohdeikä on. Välillä tuntui että on YA:ta (Marjan ikä, ajatukset, asuu yksin, ajelevat autolla, ihastuksen tunteet), mutta juoni on taas kirjoitettu nuortenkirja tyyliin. 🤷🏻♀️
December 23, 2022
** four and a half shiny stars
A wildly imaginative ride through the past, and the present, and the silken threads that weave both together, featuring faeries, griffons, unicorns, giants and other creatures as strange and as wonderful as human dreams, hopes and imaginings are able to construct.
Once there was a girl named Marjan Dastani, our fifteen year old first-person POV narrator, and a descendant of Persia. Marjan’s early childhood was a happy one - weaned on stories, myths and fables as ancient and intrinsically-held-close as her bloodline and her heritage anticipated.
“A place that was real and not real at the same time
A world that was bigger and older than the one I lived in.
It had more light and deeper shadows, and there was room for things to be strange and wonderful. Even when the stories ended, that world never quite went away. “
Marjan’s world implodes, when, wounded from the tragic early loss of her mother, teenage Marjan must also face the unexpected and violent death of her father, a veterinarian long-saddled with a struggling debt-ridden clinic. It is not long before she comes to suspect that there are elements of her fathers practice that may be strangely and mysteriously related to the very stories she was raised on.
A wild and wondrous journey follows, a fantastical world as engaging as it is terrifying - rife with fascinations, puzzles, horrors, dangers and spells - and a missing link, just out of reach for Marjan, that may explain a life held apart, long experienced as profoundly incomplete.
“If you give the darkness a face, then maybe you can speak to it. And if you can speak to it, then maybe you can control it. And after all, isn’t that why we invented monsters?”
I loved this deeply moving and engaging children’s book, sure to delight any-aged lovers of magic, myths and monsters. A twisty, intensely lyrical sort of tale, this book is all-but-guaranteed to inspire feelings “shimmered with gold; like breathing something priceless and rare and warm into our chests.”
A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
**This book will be published on Apr 4, 2023
A wildly imaginative ride through the past, and the present, and the silken threads that weave both together, featuring faeries, griffons, unicorns, giants and other creatures as strange and as wonderful as human dreams, hopes and imaginings are able to construct.
Once there was a girl named Marjan Dastani, our fifteen year old first-person POV narrator, and a descendant of Persia. Marjan’s early childhood was a happy one - weaned on stories, myths and fables as ancient and intrinsically-held-close as her bloodline and her heritage anticipated.
“A place that was real and not real at the same time
A world that was bigger and older than the one I lived in.
It had more light and deeper shadows, and there was room for things to be strange and wonderful. Even when the stories ended, that world never quite went away. “
Marjan’s world implodes, when, wounded from the tragic early loss of her mother, teenage Marjan must also face the unexpected and violent death of her father, a veterinarian long-saddled with a struggling debt-ridden clinic. It is not long before she comes to suspect that there are elements of her fathers practice that may be strangely and mysteriously related to the very stories she was raised on.
A wild and wondrous journey follows, a fantastical world as engaging as it is terrifying - rife with fascinations, puzzles, horrors, dangers and spells - and a missing link, just out of reach for Marjan, that may explain a life held apart, long experienced as profoundly incomplete.
“If you give the darkness a face, then maybe you can speak to it. And if you can speak to it, then maybe you can control it. And after all, isn’t that why we invented monsters?”
I loved this deeply moving and engaging children’s book, sure to delight any-aged lovers of magic, myths and monsters. A twisty, intensely lyrical sort of tale, this book is all-but-guaranteed to inspire feelings “shimmered with gold; like breathing something priceless and rare and warm into our chests.”
A great big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
**This book will be published on Apr 4, 2023
August 22, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, although it doesn’t seem to fit in the Young Readers/Middle Grade category. The main character is 15 years old, has inherited her father’s vet practice, and is expected to run it and make all the decisions, while living alone and managing her own life. A bit far fetched for me, and I think the story would’ve been that much better if the character was at least old enough to make her situation somewhat realistic. I did really enjoy the plot, and the stories of folklore about the different animals. Kind of wish it was a series so I could live in Marjan’s world a bit longer!
January 21, 2025
The novel had so much potential to turn into an engaging fantasy read, but I’m so confused as to why the author felt it needed to be written for YA. Deciding that the main character was going to be 15, and in high-school, caused so many logistical issues that were super difficult to get past in the beginning.
If you can push those factors aside and get just over the 150 page mark the novel does take a turn for the better. I enjoyed the story line explaining the creatures, and the secret market/trade of them, but once that story line is concluded the plot gets confusing again in regards to who murdered her father. Super weird ending that I feel had potential for so much more.
If you can push those factors aside and get just over the 150 page mark the novel does take a turn for the better. I enjoyed the story line explaining the creatures, and the secret market/trade of them, but once that story line is concluded the plot gets confusing again in regards to who murdered her father. Super weird ending that I feel had potential for so much more.
October 19, 2023
Тверді 4 ⭐
Це була приємна та проста казка, ідеальна для підліткового віку.
Слог у автора (щиро вибачаюсь, що випадково в коментарях назвала його "авторкою") простий, але водночас сповнений яскравих описів: від ситуаційний до описів відчуттів.
Рекомендую для читання для дітей віком від 12 років, або дорослим, які хочуть щось швиденько проковтнути та не замислюватися ні над чим.
Це була приємна та проста казка, ідеальна для підліткового віку.
Слог у автора (щиро вибачаюсь, що випадково в коментарях назвала його "авторкою") простий, але водночас сповнений яскравих описів: від ситуаційний до описів відчуттів.
Рекомендую для читання для дітей віком від 12 років, або дорослим, які хочуть щось швиденько проковтнути та не замислюватися ні над чим.
January 26, 2024
Well actually, I lost this book when I was about 75% of the way through it, and I thought "why should I waste all that time I spent reading this book?"
The book wasn't very good
The book wasn't very good
February 22, 2024
Wow… the beginning of this book was like a four, closer to five, but the endish middle and end were eh, maybe three stars. I liked how every paragraph there was something deep, something I could’ve quoted that would make me sound smart, and it didn’t do that by trying to make it sound fancy by using SAT words but failing, like other books.
It was a little hard to follow what was going on in the end, but I still liked it. Just got a little boring. Poor Kipling 😭
It was a little hard to follow what was going on in the end, but I still liked it. Just got a little boring. Poor Kipling 😭
March 21, 2024
Тази история учи как красотата е навсякъде около нас, как трябва да се грижим за нея и колко крехка е всъщност тя.
При все това доста неща не бяха както трябва за мен - от възрастта на главната героиня до нелогичните решения, които взимаше на моменти, а понякога и самият разказ беше... Особен.
Искаше ми се да дам много по-висока оценка... И все пак само заради последната глава дадох още една ⭐ отгоре...
⭐⭐⭐
При все това доста неща не бяха както трябва за мен - от възрастта на главната героиня до нелогичните решения, които взимаше на моменти, а понякога и самият разказ беше... Особен.
Искаше ми се да дам много по-висока оценка... И все пак само заради последната глава дадох още една ⭐ отгоре...
⭐⭐⭐
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