September 24th,
2013
978-0-515-15407-8
Anthology,
Fantasy
Paperback
ARC
Reviewed
by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)
Obtained
by Publisher
In
this latest anthology filled with stories from J.D. Robb, Mary Blaney, Elaine
Fox, Mary Kay McComas and R.C. Ryan, we are transported to the fairytale worlds
these five authors created out of our favorite childhood fairytales. Get ready
for Mirror, Mirror.
Five
stories that center around childhood fairytales hooked me right off the bat.
MIRROR, MIRROR is an anthology that has something for everyone to enjoy.
First
up is J.D. Robb’s Taken In Death, where Lt. Eve Dallas has to track down
twin siblings who go missing.
Taken
In Death is a lovely quick novella that gives this author’s rabid fans
something to enjoy while waiting with bated breath for the next full length In
Death Novel. We find Eve on a case a la Hansel and Gretel that had me on the
edge of my seat, hoping Eve, Roarke and their friends’ race against the clock
to find them. The story is pure J.D. Robb. This was a fast paced, intriguing
storyline and this futuristic twist on a beloved fairytale that worked
perfectly in my opinion. A perfect morsel to enjoy if you need your In Death
fix l ike I do every now and again.
Then
came If Wishes Were Horses by Mary Blaney delivers a wish granting coing
that causes some to get their deepest desire to one that finds that maybe you
don’t need a magical coin to find your dreams.
This
was a solid story and Ms. Blayney delivers a story that was at turns,
intriguing and romantic as well. A twist on Goldie Locks and the Three Bears,
Ms. Blayney captures the story perfectly and I enjoyed the story immensely. A
perfect second course in this anthology.
Then
Elaine Fox’s Beauty Sleeping, which tells the tale of ghosts, haunted
houses and a charming twist on the fairytale, Sleeping Beauty.
This
by far was one of the best renditions of Sleeping Beauty I have read. Ms. Fox
delivers a charming tale that leaves you spellbound even as you flip the pages
to see what happens next. The characters are downright enjoyable and very well
written. I really wished this one was a longer story after the last page was
read.
In
Mary Kay McComas’s The Christmas Comet, the reader is treated to a
contemporary retelling of The Little Match Girl with a second chance at love
story abit with a reluctant hero and a heroine who doesn’t take orders too
well.
This
was a bit more modern for my tastes but still enjoyable. I wasn’t too familiar
with the fairytale this author used as inspiration but overall, the story was a
delight to read. What happens when an overly generous activist and a cop who
thinks he is too old for her find when affairs of the heart involved? Love
comes a knocking for these two intriguing characters-Natalie, an activist who
has a huge heart and Miles, a cynical man who finds he is drawn to this woman
like no other.
Finally
R.C. Ryan’s Stroke of Midnight, a retelling of Cinderella that captures
the magic of Ireland and finds a teacher finding love and more in her father’s
hometown.
This
was a lovely ending for this anthology. Ms. Ryan delivers a story that gives a
modern twist on Cinderella and captures the essence of the fairytale perfectly.
What happens when you mix the magic of Ireland, an evil step-mother and a
romance that steals your heart? A story that leaves you eager for more and
characters you can’t help but fall in love with. This is an author who knows
how to weave a spell around her readers until the very last page is read.
MIRROR,
MIRROR
is a perfect blend of historical, futuristic, contemporary takes on childhood
fairytales that will warm your heart. With the right amount of happily ever
after and intriguing characters, these five authors deliver their versions on
childhood classics you grew up on. If you are looking for a great beach read,
then this might be the perfect book for you to enjoy. I can’t wait to see if
these five authors collaborate on another anthology in the future.
This
is an objective review and not an endorsement
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