The Mirror of Beasts

May 15, 2024
A found family of teens struggles against an evil force in this duology closer. After the destruction of the mystical land of Avalon, Tamsin, Neve, Olwen, and Caitriona fight through their grief and guilt in order to continue their battle against Lord Death, who grows stronger in his control over the dead as the winter solstice nears. Caitriona's internalized grief is particularly well depicted, tying into her character development and her slow-burn queer romance. Tamsin and her friends begin seeking allies in the legendary Bonecutter and the Council of Sistren, and they go on to focus their quest on the Mirror of Beasts, which can defeat Lord Death. The linear storyline is well balanced through the rotating points of view and the inclusion of mystical visions and mythical stories. Cabell's perspective adds a disturbing dimension to the portrayal of Lord Death's cabal and offers a refreshing contrast to the viewpoints focusing on romantic themes. Tamsin's ongoing physical attraction to Emrys may initially seem jarring given the latter's earlier cutting betrayal, but their growing romance is drawn out enough to feel realistic. The cast members' relationships are well developed overall, especially the familial bonds among Tamsin, Cabell, and their long-missing father figure, Nash. With numerous plot twists and surprising reveals, this epic story, which features a racially diverse cast, wraps up with a satisfying ending. An intricate and absorbing character-driven finale. (Fantasy. 14-18)

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December 13, 2024

Gr 9 Up-Adventure, Arthurian mythology, and humor make this a great recommendation for older fans of Rick Riordan's works. The destruction of Avalon has had a profound impact on the heroes of the first book; Tamsin and her found family of misfit teens must push through the grief of this setback and continue their quest to stop Lord Death, finding allies that readers might recognize from myth and legend. Her brother Cabell's perspective from Lord Death's side strikes a dark contrast to Tamsin's romantic subplot with Emrys and provides a creeping sense of horror about the stakes of the story. Tamsin remains prickly and untrusting, while her intelligence keeps the cast on track as they embark on another legendary treasure hunt. This time they seek the Mirror of Beasts, an artifact that can defeat Lord Death, whose power is growing the closer the winter solstice gets. While they're hunting for the Mirror, the Wild Hunt is hunting them, casting their adventure into both the magical and mundane world. Excellent pacing ties the character development to plot milestones, creating a satisfying, character-driven story with deeply ingrained stakes that supplement adept worldbuilding. The yearning romantic subplots are well balanced with the plot's mystery and action sequences. The cast is diverse in race and sexual orientation. VERDICT This sequel to Silver in the Bone is an excellent end to a clever and creative duology. Recommended for purchase.-Emmy Neal

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