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Fairy Tale Adventures #5
Princess of Mirrors
She guards mirrors. He guards goats. Both guard secrets.
In the mountains of Aeonia, Bri works as a servant in her own home to fulfill her father’s dying wish: guard the mirrors. Managing secret magic and a resentful stepfamily is hard enough, but things get much worse when a goblin attacks and a legendary warrior comes to life. Bri’s father warned her about the Society of Evangelina. Surely the woman herself is much more dangerous? But how can Bri fight a shadow warrior or goblin when she can’t even control the donkey that keeps appearing in her mirror?
In the castle, Prince Henry struggles with his royal duties and longs to return to his old life as a goat herder. But the appearance of Evangelina Shadow-Storm, conflict within her Society, and magical attacks both home and abroad make his dream of returning to the mountain increasingly impossible. Henry must first help Lina conquer an enemy that lives in the shadows, but that enemy seems determined to hide. Have they truly defeated the goblin threat? Or are the dark creatures simply biding their time and gathering strength for another attack?
While Henry works with Lina, Bri searches for a way to stop her. A royal ball provides the perfect opportunity for Bri to gather information, but what will she do when she discovers that the charming goat herder she met on the mountains is working with her enemy?
Discover magic, intrigue, and romance in Princess of Mirrors, a retelling of Cinderella. The fifth book in A.G. Marshall’s Fairy Tale Adventure series is filled with the answers you have been waiting for as well as new mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
In the mountains of Aeonia, Bri works as a servant in her own home to fulfill her father’s dying wish: guard the mirrors. Managing secret magic and a resentful stepfamily is hard enough, but things get much worse when a goblin attacks and a legendary warrior comes to life. Bri’s father warned her about the Society of Evangelina. Surely the woman herself is much more dangerous? But how can Bri fight a shadow warrior or goblin when she can’t even control the donkey that keeps appearing in her mirror?
In the castle, Prince Henry struggles with his royal duties and longs to return to his old life as a goat herder. But the appearance of Evangelina Shadow-Storm, conflict within her Society, and magical attacks both home and abroad make his dream of returning to the mountain increasingly impossible. Henry must first help Lina conquer an enemy that lives in the shadows, but that enemy seems determined to hide. Have they truly defeated the goblin threat? Or are the dark creatures simply biding their time and gathering strength for another attack?
While Henry works with Lina, Bri searches for a way to stop her. A royal ball provides the perfect opportunity for Bri to gather information, but what will she do when she discovers that the charming goat herder she met on the mountains is working with her enemy?
Discover magic, intrigue, and romance in Princess of Mirrors, a retelling of Cinderella. The fifth book in A.G. Marshall’s Fairy Tale Adventure series is filled with the answers you have been waiting for as well as new mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
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About the author
A.G. Marshall
24 books308 followersAngela Marshall loves fairy tales and has been writing stories since she could hold a pencil. She works as a professional pianist and teacher and enjoys crocheting.
In addition to writing books, she has published numerous piano solos including Romanza, Forgotten Waltz, and Notes from the Past.
In addition to writing books, she has published numerous piano solos including Romanza, Forgotten Waltz, and Notes from the Past.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 16, 2023
Contains: some fighting and kisses. I wish I’d reread the preceding books before reading this one. It starts around the same time as book 1 but weaves characters and scenes from the other books in it as well We also get set up for the next book. The love story takes quite the back seat as this mostly focuses on Bri’s own struggles to fulfill her father’s dying wish. I do love the world and the story and am looking forward to further books to come.
December 10, 2023
One of my favorite series that I have had the pleasure to review is the Fairy Tale Adventures series by AG Marshall. Throughout these books, the author builds a unique fantasy world that breathes new life into many old stories, tying them together in unexpected ways. Princess of Shadows introduced a new version of "The Princess and the Pea" featuring a legendary shadow warrior who is anything but delicate. Princess of Secrets gave a fresh take on "The Frog Prince" in which the princess was a spy who used her selfishness and extravagance as a cover to hide her true intentions. It has been a long wait, but the fifth book in the series, Princess of Mirrors, AG Marchall's take on "Cinderella," is finally here. Like the others, the heroine in this book is not a typical Cinderella and has many secrets of her own, ones that a certain prince is dying to uncover.
