Review of Bird of a Thousand Stories (Once There Was #2) by Ehsan Monsef
As I cracked open Bird of a Thousand Stories, I was immediately pulled into Ehsan Monsef’s enchanting world—a world where a teenage girl grapples with the heavy weight of loss and an extraordinary gift. The anticipation of returning to Marjan Dastani’s journey after the first installment, Once There Was, filled me with excitement—and I can honestly say, the wait was more than worth it. Monsef has crafted a sequel that resonates with the urgency of our times, making it a must-read for anyone concerned about our world’s future.
In this installment, we find Marjan navigating the complexities of being not just a 16-year-old orphan, but also someone gifted with the rare ability to communicate with magical creatures. The stakes are higher now, as she confronts the morally ambiguous machinations of The Fells, a corporation treating these beings as mere commodities. This conflict sets the stage for a riveting narrative that spans from California to Istanbul, Scotland, and Rio de Janeiro. Marjan’s ethical battle feels not only personal but deeply universal, echoing our own struggles against systems that prioritize profit over planet.
What I love most about this book is how Monsef seamlessly weaves together layers of themes, from environmental custodianship to the power of storytelling. Marjan confronts not just the immediate dangers of Big Business but also the broader implications of how we treat our world. Her musings about whether stories can guide us to change echo the worries many of us share today: Can we truly learn from the past? Can one voice, especially that of a young girl, make a significant difference in the face of overwhelming odds? Monsef doesn’t claim to have all the answers but urges us to keep questioning—and that, to me, is where the true magic lies.
The narrative is brisk and action-driven, with Monsef’s vivid settings transporting readers effortlessly. I particularly enjoyed the deeper exploration of Malloryn, Marjan’s housemate and aspiring witch, who brings much-needed comic relief and charm. Her bubbly personality, paired with a gray fox familiar that steals every scene, adds depth and warmth to the story. I found myself wanting more of Malloryn; a future novella centering her could be a delightful expansion on this beautiful tapestry of characters.
One of the standout moments for me was when Marjan defiantly challenges The Fells about their intentions, fighting against the odds for a miraculous lamb. It’s poignant, powerful, and serves as a reminder that standing up for what’s right can be a lonely but vital journey.
In terms of writing style, Monsef’s prose is both accessible and poignant, blending fantasy elements with the realities we face in today’s world. The pacing kept me on my toes, making it difficult to put the book down.
Bird of a Thousand Stories is not just for fantasy lovers or young adult readers; it is for anyone who values empathy and wants to see the potential for change in our world. With a richly diverse cast, LGBTQ representation, and themes that prompt reflection, this book is a treasure map leading readers toward more compassionate living.
Whether you’re a fan of magical tales or simply seeking a story that resonates on a personal and global scale, I can assure you that Monsef’s creation will leave you inspired to reflect on your own narrative in this adventurous journey called life. Pick up a copy—your heart and mind will thank you!
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