Mirrorverse: Pure of Heart

Mirrorverse #1

by Delilah S. Dawson

Step into Disney Mirrorverse, a brand-new realm of endless adventure, where mirrored reflections of iconic Disney and Pixar characters are amplified and evolved, becoming battle-ready Guardians that must unite to defeat a powerful evil that threatens their home worlds. Set in a fantasy land that is familiar but slightly changed, the story begins as Snow White helps a young deer in the forest. This isn't the Snow White that Disney fans this is Snow White as reflected and evolved within the Mirrorverse, with new abilities and items infused with Stellar Magic that she must learn how to wield. Despite her new skills and the strange things happening in her world, Snow White, or "Snow" as her friends often call her, has been carrying on as normal…until now. As she returns to her cottage, Snow is met with seven dark, angry expressions, and glowing white eyes. They surround her, claiming they need to capture "the heart of Snow White." Snow desperately tries to reason with who she thought were her friends, but they refuse to listen to her, and she ultimately must use her newly acquired abilities to defeat them. It is only when Stellar Sorcerer Mickey Mouse, the leader of the Mirrorverse Guardians, arrives and explains that the creatures she defeated were not her friends, but instead a group of evil copies created by Fractured Magic. Snow believes that the evil Queen has taken her friends, and it is up to Snow to retrieve them and the Fractured Stellar Mirror, the source of the evil power, before it can be used to destroy Snow's home world forever. But Snow doesn't need to face the Queen alone. Mickey assigns her a team of fellow Guardians, powerful beings from many different worlds who have committed to thwarting the Fractured and protecting the Mirrorverse from harm. Snow meets Tiana—an expert potion-maker—Rapunzel—a fighter who knows how to wield a frying pan—Stitch—a chaotic blue alien who can change forms—Sulley— a monster with a big heart—and Hades—the lord of the

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Young Adult, Fiction, Fairy Tales, Audiobook, Fairy Tale Retellings

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2023

About the author

Delilah S. Dawson is the New York Times-bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma, Black Spire: Galaxy's Edge, and The Perfect Weapon. With Kevin Hearne, she writes the Tales of Pell. As Lila Bowen, she writes the Shadow series, beginning with Wake of Vultures. Her other books include the Blud series, the Hit series, and Servants of the Storm.

She's written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore's Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.

Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.

Reviews

[Hannah Bugey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read but unmemorable.

[Peter Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!
Basically like Kingdom Hearts with a bigger focus on Disney characters. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

I loved this book and am hoping there will be another one after this. I really liked how Snow White was in this book, and the way she learned how to fight. I also enjoyed the teamwork between all of the characters and the hints of other Disney characters that we didn’t see but got mention of. I also liked Stitch’s presence in the book, he was funny. Overall this was a fun adventure and great tie in to the game and I hope the author writes more!

[Kevin Thies · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was an odd way to feel, but that was apparently who Snow White was: someone who cared deeply for others, even when they perhaps did not deserve it."

I've been excited for this book ever since it was announced by Delilah S. Dawson months ago. Disney's Mirrorverse is a mobile game that came out I believe a few years ago or maybe only a year ago at the most, but it was something that interested me back then because it was reimagining characters that I've grown up my entire life loving.

I don't know what the future holds necessarily for this new series of novels, but after finishing this one I can only hope there are lots of plans moving forward. This book was without a doubt fantastic, my only downfall is that I want so much more. The book left on a huge cliffhanger and there's not a single thing on the internet talking about any future plans for more novels. Except for a manga featuring Belle.

Let's backtrack a little here, the story follows Snow White. In the beginning of the novel, it's the Snow White we remember from the movies. She's helping an injured animal and returning home to make supper for her seven friends. The twist is that this is far from the fairy tale that any of us remembers. She's greeted by fractured versions of her friends (meaning that they are not her friends per se but a version of them shrouded in a purple glow, almost like glass ) and she must defeat them in order to, well... literally survive.

There's a new mortal danger to this world and yes these characters that we love could in fact die. I mean obviously this is Disney and this book is intended for children, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't nervous here and there for Snow White and her friends. Eventually, Snow White meets Mickey who explains to her everything that is going on in her world.

In the Mirrorverse, when Mickey was a sorcerer's apprentice (much like we saw in Fantasia) he explains to Snow White that he was attacked by enchanted brooms and he found that the magic within him was far more potent than he could've imagined before. It's explained that there are two different forms of reality now, the ones that follow along the path we know and love and the other that has seen a powerful and dangerous increase in magic.

There are two sides to this powerful magic, the good that grants certain people the power they need to help themselves in order to survive (much like what helps Snow White defeat her seven friends on her own) and the bad that allows villains to create fractured enemies and harm those around them. This is honestly the easiest way for me to explain what's going on in this world, but the book does a fantastic job of explaining it all within the first few pages.