When her father was on his deathbed, he told Gabriella two things: to guard the magic mirrors that fill their home and to beware of the Society of Evangelina. With so little information to work with, Bri spends most of her days living in fear and paranoia. It doesn't help when the family's finances mysteriously start to deplete, leaving her with no choice but to become a servant in her own household. Bri knows a few things about how the magic mirrors work, but not many. With the help of a mischievous donkey, she obtains her father's journal, which allows her to put the rest of the pieces together to determine what she is responsible for. She needs gems to power the mirrors, a difficult thing to obtain for a family going into poverty. To the best of her ability, she tries to guard the mirrors from the wicked goblins living in the shadow world on the other side and whatever nefarious forces her father tried to warn her about from the Society of Evangelina.
Anyone who has read the other books in this series is aware that the Society of Evangelina is a group of ancient royals with the same goal as Bri--to protect the realm from the monsters that live in the shadows. Evangelina, or Lina, was the protagonist from the first book in this series who is now married to Prince Alaric and is next in line to be queen. When Bri learns this, she is terrified of the unknown, fearing that Lina intends to use her power to attack the innocent citizens of the kingdom. She is afraid to trust anyone until she meets Henry while running errands one day. Henry presents himself as a goat herder and shares his lunch with her. In truth, he is a member of the Society of Evangelina who became a prince after his mother married the king, but Bri doesn't know that. Likewise, Henry believes her to be a mistreated servant as opposed to the troubled heir to a prestigious estate who was entrusted with a magical secret.
The "Cinderella" elements that come into play later in the book are only minor elements of the story. It follows the Grimm version in which there are three balls, but the balls are not held to find a bride for the prince. Instead, they are used as a way to demonstrate Lina's powers as a shadow warrior and her intent to protect the kingdom. As someone who is horribly paranoid about Lina's abilities, this is the worst possible situation for Bri, causing her to run away like her fairy tale counterpart. The book does a good job of incorporating the most common criticism of "Cinderella" that the prince hardly knew her. Henry is constantly reminded that he knows very little about Bri after his encounter with her in the mountains, but he has such strong feelings toward her after that chance meeting that he becomes determined to protect her at all costs. This desire is heightened when he witnesses her paranoia about Lina and her Society, creating a challenge to earn her trust so the two can be honest with each other and use their unique magical abilities for the good of the kingdom.
Princess of Mirrors, ingeniously reinterprets the classic "Cinderella" narrative, introducing a heroine with powerful secrets and a daunting quest to guard her family's magic mirrors. As the intricate plot unfolds, themes of trust, power, and destiny interweave, compelling the characters to navigate a world filled with mystery, peril, and the captivating allure of magic. Princess of Mirrors not only offers a compelling twist on a timeless story but also delves into the complexities of trust, empathy, and the strength found in unlikely alliances. Each installment of AG Marshall's Fairy Tale Adventure series breathes new life into familiar stories, weaving them together in unexpected and thrilling ways. This book is no exception, offering lots of callbacks and surprises for patient and loyal readers. The final epilog gives a scintillating teaser of the sixth and final book in the series, which will be inspired by the classic ballet, "Swan Lake."
When her father was on his deathbed, he told Gabriella two things: to guard the magic mirrors that fill their home and to beware of the Society of Evangelina. With so little information to work with, Bri spends most of her days living in fear and paranoia. It doesn't help when the family's finances mysteriously start to deplete, leaving her with no choice but to become a servant in her own household. Bri knows a few things about how the magic mirrors work, but not many. With the help of a mischievous donkey, she obtains her father's journal, which allows her to put the rest of the pieces together to determine what she is responsible for. She needs gems to power the mirrors, a difficult thing to obtain for a family going into poverty. To the best of her ability, she tries to guard the mirrors from the wicked goblins living in the shadow world on the other side and whatever nefarious forces her father tried to warn her about from the Society of Evangelina.
