Book of a Thousand Days

Summary
When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years for Saren’s refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment.
As food runs low and the days go from broiling hot to freezing cold, it is all Dashti can do to keep them fed and comfortable. But the arrival outside the tower of Saren’s two suitors—one welcome, and the other decidedly less so—brings both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows.
With Shannon Hale’s lyrical language, this forgotten but classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is reimagined and reset on the central Asian steppes; it is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise.
(Summary taken from the book.)

Afterthoughts
Reading the journal of a girl locked in a tower for 7 years sounds boring. But, surprisingly enough, this book kept me interested and even surprised me at points. The story was a bit predictable and the beginning was slow, but Hale did a masterful job of making Dashti a strong and enjoyable character. She was definitely the best part of reading the book.
The imagery was very strong and easily built the scenes in my mind. I enjoyed reading about the mucker culture and songs and Dashti's life. These were the highlights of the book for me.
Overall, while I enjoyed the book, it's doubtful that I would pick it up again. The story is well-written, but not for readers who like fast-paced action.

Warnings
None.

Extras
Original Brothers Grimm Story

Tiger Lily

Summary

Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair...

Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.

(Summary taken from the book)

Afterthoughts

Honestly, this book left me wanting and a little angry. Because the book had the same basic plot line of the traditional Peter Pan story but also had small differences, I was hoping that the author would allow Peter to stay where he belonged with the person he belonged. But she didn’t. And I can’t say any more without ruining the story (if I haven’t already. Sorry!), so I will stop grumbling about it.

Overall, I really liked this book. I am a huge fan of telling stories from the perspectives of unlikely characters and Anderson did a brilliant job of writing Tiger Lily’s story. The book is written from the viewpoint of Tinker Bell, which gives the reader a great insight into her mind.

I’ve never really liked Tink’s character and was a bit uncertain at the start of the book, but I quickly grew to love and cheer for her. This book explains Tink's actions towards Wendy and portrays her as less of a brat and more as a loyal friend.

Tiger Lily's character took some getting used to (her emotional displays are comparable to a rock's), but she quickly became a beloved character. By the end, I only wanted her to be happy, no matter the outcome.

Any fans of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, or classic remakes will like this book. It's well-written, easy to follow and an altogether enjoyable read.

Warnings

Some implied rape. 

Extras

Book Trailer: