Book Review: The Mirror (The Lost Bride Trilogy, #2) by [Author’s Name]
When I picked up The Mirror, the second installment in The Lost Bride Trilogy, I was eager to reenter the haunting world that [Author’s Name] so vividly crafted in Inheritance. The cliffhanger left me buzzing with anticipation, and I couldn’t resist diving back into Sonya and Cleo’s eerie mansion on the Maine cliffs. Yet, while I was ready for more suspenseful mystery, I found myself navigating a sea of filler that left me feeling a little adrift.
Right off the bat, if you haven’t read Inheritance, I highly recommend doing so before approaching The Mirror. The first book perfectly set the stage for our protagonist Sonya, her quirky friend Cleo, and their unsettling home. The tension was palpable as they uncovered the mansion’s curses, and I was left with a thirst for resolution. Unfortunately, this second chapter veers into the everyday lives of our characters—a long montage of cooking, eating, and party planning. While these details can build depth, they felt a bit too drawn out and took away from the tension that initially gripped me.
Throughout the book, we do get a deeper insight into Sonya’s extended family—both alive and dead—which adds richness to the narrative. A family tree or a character glossary would have been a handy tool to help keep track of everyone, especially since the haunted history is complex and involves a sinister ghost named Hester Dobbs. Her nightly disturbances are a reminder of the stakes, but they often fade into the background amidst richly described dinners and social gatherings.
That said, there’s certainly a steamy undercurrent to the story; Sonya’s relationship with Trey brings some much-needed spice, while Cleo finds herself in a flirtation with Owen. Yet, these interludes sometimes felt like distractions rather than integral to the plot’s progression. I couldn’t help but wonder when the tension would return to the forefront, as it had in Inheritance.
One element that intrigued me was the benign ghost who tidied up and curated their wardrobes. While it added a whimsical touch, I found myself longing for more chilling moments. Hester’s presence should serve as the narrative backbone, yet her sinister energy felt muted compared to the lighter antics of the friendly spirits. The juxtaposition of these elements left me dissatisfied, with the thrilling potential simmering just beneath the surface.
The writing quality, as always with [Author’s Name], is engaging and flows smoothly, which kept me turning the pages. However, the pacing felt uneven. I longed for the pulse-quickening suspense that marked the first book.
In conclusion, The Mirror offers some endearing moments and an expansion of the mystical family ties, but it lacks the sharp urgency and tension that made Inheritance such a compelling read. Fans of character-driven narratives who yearn for everyday moments intertwined with ghostly shenanigans might find enjoyment in this book. Personally, though, I’m holding out hope for a more thrilling conclusion in the final installment of the trilogy. Here’s to more mystery and excitement as we delve into the next chapter!
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me this digital ARC, allowing me to explore the journey of Sonya and Cleo a bit further. I look forward to what lies ahead!
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