What made me fall in love with the novel is who helps Snow on her journey to stopping the fractured from polluting her world. The mirrorverse is made up of a team known as "the Guardians" who are comprised of different characters all throughout the Disney universe. The team that helps Snow White includes, Sulley (Monster's Inc), Stitch (Lilo and Stitch), Rapunzel (Tangled), Hades (Hercules) and led by Tiana (Princess and the Frog).

To see interactions between characters that never would've happened otherwise like this was a dream come true for me that I didn't even know was there. Each character has a chapter that is shown from their perspective and to get even that brief glimpse into what led them there was enough to make me incredibly happy. That's where I must praise the author on this, she absolutely nailed these characters.

It literally felt like these were the characters we knew. To see Rapunzel struggle with claustrophobia because of being trapped in the cave with Flinn or Stitch worrying about helping his friends because it's the right thing to do was everything I could've hoped for and more. As I said, the only real downfall of this book is that there wasn't enough of it.

This story specifically follows Snow White's pretty closely but in a much different way than before. The characters are all there such as the huntsman and the prince and the Evil Queen is still the one behind everything bad taking place, but this time around she's far more powerful and deadly than before. The Prince offers to help Snow White stop the Evil Queen, but she very quickly realizes that the Evil Queen will stop at nothing to hurt her.

I really have nothing negative to say about this novel. I've loved the author since discovering her through Star Wars. Fun fact, her novel "Black Spire Outpost" was the first book I read in the Star Wars universe that skyrocketed my love for that franchise and got me back into reading. I'll never be able to hate anything this author puts out because I just have such a deep respect for her.

If you are a Disney fan, absolutely read this book.

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I Post all my reviews to wordpress as well:
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[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader copy to review by Disney Press and Netgalley. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #MirrorversePureOfHeart #DelilahSDawson #DisneyPress #DisneyMirrorverse #Fantasy #BookReview #gifted #ad #Netgalley

I love Disney. I have loved Disney since I was young growing up with the Mouse and his friends and while other interests have come and gone Disney has remained. One thing I recently have loved by Disney is the Mirrorverse mobile game taking some of mother hobbies such as roleplaying games and fantasy and mixing them all together in a game that allows you to collect favourite characters who can fight, heal and go on magical quests was an instant win for me. So it is safe to say when I learned that there was a book that tied into the game with my tied favourite princess (the other being Belle) I was more than excited, I was ecstatic.

Set in a land that is familiar but slightly changed Snow White is introduced helping a young injured deer in the forest. But she is not the Snow White fans may expect and know, she is reflected and slightly evolved within the Mirrorverse with new abilities found there and instilled with Stella Magic that she must learn to wield while trying to save her world and her friends. I never like to spoil books but its safe to say the action is pretty much none stop. Snow returns to the cottage to meet seven angry dwarves with glowing white eyes. Repeating that they want to the heart of Snow White. Left with no choice she fights what she believes are a friends and some how manages to survive. Thankfully Stella Sorcerer Mickey Mouse arrives to explain to the distraught Snow White that these were not her friends but fractured copies and thus starts an adventure Snow White is not sure she is ready.

But Stellar Mickey does not expect Snow to go on this adventure alone, he assigns her a team of fellow guardians to help track down the Fractured Stellar Mirror, the cause to the problems the world is facing, and find Snow’s seven friends. Both of which Snow believes are being held by the Evil Queen. The team is a strange bunch; Tiana – an expert potions maker, Rapunzel – a fighter, Stitch – a chaotic blue alien who can change forms, Sulley – a monster with a big heart and Hades – lord of the Underworld who is really just here to see what happens. Together the unlikely crew set off on an adventure that will see them fight growing Fractured hordes, a poisoned forest and a determined Huntsman. And on the way each character seems to come face to face with a challenge created just for them. Will they make it to the Queen’s castle in time to save the world or will it be consumed by poison and fractured completely?

All I can say is wow. This book ended up ticking every box of things I love. Epic fights, funny moments, reads almost like a dungeons and dragons session, finding family and friends, characters dealing with their weaknesses, and so much more. First of all Snow White is tied as my favourite princess with Belle but this Snow White is arguable a hundred times better than the original. She keeps all her personality and aspects but is able to defend herself, fight and keep the group together. While arguably she is the main character each of the Guardians are brought to life vividly in their Mirrorverse guise while keeping aspects of themselves we know and love. Dawson is, in my opinion, a master at characterisation. She made each one pop off the page and seem real. I adored that Rapunzel had moments of doubt and near panic, that Stitch and Sulley make an amazing duo, Tiana’s level headed leadership and of course Hades sassy and often unhelpful help.

