Fantasy Book Review: Mirrored

Mirrored by Alex Flinn

Synopsis:
Celine’s life is the stuff fairy tales are made of. She’s beautiful, talented, and brave. Unfortunately, her tale comes complete with a wicked stepmother! When Violet steps into Celine’s life, everything changes and weird things begin to happen to her—bizarre accidents, strange illnesses, and rabid animal attacks. Celine doesn’t feel safe anywhere. It’s almost as if some hateful witch is out to get her.

And there is. Violet has been waiting all her life to have Celine’s father to herself. Getting rid of his gorgeous daughter is child’s play for a witch as powerful as she is. Happy-ever-after isn’t enough for Violet. She wants to be the fairest of them all, and Celine is in the way . . . but not for long.

Forced to take refuge with her friend Goose and his family, Celine gives up everything she loves and goes deep undercover. But will it be enough to fool Violet, or will Celine’s fate be decided by a reflection in a magic mirror? And where do you find Prince Charming in Miami anyway?

Review:
Told from the point of view of Violet, Celine, and then Goose – Mirrored is a twist on the Snow White fairy tale. Violet was an ugly child, and bullied because of it. When she discovers she has the power to make herself beautiful, she thinks that she can win the love of the boy she’s been obsessing over. Celine was born beautiful, but would love nothing more than to just be loved by her stepmother. And finally, Goose is a little person who becomes friends with Celine and who will do anything to protect her.

Full of magic, captivating characters, suspense, and a bit of romance – this YA fantasy is enchanting. Watching Violet’s dreams turn to obsession was uncomfortable. And it only builds as we get to know Celine. But Celine and Goose have a wonderful friendship and chemistry. Flinn has written several of these retold fairy tales, and this may be my favorite so far.