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Smoke and Mirrors: Tales of Atatacia: Book 1
Every Fairy Tale Comes From A Very Real Story.
Fairy tales are just that—tales. Stories. At least that’s what nineteen-year-old Vera and her brother Lieve believed until dangerous characters from their childhood stories turn their world upside down.
Running for their lives, the twins discover they’ve entered the realm of their favorite legends, but that’s only the beginning of their problems because: they don’t land together. Separated by ten years of time, they must now navigate this treacherous kingdom full of power-hungry nobles and hidden agendas, all on their own. With danger lurking around every corner, they quickly learn that Prinav is not the place they always imagined. Trust is scarce, and each new secret Vera and Lieve uncover reveals that everything they thought they knew about Prinav might all just be Smoke and Mirrors.
Can Lieve survive? Can Vera save them both, and the Kingdom they’ve relearned to love as she finds out she’s capable of more than she could ever imagine? Or will the twins just end up as another one of the merciless gods' tall tales?
Fairy tales are just that—tales. Stories. At least that’s what nineteen-year-old Vera and her brother Lieve believed until dangerous characters from their childhood stories turn their world upside down.
Running for their lives, the twins discover they’ve entered the realm of their favorite legends, but that’s only the beginning of their problems because: they don’t land together. Separated by ten years of time, they must now navigate this treacherous kingdom full of power-hungry nobles and hidden agendas, all on their own. With danger lurking around every corner, they quickly learn that Prinav is not the place they always imagined. Trust is scarce, and each new secret Vera and Lieve uncover reveals that everything they thought they knew about Prinav might all just be Smoke and Mirrors.
Can Lieve survive? Can Vera save them both, and the Kingdom they’ve relearned to love as she finds out she’s capable of more than she could ever imagine? Or will the twins just end up as another one of the merciless gods' tall tales?
549 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2024
39 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Laubach
1 book60 followersJD Laubach is an author of New Adult and Adult Fantasy. She is married and lives in the midwest where every season makes her happy (especially fall). She has 3 cats: Sabrina, Todd and Gilligan who are the lights of her life. She is a proud aunt, and proud sister. When she's not reading or writing, you can catch JD painting, scrapbooking, watching endless streams of Gilmore Girls, and playing board games. JD and her husband are avid travelers and hikers who plan to see every US National Park and as many countries as possible. Follow along for her author journey!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 23, 2024
A fairytale that becomes real?! Not all fairytales have happy endings. This book was so fun and magical then as the book continues on there is something darker happening. I enjoyed this book so much and it was fast paced from the beginning. I wish there was a little more character development feels like we didn’t get to know some of the characters as much like something happened and it just moved onto the next. Please please do yourself a favor and read this ✨🤭
October 18, 2024
Oh my goodness! This book was truly amazing and I’m so glad I was able to read it before the release!
I love that the two main characters are brother and sister rather than a pair of lovers. Instead you are given an insight to the bond between the siblings and their own personal relationships with the people around them. You’re able to grasp onto love for an array of characters through both their eyes rather than glimpse them from the side.
The way they stumbled into their fairytale land was so unique to me especially with her play of Gods and Godesses! I also LOVED that the villains weren’t just a typical mad kind but instead are dopplegangers! I’ve never read about them before so it was a new and fun experience!
I was trying to spot plot twists ahead of time and while I was only correct about one of them, I was definitely still shocked by 80% in. Also how am I going to live without being able to jump into the second book after that ending?! AHHH!
Round of applause to this amazing author and her debut novel. I never would have guessed it was her first novel, because it was written beautifully and captured my heart within the first few chapters. I am eager to see where her writing career goes from here!
I love that the two main characters are brother and sister rather than a pair of lovers. Instead you are given an insight to the bond between the siblings and their own personal relationships with the people around them. You’re able to grasp onto love for an array of characters through both their eyes rather than glimpse them from the side.
The way they stumbled into their fairytale land was so unique to me especially with her play of Gods and Godesses! I also LOVED that the villains weren’t just a typical mad kind but instead are dopplegangers! I’ve never read about them before so it was a new and fun experience!
I was trying to spot plot twists ahead of time and while I was only correct about one of them, I was definitely still shocked by 80% in. Also how am I going to live without being able to jump into the second book after that ending?! AHHH!
Round of applause to this amazing author and her debut novel. I never would have guessed it was her first novel, because it was written beautifully and captured my heart within the first few chapters. I am eager to see where her writing career goes from here!
