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The Mirrordom Legends #1
Venom and Blaze
“During a time when unicorns roamed free and dragons cast shadows across the sun, the wise men and women of the land told stories of a troubled future. The legends whispered of a time when every baby born would be blonde, genial and entirely Good. But straight after it would emerge a baby with black hair, dark eyes – and an entirely different nature. They would be called Mirrors, and nobody would know from whence they came or what to do with them once they arrived.”
Venom wants a normal life where no one can tell her what to do, especially her father, King Viper.
Blaze wants to be free, after all, he has been imprisoned in a dungeon since he was a baby.
Thorn wants to get the girl, which is a shame, because the girl has other things on her mind.
At least one of them is going to be disappointed.
Venom wants a normal life where no one can tell her what to do, especially her father, King Viper.
Blaze wants to be free, after all, he has been imprisoned in a dungeon since he was a baby.
Thorn wants to get the girl, which is a shame, because the girl has other things on her mind.
At least one of them is going to be disappointed.
- GenresFantasy Romance
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2024
24 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 3, 2026
Rating
4 💎
🫑
Quick Summary
The book hooked me from the start with the world-building legends, and the good vs bad theme. I felt for those five kids growing up in a dungeon for seventeen years, and honestly, I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what happened next. The royal intrigue was deliciously dramatic, and now I’m left with so many questions heading into the next book.
Reading Thoughts
📙 The legend at the start of the book explaining the world were brilliant to begin the story
📙 The concept of good and bad really has you thinking
📙 Seventeen years is as long time to grow up in a dungeon, really felt for those 5 kids
📙I couldn’t stop reading to know what happens next and next.
📙The royal intrigue and games were soo interesting
📙Ohh there is still a lot I need to know going into the next book.
Words that linger
🍷There exists a prophecy of a Good girl and a Mirror boy who pair. They destroy everything they touch, until, ultimately, they destroy themselves.
🍷Vaguely, Blaze is aware that his heart should be racing, there should be some kind of emotion in him. But there’s nothing. Not even excitement.
🍷“It doesn’t mean I’m not still furious with you. But yes. I love you.”
🍷“Let’s run away. Like you wanted. Let’s make our own destiny, Blaze.
Tropes
🕷️Animal companion
🕷️Good vs Evil
🕷️Royal Intrigue
🕷️Found Fanily
🕷️Princess/Commoner
4 💎
🫑
Quick Summary
The book hooked me from the start with the world-building legends, and the good vs bad theme. I felt for those five kids growing up in a dungeon for seventeen years, and honestly, I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what happened next. The royal intrigue was deliciously dramatic, and now I’m left with so many questions heading into the next book.
Reading Thoughts
📙 The legend at the start of the book explaining the world were brilliant to begin the story
📙 The concept of good and bad really has you thinking
📙 Seventeen years is as long time to grow up in a dungeon, really felt for those 5 kids
📙I couldn’t stop reading to know what happens next and next.
📙The royal intrigue and games were soo interesting
📙Ohh there is still a lot I need to know going into the next book.
Words that linger
🍷There exists a prophecy of a Good girl and a Mirror boy who pair. They destroy everything they touch, until, ultimately, they destroy themselves.
🍷Vaguely, Blaze is aware that his heart should be racing, there should be some kind of emotion in him. But there’s nothing. Not even excitement.
🍷“It doesn’t mean I’m not still furious with you. But yes. I love you.”
🍷“Let’s run away. Like you wanted. Let’s make our own destiny, Blaze.
Tropes
🕷️Animal companion
🕷️Good vs Evil
🕷️Royal Intrigue
🕷️Found Fanily
🕷️Princess/Commoner
November 28, 2024
What an awesome fantasy read. If you love dark and gritty MCs with no innocence - and talking spiders! - this book is for you! I loved all of the characters in this world, and their interesting names. Can't wait for book 2.
January 16, 2026
In my opinion, Venom and Blaze is one of those books that sneaks up on you. It looks fun. It is fun. But it’s also smart, emotionally sharp, and way more compelling than it has any right to be.
