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Mirror's Hope
Kind-hearted Mirena Calanais is an outcast in a world where common morality is reversed. She desperately wishes to bring about change and she's given her chance when the 'Avatar of the Light' appears in her bedroom in the middle of the night. Their romance begins, but is tested when Mirena decides that the best way to take on the tyrant who rules their society is to seduce him. Risking it all to get what she wants, Mirena realizes too late that everything has a price and sometimes that price is more than one person can pay alone.
- GenresFantasy
326 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2013
2 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Justine Alley Dowsett
21 books58 followersFrom obtaining a BA in Drama at the University of Windsor to becoming an entrepreneur in video game production and later, publishing, Justine Alley Dowsett's unswerving ambition has always led her to pursue her dreams. Today she lives in Windsor, Ontario and is the proud owner of Mirror World Publishing. When not focusing on growing her business, she enjoys theatre, roleplaying with friends, and developing new ideas to write about.
Please visit: www.mirrorworldpublishing.com for more information
Please visit: www.mirrorworldpublishing.com for more information
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 4, 2014
This was quite the intriguing story with a very complicated storyline. We have parallel realms with mirror like characters ( each mirror with the same name ),majik, standing stones to transport the magi between realms, allusions to futuristic technology, and yet a taste of the medieval remains. All of this creates an intricately woven tale of love, politics, betrayal, war, and ultimately an enticing cliffhanger setting us up for the next installment. Will our protagonists be reunited??? Stay tuned!
The edition that I just completed was the ebook version and I have to point out that in the later chapters there were several errors in the editing. A good solid proof is needed. A few times the awkwardness resulting from these errors was enough to pull me out of the world the story was creating and plopped me back in front of my tablet.
On a technical note, I found the dialogue was excellent. It felt natural. Obviously great care was taken to ensure that the dialogue felt true to each character . I would however have liked to have "seen" more attention to the details about the world(s). The stage that this story was set in I feel would have been better served with more description. As most of the characters were dual parts, keeping track of which character you are reading proves tricky at times (perhaps a trick like that used by Piers Anthony in his Adept series might have eliminated that?) I felt at times the lack of tell tale signs indicating which realm you are also broke the flow of the story.
For lovers of fantasy and/or teen fiction this book will certainly entertain and hold you captive. A warning though this book does touch on violence against women, rape, and suicide but not as major threads or themes. They are events within the story but readers sensitive to these types of events should be forewarned.
I am not sure that this is fully warranting a 4 star but definitely not a 3 star. I will error optimistically because the story is so very inventive ( I lost track of how many twists to the plot there were )and put my qualms down to editing more so than storytelling. I look forward to the next installment.
The edition that I just completed was the ebook version and I have to point out that in the later chapters there were several errors in the editing. A good solid proof is needed. A few times the awkwardness resulting from these errors was enough to pull me out of the world the story was creating and plopped me back in front of my tablet.
On a technical note, I found the dialogue was excellent. It felt natural. Obviously great care was taken to ensure that the dialogue felt true to each character . I would however have liked to have "seen" more attention to the details about the world(s). The stage that this story was set in I feel would have been better served with more description. As most of the characters were dual parts, keeping track of which character you are reading proves tricky at times (perhaps a trick like that used by Piers Anthony in his Adept series might have eliminated that?) I felt at times the lack of tell tale signs indicating which realm you are also broke the flow of the story.
For lovers of fantasy and/or teen fiction this book will certainly entertain and hold you captive. A warning though this book does touch on violence against women, rape, and suicide but not as major threads or themes. They are events within the story but readers sensitive to these types of events should be forewarned.
I am not sure that this is fully warranting a 4 star but definitely not a 3 star. I will error optimistically because the story is so very inventive ( I lost track of how many twists to the plot there were )and put my qualms down to editing more so than storytelling. I look forward to the next installment.
December 7, 2016
Original Post: http://booknauthors.blogspot.com/2016...
This book is unputdownable guys. The epic-ness of it!! This is the book with the amazing plot. This is the book that I finished during 24 hours. I LOVED this book.
This book is heartaching you'll cry. I was just sad throughout the novel. There were some swooning but sad moments too between Mirena and Hope. The sudden breakup of this duo was so sad. All the sacrifices that Mirena made to finish the Panarch,in the end I was just mad at Mirena for her darn sacrifices.
