A Thousand Beginnings and Endings - (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Star-crossed lovers, meddling immortals, feigned identities, battles of wits, and dire warnings: these are the stuff of fairy tale, myth, and folklore that have drawn us in for centuries.

Sixteen bestselling and acclaimed authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate.

Compiled by We Need Diverse Books's Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman--who both contributed stories to this edition, as well--the authors included in this exquisite collection are: Renée Ahdieh, Sona Charaipotra, Preeti Chhibber, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette de Bodard, Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Rahul Kanakia, Lori M. Lee, E. C. Myers, Cindy Pon, Aisha Saeed, Shveta Thakrar, and Alyssa Wong.

A mountain loses her heart. Two sisters transform into birds to escape captivity. A young man learns the true meaning of sacrifice. A young woman takes up her mother's mantle and leads the dead to their final resting place.

From fantasy to science fiction to contemporary, from romance to tales of revenge, these stories will beguile readers from start to finish. For fans of Neil Gaiman's Unnatural Creatures and Ameriie's New York Times-bestselling Because You Love to Hate Me.

What happens when sixteen of today's best-loved authors lend their voices to the myths and legends of East and South Asia?

• Mythology from Across Asia: Discover stories inspired by Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Punjabi, and South Asian folklore, each with a unique contemporary or fantasy twist.
• Your Favorite YA Authors: Featuring brand-new short stories from Renée Ahdieh, Roshani Chokshi, Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Cindy Pon, Alyssa Wong, and ten other incredible voices.
• Modern Twists on Classic Tales: From a Filipino mountain goddess setting a trap with forbidden fruit to a nine-tailed fox spirit haunting an online video game, these aren't the stories you grew up with.
• Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Romance: The stories cross genres, from enchanted forests to futuristic cities, weaving heartbreaking romances with thrilling tales of revenge.

Review Quotes

"All of these stories achieve emotional depth and connection while showcasing each storyteller's unique literary voice." - The Horn Book

"Authors Oh and Chapman have created this much-needed anthology of Asian myths and folktales. ...It's a wonderful concept, and the styles and subjects are as diverse as the countries and cultures represented. ...these stories are for everyone." - Booklist

"This collection fills a gap in modern retellings of fairy tales and myths by presenting non-European myths. ...Give to fans of Marissa Meyer's "Lunar Chronicles" or Rick Riordan's Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard. An excellent first purchase for all libraries." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"A collection of Asian myths and legends in which beloved stories of spirits, magic, family, love, and heartbreak are combined with elements from modern teens' lives....With such a variety of emotion and experiences to explore, nearly any teen can find something to relate to...An incredible anthology that will keep readers on the edges of their seats, wanting more." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Fifteen acclaimed Asian and Asian-American authors breathe fresh life into 15 popular Asian folktales and myths, elevating this anthology to a higher level...Oh and Chapman have created a work that celebrates Asian storytelling. It should fill...the reader with wonder." - BookPage

"Oh and Chapman bring together fifteen authors with Asian roots to reinterpret stories from throughout Asia, creating a collection that...explores the traditional folktale motifs of fate, vengeance, goodness, and love. ...an inventiveness on par with Bardugo's folktale revisions in The Language of Thorns." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Outstanding...Each story is followed by a missive from its author, sharing inspiration and background on creative choices and changes. Thoughtfully compiled and written, this compendium is a must-read." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Contrary to our Disney-fied expectations, not every story has a happy ending -- yet another facet to this fine compilation that enhances its ability to surprise, intrigue and delight." - Chicago Tribune