And:
Animal companion? We WON.
Found family? I’m crying in the club.
Touch Him and Die energy? IMMACULATE.
Twins? Say less.
Good vs. Evil with moral complexity? Inject it directly into my soul.
Add this to your TBR immediately. If you like fantasy with heart, bite, and characters who refuse to behave, this book will absolutely ruin your peace—in the best way.
And:
Animal companion? We WON.
Found family? I’m crying in the club.
Touch Him and Die energy? IMMACULATE.
Twins? Say less.
Good vs. Evil with moral complexity? Inject it directly into my soul.
Add this to your TBR immediately. If you like fantasy with heart, bite, and characters who refuse to behave, this book will absolutely ruin your peace—in the best way.
December 30, 2024
If you have arachnophobia, this book is not for you!
If you're intrigued about how spiders fit into this story, I would recommend you read this book.
Good vs. Evil
2 points of view
YA Dystopian Romantasy
Venom's father locked 5 mirror babies in the prisons below the castle and kept them there for 17 years.
He has a plan for them that no one knows.
This book is about Venom, one of the good people and a princess, and Blaze, a mirror who is supposed to be pure evil.
The book begins after Venom turns 17, the age her father begins the search to pair her with a prince from another kingdom. But Venom doesn't want to be paired with anyone her father chooses.
Throughout the book you explore Venom's relationship with the spiders, whether she is really in love with Blaze or trying to trick him as part of some larger plan, and how she plans to get away from her abusive father, the king.
Oh, and someone gets betrayed...
This was fast-paced, engaging, and there were twists I didn't expect. I love Venom as a character. I enjoyed seeing her growth into a woman who doesn't allow anyone else to control her. I highly recommend this read.
Thank you Roz MacLaren for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
If you're intrigued about how spiders fit into this story, I would recommend you read this book.
Good vs. Evil
2 points of view
YA Dystopian Romantasy
Venom's father locked 5 mirror babies in the prisons below the castle and kept them there for 17 years.
He has a plan for them that no one knows.
This book is about Venom, one of the good people and a princess, and Blaze, a mirror who is supposed to be pure evil.
The book begins after Venom turns 17, the age her father begins the search to pair her with a prince from another kingdom. But Venom doesn't want to be paired with anyone her father chooses.
Throughout the book you explore Venom's relationship with the spiders, whether she is really in love with Blaze or trying to trick him as part of some larger plan, and how she plans to get away from her abusive father, the king.
Oh, and someone gets betrayed...
This was fast-paced, engaging, and there were twists I didn't expect. I love Venom as a character. I enjoyed seeing her growth into a woman who doesn't allow anyone else to control her. I highly recommend this read.
Thank you Roz MacLaren for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
January 2, 2025
What an amazing fantasy story. I’ve always hated spiders but loved them in this story. Hooked from the beginning. The characters are phenomenal and I love the legends. Perfect first read for the new year
December 21, 2024
Venom and Blaze was incredible! The entire time I was reading I couldn't help but think what an awesome movie this would make!!
The story was interesting right from the beginning and I loved the idea of the blonde haired Goods who could only do good and the dark haired Mirrors who were born evil. To make things even better, there's a dual POV dark YA Romantasy at the heart of this story between Princess Venom a Good and Blaze a Mirror bad boy that I was screaming the entire way through!! I loved both characters so much!
Roz does a great job of keeping a reader hooked and on their toes! There were so many twists and turns I couldn't keep track!
As soon as I finished the story, I immediately went looking for the next book because I literally can't wait to read it! I'm so excited to read the next installment when it releases!
The story was interesting right from the beginning and I loved the idea of the blonde haired Goods who could only do good and the dark haired Mirrors who were born evil. To make things even better, there's a dual POV dark YA Romantasy at the heart of this story between Princess Venom a Good and Blaze a Mirror bad boy that I was screaming the entire way through!! I loved both characters so much!
Roz does a great job of keeping a reader hooked and on their toes! There were so many twists and turns I couldn't keep track!
