Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - かがみの孤城

This took me a long time to get into, but by the time I got the first real plot twists, I was really attached to the characters. The ending was a huge surprise and is well worth the wait.

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sakurachiyou's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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mishellsch's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Chronicles of Narnia + Studio Ghibli + Speak minus the SA

Just as I was about to write this book off as being a bit too YA, the third act came in. I became frustrated with Kokoro's voice mainly because she felt like a true sensitive, volatile, self conscious, melancholic 13 year old. The middle dragged on with Kokoro's depression and some unnecessary storylines. The ending still makes up for everything.

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kelly_e's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Title: Lonely Castle in the Mirror
Author: Mizuki Tsujimura
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: May 1, 2017

T H R E E • W O R D S

Vivid • Playful • Heartwarming

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Bullied to the point of dropping out of school, Kokoro's days blur together as she hides in her bedroom, unable to face her family or friends. As she spirals into despair, her mirror begins to shine; with a touch, Kokoro is pulled from her lonely life into a resplendent, bizarre fairytale castle guarded by a strange girl in a wolf mask. Six other students have been brought to the castle, and soon this marvelous refuge becomes their playground.

The castle has a hidden room that can grant a single wish, but there are rules to be followed, and breaking them will have dire consequences. As Kokoro and her new acquaintances spend more time in their new sanctuary, they begin to unlock the castle's secrets and, tentatively, each other's.

💭 T H O U G H T S

Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a book I'd likely never have stumbled upon if not for an online event in my book club. Yet it was also the type of book that reminded me of the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone every now and then. It was one of those books that reminded me of what it means to be human, and that's not something I get everyday.

Written from the perspective of Kokoro, a young girl living with the anxieties of returning to school and dealing with the kids at school, this novel is definitely on the lighter side of the fantasy genre. In my opinion, it veers more in the direction of magical realism, where the reader isn't required to suspend all belief, yet does need to suspend some. It evoked feelings of empathy and compassion for each of the students. I thought the portrayals of the struggles of coming-of-age were very well crafted.

Additionally, I absolutely loved the concept behind this novel. As an avid puzzler, the inclusion of a puzzle aspect was so much fun. This is a story filled with connection, kindness and tackling teenage mental health. I don't think I have ever read something quite like it, but it definitely left me with the comforting feelings similar to The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Overall, I there was definitely a little something that was lost in translation. I can imagine the original Japanese version to be just that extra little bit more powerful. Yet this story really drove home the importance of community and reaching out for help. It would be the type of book I'd recommend to anyone who has ever felt left out and/or alone.

📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers who like puzzles
• T.J. Klune fans
• younger readers

🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S

"If you try hard, you will always see results, and it will never be wasted no matter what you end up doing in life."

"She understood the fear. Not knowing what the future would be for her, not knowing how long she’d be like this. Seeing people who were moving on was enough to make her feel an excruciating pain in her chest."

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