The most amazing thing was the Mirror World, where there are copies of the people living under the Panarch's rule but opposite in nature. Mirena's sister is pure sweetheart in the Mirror World which was pretty disturbing. I hated Caraline the most, she was a big twist too. Dipaul should get the title of 'Cruelest Villian Alive'. There were so many engulfing things in the book.
Although there were hundreds of difficulties in Mirena and Hope's relationship, still they had their moments. There were some lovely dialogues that Hope said to Mirena which were making my heart pound like crazy.
You will find yourself totally in love with Hope! Because I really liked his character. I felt like the story was short and should have been more long but still this book was worthy with loads of crying scenes. A prrfect full of actions book!
This book is unputdownable guys. The epic-ness of it!! This is the book with the amazing plot. This is the book that I finished during 24 hours. I LOVED this book.
This book is heartaching you'll cry. I was just sad throughout the novel. There were some swooning but sad moments too between Mirena and Hope. The sudden breakup of this duo was so sad. All the sacrifices that Mirena made to finish the Panarch,in the end I was just mad at Mirena for her darn sacrifices.
The most amazing thing was the Mirror World, where there are copies of the people living under the Panarch's rule but opposite in nature. Mirena's sister is pure sweetheart in the Mirror World which was pretty disturbing. I hated Caraline the most, she was a big twist too. Dipaul should get the title of 'Cruelest Villian Alive'. There were so many engulfing things in the book.
Although there were hundreds of difficulties in Mirena and Hope's relationship, still they had their moments. There were some lovely dialogues that Hope said to Mirena which were making my heart pound like crazy.
You will find yourself totally in love with Hope! Because I really liked his character. I felt like the story was short and should have been more long but still this book was worthy with loads of crying scenes. A prrfect full of actions book!
February 27, 2021
Oh my god, I could not put this book down! I love it so much! I was sent this book for free so I could read it and leave a review, because I love it that much I'm going to buy it as I don't keep them on my laptop once they are finished. There is not one bad thing I can say about it and not enough good things. I love how magical the book is, it is brilliantly written. I love the characters and every relationship between them. I can't work out who I wanted Mirena to be with, as I loved both of her options Hope and Terrance. However I think there could be something with the Odark from the mirror realm. I love how the other realm are opposites and they are forced to interact and play their counter parts, which suggests a deeper meaning, we all have light and dark in us and it's the choices we make that define who we are. I cannot wait to read the next one!!!
May 17, 2014
An awesome story with characters you'll love (and some you'll love to hate). I had trouble putting it down.
July 23, 2023
I didn't finish this book.
I found this book frustrating and confusing. I feel like there was no world-building (Is this meant to be a fantasy/alternate reality to our world? What time period is this based on because they appear to dress like medieval times but speak like modern people? What is the name of this world?). Maybe these questions are being left unanswered deliberately, but if I'm 60% in and I don't even know the name of this world you've created or anything about the culture beyond it has magic and the guy ruling it is kind of a douche then we have a problem.
And Mirena as a character drives me crazy. I understand that she's probably a teen/ young adult (again even though there's no real indication of how old) but some of her decisions make no sense.
Like, why if your sister told your judgmental mother that the random guy you brought home was your fiancée would you run off into the night when you're being actively hunted by dangerous people instead of, oh I don't know, staying to clear it up? It just seemed like a convenient plot device so she would be caught by the Truth Seekers, a scene which in my opinion didn't seem to serve much of a purpose beyond finally giving her a shred of personality. And I've never seen a character as emotionally unintelligent. Again, maybe she's young, but are you so blind that you can't see why you're so angry when the guy you have been pining over for so long (who has all the personality of a slice of white bread might I add) starts talking to another girl ? I imagine when she becomes Lyana she'll get better but I don't have the mental capacity to stay and find out.
Also, call me crazy, but I couldn't fully get behind the whole wanting to take down the Panarch thing. Clearly he's not a nice guy, but beyond that at least at the 60% mark apart from not being nice to women and being a bit oppressive he doesn't seem to be that bad. I don't support a dictatorship, violence towards women or oppression of other's beliefs obviously, but there was nothing really specific about him in this story that makes him a compelling villain, he's just a bit of a douche and that's not enough to make me care about them taking him down.
So, overall not a success for me but I'm glad to see so many others are enjoying this.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book frustrating and confusing. I feel like there was no world-building (Is this meant to be a fantasy/alternate reality to our world? What time period is this based on because they appear to dress like medieval times but speak like modern people? What is the name of this world?). Maybe these questions are being left unanswered deliberately, but if I'm 60% in and I don't even know the name of this world you've created or anything about the culture beyond it has magic and the guy ruling it is kind of a douche then we have a problem.
