The Storyteller's Daughter (Once Upon a Time Fairy Tales): Book Review

• Author: Cameron Dokey  
• First Published: 1997  
• Genre: Fantasy  
• Rating: ★★★★   

Have you ever met someone who was a fantastic story teller? What was it about them that enchanted you? Was it their ability to potentially save an entire kingdom from utter ruin just by telling a story? If so, your storyteller sounds like our very own Shahrazad, the storyteller's daughter.

What a refreshing read this was compared to some of the books I've been reading lately. At times it was quick-witted, at times it was mysterious, and throughout the smaller stories it wove a larger tale all-together. From struggling with accepting who we are, to love, loss and betrayal, with all the heartache and self-doubt to boot, and a few stumbles and surprises along the way, Cameron Dokey has created something to pull on the heart strings. With deep, hidden messages in a larger, easy-to-read format, this is definitely worth the time, especially if you're in a bit of a reading slump.

This is another one of those books that has been sitting on my to-be-read shelf for far longer than I'd like to admit, and this year I've been committed to trying to get to some of those ones that have been collecting dust. I've read some of Dokey's work in the past, and even some of the other books from this collection of fairy tale retellings; this one did not disappoint. I'll be honest though, my knowledge of the Arabian Nights stories begins and ends with Disney's Aladdin, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying this tale. If anything, it's made me want to seek out the stories of the original Arabian Nights, and to enjoy them in their entirety. 

This book is one of those difficult ones to talk about without accidentally spoiling something. It doesn't take place in a far away, magical land, yet it has enchanting qualities. It isn't bogged down with details, yet everything has a purpose and a deeper meaning. It isn't a happy, go-lucky story, yet it makes you feel those warm fuzzy feelings throughout the novel. It's everything you want from a fairy tale, minus the old English colloquialisms. All-in-all, a book I'd definitely recommend if you want something quick, heartfelt, and that whisks you away, if only for a short while.

Do you enjoy fairy tales? If so, which one is your favourite? Do you have any unique fairy tales in your country?