October 22, 2024
I am incredibly impressed that the world building was top notch without boring me to death! It was fit in as an extension of the characters thoughts and experiences instead of just being told. Also, I really appreciated how fast the action came in this book!
I really like the duel POV from twins as opposed to lovers. The world building is fantastic and I absolutely applaud the genius of the difference in timelines and the reason for that gap in time. I did find it difficult a couple times (for just a second) to follow it, but not enough to where it annoyed me.
I really like how I was able to have sooooooo many questions, yet they magically fit. I don't feel as if I'm being led to the wrong answers, and I don't feel as if things are being drug out (even though I still have more questions than answers).
I don't think I have ever been able to say either of those comments about any other story that racks on the questions!
One of my favorite parts of this story are the excerpts at the beginning of every chapter. They are each part of the story and some of them are even a storyline that is still behind the scenes. However, will clearly (eventually) have a large part of the story.
Some of the excerpts are letters, royal notices, passages from their Bible, quotes from previous generations, etc.
It's really fascinating!
My only complaint is that sometimes it's annoying "listening" to the inner monologues. I rolled my eyes multiple times at the naivete. I really hope the character development in the next book loses the extraordinary immaturity/excessive need to validate their thoughts to themselves.
I am genuinely excited for the rest of this series!
I really like the duel POV from twins as opposed to lovers. The world building is fantastic and I absolutely applaud the genius of the difference in timelines and the reason for that gap in time. I did find it difficult a couple times (for just a second) to follow it, but not enough to where it annoyed me.
I really like how I was able to have sooooooo many questions, yet they magically fit. I don't feel as if I'm being led to the wrong answers, and I don't feel as if things are being drug out (even though I still have more questions than answers).
I don't think I have ever been able to say either of those comments about any other story that racks on the questions!
One of my favorite parts of this story are the excerpts at the beginning of every chapter. They are each part of the story and some of them are even a storyline that is still behind the scenes. However, will clearly (eventually) have a large part of the story.
Some of the excerpts are letters, royal notices, passages from their Bible, quotes from previous generations, etc.
It's really fascinating!
My only complaint is that sometimes it's annoying "listening" to the inner monologues. I rolled my eyes multiple times at the naivete. I really hope the character development in the next book loses the extraordinary immaturity/excessive need to validate their thoughts to themselves.
I am genuinely excited for the rest of this series!
November 11, 2024
Oh this was such a unique fantasy story!!!
Rated this 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This reminded of divine rivals with the mythology of the gods. And also the gods having beef with one another LOL
Magical realism, with a touch of fae (I totally know this is going to expand more in book 2!) and an unusual magic system!
Low spice level .5 🌶️ but there is romance! This also gives off major Bridgerton vibes!!
Dual POV of twin siblings (brother and sister) was sooo unique!! And I love that we got each twins love interest storyline as well. And their desire to find their way back to each other.
And the time travel?!?! So cool, I really enjoyed how this story was laid out with it being on 2 different timelines. And how everything smashes together at the end… the last 20% I could NOT put this down.
THE CLIFFHANGER ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! When will book 2 be out???
Loved this and cannot wait to read book 2!!
Rated this 4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This reminded of divine rivals with the mythology of the gods. And also the gods having beef with one another LOL
Magical realism, with a touch of fae (I totally know this is going to expand more in book 2!) and an unusual magic system!
Low spice level .5 🌶️ but there is romance! This also gives off major Bridgerton vibes!!
Dual POV of twin siblings (brother and sister) was sooo unique!! And I love that we got each twins love interest storyline as well. And their desire to find their way back to each other.
And the time travel?!?! So cool, I really enjoyed how this story was laid out with it being on 2 different timelines. And how everything smashes together at the end… the last 20% I could NOT put this down.
THE CLIFFHANGER ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!! When will book 2 be out???
Loved this and cannot wait to read book 2!!
November 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I love how different this book was! The dual POV is siblings, not lovers. Was a great change of pace for me. The world-building was beautifully done without being overly daunting. The way it was interwoven with the storyline was so well done. I also appreciated how quickly the action started in this book! There are twists and turns and a variety of characters to keep you engaged. This boom has something for everyone! That ending, though!!! I need book 2 asap!!!
