sadblueapple's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
4.5
rockbison's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing. Almost as good as the first one but the best part is that Wil and everything that happens around her is mostly unpredictable.
Even so, I like the fact that Tobiah cried and got mad at Wil for the Wraith Boy actions (his name is a mouthful to remember, so) but at the same time, I know it wasn't (fully) her fault (as Tobiah says in the last chapter as well)
This reminds me: TOBIAH, totally husband goals guys.
I was reading the book during some (rly boring) college classes and OMG I almost lost my shit when we get to the part where James finds out the truth about himself. (After that I pretty much lived in denial about my theory that he would die in the end, and well, he did and didn't die)
Spoiler
I did not see Meredith being killed right on the altar. I mean, what??? She was such a sweetheart! Why kill her? =(Even so, I like the fact that Tobiah cried and got mad at Wil for the Wraith Boy actions (his name is a mouthful to remember, so) but at the same time, I know it wasn't (fully) her fault (as Tobiah says in the last chapter as well)
This reminds me: TOBIAH, totally husband goals guys.
I was reading the book during some (rly boring) college classes and OMG I almost lost my shit when we get to the part where James finds out the truth about himself. (After that I pretty much lived in denial about my theory that he would die in the end, and well, he did and didn't die)
everthereader's review against another edition
5.0
Review Posted On: Marvelous Eden of Books
Spoiler Free Review:
After the very abrupt and emotionally draining cliffhanger of The Orphan Queen, I was eagerly anticipating the sequel. I was very lucky to win a giveaway of the ARC. The Mirror King truly did not disappoint and I absolutely loved it. The Mirror King begins right after the end of the first book and I was immediately thrust back into the action. Prince Tobiah has been injured and we are literally thrown into the midst of the action and chaos. After Tobiah recovers,both him and Wil struggle with the conflict of the wraith and living up to the expectations of King and Queen.
Like I mentioned, I was immediately thrust back into the action. I didn't have an issue with the pacing and found it to be very fast paced even if every scene wasn't action filled. The plot, as they say, defintely thickened. We're faced with many different conflicts and the storyline took so many unexpected turns. The issue with the wraith is the most central conflict and it took some strange turns. I did like how it stayed the most significant issue and it took a long time to tackle. There were many repercussions and regrets which made the outcome very realistic. In addition, there was the wraith boy who I formed a love-hate relationship with. While I find him to be quite fascinating, he was extremely dangerous and violent and there were many time when I wished he never existed. All in all, the plot was excellently developed and wrapped up pretty well.
So in addition to the wraith conflict, Wil had to face even more crap, as do all main protagonists. Like I've mentioned in my review of The Orphan Queen, one of my favorite topics discussed was identity and Wil's struggle on understanding who she was. There was still that insecurity, but I noticed the obvious growth in her character. There was Tobiah, who is now revealed to Wil as Black Knife. It was interesting to see their interactions and relationship since both are now unmasked. Black Knife was never a completely different person than Tobiah, but merely a different aspect of his personality. Their relationship was as expected, very complicated. Some of the conversations they had were so emotional and heartbreaking, it made me feel all of the feels. I loved the letters they sent to each other and how they slowly unmasked one another. Jodi Meadows really exceeded my expectations when it came to Tobiah and Wil's relationship.
I also really appreciated some of the side characters, specifically Meredith, Tobiah's fiancee. Meredith plays a bit of a more prominent role in this book. I feel like the author could have easily made her into a irritating, unnecessary "bad word." Instead, she was portrayed as kind, selfless, bold and friendly. She was a strong character and was tough in her own way. I liked that Wil and Meredith formed somewhat of a friendship. Despite the rumors about Wil, she trusted her and tried her hardest to make Wil feel welcome. Meredith absolutely did not deserve what happened to her and if I were to choose an underrated female character, she would be the first to come to my mind.
The ending of the book was very solid and it wrapped up pretty well. There were losses and other conflicts to deal with, but a great conclusion. Overall, I would highly recommend this duology. You will be introduced to a unique and fascinating world that deals with fantasy, politics, as well as conveying the message of identity and truly finding out who you are are and what you're capable of.
Rating: 4.95/5
Rating of The Orphan Queen Duology: 4.5/5
Spoiler Free Review:
After the very abrupt and emotionally draining cliffhanger of The Orphan Queen, I was eagerly anticipating the sequel. I was very lucky to win a giveaway of the ARC. The Mirror King truly did not disappoint and I absolutely loved it. The Mirror King begins right after the end of the first book and I was immediately thrust back into the action. Prince Tobiah has been injured and we are literally thrown into the midst of the action and chaos. After Tobiah recovers,both him and Wil struggle with the conflict of the wraith and living up to the expectations of King and Queen.
