Mirror of Lies: A High-Stakes Fantasy with Slow-Burn Romance

Lucifer's Mirror #2

by Nina Croft

The story fated lovers, forbidden truths, and a destiny that leads straight to Hell.

I got my memories back.
Turns out… I kind of wish I hadn’t.
And I found Lucifer’s Mirror—yeah, also regretting that one.
Now I’m back on Earth, pretending everything’s fine. Spoiler alert—it’s not.

Khaosti, my maybe-boyfriend and my betrayer, is trapped in another realm, held prisoner by his father—king, self-proclaimed god, and the guy who’d really love to see me dead. I have to go back and rescue Khaos. But returning means facing the truth about who I am… and the destiny waiting for me.

Because there’s a war coming. And I’m the only one who can stop it. But the more I uncover about my past—and the terrifying power waking inside me—the more I start to

What if I’m not the hero of this story?
What if I’m the monster?

Fans of high stakes fantasy, dark magic, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers will devour this emotional ride through magical realms, forbidden love, and a heroine with powers that could save the world—or destroy it.

Genres: Fantasy

466 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2025

About the author

Growing up in the cold, wet, north of England, Nina Croft spent a lot of time dreaming of faraway sunnier places and ponies. When she discovered both, along with a whole load of other things, could be found between the covers of a book, her life changed forever.

Later, she headed south, picked up the perfect husband along the way, and together they volunteered to work in Africa. There they discovered a love of exotic places and a dislike of 9-5 work. Afterward they spent a number of years travelling (whenever possible) intermingled with working (whenever necessary.) Eventually they stumbled upon a remote area in the mountains of southern Spain and the small almond farm they now call home.

Nina spends her days reading, writing and riding her mare, Gencianna, under the blue Spanish skies—sunshine and ponies. She reckons this is proof that dreams really can come true if you want them enough.

Nina's writing mixes romance with elements of the paranormal and science fiction
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Reviews

[Lumppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Either I'm getting too lacks with my reviewing or I'm getting better at picking books I like. 'Cause this is another 5 STAR MASTERPIECE!

The build up of Amber & Khaos' relationship is so well balanced, like they really do hate each other at first, but then they start understanding one another and then fate pulls them together! It is just so good!

Oh and I was not expecting that at the second to last chapter... SPOILERS AHEAD...

Hecate being in love with her sisters husband and then being on his side, to the point of nearly getting all of them killed. I LOVE THAT! Also the dragon thing epic, but I was not happy with the fact that Khronos now has Amber, but at least it means Khaos can come to the rescue for once!

So on to the last part of this trilogy!!

[Sandralee Morabito · Rating 4 out of 5]

story: 4/5
spice: 1
on KU

I still love this story, the characters and the magic.

this book did often repeat a lot of what what already said in book 1, thats midly annoying but understandable if one wasn't reading them back to back as I am.

Khaos... everyone loves a broken man... but im glad you remained to your character. you are my favourite.

some betrayals in this book, most are predictable but still enjoyable to watch them play out.

spice... im just a spicy gal, and as picturesque as the scene is written for how long im waiting, I want more details, more length of the act. good, but spice always has room for improvement.

Onto book 3, the Eternal Mirror

[Alan Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to be included in the ARC team and received a copy of this book directly from the author. WOW what a great book! I was not sure if Nina would be able to continue the thrilling pace and enjoyment from Lucifer’s Mirror (book 1) but they managed superbly. This gets a 5 out of 5 from me!
This episode of the series takes Amber to Astrali to hopefully rescue Khaosti, back to Valandria to continue the prophecy and attempt to defeat Lucifer’s army, a quick journey back to Earth so she can use the mirror she retrieved in “Lucifer’s Mirror” so she can visit her father in Hell. (Yep – in case you missed Book 1, turns out Amber is actually the daughter of Lucifer!!)
Roller-coaster ride time as intrigue, deceit and treachery threatens to foil her attempts to save the world. Throw in some solid sex scenes, some witchcraft and people shifting into animals, and the saga continues…
Well done Nina for a great story – I can’t wait for the next book in the series

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up right where ‘Lucifer’s Mirror’ left off, ‘Mirror of Lies’ successfully grabbed me by my shirt collar and gave me a thorough shake—ensuring my rapt attention, once again. Khaosti and Amber go through so much. Again. But they are so strong—together they are strongest. There are so many heart pounding moments this time around. More spicy times. So dang good.