I love how different this book was! The dual POV is siblings, not lovers. Was a great change of pace for me. The world-building was beautifully done without being overly daunting. The way it was interwoven with the storyline was so well done. I also appreciated how quickly the action started in this book! There are twists and turns and a variety of characters to keep you engaged. This boom has something for everyone! That ending, though!!! I need book 2 asap!!!
October 20, 2024
I have no words. This book has me in a chokehold and will until book 2 is out.
Book 1 in a planned 5 book series, we meet Vera and Lieve. Twins with nothing to their name. Their story is told in a dual POV with each getting their own alternating chapter. Lieve and Vera are breathes of fresh air as main characters. Vera is not a stabby, snarky assasin. She is clever and driven. Lieve is not broody or a shadow daddy. But he is flawed and trying very hard to fix things.
And Arden, my love, you deserve the world.
I have not read a book like this before and I encourage and implore you all to read this magnificent book.
Book 1 in a planned 5 book series, we meet Vera and Lieve. Twins with nothing to their name. Their story is told in a dual POV with each getting their own alternating chapter. Lieve and Vera are breathes of fresh air as main characters. Vera is not a stabby, snarky assasin. She is clever and driven. Lieve is not broody or a shadow daddy. But he is flawed and trying very hard to fix things.
And Arden, my love, you deserve the world.
I have not read a book like this before and I encourage and implore you all to read this magnificent book.
October 25, 2024
If you’re looking for a book with intense world-building and rich character development, this one’s for you! It has a bit of everything—fae, gods, mortals, and more! Lots of political intrigue and twists and turns. Finally, the deep bond of sibling love and the theme of found family add so much heart to the story.
One standout feature is the unique use of multiple POVs and time jumps, which added a different feel than other Romantasy books. And that cliffhanger at the end? Wow! A fantastic debut!
One standout feature is the unique use of multiple POVs and time jumps, which added a different feel than other Romantasy books. And that cliffhanger at the end? Wow! A fantastic debut!
October 25, 2024
This book was a delight to read! I was engaged in the plot the entire way through, and the romantic interests was very charming and cute. I genuinely want to explore more of this world and it's characters, so I hope a sequel is on the way soon. I loved how she developed the female friendships in the story as well as all the clever plot twist sprinkled throughout. Definitely recommend!
October 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'll be honest and say that going into this, I wasn't so sure about it. But I love giving our Indie Authors a try and holy cow, I was surprised!
For a debut author, this is absolutely incredible!
I love the dual pov between brother and sister and the 10-year difference and the fact that it all adds up and keeps you guessing the entire time!
And oh boy! That ending!! HOW ARE WE EXPECTED TO WAIT TO FIND OUT!!
I'll be honest and say that going into this, I wasn't so sure about it. But I love giving our Indie Authors a try and holy cow, I was surprised!
For a debut author, this is absolutely incredible!
I love the dual pov between brother and sister and the 10-year difference and the fact that it all adds up and keeps you guessing the entire time!
And oh boy! That ending!! HOW ARE WE EXPECTED TO WAIT TO FIND OUT!!
October 10, 2024
Well that ending I didn’t see that coming .
I like the how Vera never gave up on her brother or anyone over all it was a really good book and I need to know what happens next please
I like the how Vera never gave up on her brother or anyone over all it was a really good book and I need to know what happens next please
October 18, 2024
First off thank you to the author for sending me a physical Arc along with a ton of bookish goodies that go along with this book! 🖤
Words can hardly describe how much I enjoyed this book. Lieve and Vera are such great MCs, I really enjoyed the time jumps between how everything started and how seamlessly it all joined together in the end. There wasn’t a moment during this book where I felt bored or the plot slow, it all flowed together so well.
One of my favorite lines….”I continue my death song, but the bastard choir no longer sings.” GOOSEBUMPS HELLO.
Arden, Daphne and Calix (hehe) (IYKYK) as well as all the other side characters fit so well within the plot. I loved that they each brought something to the story and felt like they really helped solidify the plot when they stood beside the MC’s.
Also the cliffhanger?!?!? Hello I can’t wait to read more from JD and I hope their book release goes amazingly. What a fun book and honestly it’s so good it’s found its way into my favorite books of the year. I’m looking forward to how the twins move forward in the next book cause shooooo I can only imagine with everything that’s about to go down.