As soon as I finished the story, I immediately went looking for the next book because I literally can't wait to read it! I'm so excited to read the next installment when it releases!
July 21, 2024
We are introduced straight away to a world that is divided into good and the mirrors. For every good that is born, a mirror is born who is capable of everything bad - lying, murder, you name it, they can do it!
Our main female character Venom, who is a princess, meets Blaze a mirror who her father imprisoned in the dungeon. They both want freedom, and are willing to do anything to get it. Not all is as it seems throughout this book as we see morals change and the line between what good and evil can do start to blur.
The story is very unique and I was invested in the plot from early on. It is a very fast paced read and the characters keep you wondering what they will do next. Overall I have rated this a 4/5 stars.
For me personally, it felt a bit too quick in parts, which is why I rated this 4/5. I would have loved to have seen more build up between the main characters to add more weight to the decisions/revelations that came later on in the book. This is a personal preference and the story is still fab! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you for an ARC 😊
Our main female character Venom, who is a princess, meets Blaze a mirror who her father imprisoned in the dungeon. They both want freedom, and are willing to do anything to get it. Not all is as it seems throughout this book as we see morals change and the line between what good and evil can do start to blur.
The story is very unique and I was invested in the plot from early on. It is a very fast paced read and the characters keep you wondering what they will do next. Overall I have rated this a 4/5 stars.
For me personally, it felt a bit too quick in parts, which is why I rated this 4/5. I would have loved to have seen more build up between the main characters to add more weight to the decisions/revelations that came later on in the book. This is a personal preference and the story is still fab! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you for an ARC 😊
July 27, 2024
By the first few pages of VENOM AND BLAZE by Roz MacLaren, I was hooked in! The world-building is creative and original with The Good and the Mirrors, and I love the idea of pairs. Venom was my favorite character with all her clever treachery and sneakiness.
With vivid prose, a realistic fantasy world, and flawed characters with their own motivations and desires, VENOM AND BLAZE is a triumph of a debut and five stars. Can’t wait for the sequel!
With vivid prose, a realistic fantasy world, and flawed characters with their own motivations and desires, VENOM AND BLAZE is a triumph of a debut and five stars. Can’t wait for the sequel!
November 21, 2024
I devoured this story, every page had me hooked, the plot, the legends, the spiders, the lies, the deceit and betrayal, EVERYTHING.
Highly highly recommend, and adding Roz to my must buy author list, up there with Sarah j Maas, lani Taylor and Andy Darcy Theo
Highly highly recommend, and adding Roz to my must buy author list, up there with Sarah j Maas, lani Taylor and Andy Darcy Theo
January 4, 2026
Roz MacLaren, where have you been all my life? I love when I find a new author to add to my favorites list.
In a game of power, love is the ultimate weapon.
“During a time when unicorns roamed free and dragons cast shadows across the sun, the wise men and women of the land told stories of a troubled future. The legends whispered of a time when every baby born would be blonde, genial and entirely Good. But straight after it would emerge a baby with black hair, dark eyes – and an entirely different nature. They would be called Mirrors, and nobody would know from whence they came or what to do with them once they arrived.”
Venom wants a normal life where no one can tell her what to do, especially her father, King Viper.
Blaze wants to be free, after all, he has been imprisoned in a dungeon since he was a baby.
Thorn wants to get the girl, which is a shame, because the girl has other things on her mind.
At least one of them is going to be disappointed.
Add it to your TBR if you love:
Animal companion
Good vs. Evil
Touch Him and Die
Twins
Found Family
MY REVIEW:
The concept of the Goods and the Mirrors was so interesting. This book had an amazing plot and storyline. It really captivated me from the very beginning. It definitely kept me turning the pages.
I kind of feel like when I felt like I had some things figured out, something happened that would just totally throw me off in all the best ways. This was an amazing take on good versus bad. The fact that the good are blonde haired and the mirrors are black haired, really ties that concept together. Venom and Blaze we're amazing characters that really kept me invested in this story.