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
* Khaosti
FMC:
* Amber
* Lilith
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* Cliffhanger
Series:
* Lucifer’s Mirror Book 2
Epilogue:
* Yes
Tropes:
* Paranormal Romance
* Amnesia Romance
* Touch Her and Unalive
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Violence
* Death
* Betrayal
Burn Speed:
* Slow
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mirror of Lies is part two of this fabulous epic adventure fantasy romance. Amber's quest to destroy Lucifer and save the worlds has more than a few challenges, not the least of which is her own fear and self doubt, but her strength and determination will prevail. She is everything a great heroine should be and Khaosti is the perfect partner who will support her and protect her to his very last breath. These characters are on an incredible, emotional journey and I love that I get to go on it with them. Awesome writing and storytelling by Nina Croft. I can't wait for book three.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber has her memories back and has returned to Earth, but not for long. The shadow creatures are still looking for her and she needs to find Khaosti and Hecate. She takes Zayne and Josh with her when she leaves, figuring Josh will be safer with them then Pete and Lissa.

The adventures start here. I won't spoil the book for you, but lots of stuff happens before the, you guessed it, cliffhanger ending. Love, magic, battles, betrayals, they are all here. Enjoy.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[FRANCES COOPER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we say Hell Yes!!! Absolutely! Off to hell Amber must go! She has only recently discovered who dear old dad is and now...she must kill him to save the world. Amber's life has shaped her into the bad ass Shadow Creature killer she is and with Khaosti at her side she has a chance to set all right with the worlds. A truly amazing sequel to an already mesmerizing story! Twists and turns that will blow your freaking mind! I am salivating for the next book!

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh! can’t catch a break!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
The FMC, amber just gets stronger, good - she will need it.. she went up against her father, the devil & now she has to keep fighting and go up against Khoas’s.. ugh!
The MMC, Khoas is fighting for & with Amber, I like him & the changes (both physically & emotionally) in this book is great..
I did get a little bored at times and flipped thru my kindle, but I am invested to see how it all turns out

[Carolina Limon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Nina Croft for the arc!

This book picks up a month after the first book ended. I really enjoyed seeing Amber grow into herself and discover herself now with her memories versus the person she’s become in the last 3 years. It’s funny the way she’s modern now due to the time she spent on earth. I did think her inner monologue was a little annoying at times but it can be overlooked. The Hell plot I think was done extremely fast for the build up it had.

[Lin Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book was brilliant but this second book in the series picks up speed from the very start and just gets better as it goes to that breathtaking end.
Amber has to find and get Khaos back from his imprisonment by his father but then all hell is breaking loose around her.
There are many twists and turns taking it right to the final pages.
Bring on the final book please

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC

WOW what a great book! I was not sure if the thrilling pace and from Lucifer's Mirror but I was completely surprised by it continuing! Amber goes to Astrali to hopefully rescue Khaosti and continue the prophecy in an attempt to defeat Lucifer's army. Not gonna give any spoilers read book 1 before this! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Pamela Lunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mirror of Lies

OMG! Just when you think there can be a happily ever after for Amber and Khaosti, it all goes up in flames. Amber coming into her own was amazing. Khaosti becoming more than just fury was amazing as well. All the unknown becomes known. This book was so good. I can not wait for book three. I have to see how this all comes to an end!