Again thanks so much JD for allowing me to read this amazing book early. 🖤🖤🖤
Words can hardly describe how much I enjoyed this book. Lieve and Vera are such great MCs, I really enjoyed the time jumps between how everything started and how seamlessly it all joined together in the end. There wasn’t a moment during this book where I felt bored or the plot slow, it all flowed together so well.
One of my favorite lines….”I continue my death song, but the bastard choir no longer sings.” GOOSEBUMPS HELLO.
Arden, Daphne and Calix (hehe) (IYKYK) as well as all the other side characters fit so well within the plot. I loved that they each brought something to the story and felt like they really helped solidify the plot when they stood beside the MC’s.
Also the cliffhanger?!?!? Hello I can’t wait to read more from JD and I hope their book release goes amazingly. What a fun book and honestly it’s so good it’s found its way into my favorite books of the year. I’m looking forward to how the twins move forward in the next book cause shooooo I can only imagine with everything that’s about to go down.
Again thanks so much JD for allowing me to read this amazing book early. 🖤🖤🖤
July 17, 2025
This book was incredible! By 8% in I was absolutely hooked and found myself when I wasn't reading thinking about the scenarios that I thought were going to unfold. I took so many notes because the story was so good that I didn't want to forget any of the details, and I'm glad I did that now so that I can go back and reread my favorite parts which I'm sure I'll do often!
This book has politics, war, fae, a magical land that is believed to be a fairy tale, and it's such a unique premise which honestly doesn't happen as often as you would think.
The characters are a mixed bag in the best way. Some characters I absolutely LOATHE, but then there's other characters I would absolutely die for and some in between. I love that the main characters are brother and sister and they have their own relationships outside of eachother because so often it's just romantic interests and I find that while I do like them there's something beautiful about the connection between Lieve and Vera.
What fantasy book would be complete without a love triangle, am I right? However, in this triangle it's not inherently clear where it's heading because there are some very intriguing plot twists along the way specifically pertaining to our FMC's love story.
There's about a million different directions this story could go in, and I found myself missing the characters and the world already and even though it's going to be a long wait for book two, wishing I had it already! I'm already theorizing what could happen in book two in my head and I just finished the book this morning.
This book was the author's debut novel, and I don't think it's blatantly obvious at all, the writing is magnificent and elegant and I think she has a bright future ahead of her. I'm so grateful that I got to read this absolute gem early, and she is my newest auto-buy author!
This book has politics, war, fae, a magical land that is believed to be a fairy tale, and it's such a unique premise which honestly doesn't happen as often as you would think.
The characters are a mixed bag in the best way. Some characters I absolutely LOATHE, but then there's other characters I would absolutely die for and some in between. I love that the main characters are brother and sister and they have their own relationships outside of eachother because so often it's just romantic interests and I find that while I do like them there's something beautiful about the connection between Lieve and Vera.
What fantasy book would be complete without a love triangle, am I right? However, in this triangle it's not inherently clear where it's heading because there are some very intriguing plot twists along the way specifically pertaining to our FMC's love story.
There's about a million different directions this story could go in, and I found myself missing the characters and the world already and even though it's going to be a long wait for book two, wishing I had it already! I'm already theorizing what could happen in book two in my head and I just finished the book this morning.
This book was the author's debut novel, and I don't think it's blatantly obvious at all, the writing is magnificent and elegant and I think she has a bright future ahead of her. I'm so grateful that I got to read this absolute gem early, and she is my newest auto-buy author!
March 10, 2025
Wow just wow!!!! What an incredible adventure! The world building was a thing of art, the characters had you going through all of the emotions with what they battled on the outside but also with what they battled internally. When Lieve and Vera entered into the new realm I felt like I was right there with them experiencing it all!
As you read you might start to think you know what’s about to happen then SURPRISE! You didn’t ! Just so many elements made this book different in the best of ways! I mean DOPPLEGANGERS 😲
If you love tension, Fae, dopplegangers, mythology, deadly GODS, found family and dark fantasy YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK
And that ending …..!!!! 🤯 I can not wait for a second book
As you read you might start to think you know what’s about to happen then SURPRISE! You didn’t ! Just so many elements made this book different in the best of ways! I mean DOPPLEGANGERS 😲
If you love tension, Fae, dopplegangers, mythology, deadly GODS, found family and dark fantasy YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK
And that ending …..!!!! 🤯 I can not wait for a second book
October 25, 2024
4.75 stars.
Holy world building! JD has created an epic and interesting world.