Now obviously this ties into the Mirrorverse game and understanding the game will make it easier to read but I don’t feel you need to (you totally should do though it’s addictive!). If you are a fan of fantasy, particularly in the vein of Dungeons and Dragons or Forgotten Realms, you will enjoy this one, I know I did. It’s got action, a bit of character development which is again brilliant when working with characters that are so well known and already out there, fun and most of all heart. At points it does read like a game but that is not a bad thing. It means that one it’s doing its job and two it might make you think of yourself or your roleplaying group!

I really, really hope we get a series of these like the Disney Twisted Tales, Disney Princes, Disney Queen’s Court or Disney Villains series. It’s something I would definitely read and I have already pre-ordered a physical copy. Basically if you love fantasy, Disney and or the Mirrorverse you will love this one and Bonus points from me and a slight spoiler for having Snow show the Prince who is really in charge!

[Khurram · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok book. I would have liked to give it 3.5 stars, and if there was a little more action, I probably had edged it to a round up. I like the concept, the format of the paperback with the rough cut pages, and part of the story we're very good, but it is a bit too basic for me. I can understand if this was meant for younger readers, but that made it a bit lacking for me.

There is a shift in Snow White's world. There is also a shift in Snow White as well. Instincts and powers she did not know he had. Now joined by characters across the Disney worlds, can she save her own world and find a new place in it.

I did like the Kingdon Hearts style book, and I am told it is its own mobile game. This book serves as a good introduction. I like the new skills and concepts. I also like that the characters' core personalities have not changed, so they are trying to reconcile between who they were to who they are becoming. I don't think this was explored enough, though, but maybe in further books or the game itself. I think this is a good series to come if it is done right and a decent intro to start it off. On a personal note, I would like a lot more action in it. Especially if they are aiming to make the characters more warriors.

[Richard Winters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really want to love this book. It is, at heart (hahaha) a good, fun, clean, wholesome book that captures the essence of the characters and has a solid storyline backing an already fun product of the mobile game. But, it falls into a trap much like the characters often do in the novel.
The first of the books based (loosely) off the mobile game of the same name, we find that Snow White wakes up and her seven friends/protectors have been replaced by creatures who look like them, but want to take her heart. After an excellent fight where Snow White discovers she can kick butt, she gets an unexpected visitor in the form of Mickey Mouse so he can repeat what the beginning of the game already told us, and introduces Snow White to the Guardians (not related to Guardians of the Galaxy - so no Groot or Rocket). They leave to find the mirror, defeat the person who much be behind it (wicked stepmother) and save Snow White's land, etc.
Like I said, this is a fun, exciting read where the author captures the essence of all of the characters. Often, you would be able to hear the voice actor of Hades delivering the lines in the book as you read. The fight scenes are plenty, there is comedy and team building moments, plus a spark of romance (this is a Snow White tale!). But...
This but...is the problem. The novel is intended for 7th grade to 12th grade audience and it shows too blatantly. The author tries to bring in all of the tropes for this range of an audience and it feels like reaching to touch everything, trying to get the middle graders while keeping the high schoolers interested and so the novels feels all over the place, never deciding a true audience and direction. I found myself stopping often and trying to figure out why this great storyline still felt disjointed and jarring at times until I figured out the issue. This seemingly small problem ruins the feel of the book as you read an otherwise perfect tale for a Disney and/or fairy tale fan.

[Steven Shinder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Might be a 2.5, but I rounded down. I’ve never played the game, so this was very much my first foray into Mirrorverse. I’m familiar with Dawson’s Star Wars stories, so I was excited to see what she could do here. But much of the dialogue felt very basic. I get that this is targeted toward a younger demographic, but I was hoping for better. The crossover between 2D and 3D characters felt like reading official fanfic, which isn’t inherently a bad thing, but I wish it felt like everyone had more dimensions to them and that they weren’t just reacting a bit and doing the next thing. And the twist with Hades? Very predictable. Also, Tiana refers to Hades as “blue boy” in Stitch and Sulley’s presence, and I guess nobody is confused?

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 3-3.5

*Thoughts*

Step into the Disney Mirrorverse, a brand-new realm full of endless adventure, where mirrored reflections of beloved Disney and Pixar characters are amplified and transformed, becoming battle-ready Guardians that must unite to defeat a powerful evil that threatens their home worlds and beyond. Set in a fantasy land that is familiar but slightly changed, the story begins as Snow White helps a young deer in the forest. This isn’t the Snow White that Disney fans know: she has been recently transformed by the creation of the Disney Mirrorverse and given magical powers that she does not yet know how to wield.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Reading is my Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, there is a video game called The Mirrorverse involving Disney heroes with amplified power tasked as Guardians fighting against evil beings created by Fractured Magic. This book turns that into an action-packed story.
Snow White discovers abilities she didn’t know she had and joins Mickey and the Guardians in fighting against the Evil Queen, who uses fractured magic to create creatures who attack them. I enjoyed the story. Seeing Snow White realize she was more than just a damsel in distress was fabulous. Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Stitch, and Sulley are also part of the Guardians, and it’s fun to watch them banter and work together to fight evil. Hades helps the Guardians and delivers some funny sarcasm along the way. If you are a Disney fan, then this book is for you.

