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nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Oh my goodness, this book!!! I seriously have no words for how utterly fantastic this book was. In fact, this review is going to be somewhat short because I don't feel like I can talk about anything specific without giving things away. Suffice it to say, the book was everything I was hoping for in a sequel and it finished off the duology beautifully!
What Fed My Addiction:
So. Many. Things.
I'm honestly going to have a really hard time talking about this book because there were so many amazing things that took me by surprise, but to talk about any of them, even vaguely, would feel spoilery. Wil and Tobias go through some EXTREME ups and downs and Wil's strength and character are tested in incredible ways. Meadows took so many unexpected turns, and I loved every moment of it!
The feels.
This book put me through an emotional wringer - There were parts of this book that made me gasp aloud, scenes that made me angry and frustrated (for the characters, not because I wasn't liking the book), scenes that had me swooning, and key events that made me cry. It was killing me in all the best ways!!!
The conclusion.
The finale was so incredibly satisfying - everything I was hoping for and more.
What Left Me Wanting More:
Nothing.
Okay, at 544 pages, this book does feel a bit long. It didn't drag for me at all, though. Meadows packed a lot into this book in order to make this a duology. But, in the end, I'd much rather have a slightly longer book two than a plot that's stretched out to fill three books.
I loved The Orphan Queen but honestly wasn't expecting to be so blown away by this finish. This book propelled the series into All-Time Favorite status for me. Without a doubt, 5/5 stars!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Oh my goodness, this book!!! I seriously have no words for how utterly fantastic this book was. In fact, this review is going to be somewhat short because I don't feel like I can talk about anything specific without giving things away. Suffice it to say, the book was everything I was hoping for in a sequel and it finished off the duology beautifully!
What Fed My Addiction:
So. Many. Things.
I'm honestly going to have a really hard time talking about this book because there were so many amazing things that took me by surprise, but to talk about any of them, even vaguely, would feel spoilery. Wil and Tobias go through some EXTREME ups and downs and Wil's strength and character are tested in incredible ways. Meadows took so many unexpected turns, and I loved every moment of it!
The feels.
This book put me through an emotional wringer - There were parts of this book that made me gasp aloud, scenes that made me angry and frustrated (for the characters, not because I wasn't liking the book), scenes that had me swooning, and key events that made me cry. It was killing me in all the best ways!!!
The conclusion.
The finale was so incredibly satisfying - everything I was hoping for and more.
What Left Me Wanting More:
Nothing.
Okay, at 544 pages, this book does feel a bit long. It didn't drag for me at all, though. Meadows packed a lot into this book in order to make this a duology. But, in the end, I'd much rather have a slightly longer book two than a plot that's stretched out to fill three books.
I loved The Orphan Queen but honestly wasn't expecting to be so blown away by this finish. This book propelled the series into All-Time Favorite status for me. Without a doubt, 5/5 stars!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
eyreguide's review against another edition
5.0
The Mirror King takes up immediately where the first book left off. Wil is immediately in a precarious position and is made to make reluctant decisions to save the people she cares about. It's something that follows her throughout this novel, while she comes to terms to what it means to be a queen.
The journey is never easy, and it surprised me just how high the stakes became as the plot developed. This is a fantasy that felt realistic because there were many terrible consequences and a deep sense of foreboding as the magic became more and more out of hand. I loved how deeply captivating that made this story because I was so invested in the characters' plights. It also made for some heart-rending twists and turns. The Mirror King is all about difficult decisions and trying to do what's best for the people.
This book also features a romance that is so very touching in how much the two people care for each other, but in how so many obstacles lies in between their happiness. The forbidden aspect to a romance always draws me in, and here it was exquisite. Of course I can't talk about how it develops, but it was a very well-thought out part of this book and very believable.
I feel like there is much I can't discuss about this story because it is full of surprises, and the reader should discover them on his or her own. If you loved the first book, the second book does not disappoint - it carries on with the adventure, the romance, and the suspense (oh my goodness, the suspense!) as well as being a believable and engaging fantasy read. The Mirror King is a perfect end to the series.
