2¢ Worth: The Dark Mirror started strong and lovely. I found it quickly engaging. Teen British aristocrats who show show magical abilities are sent away to have their distasteful mage ways corrected. Some of the teens unite in secret sessions to learn their powers, explore their potential, and discuss how they can aide England from Napoleon's impending attacks. But then the book takes a sharp unexpected turn from the verge of war in 1803 to war-torn 1940. The shift felt sudden, unnatural, and blocked. While I relished 1803, I could have done without 1940. The magic parts that had previously been flowing ended with the time travel. After that everything felt wonky. 2 stars
Whippersnappers: Clean.
Word to the wise: Grab this one from the library first.
What's what:
- Book Two, Dark Passage, is due out September 13th.
- The series prequel, Fallen From Grace, is currently available for FREE for the Kindle on Amazon.com. Click here to visit Fallen from Grace on Amazon.com.
Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com
I better borrow this from the library then instead of wasting money buying it... :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I have heard this one is a tad disappointing. I see you agree. I had no idea there was a prequel to this story, either. Thanks for the Wee-View, enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteOh, I've read mixed reviews on this one. It sounds good though. It's in my wishlist but as of now...I don't think I'll buy it right away. Will have to borrow it first! Thank you for your review! :)
ReplyDeleteLibrary first, ok, I will listen to you :)
ReplyDeletehmmmmm- I have to say Ive never been interested in this one...;( But the cover is kinda pretty!!
ReplyDeleteWell, that is unfortunate. I hadn't heard much about this one and maybe the shift is why. Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts and for the link to the free grab. I can't resist. :)
ReplyDeleteI was unsure about this one, so thanks for the review. I trust your opinion :)
ReplyDeleteHmm. I have this one on my shelf but haven't read it yet... I originally thought it was pretty cool for a time travel story to go forward in time rather than backwards. Too bad it didn't work out.
ReplyDeleteOkay...that would annoy me. I dig time travel, but not when the entire plot changes. Plot devices that screw with the story are horrible plot devices. (Maybe I should send a note to all authors, LOL!) Although, I agree with Tina, the cover is pretty. Is the first book any good?
ReplyDeleteJen
In the Closet With a Bibliophile
Innnnteresting. I think I'll give this a pass, because I know that 'switch' would annoy me. Thanks for the heads-up!
ReplyDeleteI knew there would be time travel ahead of time, so it didn't come too out of the blue for me. But without that knowledge, yeah, it was a very abrupt transition. I enjoyed the 1803 parts more than the 1940s parts.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame. I was really looking forward to this.
ReplyDeleteLoved this review, and I definitely agree about the time-travel stuff being a little 'off.' I guess when I think of time travel, I expect them to go BACK in time, and when they went forward, I was like, 'ehh, this no work for me!'
ReplyDeleteI love the word "wonky." Enjoyed the review and appreciated your honesty (as always).
ReplyDeleteShoot! I'm a huge fan of time travel stories and I had high hopes for this one!
ReplyDeleteYikes! This one doesn't sound very good at all. =/ Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteawww!! i had heard mixed reviews of this one before. I have signed up to read the sequel though.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds like so-so to me too. Though I have to say Teen British aristocrats sounds oooooh!
ReplyDeleteI've read mixed reviews on this one. I was intrigued by the two time periods but it seems like they don't gel. I might check this one out at the library if I get a chance.
ReplyDeletesounds interesting
ReplyDeleteoh boo, the cover is magical :(
ReplyDeleteIt's always disappointing when a good story turns out badly. :-)
ReplyDeleteI just wish she'd stuck with one time or the other. I love reading stories about the Regency era AND I love stories set in the 1940s. To have the book set in both detracts from the magic of both eras. I'm still going to give Dark Passage a try because Mary Jo Putney has written adult historicals that I've absolutely loved. I'm not ready to give up on her yet.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your review - this one probably isn't for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd the cover looked so pretty! It's unfortunate, but great review. =)
ReplyDeleteHmm...not my cup of tea but I always enjoy your 2 cent reviews regardless. ^_^
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping book 2 will be better.
ReplyDeleteLibrary check out sounds good to me. Sorry it turned wonky and unenjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI like the cover. Too bad the story didn't hold out.
ReplyDeleteI'd agree with Jenny Girl, sounds like a good library check out. Fantastic job on the review though! It's too bad the connection between the two time frames was better because it sounds like it has a lot of potential. :o(
ReplyDeleteOh goodie, thanks so much for the heads up! Methinks this is one I'll be passing on... :-/
ReplyDeleteThis one ended up as a 2-star for me too. I don't remember all that well, but I know the writing was lacking proper substance.
ReplyDeleteAw, I'm sorry to hear you didn't like this one. I agree with you about the change in time, but it didn't bother me as much. Although each time they went into different time periods, I had to force myself to keep reading. :(
ReplyDeleteI've been curious about this one. I don't usually like historical fiction. After reading your Wee-View I've concluded this one is a pass for me. -Thanks!
ReplyDeletemixed reviews about this one. yeah, i'm going to borrow this one if i ever decide to pick it up.
ReplyDeleteChelley: Good thought!
ReplyDeleteGina Precious: I just finished one I think you will like. Review coming soon. It's called Waterfall.
Penelope: Right on! *smile* I'm glad you liked it.
Hafsah: Yes! Felt too thin almost.
Tipsy: Miss you! Was just thinking about you and I just dropped you a line.
1stdaughter/Danielle Angel & Jenny Girl & Julie Swell & Cherry: Exactly :)
Midnight & Dazzling & Mel & Tina: It is a great cover :)
Jenny N: I could see that. I look forward to your review on it.
GMR: Thanks doll!
Rubita: YES! Yes! And yes! I would have enjoyed them as seperate reads. And you're right, she is not a bad writer. Good luck with Dark Passage.
Shannon: Yes ma'am
Aths: :)
Bailey: Thank you for visiting.
Jenny Snark: I usually am too :)
Alexis: :)
Amelia: Ehhh is a great way to put it.
Small Review: *high five* on 1803 being more enjoyable
Cecelia: No probs doll!
Jen Bibliophile: Yes! Agreed.
Aylee: Good luck with it! :)
Grace: Why thank you darling.
Missie: I know right? ;)
Blod & Precious: *smile*
Aww that's to bad, I enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteLiz: O right on :) I'm so glad to hear that.
ReplyDeleteI've almost picked this one up one or twice, but it hasn't received the best reviews. Thanks for your honest input! :)
ReplyDeleteThis one's on my to-read list. Haven't picked it up yet, but after reading your review I will check my library first! :)
ReplyDeleteLily Child: Thank you doll for stopping by :)
ReplyDeleteGabrielle: :) Good call!