[Read Love Irie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who enjoyed playing Disney Mirrorverse, I definitely enjoyed the story. And loved how each of the characters stood out. And how Snow White's powers were amplified.

I really hope there will be more books in this collection because this was super entertaining! Hades, I love you. Hahaha.

[Cindy]

Just look at that cover! Battle Guardian Snow White with a giant pickaxe! As soon as I saw this in the store I knew it was coming home with me.

[Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read for any Disney universe fan! Hoping for another one soon.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun. It very much gave me Kingdom Hearts vibes, though even better because Disney characters were the main protagonists and not just secondary characters. And I love what they did here, in bestowing somewhat benign princesses like Snow White with the capacity to be guardians of their kingdoms, their magic, and their own stories. It's not perfect, it lags a bit at times, but it makes me really wish I'd had the chance to experience Mirrorverse, the video game, before it was discontinued.

[Giuseppe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great concept, but it left a lot to be desired. It was really cool to bring so many disney characters together. With that being said, the flow of the story felt haphazard and rushed. With so much going on, I didn't get as much "juice" out of the characters and the story as I did previous Disney fiction I have read. All in all, it just didn't suit my purposes.

[Nicole Pramik · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel randomly popped up on my Amazon recommendation feed, and I confess it was the cover that first caught my eye. Snow White is one of my favorite Disney princesses, so to see her decked out in fantasy warrior garb made me wonder what sort of tale this might be. As it turns out, Mirrorverse is a Disney video game, so this novel and its characters are set within that realm. However, as past experience has taught me, media tie-ins tend to be lackluster cash grabs. So was this novel any different, or did it have a heart and break the mold?

Pure of Heart, by Delilah S. Dawson, is an entry into (what will likely be) an expanded series of books based on the Disney: Mirrorverse video game. In this particular novel, Snow White finds herself in her familiar forest with her familiar friends, the Seven Dwarves. However, everything familiar is quickly becoming frightening as dark magic infects all she holds dear. When friends become foes and Snow White must fight for her life, she gets recruited by Mickey Mouse, who tells her that her realm is one of many and a poisonous magical force, known as Fractured magic, is threatening all the worlds within the Mirrorverse. On a quest to stop it are a ragtag group of Guardians: Tiana, a chef/potions master; Sulley, a furry monster; Rapunzel, a young lady armed with a formidable frying pan; Stitch, a shape-shifting alien; and Hades, the infamous fast-talking god of the Underworld. Together, they must track down the source of the infected magic in Snow White's world. But will they be able to fend off the Fractured in time before it invades the Mirrorverse?

I went into this novel with both high hopes and low expectations: the latter because I've yet to be blown away by media tie-in fiction and the former because I trust someday I'll find a decent story within that genre. While Pure of Heart didn't shatter expectations, it did manage to become a breezy, action-filled, entertaining romp that's solidly average.

It is worth pointing out, in case anyone is curious, that this novel feels like a close cousin to the types of stories comprising the Twisted Tales series, which puts different spins on classic Disney movies. Pure of Heart does the same, only rather than attempting to retell or reinvent the original film's version of Snow White, it plants her and other Disney characters within a multiverse. Said world is based on the Mirrorverse video game, in which Disney and Pixar characters assume the role of Guardians who protect and defend a multiverse stained by Fractured magic. I'm always on the fence when it comes to multiverse tales, as I think it's too easy for writers to proverbially bite off more than they can chew. Luckily, Pure of Heart keeps its focus, so it never feels too daunting in its setting or scope.

Aside from the brisk pace and action-focused story, another plus was the unique twist on some recognizable faces. I'm not overly familiar with Tiana (from The Princess and the Frog), Rapunzel (from Tangled), or Stitch (from Lilo and Stitch), but I do know of Sulley (from Monster's Inc.), Hades (from Hercules), Mickey Mouse, and Snow White. Whether I had seen these characters' movies or not, I thought the addendums to their respective personalities were fun. These changes, rather than belittling or betraying a character's core personality, stayed true to what viewers enjoy about these fictional folks. So while, for instance, Snow White transforms into a battle-ready warrior princess, she never loses her gentle soul and kind heart. The only character who doesn't change much from his established personality is Hades - but then he just wouldn't be Hades, now, would he?

Numerous positive messages are sprinkled in among all the action and adventure, such as never give up hope; everyone has value as a person; don't give into your fears; and be willing to grant people a second chance, whether they're a hero or a villain. Granted, none of these are anything to write home about and nothing ever dives into deep philosophical waters, but they're a nice touch to the story, christening it with an uplifting edge. Similarly, it was good to see male and female characters working together rather than against each other. One of my initial concerns was that this novel would de-evolve into a "girl power" story where all the female characters would be besting the boys, who would then be made to look like clueless lunks. Thankfully, that never becomes the case here as the novel avoids touting an annoying "future is female" message. Instead, Snow White, Rapunzel, and Tiana work equally side-by-side with Sulley, Stitch, and even Hades as they tackle the Fractured magic and its dark goons.

