"Sometimes we hate others for the things we hate in ourselves."
--Jodi Meadows, The Mirror King
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 544
Publication Date: April 5th, 2016
Source: eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
Goodreads Description
Wilhelmina has a hundred enemies.
HER FRIENDS HAVE TURNED. After her identity is revealed during the Inundation, Princess Wilhelmina is kept prisoner by the Indigo Kingdom, with the Ospreys lost somewhere in the devastated city. When the Ospreys’ leader emerges at the worst possible moment, leaving Wil’s biggest ally on his deathbed, she must become Black Knife to set things right.
HER MAGIC IS UNCONTROLLABLE. Wil’s power is to animate, not to give true life, but in the wraithland she commanded a cloud of wraith mist to save herself, and later ordered it solid. Now there is a living boy made of wraith—destructive and deadly, and willing to do anything for her.
HER HEART IS TORN. Though she’s ready for her crown, declaring herself queen means war. Caught between what she wants and what is right, Wilhelmina realizes the throne might not even matter. Everyone thought the wraith was years off, but already it’s destroying Indigo Kingdom villages. If she can’t protect both kingdoms, soon there won’t be a land to rule.
In this stunning conclusion to THE ORPHAN QUEEN, Jodi Meadows follows Wilhelmina’s breathtaking and brave journey from orphaned criminal on the streets to magic-wielding queen.
The Pacing
Final books in series are always a little anxiety-inducing, even to casual reader, and my personal worry doesn't necessarily comes from the actual ending but moreso how we get there. Which is why with books like The Mirror King I so completely appreciate when it is a book unto itself. What I mean by this is that this is a continuation of our story in Orphan Queen but it isn't a race to a conclusion. The plot builds, new conflict arises, and the like. I loved this. I love when a final book can stand on it's own and isn't *just* tying up loose ends. I think the pacing of this book is great and leads me to...
The Plot
...the plot. While I will not give away any spoilers, know that the plot of this story was phenomenal for a reason I can't mention due to spoilers. I know! Don't hate me! But trust me, when you read it you'll understand why I can't say anything! What I will say is that I was very happy and surprised in a good way with how the plot played out and what struggles our Wilhemina encounters. Some barriers hurt worse than others but I loved how Jodi Meadows weaved this story and brought it all together. There were some definite shocks and a few very heart-string-tugging moments and one plot point that I thought was a cop-out but by the end it all came full circle and I no longer think it was a cop-out.
Wilhemina
*le sigh* Oh, Wil. I adore you. I love your fire and your flaws. I love your strength and your struggles. I think Wilhemina's characterization is SO well done and she is a fantastic heroine to root for and read about. She is not perfect and we all know I love my flawed and real heroines. She does her best to learn from her mistakes and try to become the Queen she wants to be. I adore this. I cannot talk enough about how much I love Wil and it's hard because I want to go into detail but no spoilers!
The Supporting Cast
Tobiah, James, Melanie, all characters I want to be friends with. Wilhemina's characterization is not the only one I love. Tobiah is such a source of strength for Wil and because of all the circumstances from the first book, their friendship is not easy but I loved seeing them work with it. It was a huge part of why I loved this book. James is another character who surprised me. I loved him in Orphan Queen but his maturity and leadership in looking after his friends was on another level. I think he is such a quiet but strong character and I liked seeing him assert and a part of the solution. Melanie is a character I didn't know how to read but...no spoilers...really love her friendship with Wilhemina.
A Wicked Little Wraith
The wraith that Wilhemina awakened in Orphan Queen play a role in The Mirror King and he's like the little brother or sister you never wanted. But this guy worked his way into my heart and it has a soft spot for him. I hope readers will also enjoy this wicked little wraith.
Backstage Pass
If you love well built fantasy worlds, amazing heroines, and a fantastic supporting cast...this books' for you.
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