The ending of 'Once There Was' really left me thinking for days. It wraps up with this hauntingly beautiful scene where the protagonist, after all her struggles with mythical creatures and personal demons, finally confronts the truth about her father's legacy. The way the author blends folklore with modern grief hit me hard—it’s not just about saving magical beasts but about reconciling with loss. The last chapter has this quiet moment where she releases the last creature, symbolizing letting go, and it’s framed against a sunset that mirrors her journey from anger to acceptance. I loved how it didn’t tie everything up neatly; some mysteries linger, like the faint echo of a creature’s call in the distance, leaving room for imagination.
What stuck with me was how the book subverts the 'chosen one' trope. Instead of a grand battle, the climax is deeply internal. The protagonist realizes her power was never about control but understanding—a lesson I’ve been applying to my own life lately. The prose in those final pages is lyrical, almost like a lullaby for the wounded heart. It’s rare to find YA fantasy that prioritizes emotional resolution over spectacle, and that’s why this book stays on my shelf.
The main characters in 'Once There Was' really stuck with me because of how vividly they're written. At the center is Marjan, this sharp-witted teenager who inherits her father’s mysterious gift for communicating with mythical creatures. Her journey is so compelling—she’s got this mix of vulnerability and determination that makes her feel real. Then there’s her father, whose shadow looms large even after his death, and his cryptic notebook becomes a key part of the story. The dynamic between Marjan and the creatures she encounters, like the griffin and the fox, adds layers to her character. It’s not just about her solving puzzles; it’s about her grappling with grief and identity.
What I love is how the side characters, like her school friend or the enigmatic strangers tied to her father’s past, aren’t just props. They each have their own quirks and secrets that weave into the bigger mystery. The way the author balances Marjan’s personal growth with the fantastical elements is just chef’s kiss. I finished the book feeling like I’d been on this wild, emotional ride with her.
If you loved 'Once There Was' for its blend of folklore and modern storytelling, you might enjoy 'The Starless Sea' by Erin Morgenstern. It’s a labyrinthine tale full of magical realism, hidden libraries, and stories within stories. The way it weaves myth into contemporary life reminded me so much of 'Once There Was'—both have that dreamy, lyrical quality that makes you feel like you’re stepping into another world.
Another gem is 'The Ten Thousand Doors of January' by Alix E. Harrow. It’s got that same sense of adventure and discovery, with portals to other worlds and a protagonist who’s uncovering secrets about her own past. The prose is gorgeous, and the themes of belonging and identity really resonated with me, just like 'Once There Was' did.
The protagonist's departure in 'Once There Was' feels like a slow unraveling of secrets and unspoken wounds. At first, it seems like a simple escape from a stifling small town, but as the layers peel back, you realize it's about confronting the ghosts of their past. The town holds too many memories—some sweet, others unbearably heavy. Leaving isn’t just running away; it’s a desperate bid for clarity, a way to untangle the mess of grief and guilt that’s been knotted inside them for years.
The journey itself becomes a metaphor for self-discovery. The farther they get from home, the more they’re forced to face what they’ve buried. The book does this beautifully, weaving flashbacks into the present so that every mile traveled feels like a step deeper into their own psyche. By the time they reach their destination, you understand: leaving wasn’t an option. It was the only way to survive.