The theme receiving the most page time here is facing and neutralizing your fears. More than one character in the story is forced to encounter either a corrupted version of themselves or a Fractured version of someone or something that tries to implant negative messages into a character's mind, playing off of that person's deepest fears, such as the fear of failure, abandonment, or rejection. In turn, the character defeats these notions by reminding themselves of their true worth as a person, a Guardian, and a friend. In the end, these scenes serve as nice reminders to readers that it's better to defeat negative self-talk rather than wallow in it. Become a victor, not a victim, is this novel's underlying mantra, and it's a thread that gets woven throughout.

That being said, Pure of Heart isn't memorable literature because it's not intended to be. Being a video game tie-in, it features writing that's bare bones in delivery, never lingering on descriptions nor fully developing characters beyond a basic scope while jumping from one action/fight sequence to the next. It reads very much like a video game script in places, and while that makes sense in terms of this being based on a game, it does make for dry reading at times as, while the book is packed with action, it is sadly devoid of much color or a distinctive flavor. Lastly, the novel assumes readers are already aware of the Disney and Pixar characters it showcases; therefore, if you're unfamiliar of everyone else but Snow White and Mickey Mouse (who isn't a strong presence in the story), you might feel this book has little to offer. Though I imagine this might not be too much of a turn off, as, given this isn't a complicated novel, it's easy not to become lost. But the potential is there depending on how invested you are in the Disney/Pixar brand.

Overall, Pure of Heart is one of these books that is what it is - not uniquely original but still fun in its own right. Naturally, fans of the Mirrorverse game and/or anything Disney/Pixar will harbor the most appreciation for what this story tries to do and for its expansion upon the related video game world. For everyone else, it's a fun little reading escape that offers adventure with a generous helping of classic Disney fare and universal morals.

Content:
Language - None.

Violence - Nothing in terms of anything graphic or gory, but there are plenty of peril-filled battle sequences where heroes face off against Fractured goons and monsters. Most such scenes read and play out like video game sequences, so descriptions primarily focus on characters' movements and placements within a given space. Fractured creatures include monstrous versions of forest animals and poisoned people who act out in ways they normally wouldn't. Various fantasy weapons, such as enchanted axes and blades, as well as magic and potions are used throughout the novel by heroes and villains alike. Characters face Fractured versions of familiar faces, many of whom torment them by spouting negative rhetoric stemming from their deepest fears and insecurities. Several characters want to lay claim to Snow White's heart. One character sacrifices their heart to save others, and a character is revealed to be a traitor.

Sexual Content - None. In one scene, Hades urges Snow White and Prince Charming to kiss, but they only blush and part ways.

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Review:
5/10


I am going to keep this review short, but even before that there is one thing I would like to say. This book was based off of a video game, released in 2022, called Disney Mirrorverse. I instantly fell in love with this game, because it is everything I would like bundled into one. Disney characters, rebels, fighting and collecting characters. So when I saw this book, I was very excited to read it. I went in not knowing what this book was really about. I guess you can say I went Into The Unknown. (I hate myself for that joke, but it was right there.)
Let me dive head first into what I liked about this book. It kept me entertained. That is for sure. It had all the characters I liked, and was a smorgasbord of characters, and it was like Kingdom Hearts. I used to be obsessed with watching game plays of it when I was little. (Especially the Aladdin world).
I am on a temporary tech-break with my phone, so I couldn't play the game, and this book was just like playing the game. It satisfied my craving. There was non-stop action and the world building was definitely clever. I hate giving books negative reviews, but as a reviewer it is my solemn duty to be honest. So there always comes the point in a review where we get to the aspects of this story I wasn't a fan of.
This world is slightly different than the Disney worlds we know and love. However, one of the worlds in this novel felt thrown together. When Snow meets Sorcerer Mickey, and they meet the other heroes, I didn't know what the setting was supposed to be. Was it an asteroid in the galaxy? or a planetarium? That is one example of where I think some of the worlds could have been more developed and clearer.
The story and the world felt thrown together, and in my opinion, not really thought out.
I do a sketch comedy class, and we learned about this thing called a character parade. It is when there are a bunch of different characters with different traits, but all benefit the main premise of the scene. That's what this felt like. I am a huge fan of Disney, and was so happy Rapunzel was in it, but the main character, Snow White, was very one dimensional. You really can't see any development in Snow White.
I didn't know what to expect when reading this book, but I was disappointed. Even though it wasn't a book I enjoyed, I think that people who are fans of:
- Enchanted
- Disenchanted
- The Black Cauldron
You should definitely pick up this book when it is released.

