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 mythical 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...Then, one day,…
4.5Overall Score
Once There Was
Reader's Review An extremely well written story about a young woman who must take over her father's efforts to save a secret world of mythical creatures. Despite this being a fantasy, there ...
Reader’s Review
An extremely well written story about a young woman who must take over her father’s efforts to save a secret world of mythical creatures. Despite this being a fantasy, there are many good themes of family, friendship, grief and justice.
To look out for
- Islamic Values: The novel revolves around saving an entire race of mythical animals – it may be difficult for some readers to distinguish between myth and reality.
- Romance: Marjan develops a close relationship with a boy who helps her. They both experience some feelings for each other, but it does not develop into a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.
- Violence: A fair amount of violence – both physical and emotional. Marjan’s father is murdered before the story begins. One of the main antagonists dies in a fire. The manticore is particularly violent and brutal. The unicorn’s many wounds are graphically described. The myths including eating and destroying soldiers.
Purchase on: Amazon
