Book of a Thousand Days

By: Shannon Hale

Narrated by: Chelsea Mixon

Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

When Lady Saren defies her father’s command to marry the vicious Lord Khasar, she is sealed in a tower with only her serving maid, Dashti, for company. In their cramped, dark space Dashti pours her thoughts into a daily journal while pitiless solitude engulfs them.

At first the girl is optimistic: they have food aplenty, candles for light, and even a visit from Lady Saren’s true love, Khan Tegus - though he can only call to them from outside their walls. But Saren is ill of mind, the outside world is changing, and their circumstances soon grow desperate. And even if they do escape, they must still face the eerie malice of Lord Khasar. To survive, Dashti and Saren forge a bond of devotion and deception that will test them to their limits.

Once again, Shannon Hale, author of the Newbery Honor Book Princess Academy, weaves an enchanting and original fantasy that will catch and hold listeners breathless in its spell.

©2007 Shannon Hale (P)2008 Full Cast Audio and AudioGO

Critic reviews

"In this retelling of a brothers Grimm fairy tale, Chelsea Mixon ideally portrays Dashti, a servant bound to rebellious Lady Saren, whose role is read by Rozlyn Jakes-Johnson. The tale is told through Dashti’s journal entries, in which she recounts her imprisonment in a sealed tower with Lady Saren, who defied her father’s command to marry. Dashti’s communication with Khan Tegus (Saren’s true love), vanquishing of an evil tyrant, and eventual escape are among the plot developments. The story is perfect for a full-cast reading. All of the actors add layers of meaning, enlivening even the minor characters. Saren transforms from addled to self-assured, Khan Tegus (played by Conor Nolan) from romantic to ruler, and Dashti from subservient to self-confident. Mixon proves especially effective when singing melodic renditions of "healing songs." An enchanting listening experience. ( Booklist)

Heavy with a light ending

Overall, I enjoyed the book. However, the topics covered are very heavy and dark, I would not suggest it for someone who has a lighter experience with life. Someone who is able to Read about a dark and demeaning side of life while finding the joy and hope within it is necessary before you enjoy it.

Glad I found this

I'm not for fairytales and happily ever afters.,or damsels in distress waiting to be rescued. But I saw the reviews and decided to try it anyway. It was well performed. It was a great story, great narration, and the perfect listen for a long drive. It's not just for kids.

A true masterpiece

I had read the book some years ago in school, and absolutely adored it. When I found it one here, I had to get it. I hadn't expected much save for just listening to it being read as with other books. So when there came to be more than one voice, I fell in love all over again. The voice acting (I suppose you call it that) is perfect and full of emotion. I truly felt immersed in the story with even the smallest of expressions of fear or pain or admiration or even anger. I'm not one to write reviews, but I had to on this one! It's a beautiful story, masterfully read and acted. You'll just love it!!!

Unexpected

I fell in love with this book!
Shannon Hale is a true story teller.
She takes you on a journey in which you long to linger but must also know what comes next!

captivating story to loose your self in

beautifully written, amazing storyline, great escape to a world of honor, healing, and love

The Songs!

Sweet story. Main narrator was perfect and it was nice to hear a full cast. I loved that she sang the healing songs.

Really good read

Loved the story and Performance of reader as well! Would recommend 👌 to friends

Wonderful Story

The Book of a Thousand Days is a fantastic book for young adults and even old women like me :) . I loved the story but hated the singing!!!

Great read!!

Loved the story. The narrator is amazing. The heroine is smart and kind. I highly recommend.

Wonderfully told story!

I read this book several years ago after reading 'The Goose Girl' , another book by Shannon Hale. I purchased this audio version for a long trip by car and wanted something I knew I would love. I was not disappointed. It was as good as the first time that I read it! The actors played the parts very well! Thank you for making my long trip alone so enjoyable. I would highly recommend!