‘Once was, once wasn’t’ (yeki bood, yeki nabood) is the beginning of classic Persian fairy tales, and to Kiyash Monsef’s debut novel. Monsef, already an accomplished director and producer of Emmy Award-nominated TV shows, took nine years to bring this story to us, and I am so happy that he did.

Marjan, our Iranian–American protagonist, has just lost her father under mysterious circumstances. This has left her not only grieving and an orphan, but also responsible for a small struggling veterinary practice, all while trying to survive high school. It’s a lot. And Marjan is angry, and also strangely detached.

When an unusual visitor to the clinic entices Marjan to fly to the UK, she discovers that her father’s tales, that brought her such joy as a child, are true. Her world is now full of griffons, manticores, unicorns, and gnomes – such wonder, and such danger. These creatures are cherished, but also hunted, ensnared and traded.

This story is dark at times, and deals with some heavy, challenging topics. However, it leads the reader to an understanding of how important it is to respect nature, and the power and influence such actions can have upon the world.

This is a book for readers who love the works of Philip Pullman, Christopher Paolini, Rick Riordan, and A.F. Steadman. For ages 11+.