Anyone who has read the other books in this series is aware that the Society of Evangelina is a group of ancient royals with the same goal as Bri--to protect the realm from the monsters that live in the shadows. Evangelina, or Lina, was the protagonist from the first book in this series who is now married to Prince Alaric and is next in line to be queen. When Bri learns this, she is terrified of the unknown, fearing that Lina intends to use her power to attack the innocent citizens of the kingdom. She is afraid to trust anyone until she meets Henry while running errands one day. Henry presents himself as a goat herder and shares his lunch with her. In truth, he is a member of the Society of Evangelina who became a prince after his mother married the king, but Bri doesn't know that. Likewise, Henry believes her to be a mistreated servant as opposed to the troubled heir to a prestigious estate who was entrusted with a magical secret.
The "Cinderella" elements that come into play later in the book are only minor elements of the story. It follows the Grimm version in which there are three balls, but the balls are not held to find a bride for the prince. Instead, they are used as a way to demonstrate Lina's powers as a shadow warrior and her intent to protect the kingdom. As someone who is horribly paranoid about Lina's abilities, this is the worst possible situation for Bri, causing her to run away like her fairy tale counterpart. The book does a good job of incorporating the most common criticism of "Cinderella" that the prince hardly knew her. Henry is constantly reminded that he knows very little about Bri after his encounter with her in the mountains, but he has such strong feelings toward her after that chance meeting that he becomes determined to protect her at all costs. This desire is heightened when he witnesses her paranoia about Lina and her Society, creating a challenge to earn her trust so the two can be honest with each other and use their unique magical abilities for the good of the kingdom.
Princess of Mirrors, ingeniously reinterprets the classic "Cinderella" narrative, introducing a heroine with powerful secrets and a daunting quest to guard her family's magic mirrors. As the intricate plot unfolds, themes of trust, power, and destiny interweave, compelling the characters to navigate a world filled with mystery, peril, and the captivating allure of magic. Princess of Mirrors not only offers a compelling twist on a timeless story but also delves into the complexities of trust, empathy, and the strength found in unlikely alliances. Each installment of AG Marshall's Fairy Tale Adventure series breathes new life into familiar stories, weaving them together in unexpected and thrilling ways. This book is no exception, offering lots of callbacks and surprises for patient and loyal readers. The final epilog gives a scintillating teaser of the sixth and final book in the series, which will be inspired by the classic ballet, "Swan Lake."
July 29, 2024
Cliffhanger. Just going to put that right there.
I've waited a long time to get this one! And while I certainly appreciate all the reminders of the other stories woven in, it in no way distracts from this story. In fact, quite the opposite. It adds a woven feel to the main story as it layers all the stories thus far into this one. I thought for sure this would be the last book since it ties most everything up nicely.
Ella/Bri is not your standard Cinderella character. Honestly, the only similarities are: dead father, step-family, and works as a servant. And while you would say, we'll that Cinderella. I would disagree. Bri and her stepmother have a far different relationship than that of the traditional Cinderella character. The will of her late father is quite interesting!
But....Bri has a secret! One, that if her family knew, could put them all in more peril than they are already in right now.
Henry is a goat header turned prince. He meets Bri in the mountains where she's getting some fresh air and he's looking for shadow threats. As a light-wielder, he is sworn to protect Evangelina Shadow-Storm! The illustrious shadow warrior that has mysteriously awakened from her 100-year sleep to fight off shadow threats and monsters.
Bri and Henry hit it off right away. He's sweet and she's caring. But they both have secrets. While his is to protect Lina, hers is to oust the shadow warrior as the danger she really is.
Who is right? Who will reign victorious in the end? Why is this a cliffhanger? Find all these out and more when you dive back into Aeonia! LOL
This was a meaty read! 500+ pages. But it flies fast!
Disclaimer: smelly monsters, sweet, clean romance, friends to lovers, lots of magic, mirror-walking, lots of beautiful gems/jewels, fun characters, and ample surprises! One tiny irritant-authors who use "said" in dialogs. Please! There are a million other words for the word said. Please! Anywho. Who knows when book 6 (the finale) will be released. I can't find anything on AG's website, unfortunately. But alas, I shall wait.
I've waited a long time to get this one! And while I certainly appreciate all the reminders of the other stories woven in, it in no way distracts from this story. In fact, quite the opposite. It adds a woven feel to the main story as it layers all the stories thus far into this one. I thought for sure this would be the last book since it ties most everything up nicely.
Ella/Bri is not your standard Cinderella character. Honestly, the only similarities are: dead father, step-family, and works as a servant. And while you would say, we'll that Cinderella. I would disagree. Bri and her stepmother have a far different relationship than that of the traditional Cinderella character. The will of her late father is quite interesting!
But....Bri has a secret! One, that if her family knew, could put them all in more peril than they are already in right now.
Henry is a goat header turned prince. He meets Bri in the mountains where she's getting some fresh air and he's looking for shadow threats. As a light-wielder, he is sworn to protect Evangelina Shadow-Storm! The illustrious shadow warrior that has mysteriously awakened from her 100-year sleep to fight off shadow threats and monsters.
Bri and Henry hit it off right away. He's sweet and she's caring. But they both have secrets. While his is to protect Lina, hers is to oust the shadow warrior as the danger she really is.
Who is right? Who will reign victorious in the end? Why is this a cliffhanger? Find all these out and more when you dive back into Aeonia! LOL
This was a meaty read! 500+ pages. But it flies fast!
Disclaimer: smelly monsters, sweet, clean romance, friends to lovers, lots of magic, mirror-walking, lots of beautiful gems/jewels, fun characters, and ample surprises! One tiny irritant-authors who use "said" in dialogs. Please! There are a million other words for the word said. Please! Anywho. Who knows when book 6 (the finale) will be released. I can't find anything on AG's website, unfortunately. But alas, I shall wait.
December 9, 2023
With his dying wish, Bri's father asked her in secret to guard the mirrors and Beware the Society of Evangelina. This leads Bri to take on a solo mission to guard a magical realm she doesn't understand and protect a house full of portals to that realm but empty of finances. Secrets divide her from her stepfamily and from the new royal family as the one the society was meant to protect, Evangelina Shadow Storm, marries into Aeonian royalty. Can Bri save her home, much less an entire kingdom, from a threat she doesn't fully understand? Meanwhile Henry's mother married into royalty when he was a boy and even now he struggles between a love of the mountains and simple living with his duties as a light wielder to support his family and protect the kingdom. This book is full of adventure and divided loyalties as Henry and Bri work to save the ones they love, find a happy ending, grow a friendship and maybe grow something more. Princess of Mirrors is the fifth book in a series that will be most enjoyed when read in order and it is full of delightful cameos and a few spoilers from earlier books. The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but it does set up the next and final book in the series in an exciting way. Princess of Mirrors would be an interesting read for those who like the Fairy Tale Adventures series and books with mystery, action, kingdom-level stakes, learning magic, lots of humor, Cinderella retellings, non-gory fight scenes, strong independent female MC's, stories told from both perspectives, and clean romance.
November 30, 2023
“Beware the Society of Evangelina.” Her father’s dying words keep Bri on task as she works as a servant in her own home to guard the mirrors. But as her family grows more resentful, a donkey appears in the mirror, and Evangelina returns, Bri starts to question just what she’s doing. The cute goat herder who brings picnics occasionally is the only bright spot.
Henry is tired of being a prince and misses his life as a goat herder. His duties as a light wielder keep him in the capital, especially after Evangelina returns. Goblins, gremlins, and other threats arise from the shadow realm, and only Henry has time to worry about the poor servant girl he shared his lunch with.
When everyone starts to blame Bri for what’s happening in the shadow realm, can Bri and Henry trust each other enough to share the truth?
“The real magic was that when he smiled at her, she smiled back as if he were the only other person in the crowded ballroom.”
I fell in love with Henry back in book 1, so I’m super glad to learn more about him! And all the hints of a Cinderella retelling that were dropped in Princess of Roses have come together in the most amazing story.
Marshall’s stories are more than just adorable romances — although she excels at that too; they’re high-stakes adventures, and those stakes just get more and more intense with each book. The magic keeps building, and I can’t wait to see how the series will conclude!
The romance was subtle, but I think the end balanced well with the story. Henry and Bri are so good together.
If you love swoon-worthy romances, heroines who don’t need to be saved, heroes determined to do the right thing, and nail-biting adventures, this is the book for you! (Although I recommend reading the whole series — you won’t regret it!)
5 Stars. Can I give it ten?
A few mild in-world swears
A few sweet kisses
Battles and minor injuries.
(Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review.)
Henry is tired of being a prince and misses his life as a goat herder. His duties as a light wielder keep him in the capital, especially after Evangelina returns. Goblins, gremlins, and other threats arise from the shadow realm, and only Henry has time to worry about the poor servant girl he shared his lunch with.
When everyone starts to blame Bri for what’s happening in the shadow realm, can Bri and Henry trust each other enough to share the truth?
“The real magic was that when he smiled at her, she smiled back as if he were the only other person in the crowded ballroom.”
I fell in love with Henry back in book 1, so I’m super glad to learn more about him! And all the hints of a Cinderella retelling that were dropped in Princess of Roses have come together in the most amazing story.
Marshall’s stories are more than just adorable romances — although she excels at that too; they’re high-stakes adventures, and those stakes just get more and more intense with each book. The magic keeps building, and I can’t wait to see how the series will conclude!
The romance was subtle, but I think the end balanced well with the story. Henry and Bri are so good together.
If you love swoon-worthy romances, heroines who don’t need to be saved, heroes determined to do the right thing, and nail-biting adventures, this is the book for you! (Although I recommend reading the whole series — you won’t regret it!)
5 Stars. Can I give it ten?
A few mild in-world swears
A few sweet kisses
Battles and minor injuries.
(Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. This is my honest review.)
December 21, 2023
Great twist on Cinderella
Bri, the main female character in the story, certainly isn't a helpless damsel in distress. I also love that she has a better relationship with her step family.
Henry, the main male character, is a reluctant prince who would rather herd goats. He's also a bit sassy.
And, there's a mischievous donkey and an unexpected figure for the fairy godmother, which you might remember if you've read the other books in the series.
Can't wait to see what happens next!
Bri, the main female character in the story, certainly isn't a helpless damsel in distress. I also love that she has a better relationship with her step family.
Henry, the main male character, is a reluctant prince who would rather herd goats. He's also a bit sassy.
And, there's a mischievous donkey and an unexpected figure for the fairy godmother, which you might remember if you've read the other books in the series.
Can't wait to see what happens next!
January 5, 2024
Though there were some inconsistencies (like how many magical/non-magical gems does she have left?), I still enjoyed this 5th installment in the series. Be warned that it relies heavily on the other books in the series to make sense to the reader and cannot be a stand alone. It also does not answer the main question it raises: Why did her father warn her to beware the secret society of Evangelina? Also, the behavior of her step family and her instant forgiveness of their severe abuse gave me whiplash. 3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2024
Full of life, humor, and answers!
Such a good story! Probably one of my favorite Cinderella retellings as there was so much depth to the story and characters and unexpected little twists that make the characters so much more! Not to mention, this book gives so much information that we’ve wanted from the other stories! Can the next one come out tomorrow??? Read this whole series if you like banter, magic, good beating evil, and love finding its way through the chaos.
Such a good story! Probably one of my favorite Cinderella retellings as there was so much depth to the story and characters and unexpected little twists that make the characters so much more! Not to mention, this book gives so much information that we’ve wanted from the other stories! Can the next one come out tomorrow??? Read this whole series if you like banter, magic, good beating evil, and love finding its way through the chaos.