[Mileena · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars
Luckily, the content of this book was amazing, but even if I hadn’t cared much for it, I will be forever grateful for it because it got me out of my writing slump. I had a compulsion, an instinct, a need, to start writing fanfiction again because of how much I was enjoying this book and the way that it was structured and specifically the relationship dynamics between the characters and the pairing that I ended up writing about, weren’t even necessarily flirty or romantic in this book, but everything Flowed in a found family, beautiful way that I think most of the characters could be shipped with one another without it feeling that weird even if the set up wasn’t super obvious for it.
(Sully and Snow White for anyone who was curious)

While I might’ve been writing about Snow White and Sully, let me tell you I think my favorite character in this book was Hades. He was so funny. The humor in this book is unmatched, but specifically whenever he spoke a lot or even did a little bit of a mannerism I was sold. I was smiling I was highlighting. He is truly a scene stealer in this book and it made me want to rewatch Hercules to spend more time with him again.

OK, so the plot of this book was so fun. I need more Mirrorverse content. I am truly saddened and upset that there isn’t more out there in terms of books, movies, video games there’s so much you can do with this concept that I need a plethora of media for it and unfortunately this book is one of the only things that I’m seeing available for it although it looks like at a certain time Disney wanted to do more with it and just chose not to. I’m not sure , but it gives very strong Kingdom Hearts vibes, and the idea of different portals to different universes kind of in a Spider-Man type way, but with there being evil versions, dark versions, poisoned people all of the characters that we know and love clustered together, visiting each other‘s worlds it all is to die for.

And while on the subject of the dark versions of the characters and that being the “big bad“ that we’re fighting up against. I loved to see how it was kind of similar to K-Pop Demon Hunters more like the demon or the dark force is our bad voices in our head like anxiety and depression and self loathing that tells us that we’re not good enough or that something bad is going to happen to those we care about and we won’t be able to protect them. It was delivered so strongly, especially where our characters were dealing with those sentiments in dark and dreary settings I think the messages were delivered super strongly super spicy in that way.

The girl power family elements like seeing Tiana and Rapunzel, and how soft and conversational they were with Snow, warmed my heart.

Showing that Rapunzel has PTSD from when her and Flynn almost died in that flooding cave was so real, and I really appreciated how it was handled

I enjoyed the scene where we’re in the princes castle, and we get to see all of our Disney friends in fancy ballroom attire and seeing the dance and how Snow White interacted with him first of all did a lot for my fanfiction content but second I think just showed kind of that contrast with being a warrior, but also wanting that soft life of pastries and luxury and love in a romantic conventional royal sense

Hades is actually so soft and seeing the trope of a dark and villainous type of character, caring about people, but wanting to hide behind bravado or humor with him was very cute

OK, let’s take a minute to talk about my girl Snow White our main character. I actually really appreciate that she was our main character for the first installment in this series and the main focus in entering us into this world. You see, I adore her and her film and sometimes when I mention that to people, they tend to dismiss her as not exciting or not bad ass enough or how her stories primarily about a prince but the thing is she is very resilient and I think that people don’t realize all of the intricacies of her character and how there is beauty and strength in being soft and being kind and having connections to nature and art , and maybe even stereotypically feminine things and wanting a certain life for yourself when you’ve grown up through a bunch of trauma and darkness I think that she was such a fun character to see grow into herself and become the badass that I always knew her to be. I loved her weapon choices. I liked how we really got to see how she communicates with animals and helps the nature grow And can understand how the trees feel and whatnot. I think that she is unsure if she should be a guardian, and I think that she is a good, no pun intended mirror of the general audience in terms of Disney fans shown back to us with realizing how important she is to the overall narrative of the Disney World.

I don’t know, man, I enjoyed what little content we got of the dwarfs. I thought that the final showdown with the evil queen was nicely done again towards the end we get more traumatic inner monologue from Rapunzel in the sense that the demons prayed on her fear that no one cared that she was missing when she was gone for all those years and I think that she would be an interesting protagonist to follow for our next installment in this series if that ever happens

Overall:
I adored this so fucking much with every fiber of my being and it inspired me. The cover is to die for, the writing is exquisite, and it is clearly done with a lot of love for somebody who cares about the characters, the story, and the world of Disney. I would definitely recommend it for any fan , particularly if you think that Snow White doesn’t get enough love or if you love video games with an emphasis on Kingdom Hearts, and seeing that mixed in with a new Disney lore.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book had loads of action and adventure. I like that there are various Disney characters throughout this book. It reminded me of the “Kingdom Hearts” video game series.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, quick read. An expansion of the mobile game of the same name featuring a plethora of Disney/Pixar favorites, fans of all things Disney will appreciate the Easter eggs and young kids will enjoy the battle scenes. An enjoyable, breezy time 😊

[Saltybill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean... DSD took what amounts to be an idle clicker gatcha phone app and turned it into an interesting novel; that takes skill. Worth a read and could do with a sequel.

