If you’re looking for magic in a One Thousand And One Nights retelling then this is it. Super feminist and full of fire and passion. If you’re looking for a blood-boiling romance story, this isn’t it though. I hate to admit that I was looking for a few more smooches. If that’s what you’re after The Wrath and The Dawn may be a better fit for you. But in all other aspects A Thousand Nights is a tighter, better constructed story with stunning writing and great, consistent characterisation.
Our unnamed protagonist rescues her sister from the clutches of a wicked king by offering herself instead. The king, Lo Melkhiin, kills all his brides, usually after the first night. Yet our protagonist manages to evade death through her story telling and her own brand of magic. But she is never safe and the story of her continued survival is a harrowing, intense battle between her demon-possessed husband and her better nature.
Things that I loved:
The relationship between our protagonist and her sister.
The writing
The story construction whose pacing is never fast but always appropriate to the narrative.
The cover (OMG THE EDITION I HAVE IS FUCKING STUNNING, GUYS.)
Things that I didn’t like:
This book is marketed as “The Most Dangerous Love Story Ever Told” and that is just a lie. The only love is between the protagonist and her sister. This is not a love story, it’s a survival story and in many ways that’s more appropriate, but leaves the ending bitter sweet.
The stunning, evocative imagery and world building is enough to wring squees of delight out of me.
All up I highly recommend this amazing feminist retelling of One Thousand and One Nights for those out there who love a good story.
Natalie Monroe
I love A Thousand Nights way more than The Wrath & the Dawn. I actually despised the latter haha. I’m glad you enjoyed it too!
P.S. Not just the MC, but none of the women in the book have names. It’s so cleverly done and speaks so much regarding its feminist themes.
Kyra Morris
I want to read this so badly! It sounds incredible and YAY for a good sister relationship! Also, this book is SO BEAUTIFUL.
Carina Olsen
Gorgeous review Kat 😀 Yay for enjoying this book so much. <3 It looks gooorgeous. But ugh, no romance? 🙁 That is disappointing. Not really for me, but gosh, I am curious. So pretty.
Morgan @ Gone with the Words
I loved this book and I’m glad you did too!! I always want more romance in my books but it didn’t bother me in this case; I think I was too enmeshed in the setting and the story to mind! Still haven’t read The Wrath and the Dawn, it will be interesting to compare 🙂 Have you read the companion Spindle yet? I’m hoping to read it soon!