Rating: 3 Stars

I was really excited to get A Thousand Steps into Night because a Japanese-influenced fantasy novel? How could I say no? Unfortunately, I didn't love it as much as I hoped.

I enjoyed the overall plot, but I admit I was a little lost with the world-building and terminology. The book also felt very slow to me, luckily things got more interesting in the second half, so at least it didn't feel like a drag for the entire book. I did enjoy how the theme was carried throughout the novel- The setting of Awara is clearly patriarchic and misogynistic, so a big aspect explored in the novel was ways to free yourself from oppression and have the ability to be yourself. I enjoyed the mythological elements along with the use of time and the idea of multiple realities. The characters were interesting- I particularly liked Geiki. I feel like, for all the buildup, the climax seemed to end quickly with a rather short conclusion (compared to the length of the rest of the book).

But overall, A Thousand Steps into Night was a fantasy-filled read with demons, gods, shapeshifters, and many adventures.

First off I really loved the writing style of A Thousand Steps into Night. I’m not sure how to explain exactly what I would equate it to but it just has that myth quality to it.

The book is divided into two parts which almost gave that illusion as if it were two books. Although it would not make sense to read either part alone. I can’t give too much away as to why there are two parts because it would too easily spoil part of the story but I really liked it and the reasoning for it.

I loved the world building, I definitely felt immersed in not only the landscape but the way the world worked. I also loved the adventure aspect. I just can’t get enough of stories that involve crossing paths with various characters. It doesn’t matter if a character is with the protagonist for the whole journey or just for specific parts of the story.

Miuko is such an interesting main character. One that refuses to fall into social norms and fights against what’s expected of a girl. She feels very relatable and always very much owns her flaws but also ends up embracing them as part of herself.

This is a book that you can’t say too much because you don’t want to give anything away. I really enjoyed it.

It was really enjoyable! It slowed down a little bit after the start but picked up afterwards. Most of the characters were well fleshed out but once in a while it felt like they fell back on stereotypes.

I don't think it was the book's fault that I didn't enjoy this. I honestly just wasn't in the mood for fantasy and pushed myself through it regardless. I did like the discussion around breaking out of gender roles and societal expectations as well as the quest-style journey throughout. Miuko's companion/magpie friend was probably my favorite character, since he added a lot of levity to a story that had a lot of darkness surrounding it. The past/present aspect was an interesting concept, but it didn't really do it for me. I just wasn't really interested in this turn that the book took. I'd still definitely recommend this book to people looking for a fun journey-focused YA folklore book with Japanese influences, but I wish I had read this when I was craving a quest-style fantasy.

This has a slower tone and it is gorgeous! Those teens who love reading will love this. It may not work for those who are less interested in readers but there needs to be books on the shelves that are age appropriate for those higher readers and this rocks it! There is such intellect in this book. High rec for all libraries serving teens!

Ideal for fans who are looking for Young adult fantasy. This story is lush and beautifully written. I as a more nuanced reader however was not the target audience. I would recommend looking for this book for a young reader who is interested in fantasy.

3/5 Stars

This felt very meh for me. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. Everything fell very flat to me. I wasn't invested in the characters all that much. There were some moments that piqued my interest, like the book's magic. I'm not sure if it was the writing or the actual story but for the most part, I just didn't really care. I would recommend taking everything I say with a grain of salt. I am not the intended audience for this book. It also had all the makings for a good fantasy book. We'll just put this all to personal preference. I would still recommend it for teens, I could them really enjoying it.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Thousand Steps into Night introduces you to an ordinary girl name Miuko. Even though she is seen as ordinary, she is anything but. Now I really liked getting to know her because she seemed somewhat relatable. She's clumsy, shy, and completely awkward during certain situations. Which, yes, I feel like covid, and the pandemic, made everyone a little bit awkward socially. Or maybe that's just me?

Besides that, she's also unique due to her curse. So, yeah, I don't know about you... but I don't know many people turning into a demon lately. Other than that, I liked the fairy-tale/folklore vibe that this whole book was giving. Each page was just so easy to devour. Especially when it came down to the chemistry between Miuko and Geiki.

In the end, I'm so happy that I got the chance to jump into this magical adventure. It was the perfect book to jump into on a lazy Saturday morning. I will definitely be diving into another one of Traci's books soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.


Description from NetGalley:

In the realm of Awara, where gods, monsters, and humans exist side by side, Miuko is an ordinary girl resigned to a safe, if uneventful, existence as an innkeeper’s daughter. But when Miuko is cursed and begins to transform into a demon with a deadly touch, she embarks on a quest to reverse the curse and return to her normal life. Aided by a thieving magpie spirit and continuously thwarted by a demon prince, Miuko must outfox tricksters, escape demon hunters, and negotiate with feral gods if she wants to make it home again. But with her transformation comes power and freedom she never even dreamed of, and she’ll have to decide if saving her soul is worth trying to cram herself back into an ordinary life that no longer fits her… and perhaps never did.

This had a lot going on: two personalities in one body, two sets of missions, and all the action and adventure that goes along with it. The book is very charming, and I was rooting for Miuko the whole way. I did have to stop and remind myself of where in the missions I was because time is wobbly. I did occasionally feel like parts of the world had nothing happen in them until the plot happened in them. Overall I did like the book and would recommend it to those who enjoy folklore inspired stories or retellings.