[T. Man · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read better fanfiction than this

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of kingdom hearts

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a fun read. I have some familiarity with the Mirrorverse games - well, mostly regarding the awesome character makeovers featured in them, and that, like Kingdom Hearts, they're this big crossover of multiple Disney properties. But I'm no gamer so I haven't played them, meaning that this book was my real introduction into what these games are all about.

It's basically like Disney's Avengers, in that they have a bunch of different characters teaming up to fight a big evil that messes with the multiverse. Or, rather, it can travel between universes and corrupt them. That evil being the Fractured Mirror and its fractured magic. In this book, it's corrupted Snow White's world, throwing her head-first into this war of Fractured vs Stellar Magic, teaming her up with the Guardians to track down the Fractured Mirror and destroy it to free her world from its corrupted power.

Like any Disney kid, I absolutely ate up the crossover aspect of this story. Seeing Snow White team up with two of her fellow princesses was a delight. And I loved the inclusions of Sulley, Stitch, and Hades. They were all fun to read about and written very in-character - as everyone was, really. The character voices were all spot-on.

And I thought it was interesting that this was set during Snow White's story - that is, the poison apple eating and true love's kiss haven't happened yet, though there are allusions to it. Makes me wonder if all the Guardians were recruited in the middle of their stories too. Which I think is true for some, like Rapunzel, as she still has her long, magic hair (though it seems she already knows that she's the lost princess, so perhaps it's like the TV show logic where she gets her magic hair back under some unexplained circumstance - maybe that'll be detailed in a later book? We'll see), but seems to not be true for Sulley, Stitch, and probably even Hades, as they refer to events taking place at the ends of their stories.

I was honestly kinda split between reading this or a Twisted Tales book (probably Snow White's), but I'm glad I picked this one up. It makes me wanna check out the games now, even if the book read a lot like gameplay with some of those fight scenes. Not that I'm complaining!

And like any good series opener, we got a cliffhanger ending! Hello, Buzz Lightyear cameo! No shock Hades is evil again now. Wonder what he's doing with the Fractured Mirror and what world he's gonna go to next. Hope this series continues so we can see that next adventure. And let Belle be apart of it! Her appearance towards the end made me super happy, as she's my favorite Disney Princess (despite my avatar here being Rapunzel, LOL; she's my 2nd favorite!).

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for allowing me a copy of this arc.

To begin, I will admit that Snow White is my least favorite princess in the Disney pantheon of princesses. She's too damsel-in-distress for my tastes. Only, when I saw this book, I thought that this would be interesting because it looked like she might have to grow a spine.

And I was right. This book takes the original characters and shoves them into a multiverse to try and defeat a force that is changing the worlds for the worse. Snow White has to kick butt on crystalline creatures that look like the dwarves. She then is recruited to become a fledgling Guardian to stop an evil force from swallowing her world.

Snow White has to discover how to be stronger and not weak-willed and saccharine sweet as she is faced with life and death situations along with other Guardians from the Disney worlds.

It's very fast-paced. There is very little rest between action sequences. I was impressed with how I could hear the voices of the different characters. They seemed very in tune to their movie counterparts through their dialogue and actions.

I was less impressed the sequence at a certain Prince's castle. It's one of the few action breaks we have in the story. I loved the end of that sequence though. The way the Prince talked to her. Omg! It was downright nasty! But it made the sequence cooler.

Another thing: Could he at least get a name?! He's just called the Prince. Ugh!

The second thing I have against this book is how a certain character is represented. It was unfair in the movie (Hercules for anyone who is wondering. I absolutely hate this movie because it misrepresents the entire pantheon of Gods), and it's equally unfair in the book. I can say that he was one of the easiest voices to hear, which was enjoyable. The snark was real and amusing.

I will say that I would read the second book of this series.

Thank you again NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide.

[Danica Bauerle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This...this was terrible. I was excited to read this book because it had a good concept. I didn't know it was based off a video game, but even if I did it would not have helped this.

The writing was bad. The way that the authors spoon feeds us information is horrendous. At times I honestly thought a twelve year old wrote this. Espeshilly certain dialogs.

["Betrayer!" Fractured Zues said again....
"I know you are, but what am I?" Hades shouted.]
I was saying this when I was in 6th grade. I closed the book and sat in silence.

And the characters all going through this self loathing. I understand that, I do it too. But when it's literally everyone in the group, it's just annoying to read.
Snow White was never my favorite, I don't like her at all, but I wanted to give her a chance for this book. I regret that decision, she was boring, and just always questioning the stupid things. She was also very slow to catch onto things.