I don't want to give too much away, but I'll just say read it because you're going to thoroughly enjoy it.
In a game of power, love is the ultimate weapon.
“During a time when unicorns roamed free and dragons cast shadows across the sun, the wise men and women of the land told stories of a troubled future. The legends whispered of a time when every baby born would be blonde, genial and entirely Good. But straight after it would emerge a baby with black hair, dark eyes – and an entirely different nature. They would be called Mirrors, and nobody would know from whence they came or what to do with them once they arrived.”
Venom wants a normal life where no one can tell her what to do, especially her father, King Viper.
Blaze wants to be free, after all, he has been imprisoned in a dungeon since he was a baby.
Thorn wants to get the girl, which is a shame, because the girl has other things on her mind.
At least one of them is going to be disappointed.
Add it to your TBR if you love:
Animal companion
Good vs. Evil
Touch Him and Die
Twins
Found Family
MY REVIEW:
The concept of the Goods and the Mirrors was so interesting. This book had an amazing plot and storyline. It really captivated me from the very beginning. It definitely kept me turning the pages.
I kind of feel like when I felt like I had some things figured out, something happened that would just totally throw me off in all the best ways. This was an amazing take on good versus bad. The fact that the good are blonde haired and the mirrors are black haired, really ties that concept together. Venom and Blaze we're amazing characters that really kept me invested in this story.
I don't want to give too much away, but I'll just say read it because you're going to thoroughly enjoy it.
January 14, 2026
This book reminded me of the Isle of Lies and Legend. I really liked Venoms character, and that this book delivered on female rage. I do wish it were longer, I wanted more time to explore the world and the characters relationships with each other. I should probably just read book two if I want more lol.
January 11, 2026
I really wanted to love this book but there was something that just stopped it clicking for me. The spiders sass was absolutely brilliant though and the storylines could have been very good. I just think that who Venom became was not where I had seen the story going from the start
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
When I first read the blurb for this book, I immediately knew I wanted to read it. The entire concept of Mirrors had me captivated, and I needed to know more about them. So off to read the book I went.
I finished reading in one sitting — both because the book is the perfect length for a lazy Sunday afternoon, and because I was absolutely captivated by the story. I’d intended to start it, to put it down when I went to bed, and pick it up again after work tomorrow. Instead, I devoured it start to finish with only a short break in between for dinner.
I loved everything about this book. The concept of the Mirrors was fantastic. The world-building was simple but well done, so I never once felt bogged down by it. The characters were phenomenal, and the twists! The turns! Every time I thought I knew what was coming, I was wrong. There were so many surprises waiting just over the page that I was almost afraid to turn them!
My absolute favourite thing about this book though was Venom’s steady journey from being Good to becoming a villain. I went through a short phase of, “That’s not very in character for her” before I realised what was happening, and then my mind was BLOWN.
I NEED more of this series. I need to know what’s going to happen to these characters.
10/10 would forego sleep to finish reading this again!
I finished reading in one sitting — both because the book is the perfect length for a lazy Sunday afternoon, and because I was absolutely captivated by the story. I’d intended to start it, to put it down when I went to bed, and pick it up again after work tomorrow. Instead, I devoured it start to finish with only a short break in between for dinner.
I loved everything about this book. The concept of the Mirrors was fantastic. The world-building was simple but well done, so I never once felt bogged down by it. The characters were phenomenal, and the twists! The turns! Every time I thought I knew what was coming, I was wrong. There were so many surprises waiting just over the page that I was almost afraid to turn them!
My absolute favourite thing about this book though was Venom’s steady journey from being Good to becoming a villain. I went through a short phase of, “That’s not very in character for her” before I realised what was happening, and then my mind was BLOWN.
I NEED more of this series. I need to know what’s going to happen to these characters.
10/10 would forego sleep to finish reading this again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
Roz has created a truly unique world in which good and bad are intrinsically linked and yet isolated from one another. Prophecy predicts that one good girl and one bad/mirrored boy will fall in love and leave ruin in their wake.