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
The journey is never easy, and it surprised me just how high the stakes became as the plot developed. This is a fantasy that felt realistic because there were many terrible consequences and a deep sense of foreboding as the magic became more and more out of hand. I loved how deeply captivating that made this story because I was so invested in the characters' plights. It also made for some heart-rending twists and turns. The Mirror King is all about difficult decisions and trying to do what's best for the people.
This book also features a romance that is so very touching in how much the two people care for each other, but in how so many obstacles lies in between their happiness. The forbidden aspect to a romance always draws me in, and here it was exquisite. Of course I can't talk about how it develops, but it was a very well-thought out part of this book and very believable.
I feel like there is much I can't discuss about this story because it is full of surprises, and the reader should discover them on his or her own. If you loved the first book, the second book does not disappoint - it carries on with the adventure, the romance, and the suspense (oh my goodness, the suspense!) as well as being a believable and engaging fantasy read. The Mirror King is a perfect end to the series.
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
shelbyday's review against another edition
3.0
Oh, this book! I am still processing it. I give it a solid 3, maybe even a 3.5. I LOVED the first book but this one fell a bit short of my expectations. I still really liked it. Let me tell you what I really liked about this one first. Meadows does an amazing job with the chemistry between Tobiah and Wil. Seriously. I think she may have missed her calling as a romance writer. The air between these two characters sizzles. I also loved the further character development of James. The ending battle scene and outcome between the two armies and their leaders was great. Didn't really see it coming and it was very satisfying the way it all worked out. The last stand against the wraith was also a surprise and made me cry. It was precious. Meadows is a great writer and never failed to pull me in. Now, what I didn't like. I'm about to say something crazy. I have come to hate trilogies...I was so excited to learn this was a two book series...but....I really wish this had been a trilogy. Here's why...I felt there were several plot lines that needed more development. #1 The relationship between Tobiah and Wil was great, and I loved the letter writing, but I wish there had been more. I know they were separated for most of the novel. But I would have liked a bit more interaction between them when they were reunited. I would have liked to hear Tobiah's side a bit more, especially more on his feelings for Meredith and how he felt he had made a mistake. It didn't even need to be a whole lot, maybe just a few more pages to see how truly complex the situation was for him. I also feel like their ending interaction was a bit hurried. I would have like one or two more chapters on them settling in and moving into their new version of the future. Everything at the end happened way too quickly. I did LOVE his last letter to her. (I melted!) #2 I wanted to know more about the difference between magic and wraith. I felt like she teased us with something amazing and then dropped the ball on explaining it and developing it a bit more. #4 The plot twist about a certain radiant and his creation could have been explained more. It could have taken up a whole half of a book. How his magic was discovered. The guilt he felt about using it. The guilt and uncertainty and deep devotion that he felt with his creation. And I would like to have had a little more time with his creation after his discovering of his true origins just because that was a huge life altering discovery. #3 James! Sigh... I would have liked to go more into detail about his background. In one of the novellas, we learn of a surprise and then in this book there is another surprise, but no mention of the first surprise. They both could have happened and don't have to be mutually exclusive, but it they were not brought together in The Mirror King. I feel like the subject could have picked up from the Novella and added a bit more emotion and bonding between Tobiah and James. There were so many bonds between them and I would have liked Meadows to explore all facets. She is definitely an author I will keep my eye on, both as a YA librarian and as a YA fan. I think these are her first two novels, but I can't wait to get my hands on more of her stuff. Maybe she will write some more novellas and/or an epilogue to clear some things up. There are a lot of possibilities that she could still explore with these characters and storylines. I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed. ;)
fyrekatz's review against another edition
5.0
Left me crying like a baby, omg I don't know where to start but I need everyone to read Orphan Queen and this book like right now!
talya_'s review against another edition
4.0
Does anyone else keep going back to reread that list, or is that just me
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
Again, another series has ended for me.
The Mirror King picks up right where The Orphan Queen ended. I still hate Patrick because he tried to kill the love of my life, Tobiah. However, I'm still mad that Tobiah broke my heart, and Wil's, because of the whole "I'm going to marry Meredith" stab of lies. Then there's Wil trying to figure out how to get back Aecor from Prince Colin who is being annoyingly stubborn due to the fact he doesn't want to part away with Aecor at all.