[JohnyTsunami · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review for the first and second book will be close to the same. I love the idea of these books but the writing is extremely juvenile. It’s like “so then I ate food, then I did this, now we’re leaving the house to beat bad guys”. All the sentences are structured like that. Plot? Great. Writing? Needs work.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you on a wild adventure in fantastical realms. Amber is facing the fall of her world. Others expect her to stop it from happening. She faces betrayal by one who should have supported her. It's an emotional tale that has you on a rollercoaster. I loved it.

[Helena Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better. Book one was exciting and this one is even better. Lots of twists and turns. Plenty of action which had me shouting for the good ones. Will Amber and Khaos ever get their HEA? We will have to wait to find out. Really looking forward to it. Great read!!

[Stacey Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mirror of lies was intense and honestly I couldn't stop reading it. I loved book 2 just as much as book 1. Amber and her adventures are riveting. And I can't get enough. I never thought I'd get into a romantasy as much as I have with this series. Can't wait for book 3.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twisty adult fantasy adventure with some Enemies to lovers slow burn spice . Shifters, magic, quests, an adventure and several villains to hate . Book one was better, but ready see wha happens in book 3.

[Jodi Kimball · Rating 5 out of 5]

intense!

great second book! Amber has to save Khaos from his father, face her father, and save everyone. She can handle it… Amazing read, a definite page turner.

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this book very much! Perfect continuation for the previous book. It intrigued me and I very much enjoyed it.

[Cookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep em coming!!

Book 2 continues to give!!
Love the development of the characters as they come into their own.
Love the series so far!! On to book 3

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

if there isn't a legitimate reason for why this chick is hungry every 5 minutes i'm going to be pissed.

[Wendy Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Loved the second book. Plenty of twists and turns ups and downs. Sadness and happiness. Can't wait to read book 3 now

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars-

MIRROR OF LIES is the second instalment in Nina Croft’s contemporary, new adult LUCIFER’S MIRROR paranormal, fantasy romance series focusing on nineteen year old Amber, and wolf shifter Khaosti aka Khaos. MIRROR OF LIES should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one LUCIFER’S MIRROR. If you have not read Lucifer’s Mirror , there may be spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: Three years earlier our heroine was found injured without a memory of who she was, or where she came from. Tossed into the child welfare system, Amber went from home to home where she would meet her best friend Zayne, and eight year old Josh until the night everything begins to spiral out of control.

NOTE: If you have not read book one LUCIFER'S MIRROR, there may be spoilers in in my review


Told from dual first person perspectives (Amberr and Khaosti) MIRROR OF LIES focuses on rescue and recovery of Khaosti following his imprisonment by his father, Khronus, the King of Astrali but his rescue is just the impetuous for our heroine to claim her birthright and prepare for war. Amber is the only being with the knowledge as where to find Lucifer’s Mirror, a magical portal that must remain closed lest Lucifer himself escapes from H*ll but the deeper Amber begins to search for the truth, the number of betrayals grows with each level of discovery and acquisition of her previously hidden powers.

The world building continues to be complex and detailed as Khaosti’s own dysfunctional family history plays into the impeding wars. As Amber struggles with the secrets that could very well destroy everyone she loves, Khaos must come to terms with what he lost, and what he will gain in the process.

The relationship between Khaos and Amber is an enemies to frenemies to lovers but there is more than one man willing to sacrifice himself for the love of our heroine. Destiny has determined the descendant of the goddess Selene is a bonded mate to the man who will be bestowed the powers of the Vortex but is Khaosti the man blessed by the gods. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, magical and questionable secondary and supporting characters including Amber’s BFF Zayne who is now a power unto himself; Hecate, the old crone, Thanouq the Griffin, and Khaosti’s father Khronus, as well as Lucifer, and Grimlet the gargoyle. The requisite evil has many faces.

MIRROR OF LIES is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, magic and power, family and deception, acceptance and love. The premise is action packed, intricate and enchanting; the characters are numerous, otherworldly and mythical. MIRROR OF LIES ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned

copy supplied for review