What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney  (Dark Mirror 1) -- Young Adult Historical Fantasy/Romance

In 1803 Lady Victoria Mansfield is all that is expected of a daughter of an Earl until she turns sixteen and unexpectedly comes into forbidden magic powers. She thinks she can hide her powers from everyone but she's forced to make a decision between her comfort and another's safety and so she reveals herself as a mageling is front of all her friends and family. Tory is cut dead by most everyone, except her mother and sister. Her mother is too weak to stand up to Tory's father who demands Tory be sent away to Lackland Academy, a strict boarding school which "cures" magic. At first Tory finds life at Lackland oppressing and dull. She keeps her head down and tries to stay inconspicuous so she can return home soon. Then she discovers a group of rebel teachers and students who secretly work at practicing magic so they can protect Britain from French invasion if needs be. Tory finds her own inner strength and sense of purpose working with the Irregulars. She makes new friends, even commoners, and feels an instant connection with the handsome, mysterious Marquess of Allarde. One night Tory discovers the existence of a hidden mirror that takes her on a journey through time to 1940 where she meets Nick Rainford, a modern teenage descendant of one of the Irregulars. Though magic has all but been forgotten in 1940, Nicki believes Tory. He has to because he needs her help. Britain is at war once again and preparing for invasion. This time the invasion could be more deadly than in Tory's time and the Rainfords are desperate to learn all they can to help. Tory and her friends learn a powerful lesson about embracing their magic and must do all they can to save the day during the dangerous new war. I liked this book much more than I thought. At first it was difficult to read the snobbish attitudes towards those with magic and the beliefs about women but much of the story's action takes place outside of that world. I really admired Tory. At first I couldn't relate to her desire to return home to a cruel and stifling society that didn't accept her but I began to think differently once I realized what a difficult decision she had to make. Once she begins to study with the Irregulars she grows and learns a lot, and not just magic. Cynthia is a stereotypical snobby rich girl on the surface but she has surprising hidden depths. I really liked Elspeth who accepts who she is and embraces her magic. Allarde is a swoony sort of hero that I think teenage girls will love. The plot is engaging but starts and stops too often. I was expecting major action but instead there's lots of minor action with the major action happening in the last few chapters. Then I couldn't put the book down though I had the feeling I had read that part before... This book is a cute way to introduce teens to the Regency world and teach English history. Some of the morals are a bit heavy handed so this novel is not for every adult reader. I would recommend it mainly to 12-14 year old girls who have graduated from Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic series. I'm moving right along to the sequel because I have to know what happens next!

Dark Passage by M.J. Putney  (Dark Mirror 2) -- Young Adult Historical Fantasy/Romance

In this sequel to Dark Mirror, the story alternates points-of-view from Tory to Cynthia. Tory is madly in love with Allarde but she discovers that he has a strong magical bond to his family's ancestral estate. She has to decide whether she has the courage to push him aside for his own good or whether she can ask him to risk everything to be with her. Cynthia, alone and miserable on Christmas, is invited to a party at the Rainfords. She's reluctant to spend time with commoners but Lily Rainford has hearth magic and Cynthia is freezing. The farmhouse is warm and cozy and Cynthia is treated like a hero and a friend. Jack is as infuriating as ever, so why then does Cynthia feel sparks around him? Cynthia tries to push him away but Jack refuses to give up until he's unlocked the secrets of Cynthia's heart. When Nick Rainford suddenly appears through Merlin's Mirror, the Irregulars know that something must be dreadfully wrong in 1940. Nick has a premonition that he needs to rescue a Jewish scientist from the Nazis. Dr. Weiss is on the verge of a medical breakthrough that may save the life of one of Nick's loved ones. Tory, Allarde, Elspbeth, Jack and Cynthia reluctantly agree to help Nick find another magical mirror in France to rescue Dr. Weiss. They find themselves right in the middle of a Nazi compound and desperate to get back home. Their mission is filled with danger and they may not make it out alive. Half of this story is character-driven. I really liked the narrative from Cynthia's point-of-view. Tory and Allard are a bit boring and too noble to carry a whole story, though their romance is sweet and Allard still swoony. Cynthia's story is filled with fascinating secrets that are revealed slowly and a wonderful romantic build-up. The second half of the book is heart-in-your-throat, can't-put-it-down adventure. I stayed up way too late reading it to find out what happened next. Unlike the first book, once this adventure starts it doesn't stop until the end. It does seem a little silly that 5 kids head right into that kind of danger and mess with Nazis. I'm not sure if that's very foolish or very brave but I got caught up in the adventure so it didn't seem to ridiculous. The characters all sound and act much more mature than their ages which I will chalk up to their experiences but sometimes they sound more like adults. That's really my only criticism. Even the moral of the story wasn't as heavy as it was in the first. I'm dying to read the third volume and I may even download the short story about Allarde. This book contains a lot of violence and slightly more intense romantic feelings than the first. I'd recommend it for ages 14-16.

A Prince Among Frogs (Tales of the Frog Princess) by E.D. Baker -- Middle Grades Fantasy

In this final volume of the Tales of the Frog Princess, Princess Millie is preparing to wed her true love Audun but her mother is too busy being the Green Witch and running the kingdom to help plan the wedding. Plus, Millie's new baby brother Felix takes a lot of their mother's time and attention. Then Millie's Aunt Grassina and Uncle Heywood run off to deal with magical matters and never return, Emma and Eadric go off to look for them leaving Millie and Audun in charge. Millie isn't sure she can help anyone with magical matters not being a witch but when a wicked villain kidnaps baby Felix, Audun tries to convince Millie she can save the say. Millie learns she has strength she didn't know she possessed and with Audun by her side, she can do anything. This is a sweet, charming end to the series. It brings the story back to the roots of the original fairy tale The Frog Prince. It also brings back characters from previous novels and introduces some new quirky magical people. The mystery kept me engaged though I knew before Millie who the villain was. I couldn't put the book down until I found out how the villain was vanquished. The romance is so sweet. I love Audun. He's a perfect prince. The message is a very positive one for pre-teen girls who may need a little confidence boost. I enjoyed this series and would recommend it to kids, mostly girls, ages 11-14.