And Mirena as a character drives me crazy. I understand that she's probably a teen/ young adult (again even though there's no real indication of how old) but some of her decisions make no sense.
Like, why if your sister told your judgmental mother that the random guy you brought home was your fiancée would you run off into the night when you're being actively hunted by dangerous people instead of, oh I don't know, staying to clear it up? It just seemed like a convenient plot device so she would be caught by the Truth Seekers, a scene which in my opinion didn't seem to serve much of a purpose beyond finally giving her a shred of personality. And I've never seen a character as emotionally unintelligent. Again, maybe she's young, but are you so blind that you can't see why you're so angry when the guy you have been pining over for so long (who has all the personality of a slice of white bread might I add) starts talking to another girl ? I imagine when she becomes Lyana she'll get better but I don't have the mental capacity to stay and find out.
Also, call me crazy, but I couldn't fully get behind the whole wanting to take down the Panarch thing. Clearly he's not a nice guy, but beyond that at least at the 60% mark apart from not being nice to women and being a bit oppressive he doesn't seem to be that bad. I don't support a dictatorship, violence towards women or oppression of other's beliefs obviously, but there was nothing really specific about him in this story that makes him a compelling villain, he's just a bit of a douche and that's not enough to make me care about them taking him down.
So, overall not a success for me but I'm glad to see so many others are enjoying this.
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2021
Mirror's Hope took me way too long to get through, and it wasn't just because I was busy.
I thought I'd like this, I really did. But no.
The beginning was promising and had me interested - it didn't last long. The characters were the biggest problem for me, I didn't like any of them and found them extremely irritating. Their dialogue was clunky and often their actions didn't make any sense.
The way this is written is also so odd. It didn't feel like I was reading about actual young adults in a magician-college-thing, it felt like I was reading about what an older person thinks young adults are like - how they talk, how they interact with people and how they think. It was so obvious and ruined the reading experience for me.
Also, parts of this book are extremely graphic. Horrible things, like rape, are written in detail.
I understand, as horrible as it is, it was part of the story, but I hated the way it was written. It shocked me and I had to put the book down (once again) because it was just too much.
The trauma of the rape isn't dealt with either - only the love interest "kissing away the problems". Maybe it will be handled in the next book, I don't know.
I understand that others loved this book, but I am definitely not one of them.
I thought I'd like this, I really did. But no.
The beginning was promising and had me interested - it didn't last long. The characters were the biggest problem for me, I didn't like any of them and found them extremely irritating. Their dialogue was clunky and often their actions didn't make any sense.
The way this is written is also so odd. It didn't feel like I was reading about actual young adults in a magician-college-thing, it felt like I was reading about what an older person thinks young adults are like - how they talk, how they interact with people and how they think. It was so obvious and ruined the reading experience for me.
Also, parts of this book are extremely graphic. Horrible things, like rape, are written in detail.
I understand, as horrible as it is, it was part of the story, but I hated the way it was written. It shocked me and I had to put the book down (once again) because it was just too much.
The trauma of the rape isn't dealt with either - only the love interest "kissing away the problems". Maybe it will be handled in the next book, I don't know.
I understand that others loved this book, but I am definitely not one of them.
April 6, 2021
A Unique Tale of Adventure, Magic and Mirrored Worlds.
This is a really good read, clever often witty plot, that twists and turns so you will get to discover what is going on along with Mirena. The story is set around Mirena who is trying to save her world from a tyrant. She along with a very colourful group of characters, travel to different realms where mirror images of themselves exist.
I do not wish to give away any spoilers, but this is a roller coaster of a ride. It has humour, intrigue, suspense, and magic, all wrapped up in a really well-crafted story. I love how much time Justine has spent in creating an extraordinarily rich and vivid landscape and this has made it a bit more of a gritty darker fantasy which I love!
I am really looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a really good read, clever often witty plot, that twists and turns so you will get to discover what is going on along with Mirena. The story is set around Mirena who is trying to save her world from a tyrant. She along with a very colourful group of characters, travel to different realms where mirror images of themselves exist.
I do not wish to give away any spoilers, but this is a roller coaster of a ride. It has humour, intrigue, suspense, and magic, all wrapped up in a really well-crafted story. I love how much time Justine has spent in creating an extraordinarily rich and vivid landscape and this has made it a bit more of a gritty darker fantasy which I love!
