To everyone's relief and horror one young woman steps forward. The daughter of a legendary storyteller, Shahrazad believes it is her destiny to accept this risk and sacrifice herself.
On the night of her wedding to the king, Shahrazad begins to weave a tale. Fascinated, the king lets her live night after night. Just when Shahrazad dares to believe that she has found a way to keep her life -- and an unexpected love -- a treacherous plot may disrupt her plan. She can only hope that love is strong enough to save her.
There is nothing I relish quite as much as a romance in which the hero and heroine are married. Many variations have been done upon the theme with differing levels of emotion between the couple ranging from indifference, to dislike, to one of the parties not even knowing they are married (very awkward!) But truly, I think this story must take the prize in difficulty. Shahrazad marries the king believing he will execute her the next morning and he marries her firmly believing he will. If that does not put a damper on the relationship....
Surprisingly (or perhaps not so much. :)) this story also holds one of my favorite romantic scenes of any story I've read. I'm not going to outline it here because I might want to do a post about it on my other blog, but let me say it involves galloping about on fine horses, golden afternoon sun across the desert, and an oasis. It's just lover-ly.
Exotic and mysterious this story is brimming with the most golden clarity of any fairy-tale I have yet read, and the loveliness therein could not be more dream worthy.
I love this book. :D It's been awhile since I read it but I'm still very familiar with the story because I've read it a few times. This review, combined with the pictures, makes me want to read it again! You did a really great job putting this review together. Also, I love the scene you hinted at. It's BEAUTIful! How many other Dokey books have you read? Would you count this as your favorite?
ReplyDeleteCordy,
DeleteI'm so glad to "meet" another fan!
The first time I had it from the library I read it twice in a row (and some parts more than twice :)), so I understand your feeling of knowing the story deeply.
Thank you! It was a lot of fun finding pictures that just spread the story in glowing color.
I've read three of her other ones; and enjoyed Belle especially, but I have to say because of the pure wonderment factor, this is certainly my favorite. What about you?
I've read a few parts more than once myself. ;D
DeleteI think my favorite Dokey would be a toss-up between "Before Midnight" and "Golden". I guess that's not really a proper answer, is it? Sorry. Haha.
I too love romances between already married couples! And haha-- "...one of the parties not even knowing they are married (very awkward!)" I know which story that is. ;D
ReplyDeleteThis tale sounds utterly beautiful. It's going on my to-read list right away.
Natalie,
Delete*high five* YES! It just opens up opportunities for so many layers of tension!
The second part to your comment made me laugh. :) Yes girl, you do know!
*high five back* :) Exactly!! Layers of tension is just the wording for it.
DeleteHeehee. :D