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sharib's review
hopeful
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
4.5
Beautifully written with stunning visuals, I only wish the ending was a little happier.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
zombiezami's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Gun violence, Murder, Blood, and Police brutality
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Classism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Sexism, and Sexual content
Colorismthecozyarchivist's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Shattered Midnight picks up after the events in Broken Wish, the first book in The Mirror series. It was neat to follow Zora and Phillip, who were the descendants of Mathilda and Agnes from the first book, and see how the magic of their families has impacted their lives. This book can be read as a standalone, but it definitely gives more context to the magic and universe if you've read Broken Wish first.
I love that this book was set in the jazz age, and that Zora's powers involved singing and music. The story being set in New Orleans of course made me think of Tiana, especially because these books have bits of fairy tales woven in throughout. It was also interesting to see how race was addressed in the book, especially with the relationship between Zora and Phillip. I think the author handled this well and didn't shy away from how dangerous interracial relationships were back in the early 20th century.
For the most part, I enjoyed Shattered Midnight. I think the best bits were the little Easter eggs of fairy tales that are sprinkled throughout the book. There's a part where Zora contemplates giving up her magic, including her singing, in order to keep herself safe. That definitley felt inspired by The Little Mermaid. Also, Zora lived with her aunt and cousins, which often gave some Cinderella vibes.
I do wish this book had a bit more magic though, and that Zora could have actually used her powers without literally demolishing a space with her telekinetic power. I know she was forbidden from using magic by her mother, but her grandmother did still train her and her own mother had magical abilities. It seems like she was more dangerous because she was untrained, which seems like a weird way to be raised when your whole family is full of witches.
I will likely continue on in the series because so far these books have ended without a happy ending, and I'm determined to see these families finally have some peace.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of the book and audiobook.
I love that this book was set in the jazz age, and that Zora's powers involved singing and music. The story being set in New Orleans of course made me think of Tiana, especially because these books have bits of fairy tales woven in throughout. It was also interesting to see how race was addressed in the book, especially with the relationship between Zora and Phillip. I think the author handled this well and didn't shy away from how dangerous interracial relationships were back in the early 20th century.
For the most part, I enjoyed Shattered Midnight. I think the best bits were the little Easter eggs of fairy tales that are sprinkled throughout the book. There's a part where Zora contemplates giving up her magic, including her singing, in order to keep herself safe. That definitley felt inspired by The Little Mermaid. Also, Zora lived with her aunt and cousins, which often gave some Cinderella vibes.
I do wish this book had a bit more magic though, and that Zora could have actually used her powers without literally demolishing a space with her telekinetic power. I know she was forbidden from using magic by her mother, but her grandmother did still train her and her own mother had magical abilities. It seems like she was more dangerous because she was untrained, which seems like a weird way to be raised when your whole family is full of witches.
I will likely continue on in the series because so far these books have ended without a happy ending, and I'm determined to see these families finally have some peace.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of the book and audiobook.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
lizzyc_16's review
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Violence
Moderate: Death, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content, Racial slurs, and Police brutality
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