The story is dual POV but it follows a twin brother and sister, not a love interest. I absolutely adore that change in story telling. I haven't read a dual POV like this. Also, the POVs are not happening at the same time so you are reading what's happening to one character and then switch to "today's" happenings. This is one of the most intriguing books I have read this year. I thought it could be a little shorter but I think the level of world building needed the length.
I definitely can't believe this is JD's first book. The writing, plot, and characters are so well done.
This book is the definition of the political intrigue trope with the addition of magic and Gods.
The last 15 chapters though!! I couldn't put it down. There were so many twists and turns that I felt like I just got off a rollercoaster, in the best way. I can't wait for book 2!
-Dual POV
-One Horse
-Gods
-Political Intrigue
-Love triangle (?)
-Found family
-Closed door spice
Holy world building! JD has created an epic and interesting world.
The story is dual POV but it follows a twin brother and sister, not a love interest. I absolutely adore that change in story telling. I haven't read a dual POV like this. Also, the POVs are not happening at the same time so you are reading what's happening to one character and then switch to "today's" happenings. This is one of the most intriguing books I have read this year. I thought it could be a little shorter but I think the level of world building needed the length.
I definitely can't believe this is JD's first book. The writing, plot, and characters are so well done.
This book is the definition of the political intrigue trope with the addition of magic and Gods.
The last 15 chapters though!! I couldn't put it down. There were so many twists and turns that I felt like I just got off a rollercoaster, in the best way. I can't wait for book 2!
-Dual POV
-One Horse
-Gods
-Political Intrigue
-Love triangle (?)
-Found family
-Closed door spice
October 24, 2024
This was an interesting story and definitely something different than what we normally get with romantasy. I loved that the povs were twin bother and sister, that there was a 10 year gap between the two, and the twist and turns that I didn’t see coming!! My jaw dropped several times! This book had magic, romance, war, and political conflict. It was entertaining and fun!
That being said, some parts were confusing to me, like how they got out of situations, I sometimes felt like the conflict just disappeared when it needed better explanations about how it was overcame. Some important scenes felt rushed sometimes too. I think most my issues could have been fixed with a good editor. However, I still would love to read the next book and think it was overall good!
That being said, some parts were confusing to me, like how they got out of situations, I sometimes felt like the conflict just disappeared when it needed better explanations about how it was overcame. Some important scenes felt rushed sometimes too. I think most my issues could have been fixed with a good editor. However, I still would love to read the next book and think it was overall good!
October 27, 2024
This is an enthralling epic fantasy that weaves a rich tapestry of magic, doppelgangers, and unexpected twists. Following 19-year-old twins Vera and Lieve, the story plunges readers into a gripping slow-burn romantasy as they navigate the perilous gap between realms. From a harsh human existence to a world where they're crowned royalty, their journey through a mystical tree turns childhood tales into breathtaking reality. With a cast of captivating fae, gods, and demons, this page-turner promises an unforgettable adventure that will keep you guessing until the very last page. 100% need to add this to your TBR!
October 28, 2024
captivating
Okay first thing I’m going to say is the world building was so good! It really had a way of gripping me and keeping me hooked into the story. I absolutely loved the dual POV I was a little worried about the jumping of the timeline but it actually made the story so much better and was not hard to follow at all which I absolutely loved. I can’t wait for book two because this one does end on a cliffhanger which has left me craving for more.
Okay first thing I’m going to say is the world building was so good! It really had a way of gripping me and keeping me hooked into the story. I absolutely loved the dual POV I was a little worried about the jumping of the timeline but it actually made the story so much better and was not hard to follow at all which I absolutely loved. I can’t wait for book two because this one does end on a cliffhanger which has left me craving for more.
October 24, 2024
4⭐️ - 0.5🌶️
What a fun fantasy adventure! Really enjoyed the overarching story of sibling love and never giving up on each other. This novel has unique world building and magic system with a storyline full of so many twists and turns. I love when I can’t predict what’s coming next and this one kept me guessing! I found the alternating dual POVs between the past and present such an intriguing way to tell the story. A really wonderful debut novel by J.D. Laubach!
What a fun fantasy adventure! Really enjoyed the overarching story of sibling love and never giving up on each other. This novel has unique world building and magic system with a storyline full of so many twists and turns. I love when I can’t predict what’s coming next and this one kept me guessing! I found the alternating dual POVs between the past and present such an intriguing way to tell the story. A really wonderful debut novel by J.D. Laubach!
