Monsef, Kiyash. Once There Was. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023. 978-0-665-92850-2. 406 p. $18.99. Grades 7-12.

Marjun is a sophomore in high school when her father suddenly dies. She also lost her mother to cancer when she was only eight years old. She finds herself now in charge of running her father’s veterinary business when a stranger approaches her with a seemingly impossible task. She is whisked away to help a sick animal, but this is not your average family pet – it is a magical creature! Marjun soon discovers secrets that her father has kept from her, and she now finds herself immersed in a magical world where she holds more power than she could ever imagine. At first, she believes she is helping these creatures, but she soon discovers that there are sinister motives of those in this new world where magical creatures are bought and sold. Marjun tries to make things right, but she discovers this is not something that she can do alone.  

THOUGHTS: This magical realism book is for serious readers of fantasy. It is not a light read, and there are some sad events. I am confident true lovers of magical creatures will love this story.

Fantasy