A review by asipofcozy
A Thousand Steps into Night by Traci Chee

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A Thousand Steps into Night follows the story of Miuko, an ordinary girl living in a world where women are seen, not heard. Miuko has always been different; she is loud, states her opinion, and walks around with no escort. Yet, she is still honored bound to her ailing father in their tiny village that is slowly disintegrating. On her way to complete an errand for her father, Miuko is kissed by a demon and cursed. After being banished from her village, she sets off to cure her curse. Along the way, she meets strange spirits, befriends a magpie, and gets wrapped up in an old feud between two influential houses. Yet, with this curse, Miuko experiences freedom for the first time. Does she want to give that up for a dull, obedient life?


"I think you have been taught that greatness does not belong to you and that to want it is perverse. I think you have folded yourself into the shape that others expect of you, but that shape does not suit you, has never suited you, and all your young life, you have been dying to be free of it."


I loved following Miuko's journey as she slowly came into herself. There were so many great character development moments throughout the story. Moments she realized she was worth more than any man could ever be. She is brave, loving, and loyal. She is a strong woman living in a world where men rule. Throughout the story, we are confronted with this theme of female subserviency. Miuko was spit at and called "dirty" for traveling alone. She was thought to be unpure due to her qualities. Yet she had more humanity than even the purest of priests. 

Besides the fantastic character development we were given, the world-building was stunning. Traci Chee's word choice and flow in building this world captured me. When we were confronted with demons and spirits, she made them move in this almost animalistic, ethereal way, and you could envision it. You could see the world around Miuko so vividly that it almost felt like you were there yourself. Chee honestly had a way with words, and she write's brilliant prose. 


"Come on. There is so much more out there than this." 
The girl's eyes glittered - with tears, or perhaps excitement. "For a girl?"
"For anyone brave enough to look."


Also, I am so glad that Chee did not turn this into a romance. There were many opportunities where you could potentially see a romance bloom with multiple characters, and I am so glad that it did not occur. Not saying a romance wouldn't have been good, but it would have taken away the powerful message that Chee was giving her readers. Women are a powerful, unstoppable force. 

If you are hesitant to read this book, I highly recommend picking it up. It has strong characters, beautiful world-building, prose that sweeps you off your feet, and a story that keeps you turning the pages.