October 26, 2024
This book really intrigued me… a fairytale that becomes REAL?! Sounds like my kind of story.
It was a really enjoyable fast paced read, full of fun, magic, adventure as well as darker happenings. A great start to this world and these characters story.
What a fabulous debut book, interested to see where the story goes next.
It was a really enjoyable fast paced read, full of fun, magic, adventure as well as darker happenings. A great start to this world and these characters story.
What a fabulous debut book, interested to see where the story goes next.
November 11, 2024
I absolutely loved the idea of dual povs switching between times <3
The characters were amazing, and I love how it truly felt like you were in the world ... And the twists I was not expecting that!!! I am in need of a second book
The characters were amazing, and I love how it truly felt like you were in the world ... And the twists I was not expecting that!!! I am in need of a second book
November 11, 2024
I genuinely don’t know how this is a debut novel! WOW! I was so enamored by this book from the start. The world building is incredible. I was worried it would go over my head because fantasy is not a genre I’m super familiar with but I had zero issues keeping track of everything. It has everything from doppelgängers to fae, gods and drols.
The sibling bond between Vera & Lieve is truly incredible. I found myself rooting for them every chapter & hoping they would find their way to each other again. I also know exactly who I would choose for Vera, but don’t want to spoil anything. 😏 The author definitely keeps you guessing and THE ENDING! 🤯 I am so beyond excited to get my hand on book 2 when it releases.
The sibling bond between Vera & Lieve is truly incredible. I found myself rooting for them every chapter & hoping they would find their way to each other again. I also know exactly who I would choose for Vera, but don’t want to spoil anything. 😏 The author definitely keeps you guessing and THE ENDING! 🤯 I am so beyond excited to get my hand on book 2 when it releases.
October 21, 2024
Wow wow wow. 4.5 stars- What a great debut novel!
I'm SO mad I can't immediately read the next one because omg that cliffhanger. Arden is a sweet baby angel, I swear if anything happens to him in the next one, we will be having words J.D.
I will be updating this when I can form a more coherent review cause shewwww that was a long one.
I'm SO mad I can't immediately read the next one because omg that cliffhanger. Arden is a sweet baby angel, I swear if anything happens to him in the next one, we will be having words J.D.
I will be updating this when I can form a more coherent review cause shewwww that was a long one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
This book is perfect for Halloween. I have never read anything like it. Book 2 can't come soon enough.
This book has fae. A place called magic land, that is believed to be a fairytale.
This book is so unique and beautiful. I don't want to give away too much. You should read the book you won't be disappointed
This book has fae. A place called magic land, that is believed to be a fairytale.
This book is so unique and beautiful. I don't want to give away too much. You should read the book you won't be disappointed
October 11, 2024
A beautiful story of sibling love and never giving up on each other.
Super creative world building that keeps you on your toes! The dual POV is easy to follow and very intriguing. Such a unique fantasy world with several crazy twists that you do not see coming!
Love Arden... 😍 There's just something special about him.
Definitely ready for book two. I need to know what happens next!!!
Super creative world building that keeps you on your toes! The dual POV is easy to follow and very intriguing. Such a unique fantasy world with several crazy twists that you do not see coming!
Love Arden... 😍 There's just something special about him.
Definitely ready for book two. I need to know what happens next!!!
October 23, 2025
The adventure starts right away and doesn’t let up! The characters, intrigue, mystery, and politics kept me gripped in the fantastical world of Atatacia. Can’t wait for book 2!
October 7, 2024
Smoke and Mirrors is J.D. Laubach's debut book and it definitely did NOT disappoint. This story captured my attention from page one and kept my attention until the very end. If you are a fantasy reader, you'll want to add this one to your tbr.
This story follows twin siblings Vera and Lieve and their adventure into Prinav, there are so many twist and turns that you never know what is coming for these characters-this story has it all, dopplegangers, mytholoy, deadly gods and fae. Vera, is a strong FMC, that can adapt to anything that is thrown in her way. (A favorite character of mine.) In my opinion, Smoke and Mirrors has a cohesive coherent storyline with strong character dynamics. As much as, I love Vera and Lieve, Arden has stolen my heart, there is just something about his character that lured me in. (I cannot wait to see what is in store for him in the second book.) The cliffhanger, was unexpected and I am already anticipating the return of these characters in the second book.
Smoke and Mirrors, is going to be one of my favorite reads of the year, I highly recommend!