Overall: 3.5/5

A Thousand Steps into Night by Traci Chee is the YA fantasy that I really needed in my life. I've never had the best luck with this author in the past, but this Japanese mythology inspired story worked for me. It was easily to fall into the world and it was good to get to know all of the characters. I'm kind of disappointed that it's a standalone book because I would enjoy revisiting this world again the future.

"It's not hurt if it's gift. We help you, you help us. That's how it works, yes? Everyone needs everyone, and no one gets what they want alone."

This is a very charming book with tons of heart and a lot of very funny dialogue, but still manages to tackle some serious subject matter. I will remember Geiki and Nogadishao in particular for a very long time- Traci Chee has written a ton of very memorable characters here- but those two had me laughing out loud.

Honestly- this book had a very Studio Ghibli feel to me, and I mean that in the best way- I could clearly picture in my mind some of the more fantastical elements that Chee wrote- there's a lot of very pretty, colorful, and movie-like world building. Combine that with the lovable cast of quirky misfit characters- Ghibli. So if that's something you're into, I would certainly think you'd like this novel.

Thanks so much to Clarion and NetGalley for the review copy- I really enjoyed this read!

A Thousand Steps into Night was a magical and impowering read. I felt so connected to Miuko and her struggles. I loved the folklore and imagery created by Traci Chee. Miuko's journey takes her from a simple girl, the daughter of an inn owner, to a fierce demon - a shaoha - who's growth is as magical as her journey. I wish there were more adventures for Miuko and the friends she has made along the way. Would love to give more than 5 stars if I could.

Ever get to a book that is amazing, but with awful parallels to what is happening in real life right at the moment?

"A Thousand Steps Into Night" by Traci Chee follows Miuko after she has a weird night. You know, a demon prince, slowly turning into a demon, and getting kicked out of her village. Totally normal. But she explores her world aided by a spirits, unlikely allies, and lonely gods in an attempt to thwart the demon and undo her curse. While dealing with a society that doesn't let women have agency...

Reasons to read:
-Always nice to get away from eurocentric stories
-Miuko's growth over the story, love to see it
-A very good horse
-Everyone has a reason for why they are doing things
-Beautiful scenery descriptions

Cons:
--Parallels to reality that shatters my escapism

3.5 stars?

I had some mixed feelings on this book. When I first started this book, I thought I would love this book. The first half was everything I wanted: fun, fantasy adventure inspired by folklore and mythology, charming characters, and just very cute. Then, by the second half, things have gotten weird. The plot jumped around a lot and ceased to be a straightforward adventure, and that's really when the charm of this book left and it lost me. I would give that part like a low 3 star whereas the first part was 4.5 at parts and 4 at others, so I chose to give it 3.5 as a compromise.

As I mentioned, we have a really cute main character and the sidekick, a magpie spirit, is also really cute. There is no romance in this book, but these two have such a cute friendship. The parts of this book that focused on an adventure these two were taking reminded me of The Kane Chronicles, honestly, or a Rick Riordan-esque adventure blended with Six Crimson Cranes for its cuteness and the resemblance of the magpie spirit to a dragon in that book. I loved it. I was planning on buying this book for myself and displaying it on my shelves.

Then, we got into a really weird part of the plot... I thought I was used to events just happening with a very soft, wobbly explanation, but then it got more so, and not even the existence of gods could really save that for me. I really do think that we went off track and the plot derailed and it really hurt this book. At least for me. I will still put it in my classroom, but it is no longer a favorite YA or a favorite folkloric retelling.

The moment I heard this book described for fans of 'InuYasha' I knew I needed to read this as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it did take me a little longer than I expected to truly dive into this world that the author has created - but as a mood reader that was more on myself than on Chee's story. Once I finally was able to push through, I easily came to enjoy the characters - especially Miuko herself - and the world. It didn't become a favorite but I would recommend it to others to give a chance!

See my review on Tor.com:
https://www.tor.com/2022/03/17/book-reviews-a-thousand-steps-into-night-by-traci-chee/

This was so fun! I didn't know anything about Japanese mythology before reading this and now I want to learn more about it! Miuko is a quirky and imperfect character which makes her relatable. I loved her and Geiki and their relationship as a whole was one of the best parts of the book. There were some very real topics discussed in the book that Miuko had to learn how to overcome and her journey was quite inspiring. I honestly loved all the ragtag characters she met along the way and the fact that they were so diverse was wonderful to see. I think it was missing a little pizzazz in the action/surprise factor which is why it didn't get a full 5 ⭐ but it was such an enjoyable read overall. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

A Thousand Steps into Night by Traci Chee is a fantasy novel about Miuko, an innkeeper's daughter. When she is cursed and starts to transform into a demon, she must go on a journey to undo the curse. While on her journey, she meets many fascinating characters that I thoroughly enjoyed. This book was such a fun read, and I learned a little Japanese too. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Miuko goes on an adventure and learns she's worth more than what society says she's worth. She challenges herself to be who she's always meant to be.

Wow, to see an OG fantasy author come back for a new release gets me so pumped to read and I am happy to say that Traci Chee still has her storytelling skills because this was BANGIN'. A beautiful diverse story with refreshing characters and a plot written in a addicting mysterious way. Can't wait to read more from Chee!
Full review to come on YouTube.