October 22, 2024
Things are coming together in Princess of Mirrors! I really enjoyed it and the plot is so intriguing. While I’ve loved this series, I’m sad that the romance has always taken the back burner to the plot. Unfortunately this book was even more so and the romance was practically nonexistent. The MCs were separate most of the time while they worked on their sides of the story. I still liked it though and hope the author releases the last book soon! 😁
April 28, 2025
Plenty of surprises
This is the fifth book in the series, so there are plenty of references to the characters and events in the previous four volumes. I loved the way the story unfolded, simple misunderstandings becoming bigger challenges than they should have been. I especially liked the way that life changing decisions seemed to happen so easily once the truth was revealed. Highly recommended if you enjoy solid characters, an epic story world and plenty of twists. )i(
This is the fifth book in the series, so there are plenty of references to the characters and events in the previous four volumes. I loved the way the story unfolded, simple misunderstandings becoming bigger challenges than they should have been. I especially liked the way that life changing decisions seemed to happen so easily once the truth was revealed. Highly recommended if you enjoy solid characters, an epic story world and plenty of twists. )i(
December 28, 2023
I was annoyed at Bri for 70% of the book but still found myself turning the pages wanting to know what happens next. Still love how the author weaves all the previous books’ timelines into the current book. I thought this was the last book of the series but was surprised to find it’s not! Can’t wait for the next book to come out!
January 10, 2024
Spent way too long thinking hero was a villain
Evangelina is the one who originated this whole world. We KNOW she's good. So having a protagonist spend half or three quarters of the book complaining about her is just unpleasant. Especially since the misunderstanding with her father was never resolved.
Evangelina is the one who originated this whole world. We KNOW she's good. So having a protagonist spend half or three quarters of the book complaining about her is just unpleasant. Especially since the misunderstanding with her father was never resolved.
August 18, 2025
It took me a little longer to get into this one than the others. Admittedly I should have done more of a review of the other books first. Unlike the other stories that are more stand alone with characters from the other books, this book gives major spoilers for all of the other books, and happens concurrently. Refreshing your memory before picking this one up will make you enjoy it more.
December 9, 2023
Great story
I loved reading Bri and Henry's story. It was exhilarating and fun to read. The romance was sweet. And the connection to the overall plot was fascinating.
I loved seeing all the connections to the previous stories and I'm eager to find out what happens next!
I loved reading Bri and Henry's story. It was exhilarating and fun to read. The romance was sweet. And the connection to the overall plot was fascinating.
I loved seeing all the connections to the previous stories and I'm eager to find out what happens next!
January 19, 2025
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I absolutely loved this retelling of Cinderella! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I will be reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
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March 9, 2025Holy cow was this a good book! Ties in all the others and sets up a great way to possibly end the series in the next book. I love the way that Bri got to reconcile with her family. A refreshing twist from the usual Cinderella stories.
December 17, 2023
This was quite messy. There a lot going on in this book and many different characters in different locations, everyone with secrets. I only vaguely remember who some of these characters were.
January 28, 2024
So fun!
Interweaves the past stories well while adding a few new perspectives. The Cinderella parts were great! The fairy godmother is just the best. I loved this story so much!
Interweaves the past stories well while adding a few new perspectives. The Cinderella parts were great! The fairy godmother is just the best. I loved this story so much!
February 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this story.
Content: clean
Content: clean
June 14, 2025
This was simply far too long.
March 7, 2024
Fun twist on a fairytale
I loved the magic systems and the setup for the next book. It was interesting to see how this story overlapped with past books and how everything was connected. I'm an AG Marshall fan and this book solidified that! I would rate this PG for thematic violence.
I loved the magic systems and the setup for the next book. It was interesting to see how this story overlapped with past books and how everything was connected. I'm an AG Marshall fan and this book solidified that! I would rate this PG for thematic violence.
February 11, 2024
After three years of waiting for this book I can only say that if this is the result then I am willing to wait another three years for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews