A Thousand Steps into Night

Traci Chee’s 2022 A Thousand Steps into Night is a Japanese mythos-influenced, feminist-inspired fantasy novel depicting the epic journey of a young innkeeper’s daughter to undo her demonic curse as she bargains with gods, battles with evil spirits, and saves the world along the way. Chee is a full-time novelist and has currently written and published five books. She is the New York Times bestselling author of The Readers series, and one of her previous novels, We Are Not Free, earned her a Printz Honor and Walter Honor as well as a finalist nomination for the National Book Award. Dealing in spirits, myths, and the power of family and friends, A Thousand Steps into Night is a story that reflects on the nature of monstrosity and the cost of compliance with societal expectations.

This study guide refers to the 2022 HarperCollins e-book edition distributed by Google Books.

Content Warning: This novel contains descriptions of physical assault and abuse.

Plot Summary

When 17-year-old Otori Miuko breaks the last unchipped cup in her father’s inn in the dilapidated village of Nihaoi, she thinks little of her trip to the potter. Instead of hurrying home in the waning light, Miuko finds a magpie spirit being bullied by fox children and saves him, wasting precious time.