I loved this book. It was very easy to read and well paced. Somehow, in 173 pages, an entire world with a political system was built alongside complex characters without feeling rushed or shallow.
I have 2 complaints:
1. It wasn't long enough. When will the next one be ready, and can it be twice as long?
2. For my fellow arachnophobes, I urge caution because you will squirm.
I loved this book. It was very easy to read and well paced. Somehow, in 173 pages, an entire world with a political system was built alongside complex characters without feeling rushed or shallow.
I have 2 complaints:
1. It wasn't long enough. When will the next one be ready, and can it be twice as long?
2. For my fellow arachnophobes, I urge caution because you will squirm.
October 28, 2024
My friend Ryan Stringer recommended I read this book and it did not disappoint. It was a quick and easy read that kept my interest from beginning to end and left me wanting to continue the saga of Venom and Blaze.
July 5, 2024
Outstanding! The relatable characters and well-written story kept me hooked. Roz's original and dark imagination shines through. Can't wait to read more of her books.
(Advanced Release Copy)
(Advanced Release Copy)
August 7, 2024
Mirrors are babies born with black hair and navy eyes, while the Good were blonde and genial. When one was born its twin was also born. The Good could not lie, they could not harm people. Mirrors were evil and did no good, that is just the way it worked. Mirrors were sent to Mirror Island at birth to keep them from harming others. Follow Venom, Thorn, Blaze, and King Viper through this gripping journey!
Although this story started off slow and at times made it confusing and hard to follow by chapter six I was hooked! And by chapter ten I could not stop reading!! There so many wow moments in the book, twists and turns you did not expect. I tried to make predictions and assumptions and was wrong each and every time. This was a novel like no other! Looking forward to the next novel.
I was provided a free copy of this book by author Roz MacLaren and I am leaving a review on my own accord.
Although this story started off slow and at times made it confusing and hard to follow by chapter six I was hooked! And by chapter ten I could not stop reading!! There so many wow moments in the book, twists and turns you did not expect. I tried to make predictions and assumptions and was wrong each and every time. This was a novel like no other! Looking forward to the next novel.
I was provided a free copy of this book by author Roz MacLaren and I am leaving a review on my own accord.
September 4, 2025
This is a simple story about not conforming to society and how people who are different can be punished for such differences, but narrated in an elegant and effective way.
I really enjoyed getting to know both Venom and Blaze and how they interacted with each other and the wider world. Venom had a good character development arc through this book and has become a fearless person that should not be messed with, proving that just because you’re born with certain values it doesn’t mean you have to adhere to them. Blaze is an interesting character and I cannot wait to see how he develops in the later books.
I really enjoy the world that the author has started to build and am looking forward to see how this expands. Altogether this is a brilliant start to a series.
January 11, 2026
Venom and Blaze is book one in The Mirrordom Legends trilogy and is a tale of uniorns, dragons and talking spiders ( so those with arachniphobia beware ).
There's twists, there's turns and fantastical, effortless world building that's on the simpler side, but incredibly well executed.
For me, the pace in parts is on the slower side, but that's not a negative, the slower pace fits just right for those parts of the story, with the pace picking up for the majority and holding your attention to the very end.
It's a story of good vs evil, of betrayal and struggle, and of surprises by the bucket load.
All in all, highly entertaining with marvelously descriptive, vivid writing and a magnificent cast of characters that are believable and feel real.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
There's twists, there's turns and fantastical, effortless world building that's on the simpler side, but incredibly well executed.
For me, the pace in parts is on the slower side, but that's not a negative, the slower pace fits just right for those parts of the story, with the pace picking up for the majority and holding your attention to the very end.
It's a story of good vs evil, of betrayal and struggle, and of surprises by the bucket load.
All in all, highly entertaining with marvelously descriptive, vivid writing and a magnificent cast of characters that are believable and feel real.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
January 31, 2026
Venom and Blaze is a fast, fun start to The Mirrordom Legends—perfect for YA fantasy readers who like their magic tangled up with rebellion, destiny, and a dash of romance.
