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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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Grief, and Death of parent
apierlessbridge's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A quietly poignant and powerful book about grief, friendship, family, animals, magic, inspired by Persian mythology. I've heard it described as a cross between 'Fantastic Beasts' and Neil Gaimain, which I feel is pretty accurate. I loved the journey that Marjan went on from confused and angry, to discovering the truth of her family power and her own. Beautiful, but with familiar MG/YA fantasy tropes. I loved the audio narration here. Very good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Grief
fifth_magpie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
alwaysshure's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death
meganpbell's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.25
When Marjan’s father is mysteriously murdered, she discovers he was a veterinarian to the kinds of mythic creatures in the stories he once told her…and she inherited his power to care for beasts like griffons and gnomes herself.
Once There Was is an emotionally rich, beautifully told story, full of adventure, mystery, and magical realism, with great Iranian-American representation, about the paradox of living—wonder and responsibility, grief and connection—that I’d love for readers of all ages to enjoy and engage with, however I do think younger readers (this is rated ages 10+) will struggle to maintain interest over the 400 medium-paced pages and more mature plot lines, and I worry that, despite how utterly realistically and compassionately she’s written, more privileged readers will find Marjan “unlikeable” because of her grief and anger.
This book is special, ambitious, and one-of-a-kind and I’m hopeful it will enchant and challenge readers in a major way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Classism