Other than that I love how real Wil seems. Yes, she makes mistakes. Yes, she has to deal with consequences from her mistakes and choices that she has made. She just seemed to be even more realistic in this book and I just ended up loving her more.
I'm sad to see this series ending because I wanted more. Especially after that ending. I just want more.
The Mirror King picks up right where The Orphan Queen ended. I still hate Patrick because he tried to kill the love of my life, Tobiah. However, I'm still mad that Tobiah broke my heart, and Wil's, because of the whole "I'm going to marry Meredith" stab of lies. Then there's Wil trying to figure out how to get back Aecor from Prince Colin who is being annoyingly stubborn due to the fact he doesn't want to part away with Aecor at all.
Other than that I love how real Wil seems. Yes, she makes mistakes. Yes, she has to deal with consequences from her mistakes and choices that she has made. She just seemed to be even more realistic in this book and I just ended up loving her more.
I'm sad to see this series ending because I wanted more. Especially after that ending. I just want more.
thisbookishmom's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing! Loved every minute of this book and didn’t want it to end.
amethystbookwyrm's review against another edition
4.0
Prince Tobiah is on his deathbed after an attempted assassination by Patrick. Princess Wilhelmia is desperate to save him, partly because he is her only ally, but mostly because she loves him despite him being engaged to someone else. Wil is also determined to reclaim her country but she doesn’t want a war that would lead to death for both people in Indigo and Aecor kingdoms. On top of that Wil is worried about her magic and how it created wraith boy, and what implications will it have on the wraith that is growing closer.
The Mirror King is the very good second and final book in the Orphan Queen duology. It had lots of unexpected twists and turns and for the most part very fast paced, but in the middle it slowed and did not hold my attention. This book had intense action, good world building and a complex and heart-breaking romance. I would suggest rereading The Orphan Queen as it does not catch you up that well.
Wil has become more indecisive in this book, especially after an important point in the story, and does not feel like she is good enough. However, while she has a lot of insecurities they were understandable and she admits when she has made mistakes, as well as being loyal and kind. Tobiah will do anything to help and protect his people either as the prince or Black Knife. He also faces a lot of difficult choices in this book and goes through a massive emotional journey.
The romance was heart-breaking and was complicated as so much stood between Wil and Tobiah, and I had no idea how there was going to be a happy ending, especially after an event at 43% of the way through. There were lots of three dimensional secondary characters such as James, Melanie and wraith boy, but I wish the villains where more interesting, particularly Patrick as I felt with not much effort he could have become a relatable bad guy.
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more books from Meadows. I would recommend The Mirror King to fans of The Orphan Queen.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
The Mirror King is the very good second and final book in the Orphan Queen duology. It had lots of unexpected twists and turns and for the most part very fast paced, but in the middle it slowed and did not hold my attention. This book had intense action, good world building and a complex and heart-breaking romance. I would suggest rereading The Orphan Queen as it does not catch you up that well.
Wil has become more indecisive in this book, especially after an important point in the story, and does not feel like she is good enough. However, while she has a lot of insecurities they were understandable and she admits when she has made mistakes, as well as being loyal and kind. Tobiah will do anything to help and protect his people either as the prince or Black Knife. He also faces a lot of difficult choices in this book and goes through a massive emotional journey.
The romance was heart-breaking and was complicated as so much stood between Wil and Tobiah, and I had no idea how there was going to be a happy ending, especially after an event at 43% of the way through. There were lots of three dimensional secondary characters such as James, Melanie and wraith boy, but I wish the villains where more interesting, particularly Patrick as I felt with not much effort he could have become a relatable bad guy.
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more books from Meadows. I would recommend The Mirror King to fans of The Orphan Queen.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
bradleyj's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Oh wow, the second novel was better than the first! I thoroughly enjoyed the story as a whole! I gasped out loud at Meredith’s death, I was NOT expecting that at all!!!!! An incredible turning point in the story.