Review: Dark Mirror

Author: M.J. Putney
Pages: 304
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source: Library
Synopsis: Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status. 


Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted . . . by magic. 


When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society. 


But Tory’s life is about to change forever. All that she’s ever known or considered important will be challenged. What lies ahead is only the beginning of a strange and wonderful journey into a world where destiny and magic come together, where true love and friendship find her, and where courage and strength of character are the only things that determine a young girl’s worth.


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Dark Mirror completely defied my expectations. When I picked this up I expected a romance and maybe a bit of Merlin and magic but I didn't expect to like the character so much and to be interested in the plot and the originality of the story.

Lady Victoria Mansfield is our main character, and straight away I loved her. She's powerful, passionate and a true heroine. She helps out others as much as she can. Also, Tory isn't a good that's going to take insults lying down, no, Tory will stand up for herself and her people. She has real courage. Overall a fantastic character to read about with an interesting voice to keep you interested. Her romance with Allarde was a bit quick with the "instant connection" but I hope it'll grow in future novels.

The magic. Wow! The whole idea was cool- at a school for curing students of magic lies a magical secret was ironic. I liked that magic was well known all throughout England and it was appropriately funny that the aristocrats were so afraid of such a useful gift. I loved the theories of it too: controlling the weather, heat, dreams, blending, light, illusions, healing. I want to learn more about the different kinds in the future.

Based on how many "I'd like to learn mores" I've said, you can tell that there was a fair amount of mystery in Dark Mirror. I never ever would have guessed what path the story takes but it works for it. The plot is interesting and it will keep you guessing. Dark Mirror has a very different plot line than other novels.

All in all, an even better debut than I would have guessed. This is a story of heroism, compassion and magic with a hint of romance. 3.5 stars,

*** & 1/2 *