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A review by lorny
Eyes in the Mirror by Julia Mayer
3.0
Eyes in the Mirror has a completely unique, totally fascinating concept. The idea of everyone having their own double on the other side of a mirror is brimming with possibilities. Though Julia Mayer didn’t take the story in a direction I expected, she did do a great job of keeping me hooked. Eyes in the Mirror is full of surprises, from the way the characters act, to how the story eventually ends.
Eyes in the Mirror was apparently first drafted when Mayer was sixteen, which is very impressive. The story has most likely been re-worked, and it doesn’t feel young at all; I know teenage authors can be a turn-off to some readers, but Eyes in the Mirror doesn’t show it. The only manner in which Eyes in the Mirror felt somewhat immature was the characters. Dee and Samara are silly and childish, and though they do grow a bit over the course of the novel, I was ultimately unsatisfied with their decisions. I suppose one could say that Eyes in the Mirror adapts a more realistic worldview (teenagers can be stupid), but I just expect a bit more out of my characters.
Despite my gripes with the characters, Eyes in the Mirror is an enjoyable read. It focuses more on realism than the paranormal (though the initial explanations of traversing through the mirrors is fascinating); it incorporates themes of letting go, forgiveness, and taking responsibility. Julia Mayer explores a variety of issues, and she handles them all fairly well. Eyes in the Mirror wouldn’t be considered an issue book per se, but it gets close. Fans of realistic or contemporary YA will enjoy the more serious aspects of the book, and those who are fond of fantasy (like me) will be captivated by the idea of an alternate dimension.
Eyes in the Mirror was apparently first drafted when Mayer was sixteen, which is very impressive. The story has most likely been re-worked, and it doesn’t feel young at all; I know teenage authors can be a turn-off to some readers, but Eyes in the Mirror doesn’t show it. The only manner in which Eyes in the Mirror felt somewhat immature was the characters. Dee and Samara are silly and childish, and though they do grow a bit over the course of the novel, I was ultimately unsatisfied with their decisions. I suppose one could say that Eyes in the Mirror adapts a more realistic worldview (teenagers can be stupid), but I just expect a bit more out of my characters.
Despite my gripes with the characters, Eyes in the Mirror is an enjoyable read. It focuses more on realism than the paranormal (though the initial explanations of traversing through the mirrors is fascinating); it incorporates themes of letting go, forgiveness, and taking responsibility. Julia Mayer explores a variety of issues, and she handles them all fairly well. Eyes in the Mirror wouldn’t be considered an issue book per se, but it gets close. Fans of realistic or contemporary YA will enjoy the more serious aspects of the book, and those who are fond of fantasy (like me) will be captivated by the idea of an alternate dimension.