This story follows twin siblings Vera and Lieve and their adventure into Prinav, there are so many twist and turns that you never know what is coming for these characters-this story has it all, dopplegangers, mytholoy, deadly gods and fae. Vera, is a strong FMC, that can adapt to anything that is thrown in her way. (A favorite character of mine.) In my opinion, Smoke and Mirrors has a cohesive coherent storyline with strong character dynamics. As much as, I love Vera and Lieve, Arden has stolen my heart, there is just something about his character that lured me in. (I cannot wait to see what is in store for him in the second book.) The cliffhanger, was unexpected and I am already anticipating the return of these characters in the second book.
Smoke and Mirrors, is going to be one of my favorite reads of the year, I highly recommend!
October 26, 2024
wow. oh my goodness. i don’t know if i’ll even be able to string a coherent thought together for this review but i’ll sure try. the ending left me speechless and also full of questions and FIENDING for book two.
the pacing is so good. the back and forth between Vera and Lieve’s POV, and short chapters, kept me on my toes and eager to keep reading. so many twists, little foreshadowy hints throughout, well-developed characters, an enchanting realm (hoLY world-building!), love, friendship, horror, action, fantasy, time shifts. i mean, this story has it all.
JD’s writing is superb, visceral, and real. you feel like you’re there and it takes nothing to clearly imagine everything taking place.
i absolutely recommend checking out Smoke and Mirrors by JD Laubach! jump into Atatacia with the rest of us!
the pacing is so good. the back and forth between Vera and Lieve’s POV, and short chapters, kept me on my toes and eager to keep reading. so many twists, little foreshadowy hints throughout, well-developed characters, an enchanting realm (hoLY world-building!), love, friendship, horror, action, fantasy, time shifts. i mean, this story has it all.
JD’s writing is superb, visceral, and real. you feel like you’re there and it takes nothing to clearly imagine everything taking place.
i absolutely recommend checking out Smoke and Mirrors by JD Laubach! jump into Atatacia with the rest of us!
October 3, 2024
4.5⭐️ 1🌶️
Wow! This book really has it all. Fae, Gods, doppelgängers, witches, and so much more. The MMC Leive is literally the best brother, and deserved so much more than the world gave him. I really hope that he’ll get everything he deserves in book 2, assuming there is one with that ending 🤯 Vera the FMC is spunky, and strong. This girl really can take the punches. I absolutely loved her!
My two favorite side characters are Arden, and Daphne. I really hope the wind up with you know who if you’ve read the book.
Wow! This book really has it all. Fae, Gods, doppelgängers, witches, and so much more. The MMC Leive is literally the best brother, and deserved so much more than the world gave him. I really hope that he’ll get everything he deserves in book 2, assuming there is one with that ending 🤯 Vera the FMC is spunky, and strong. This girl really can take the punches. I absolutely loved her!
My two favorite side characters are Arden, and Daphne. I really hope the wind up with you know who if you’ve read the book.
October 1, 2024
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat with all of the twists and turns. This is different than anything I have ever read and I really enjoyed it! I adored the characters and really enjoyed the writing style. This ended on a cliffhanger and I can not wait for the next book to see what happens.
October 19, 2024
Wow! Please go read this book! I am so proud to have been picked to read J.Ds debut novel! You would not even know this was her first book by the writing! Soooo good! I was enthralled from page 1 and it never let up!
I absolutely love that the main characters are a brother and sister pair instead of lovers, you don't find that often. It's a unique take on sibling relationships and mystery and intrigue. Just wow. And how they fell into Prinav was so unique and I've never read something like that before.
This book has fae, war, politics, Magic, and a beautiful tale of sibling love and learning to never give up on eachother.
The world building, the magic system and the politics all just suck you in and keep you entrapped. It's all so well written and keeps you hooked from page one.
Just please pick this book up! Please go read it and fall in love like I did. 💛
I absolutely love that the main characters are a brother and sister pair instead of lovers, you don't find that often. It's a unique take on sibling relationships and mystery and intrigue. Just wow. And how they fell into Prinav was so unique and I've never read something like that before.
This book has fae, war, politics, Magic, and a beautiful tale of sibling love and learning to never give up on eachother.
The world building, the magic system and the politics all just suck you in and keep you entrapped. It's all so well written and keeps you hooked from page one.
Just please pick this book up! Please go read it and fall in love like I did. 💛
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