Like I mentioned, I was immediately thrust back into the action. I didn't have an issue with the pacing and found it to be very fast paced even if every scene wasn't action filled. The plot, as they say, defintely thickened. We're faced with many different conflicts and the storyline took so many unexpected turns. The issue with the wraith is the most central conflict and it took some strange turns. I did like how it stayed the most significant issue and it took a long time to tackle. There were many repercussions and regrets which made the outcome very realistic. In addition, there was the wraith boy who I formed a love-hate relationship with. While I find him to be quite fascinating, he was extremely dangerous and violent and there were many time when I wished he never existed. All in all, the plot was excellently developed and wrapped up pretty well.
So in addition to the wraith conflict, Wil had to face even more crap, as do all main protagonists. Like I've mentioned in my review of The Orphan Queen, one of my favorite topics discussed was identity and Wil's struggle on understanding who she was. There was still that insecurity, but I noticed the obvious growth in her character. There was Tobiah, who is now revealed to Wil as Black Knife. It was interesting to see their interactions and relationship since both are now unmasked. Black Knife was never a completely different person than Tobiah, but merely a different aspect of his personality. Their relationship was as expected, very complicated. Some of the conversations they had were so emotional and heartbreaking, it made me feel all of the feels. I loved the letters they sent to each other and how they slowly unmasked one another. Jodi Meadows really exceeded my expectations when it came to Tobiah and Wil's relationship.
I also really appreciated some of the side characters, specifically Meredith, Tobiah's fiancee. Meredith plays a bit of a more prominent role in this book. I feel like the author could have easily made her into a irritating, unnecessary "bad word." Instead, she was portrayed as kind, selfless, bold and friendly. She was a strong character and was tough in her own way. I liked that Wil and Meredith formed somewhat of a friendship. Despite the rumors about Wil, she trusted her and tried her hardest to make Wil feel welcome. Meredith absolutely did not deserve what happened to her and if I were to choose an underrated female character, she would be the first to come to my mind.
The ending of the book was very solid and it wrapped up pretty well. There were losses and other conflicts to deal with, but a great conclusion. Overall, I would highly recommend this duology. You will be introduced to a unique and fascinating world that deals with fantasy, politics, as well as conveying the message of identity and truly finding out who you are are and what you're capable of.
Rating: 4.95/5
Rating of The Orphan Queen Duology: 4.5/5
fatimareadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to HarperCollins for providing my with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacted my views and opinions below.
This was hands down the most epic conclusion to a fantasy series ever. Take notes, authors! Complex, electrifying, and gorgeous, this book managed to wrap everything up perfectly – but not in that cliché perfect way. There were still stuff that everyone had to deal with obviously, but overall this was a very satisfying conclusion to a duology. I admit, at first, it took me a few days to actually get into the book, which was mostly due to the fact that I didn’t reread The Orphan Queen and I forgot a few stuff, but I still managed. So I’d definitely recommend a reread before going into this book.
Okay, can we just talk about how much I admire Wil?! She has to deal with reclaiming her kingdom, which is in pieces, in a time fraught with disaster and chaos. I love how she dealt with the pressure of everything and I think her character growth is off the charts! As for Tobiah, I admit I was iffy about him at the beginning. However, I’ve really grown to like him and become emotionally attached to him.
The secondary characters like James and Melanie were reallyy dimensional. I didn’t like Melanie in the first book, though. This is because I felt like her relationship with Wil wasn’t portrayed very well. For the first half of TMK, Wil goes on and on about the strong friendship bond between them but I really couldn’t bring myself to care about Melanie until halfway through. The Ospreys, on the other hand, were extremely memorable characters. The dynamic and bonds they had with each other were realistic and I just loved their interactions! The characters in this duology are spot on, to be honest.
The plot of The Mirror King is even more complex than that of The Orphan Queen’s. Literally, there was never a dull moment. The book opens up immediately after The Orphan Queen’s drama – smack-dab in the middle of it, in fact. It really sucks you in from beginning to finish; such a page turner! I was worried about how everything is going to happen in one book because there are a ton of things to be done, but Jodi managed that excellently. The important loose ends were tied, not hastily (thank god), and the character’s troubles were far from over but it was still an excellent conclusion. I can’t even find the words to describe how satisfying it was to finish this book.
In short, The Mirror King features a memorable cast of characters, excellent character development, a hell of an intricate plot, and it was a perfect wrap-up to the series. Props to Jodi Meadows for this exceptional duology!
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This was hands down the most epic conclusion to a fantasy series ever. Take notes, authors! Complex, electrifying, and gorgeous, this book managed to wrap everything up perfectly – but not in that cliché perfect way. There were still stuff that everyone had to deal with obviously, but overall this was a very satisfying conclusion to a duology. I admit, at first, it took me a few days to actually get into the book, which was mostly due to the fact that I didn’t reread The Orphan Queen and I forgot a few stuff, but I still managed. So I’d definitely recommend a reread before going into this book.