The concept of the “Mirrors” adds an intriguing moral twist to the classic good-vs-evil setup, and the characters shine in their own messy ways. Venom’s defiance, Blaze’s hunger for freedom, and Thorn’s complicated loyalties keep the story moving and emotionally grounded. Add animal companions, found family vibes, and a generous dose of touch-him-and-die energy, and you’ve got a book that’s easy to binge.
If you enjoy prophecies, power struggles, and characters who refuse to stay in the roles assigned to them, this one definitely deserves a spot on your TBR. 🐉✨
The concept of the “Mirrors” adds an intriguing moral twist to the classic good-vs-evil setup, and the characters shine in their own messy ways. Venom’s defiance, Blaze’s hunger for freedom, and Thorn’s complicated loyalties keep the story moving and emotionally grounded. Add animal companions, found family vibes, and a generous dose of touch-him-and-die energy, and you’ve got a book that’s easy to binge.
If you enjoy prophecies, power struggles, and characters who refuse to stay in the roles assigned to them, this one definitely deserves a spot on your TBR. 🐉✨
February 5, 2026
great quick read book for entertainment purposes, and a great palette cleanser, however — never have a read a story with more insipid, despicable, and dislikable characters… not a single solitary one of them is redeemable in any way shape or form 😅
(also just as a forewarning, zero spicy content so if you’re into that, this might not be the one for you)
oh… and trigger warning, spiders… so many f’ing spiders!
(also just as a forewarning, zero spicy content so if you’re into that, this might not be the one for you)
oh… and trigger warning, spiders… so many f’ing spiders!
July 17, 2025
Gripping story. I couldn't put it down! An absolute must read.
August 9, 2024
This fantasy book begins by speaking of the Legend of Good and Mirrors, where the Good are all blonde haired and well behaved people, whereas Mirrors are black haired and can only do bad. It paints a clear image of how the two are opposite and how the Mirrors are ultimately shut away due to their dangerous nature. This was intriguing and helps you to have a solid understanding of the world we are delving into before we truly begin.
The novel follows the point of view of two characters called Venom (Good) and Blaze (Mirror) and the different lives they lead. Although Venom isn’t confined to a cell like Blaze is, they’re both trapped in their own way and this novel focuses on how the two end up falling in love and realising they aren’t determined by the natures they have at birth.
MacLaren is skilled at character building as well as world building and all of her characters are unique and stand out in their own way. Although the two protagonists stand out the most, she did well to bring life to the other characters. For example, the King (although meant to be Good) is shown as a selfish, power hungry man who only cares about himself. He is proof from the start that the legend of Good and Mirrors can’t be entirely believed.
Venom is a really great main protagonist and was rather unique compared to a lot of fantasy characters (particularly her connection to spiders and how she is morally grey for a Good).
The only small irk I have (and it is a minuscule one!) is near the start when Venom speaks to the spiders. The spiders speak to her sarcastically then less than a few sentences later they don’t understand sarcasm! 😂.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see if Venom and Blaze will either rekindle their love or kill each other in the next book!
The novel follows the point of view of two characters called Venom (Good) and Blaze (Mirror) and the different lives they lead. Although Venom isn’t confined to a cell like Blaze is, they’re both trapped in their own way and this novel focuses on how the two end up falling in love and realising they aren’t determined by the natures they have at birth.
MacLaren is skilled at character building as well as world building and all of her characters are unique and stand out in their own way. Although the two protagonists stand out the most, she did well to bring life to the other characters. For example, the King (although meant to be Good) is shown as a selfish, power hungry man who only cares about himself. He is proof from the start that the legend of Good and Mirrors can’t be entirely believed.
Venom is a really great main protagonist and was rather unique compared to a lot of fantasy characters (particularly her connection to spiders and how she is morally grey for a Good).
The only small irk I have (and it is a minuscule one!) is near the start when Venom speaks to the spiders. The spiders speak to her sarcastically then less than a few sentences later they don’t understand sarcasm! 😂.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see if Venom and Blaze will either rekindle their love or kill each other in the next book!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews