Through the Mirror Pond

The Shattered Earth Chronicles #1

by Brian Bowen

Zaphon, an evil and powerful tyrant, sets into motion a plan that he has been hatching for millennia. The earth is not what it seems. Long ago, near the dawn of time, the earth was shattered into countless shards of itself, each separated by a veil so thin that it can sometimes be pierced. Zaphon knows this quite well, and using dark, arcane arts he has caused fourteen-year-old Aiden to tumble though this veil from one world into another. Monstrous creatures capture Aiden, and he sees no way of escape. Now, Aiden's younger brother and sister, twins Emma and Emrys, must find new friends and allies as they race against time to free their brother from Zaphon's clutches. If they do not succeed, Zaphon's wicked wish will come true, and the world will fall into darkness.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult

250 pages, Hardcover

Published December 8, 2022

Reviews

[Jackie]

In other reviews this book is being compared (like many fantasy books are, almost accusingly, as if the author should know better) to C.S. Lewis’ Narnia and to Tolkien and even to Harry Potter, but those are broad strokes; of course a fantasy trilogy can be compared to those in the same genre. Our protagonists are on a quest together in a strange world and they meet strange people and animals (yes, dragons too). Customs and traditions are unknown and unfamiliar and sometimes treacherously set against them as they struggle against great unknown prophecies. But the worlds and peoples are fascinating and new, and the quest, to find their older brother who was somehow entranced into this world, is urgent and compelling.

I enjoyed the unique characters created in this new “shard” of existence, both the ones helping our heroes on their mission and those plotting against them for murky reasons only they understand. We get to know the generous, tall, plant-like Leiflings and smaller underground people called Burrows (with some corrupt leaders and politicians that strike a familiar note) pretty well as they work with the children to rescue their brother, and to a lesser extent the gentle but strong and soulful Shepherds, rough Kainanites, and vicious, unprincipled Wendigos who populate this new world. The villain, Zaphon, and his brutal army have stayed mostly in the shadows so far as he directs most of the calamities that befall the kids.

There’s an underlying tradition of religion among the worlds that shows the connection and unity they once shared before some cataclysmic event shattered their existence —and our own—into separate worlds. The prophecies speak of an otherworldly three (maybe our earth children who have come to this world?) who will reunite the shards or forever separate them. You can guess which side of that potential outcome the evil Zaphon and his minions fall, though for reasons unknown.

This all feels imaginative and new to me, and the different lands and their people held my rapt attention as did the adventurous quest the three teens find themselves undertaking. I’m eagerly awaiting new installments as they come out.

There are two elements I am less enthralled with. First, this first book ends on a huge cliff-hanger. That might be helpful for continuing a trilogy but it felt frustrating to me as a reader.

The other element was the dialogue, especially between the siblings. They seemed so stiff and formal—few contractions are used and they often name each other when speaking, which felt artificial. I have a brother and a sister and though it’s been many years since we lived at home together I well remember that we were rarely very polite to each other and about the only time we used each other’s names was when trying to find one of us (usually yelling for the person unnecessarily in a small house) or reporting to our parents about their behavior.

So, four- to four-and-a-half stars this time, and I’m anxious to read more of the story! I received this book from the author who generously offered me two copies for my Little Free Library through Instagram. I’ve submitted this review voluntarily and the opinions are my own.

[Rachel]

I received a copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway.

Through the Mirror Pond is the start of an epic journey. Told from multiple perspectives we follow along as Aiden is pulled into another world and his twin siblings race to save him. Bowen has created a rich and immersive world filled with complex characters and interesting lands.

I do wish that more detail and time was given to Ebbo, when he went to Hemvall to find Aiden and how the Leiflings and Shepard groups came upon one another.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book so I can be caught back up in this world and find out what happens to Aiden and his siblings.

[Garrick Hardy]

Think of the Chronicles of Narnia crossed with the Hobbit for slightly younger readers

[Jean Kowe]

I got a hold of this in our reading group.

So, here are the topicals I enjoyed:
1. The glossy cover compliments the title, I hope that was intentional cause I am a sucker for Easter eggs.
2. The author included a map (A must in fantasy!!!) and the chapter headers had a little foreshadow in a poetry format that I think is pretty cool!
3. The chapter length was consistent and the dialogue to narration was pretty balanced.

What I didn't like:
1. the book could have had more maps, and I think a TOC or Cast of characters list would have rounded things out, I don't think a glossary is needed but just like a map it is probably something you should add in a fantasy setting.


I think YA readers will like this one, and anyone looking for a mirror pond to fall into.

[Carissa]

This was definitely what other people are saying-a little bit of Narnia and a little bit of magic, great for the YA crowd! This was a pretty easy read and the characters are pretty likeable. Being a middle school teacher, I'll definitely be recommending this out to my students! They're sure to love the start of an epic adventure!

I will say that I feel like the author rushed a couple of plot points here and there, where taking a little extra time to draw out and develop the storyline a little more would've gone a long way. Just a thought as the series moves forward :-)

[Kent Mann]

Thanks to Goodreads and Archway publishing for supplying me with this ARC!

I liked the characters, and the dialogue to narration was balanced, but I did have a gripe about the speed with which the story moved, it felt a little too fast for fantasy which can take its time and simmer on the world building. This book a would recommend for the Middle grades and YA readers who are at home in a fantasy setting.

[beth]

I got this book as part of a giveaway. This was a really fun fantasy read! It definitely felt similar to chronicles of narnia in a good way, but also had its own unique setting and story. I really enjoyed the world the author built with the diverse cast of characters. I’m excited to read the next book!

[Michel Rodriguez]

I was lucky enough to have won this book on a Goodreads giveaway.

This was a fun read, an epic adventure with creative characters in a new world. I hope for another book soon - let the adventure continue... ☺️

[Susan]

I fell in love with the world that the author created! Thank you for writing this book! Can't wait to read the next!!

[Taryn Yeary]

This was a fun adventure! I am left feeling eager to read the second book.

[Samantha Campbell]

Amazing! What a great author!

[Lynn Fritzer]

More maps and a glossary would have gotten this to five stars.

[Kathei]

Wonderful YA fantasy. I really enjoyed this.