Book Review: A Mirror Mended by Alix Harrow

I absolutely adore this series! I have struggled with fractured or reimagined fairy tales over the years. I’m drawn to them conceptually, but so often they just don’t hit the right tone for me, leaving me more than a little Goldilocks-ish (this one is too similar, this one too different; this one is trying to hard, this one is not trying hard enough). Alix Harrow has absolutely hit the nail on the head with this series though, managing to work the feeling of tradition and a connection to the stories and storytellings of the past while bringing an entirely fresh, feminist, and modern energy and charisma to the familiar characters and tropes, even when deliberately spinning their ridiculosities on their heads…

In this latest book, we find our fearless protagonist, the indomitable Zinnia Gray, at a bit of a crossroads as she realizes that her life’s work may be affecting not only her life, but the lives of those closest to her. With snark, wit, wisdom, and a lot of forehead-slapping realizations, Harrow brings us into Zinnia’s mind and heart to explore life, love, and the consequences of our actions. She does this with humor, more than a few heartstring tugs, and loads of thought-provoking imagery, dialogue, and question-raising.

I once again listened to this book. I’m relatively new to audiobooks, but have thoroughly enjoyed this particular series in an audio format because of the extraordinary job that narrator Amy Landon has done with both books. She tells a story, rather than reads a book – and the difference is exceptionally noticeable. She IS Zinnia, and her inflection, pacing, and tonalities all resonate with spot-on perfection.

I hope Zin, Charm, and Prim find their way to keep bringing us life lessons and not-so-subtle reminders about what is truly important for many books to come!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.