BOOK REVIEW: A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston

BLURB:

Lo-Melkhiin killed three hundred girls before he came to her village, looking for a wife. When she sees the dust cloud on the horizon, she knows he has arrived. She knows he will want the loveliest girl: her sister. She vows she will not let her be next.

And so she is taken in her sister's place, and she believes death will soon follow. Lo-Melkhiin's court is a dangerous palace filled with pretty things: intricate statues with wretched eyes, exquisite threads to weave the most beautiful garments. She sees everything as if for the last time.But the first sun rises and sets, and she is not dead. Night after night, Lo-Melkhiin comes to her and listens to the stories she tells, and day after day she is awoken by the sunrise. Exploring the palace, she begins to unlock years of fear that have tormented and silenced a kingdom. Lo-Melkhiin was not always a cruel ruler. Something went wrong.

Far away, in their village, her sister is mourning. Through her pain, she calls upon the desert winds, conjuring a subtle unseen magic, and something besides death stirs the air.

Back at the palace, the words she speaks to Lo-Melkhiin every night are given a strange life of their own. Little things, at first: a dress from home, a vision of her sister. With each tale she spins, her power grows. Soon she dreams of bigger, more terrible magic: power enough to save a king, if she can put an end to the rule of a monster.

REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 9 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This book is wonderful! One girl sacrifices her life for her people. 

My favorite character is the main character (everyone has a different name for her) because she is unstoppable. She is cunning, brave, kind, strong, and everything that a girl should strive to be. She never gives up and never does anything wrong. She is magical. 

My favorite part is the ending (not giving a spoiler) because everyone is finally happy. I also love when she makes new friends like the Weaver, the servant girl, and the cook because she does what she wants. 

I recommend this majestic read for anyone who likes inspirational heroines, demon-possessed kings, and powerful family bonds. I LOVED this book! 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 and up. 

This book's publishing date is October 6, 2015.