When Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published their first book of fairy tales, "Children's and Household Tales," in 1812, they probably never imagined how popular they would become.
In total, the brothers wrote more than 200 tales, transforming the way people looked at literature and creating a wealth of information for aspiring writers.
Two recent books — one a re-release by a popular Utah author and the other a debut novel — channel the spirit of the brothers Grimm.
"BOOK OF A THOUSAND DAYS," by Shannon Hale, Bloomsbury USA, $8.99 (young adult)
The best-selling author of five award-winning young adult novels, Shannon Hale has a way of bringing out the best in her characters. In them she creates strong role models that spark the imagination of young readers.
Hale delivers another clear winner with "Book of a Thousand Days," which was first released in hardback in September 2007 and will be available in paperback once again on Sept. 15.
Inspired by the Grimm's fairy tale "Maid Maleen," this is the story of Dashti, a mucker maid who is locked in a tower with her mistress, Lady Saren, when Saren refuses to marry a man she fears.
The tower is to be their home for seven years. With only a tiny flap open to the outside, the two girls are completely isolated from the world they once knew.
Not long after their confinement begins, Saren's suitors arrive — one loved, one hated. When she orders Dashti to speak for her, there is nothing Dashti can do but obey — even though impersonating Saren is an offense punishable by death.
There is danger beyond the walls of the prison tower. Danger that not only forces Dashti to reprise her fictional role as one of the gentry but also forces her to realize the incredible gifts she herself possesses.
Hale's creative talent lies in books for young readers. This enchanting book is definitely worth a first, second or third read.
"ASH," by Malinda Lo, Little, Brown, $16.99, (young adult)
It's fair to say that perhaps the most beloved and changed Grimm's fairy tale is that of "Cinderella." From movies to musicals and multiple books, this tale has been reincarnated hundreds of times.
"Ash," by Malinda Lo, is one such re-creation.
In the small village where Aisling, or Ash, lives, people still believe in fairies. Fairies are dangerous folk who steal people away. But that doesn't sound so bad to Ash, who — in the wake of her father's death — is left at the mercy of her evil stepmother.
When Ash meets the mysterious but dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that through him she might be able to escape her miserable existence.
Those feelings of despair change, however, when Ash meets the king's huntress, Kaisa. As Kaisa teaches Ash the ways of the hunt, their friendship blossoms, and Ash sees that there is happiness within her reach.
"Ash" has all the expected elements of "Cinderella" — a prince, evil stepsisters, a fairy godmother of sorts, transformation and a ball. But some major elements and plot lines stray far from the beloved story. And one such development could send readers reeling. Parents will want to read the final chapter before handing this book over to their teens.
e-mail: jharrison@desnews.com