Okay, can we just talk about how much I admire Wil?! She has to deal with reclaiming her kingdom, which is in pieces, in a time fraught with disaster and chaos. I love how she dealt with the pressure of everything and I think her character growth is off the charts! As for Tobiah, I admit I was iffy about him at the beginning. However, I’ve really grown to like him and become emotionally attached to him.
The secondary characters like James and Melanie were reallyy dimensional. I didn’t like Melanie in the first book, though. This is because I felt like her relationship with Wil wasn’t portrayed very well. For the first half of TMK, Wil goes on and on about the strong friendship bond between them but I really couldn’t bring myself to care about Melanie until halfway through. The Ospreys, on the other hand, were extremely memorable characters. The dynamic and bonds they had with each other were realistic and I just loved their interactions!
Spoiler
I felt a little twinge in my heart when I thought they died.The plot of The Mirror King is even more complex than that of The Orphan Queen’s. Literally, there was never a dull moment. The book opens up immediately after The Orphan Queen’s drama – smack-dab in the middle of it, in fact. It really sucks you in from beginning to finish; such a page turner! I was worried about how everything is going to happen in one book because there are a ton of things to be done, but Jodi managed that excellently. The important loose ends were tied, not hastily (thank god), and the character’s troubles were far from over but it was still an excellent conclusion. I can’t even find the words to describe how satisfying it was to finish this book.
In short, The Mirror King features a memorable cast of characters, excellent character development, a hell of an intricate plot, and it was a perfect wrap-up to the series. Props to Jodi Meadows for this exceptional duology!
Follow me on my blog, Book Whizz | Bloglovin' | Twitter
emiann2023's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. I mean damn. I'm in shock.
This book was everything I wanted, (minus James' death - I really wanted him and Melanie to end up together! 😡😭
But overall, this book was brilliant, and I would pay significant sums of money for a sequel/spin-off what have you. I want to know about the vigilante babies. All the vigilante babies. And I was really intrigued with how they stopped thr Wraith. That was clever, and I didn't expect the Tobiah/James reveal at all, although I did suspect Tobiah of being a radiant after the bit about the bridge.
Ugh. I just loved this darn book so much. I literally read it all in one day because I couldn't bear to put it down.
This book was everything I wanted, (minus James' death - I really wanted him and Melanie to end up together! 😡😭
But overall, this book was brilliant, and I would pay significant sums of money for a sequel/spin-off what have you. I want to know about the vigilante babies. All the vigilante babies. And I was really intrigued with how they stopped thr Wraith. That was clever, and I didn't expect the Tobiah/James reveal at all, although I did suspect Tobiah of being a radiant after the bit about the bridge.
Ugh. I just loved this darn book so much. I literally read it all in one day because I couldn't bear to put it down.
marineb09's review against another edition
5.0
I read The Orphan Queen at the end of last year and absolutely LOVED IT !!!! I never read Jodi Meadows before and completely fell under a spell !
Wil & Tobiah is one of my favorite ship now <3
It's an easy read, it's face paced with a really good writing. I was never tired of the story or bored. I have to say I wasn't expected to finish this book this "early" I thought I had the week end to finish it ... and BAM ... I just couldn't put it down, every time I had a free moment, I spent it reading The Mirror King.
A good conclusion, nothing too fast just in the right order. I wasn't excepting some events (won't spoil anything haha)
!!! QUOTE SPOILER ALERT !!!
And this quote !!! Oh My God ... tears were on the verge of spilling haha
“Reasons we should get married:
Because I love you.
We both look good in black boots.
I spent some time without you, and I didn’t like it.
You make me happy.
I make you laugh.
I like the way you fight.
You see through my masks.
I really love you.
You love me, too. (Though you’ve mostly said this while yelling, so perhaps I should have double-checked.)
Army of tiny vigilantes. (I have name ideas.)
Various political reasons that make sense but don’t fit with the theme of this list.
I’m holding your handwriting hostage. You can have it back when you say yes.”
Wil & Tobiah is one of my favorite ship now <3
It's an easy read, it's face paced with a really good writing. I was never tired of the story or bored. I have to say I wasn't expected to finish this book this "early" I thought I had the week end to finish it ... and BAM ... I just couldn't put it down, every time I had a free moment, I spent it reading The Mirror King.
A good conclusion, nothing too fast just in the right order. I wasn't excepting some events (won't spoil anything haha)
!!! QUOTE SPOILER ALERT !!!
And this quote !!! Oh My God ... tears were on the verge of spilling haha
“Reasons we should get married:
Because I love you.
We both look good in black boots.
I spent some time without you, and I didn’t like it.
You make me happy.
I make you laugh.
I like the way you fight.
You see through my masks.
I really love you.
You love me, too. (Though you’ve mostly said this while yelling, so perhaps I should have double-checked.)
Army of tiny vigilantes. (I have name ideas.)
Various political reasons that make sense but don’t fit with the theme of this list.
I’m holding your handwriting hostage. You can have it back when you say yes.”
j_ritt02's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!