Reviews

Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef

thebookishsarah's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

leahjanespeare's review against another edition

5.0

This book destroyed me in the best possible way. 

I did not expect the layers of emotional maturity or the complex path through grief that our heroine, Marjan, experiences. My dark little heart was delighted at the story's focus on the grayness of morality and how confusing the concept of 'right' can be for someone at her age. How is nature - magical or mundane - meant to be controlled? Who is more qualified to insert their power over these beautiful and terrifying and dangerous creatures, and what is the correct justice for when undetermined rules are broken? Does intent matter when the results are bloodshed? I am obsessed with the stories that Marjan's father tells her in her memories. They are timeless and ancient, and yet essential for her new status of 'orphan'. I will be thinking about this book for a long while; what a gift. 

I am still not sure if this book belongs in young adult or middle grade sections - but honestly anyone from about age 10+ would find it worthwhile, even adults. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Grief, and Death of parent

ripaustaikaa's review against another edition

2.0

Ihan liikaa palasia, joita ei saatu sovitettua yhteen kovin luontevalla tavalla; irrallisia juonikuvioita ja turhan paljon sivuja. Äänikirjan viimeisien kolmen tunnin aikana luulin tän loppuvan ainakin viidesti, mutta sitten alkoikin taas tapahtua jotain ihan muuta. Ja eläinlääkäriteema oli mulle vähän turhan ällö

sivukerrallaan's review against another edition

4.0

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.

librarydreams's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I've read a lot of middle grade fantasy, and this is the most creative and original work I've read in a long time. I love how Monsef interwove folk tales (or at least original stories that felt like classic folk tales) into the modern story. The mysteries surrounding the protagonist are intriguing and magnetic, and become more and more so until the answers are revealed.

bluebirdday10's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It can be a bit confusing, but Marjan just works soo hard throughout the book.

belleoftheb00ks's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

tintaglia_33's review against another edition

Libby pulled the audiobook

aholland5's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.75

jencunn2024's review

5.0

This is one of the best YA novel I’ve read in recent years. It is a fantastic story with both realism and fantasy. The protagonist is 15yo Marjan who has been recently orphaned and inherits her family home and her father’s veterinarian practice under legal guardianship and advisement. She quickly realizes there was more to her father’s mysterious business trips and practice that lead her into a world of mythical beasts. This is a considerably different story that Fantastic Beasts and is more closely associated with legend, lore and myth. I was impressed by the different take on the unicorn but there are other incredible stories and beasts described in this novel. I’m rounding up from a book I would give 4.75 stars. I read printed hardback and listened to the audiobook as well. Loved every minute of this! Hope there is more coming all this this is great as a stand-alone as well.