Book Review: The Mirror King
The Mirror King
By: Jodi Meadowns
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Release date: April 5, 2016
Genre: YA fantasy
544 pages
Buy it at Amazon, IndieBound, Book Depository, or Barnes & Noble
Source: galley kindly provided by publisher
Read our review of book 1 here.
I just became a Jodi Meadows FAN.
This sequel defies the law of sequels being inferior to the first book- it's even better. The complaint I had with Wil's focus being on a boy is gone. She developed and grew into a young woman capable of considering both what's best for herself and what's necessary for the well-being of her people, and she clearly sees that they're two separate things. She consistently makes logical, responsible decisions, even when it means she doesn't get to follow her heart. I am overjoyed to see that she's become all that I hoped she would be.
I could remember fine details about this universe when I started reading the first few pages- a testament to Meadows' world building. The geography, weather patterns, and cultural norms came right back to me, strong and clearly-defined. The very best part is when the characters move into areas that were described in book 1 from memory, but in book 2 are described in real-time. Reading those passages felt authentic. This is evidence of a skilled storyteller.
I am in love with the characterization in this book. Wil is just one example of characters developing into more complex, rational people- most of the characters do the same. And while the romance is not the main theme of the book, it is a strong feature that had me in tears more than once. One scene near the end was particularly romantic- very sweet- and I know that in the coming months I will be thinking about that couple and wondering how things are going for them.
Book 2 has a solid conclusion, but there is room for more storytelling. I hope the author is working on another volume, because I'm not ready to leave Wil, Tobiah, their friends, or their lands just yet.
Read our review of book 1 here.
I just became a Jodi Meadows FAN.
This sequel defies the law of sequels being inferior to the first book- it's even better. The complaint I had with Wil's focus being on a boy is gone. She developed and grew into a young woman capable of considering both what's best for herself and what's necessary for the well-being of her people, and she clearly sees that they're two separate things. She consistently makes logical, responsible decisions, even when it means she doesn't get to follow her heart. I am overjoyed to see that she's become all that I hoped she would be.
I could remember fine details about this universe when I started reading the first few pages- a testament to Meadows' world building. The geography, weather patterns, and cultural norms came right back to me, strong and clearly-defined. The very best part is when the characters move into areas that were described in book 1 from memory, but in book 2 are described in real-time. Reading those passages felt authentic. This is evidence of a skilled storyteller.
I am in love with the characterization in this book. Wil is just one example of characters developing into more complex, rational people- most of the characters do the same. And while the romance is not the main theme of the book, it is a strong feature that had me in tears more than once. One scene near the end was particularly romantic- very sweet- and I know that in the coming months I will be thinking about that couple and wondering how things are going for them.
Book 2 has a solid conclusion, but there is room for more storytelling. I hope the author is working on another volume, because I'm not ready to leave Wil, Tobiah, their friends, or their lands just yet.
Wilhelmina has a hundred enemies.
HER FRIENDS HAVE TURNED. After her identity is revealed during the Inundation, Princess Wilhelmina is kept prisoner by the Indigo Kingdom, with the Ospreys lost somewhere in the devastated city. When the Ospreys’ leader emerges at the worst possible moment, leaving Wil’s biggest ally on his deathbed, she must become Black Knife to set things right.
HER MAGIC IS UNCONTROLLABLE. Wil’s power is to animate, not to give true life, but in the wraithland she commanded a cloud of wraith mist to save herself, and later ordered it solid. Now there is a living boy made of wraith—destructive and deadly, and willing to do anything for her.
HER HEART IS TORN. Though she’s ready for her crown, declaring herself queen means war. Caught between what she wants and what is right, Wilhelmina realizes the throne might not even matter. Everyone thought the wraith was years off, but already it’s destroying Indigo Kingdom villages. If she can’t protect both kingdoms, soon there won’t be a land to rule.
In this stunning conclusion to THE ORPHAN QUEEN, Jodi Meadows follows Wilhelmina’s breathtaking and brave journey from orphaned criminal on the streets to magic-wielding queen.
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So cool! I love when a second book manages to exceed the expectations the first one set. It is a rare and wonderful ability. I can't think of many that have done it...Harry Potter is the only one that comes to mind, but those books just kept getting better and better XD I would bet anything a third book is coming, this series is too good.
ReplyDeleteI think so, too!
Deleteme three!!!
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