The plot was dull and was brought up way too many times. Always bringing up the seven dwarves was also quite annoying. Then the prince coming into it for what? Two chapters, and it brought nothing to the story. Then there was too many things happening. Like the characters never got a break, they were always fighting, no resting or stratagizing. And the only time they wernt fighting, the characters were doubting themselves.

The best part in this book is when Snow got her armor and her pickaxe. That was it.

I understand the message that the author(s) wanted to get out there but they did it in a horrible way. They were too forceful. I don't know if this is a middle grade book, and I might be over exaggerating a bit, but good gods. This was a one star, only for the concept.

[Mikayla Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would suggest 13+ due to some of the violence and deaths that occur in this novel.
0 out 5 profanity/sexual content

Quote: "I can't believe I had to miss the cha-cha slide for this" - Hades pg. 187

I liked the concept of taking Disney characters and upgrading them to Disney fighters/guardians. I appreciated how the author chose diverse Disney characters to make up the gang of guardians, and how they reflect different backgrounds, worlds, perspectives, Disney films, and eras. The gentle humor throughout the book kept it alive and energetic. Snow White, as did a handful of the other guardians, developed well as characters.
While the writing was strong, it felt repetitious at times and was full of filler lines. The plot was intriguing, but it fell short of total distinctiveness and development for me. The plot surprise was anticipated from the start, and it felt rushed and as if it was done simply because of who the character was before joining the guardians.
I believe the book would have benefited greatly from visual aids such as photos or little drawings throughout to assist readers interact and understand the characters and situation. I also believe that the plot twist should have been handled differently to make it more distinctive to this universe and story. Other than that, I enjoyed the narrative but will not be continuing with the remainder of the series.

[gomes.duda🦋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disney est un univers que j’adore. Pourtant ce n’est pas un de mes univers de prédiction au niveau de la lecture. Mais ce livre-là j’ai beaucoup aimé.

Dans ce livre, on va suivre Blanche-Neige qui va devoir sauver ses amis ainsi que son royaume auprès de sa méchante belle-mère, mais pas que puisque son royaume il est atteint d’une magie noire.

On va donc retrouver d’autres personnages tels que Stitch et Mickey, des princesses qui font partie de la team guerrière qui sont là pour pouvoir sauver les différentes royaumes qui vont être envahi par la magie noire.

Blanche Neige elle va devoir être forte. Elle va devoir apprendre à se battre puisque et ils vont devoir faire face a beaucoup de brisés à beaucoup de situations. Donc elle n’était pas forcément attendue. Il y a beaucoup de retournement de situation. Il y a beaucoup d’action dedans.

Honnêtement j’ai beaucoup aimé cette histoire, il a pas mal d’action mais en même temps c’est plutôt simple à lire ces fluides. On est intéressés par la continuité de la lecture donc ça se lis extrêmement vite.

Je pense que c’est un livre donc il y aura une suite vu la fin de ce livre j’ai pas envie de vous spolier mais j’ai vraiment hâte de continuer la suite c’est vrai que c’était pas un livre pour lequel j’aurais craqué juste pour le résumé, honnêtement j’ai craqué pour la beauté du livre mais j’ai beaucoup aimé ma lecture ❤️

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely lovedddddd this book!
Even more than I thought I was going to, I soooo hope there's another!!

Step into the mirrorverse, a brand new realm full of endless adventure. These divergent worlds contain reflections of iconic disney and pixar characters who are amplified and evolved, becoming battle ready guardians that must unite to defeat evil fractured forces that threaten their mirrorverse worlds and beyond.

Join Snow White and her newfound allies- Tiana, Sulley, Stitch, Rapunzel and even Hades- as they battle the Fractured and search the dark land for a mirror so powerful it can create corrupted versions of your best friend's who are intent on one thing & one thing only- retrieving your heart.

I mean, just wow, I loved all of the characters coming together, using their personalities to enhance their powers and clothing/armour. I noticed little Easter eggs more towards the beginning of the book that I loved.
The writing of the story was amazing, there were some words that I had to look up 😅, not sure if they are just old words for things or something haha.

Honestly, definitely one for the disney adults 🥰🤍

[Braden Waller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I knew going in it wasn’t going to be earth shattering or this huge literary triumph, but it was 100% pure fun and really well written.
I played the game for a while when it was released and this really felt like the game. Small journey, battle, side quest for character development, repeat. But not in a repetitive/redundant manner. Each side character development was really well done.
I was worried the characters from other realms/movies/stories wouldn’t translate well or be written out of character, but Dawson did a GREAT job making them feel true to form, while making them more within this new “verse” of Disney. I was pleasantly surprised at how smartly written this book was. Really well planned and executed. Even the action scenes! Simply written and easy to follow. So many other authors struggle with action, but Dawson did an AMAZING job.
I can’t wait for the next one and see where this series goes! I feel like it has great potential and is unique among other YA Disney series (ie, Twisted Tales, Villains, Princes, Dark Ascension, etc etc)