Review: A Thousand Steps Into Night

Title: A Thousand Steps Into Night

Author: Traci Chee

Publisher: Clarion Books

Publication date: March 1, 2022

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org | Book Depository | Goodreads | StoryGraph

Summary

Miuko has been resigned to her life as an innkeeper’s daughter, even though her world is full of magic and monsters. As a girl, she doesn’t have much power and influence in her society. However, a curse finds Miuko and starts to turn her into a demon, her life is turned on its head. With the help of a Magpie spirit, she sets out to reverse her curse and hopefully return her life to normal.

However, what Miuko doesn’t expect is to enjoy the freedom and power she’s had becoming a demon. As she fights gods, other demons, and tricksters to get back to her normal life, she starts to wonder if she’ll fit back into that normal life. Or if she’s destined for something else after all.

Review: A Thousand Steps Into Night

Thanks to Clarion Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! I feel like I’ve been reading a lot of Asian-inspired fantasy books lately, and I am here for it. Plus, teens seem to love this kind of story, so I can’t wait for the library to get this one!

First, if Japanese-inspired mytholoyg is your thing, you’ll love this book. Chee infused this book with many different elements of Japanese mythology, and it feels incredibly authentic. The story-telling style of the writing also lends itself to the mythology aspects of the book. From the beginning, this fantasy almost feels like something you’d read in a mythology class. Throughout, Chee included footnotes to help provide context, which I actually really enjoyed as well.

In addition to the great mythology, A Thousand Steps Into Night also has an excellent cast of characters. Miuko is a fully realized character, with flaws and a sense of purpose thorughout. It’s through her character that we see the patriarchal oppression. Her journey is one of realization, one of knowledge. Miuko doesn’t want to reliquinsh the power she’s gained, and for good reason. Overall, her character arc felt realistic and authentic.

However, Geiki, the magpie spirit who becomes sort of a guide, is one of my favorites. He’s easily distracted and makes for some fun asides throughout some of the darker aspects of the story. Seriously, you might want to read this just for him!

All in all, this was a great mythological adventure from start to finish. Definitely check it out when it comes out next week!

4/5 stars