I am really looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2018
First off - apologies to the author. I read this book months ago and meant to leave my review sooner.
Although I'm not a big fan of fantasy novels, this story kept me intrigued until the end! Kudos to the author.
The characters were well defined and the story line, while sometimes a bit complex, was clear.
I would have liked to see a bit of a stronger lead, however, I understand the importance of development, so I will hold off on that criticism until I read the next installment.
Overall, this was a fast and enjoyable read for me. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Although I'm not a big fan of fantasy novels, this story kept me intrigued until the end! Kudos to the author.
The characters were well defined and the story line, while sometimes a bit complex, was clear.
I would have liked to see a bit of a stronger lead, however, I understand the importance of development, so I will hold off on that criticism until I read the next installment.
Overall, this was a fast and enjoyable read for me. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
September 15, 2021
I received this book free to provide a review.
The book was a great read, there are lots of twists and turns to keep you engaged and I literally couldn’t put it down.
It’s very well written and loved the idea of the mirror world where there are copies of people who are opposite in nature. I don’t like giving spoilers on reviews but will say it was worrying that Mirenas sister was really nice in the mirror world.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series which I will be happy to pay for!
The book was a great read, there are lots of twists and turns to keep you engaged and I literally couldn’t put it down.
It’s very well written and loved the idea of the mirror world where there are copies of people who are opposite in nature. I don’t like giving spoilers on reviews but will say it was worrying that Mirenas sister was really nice in the mirror world.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series which I will be happy to pay for!
May 6, 2023
Mirror’s Hope by Justine Dowsett was a serious page-turner! The story was incredibly unexpected and enthralling the entire time. With every turn of the page I was fascinated to see where the story was going and where it would lead me. Some stories you read and the plot is quite predictable, this was not the case with this book. It had a bit of everything; intrigue, mystery, romance, magic, intense battles and heart-wrenching outcomes.
*Trigger warning: it contains scenes of assault and sexual abuse.
I received this complimentary from Voracious Readers Only for review.
*Trigger warning: it contains scenes of assault and sexual abuse.
I received this complimentary from Voracious Readers Only for review.
October 29, 2021
Great world building and the characters are well written except from the panarch. He went from a cruel villain to the best boyfriend ever? Not very believable.
I also thought the rape was completely unnecessary and didn't add anything to the overall story.
I also thought the rape was completely unnecessary and didn't add anything to the overall story.
January 28, 2022
Mirror World was an intricate story crafted with worlds that reflect one another. At some points I struggled with it because I got confused with the different versions of each character and which reality they were in. Overall, it was a intriguing beginning to this series.
August 25, 2020
This book was amazing, loved the writing and I just couldn’t put the book down.
June 16, 2021
This book was aright,but I found I a bit confusing in places. Not quite my kind of book.
October 2, 2014
I read this book for an online romance book club (Beaver Dreams). One of our members is friends with the authors, and she recommended it as an alternate read for the month of September.
Warning: Spoilers below
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I do intend to read the next installment, Mirror's Heart. I hope that it clears up some of the questions I have.
Warning: Spoilers below
Overall, I did enjoy this book, and I do intend to read the next installment, Mirror's Heart. I hope that it clears up some of the questions I have.
November 28, 2021
Brilliant read couldn’t put it down
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2014
4.5 Stars.
I greatly enjoyed this book, and had a lot of laughs. It loses a half-point for me for two reasons: 1) I was sad that Hope wasn't involved more (both in the "in it" sense and what he actually did within the story). 2) I really didn't like Lydia as a character, which made Part II harder (and harder) to read.
I really loved Elizabeth, Mirena's sister. All of the side characters were strong, you could tell that there was more to them than what you were seeing.
I greatly enjoyed this book, and had a lot of laughs. It loses a half-point for me for two reasons: 1) I was sad that Hope wasn't involved more (both in the "in it" sense and what he actually did within the story). 2) I really didn't like Lydia as a character, which made Part II harder (and harder) to read.
I really loved Elizabeth, Mirena's sister. All of the side characters were strong, you could tell that there was more to them than what you were seeing.
October 1, 2014
The story was enjoyable but unfortunately the reading experience was not as fun as it could have been due to some weird formatting issue in the electronic copy I used causing the chapters to appear in a random order. Mira was a fun character, but I was not as fond of Lyana. Hope was missing some strength of character considering his position in the world.
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April 1, 2014review to come
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews