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The Secrets Mirrors Keep
My victory is complete. The king is dead, Snow White poisoned, and I am finally queen.
But when fires, floods, and infighting threaten my country, the only way to protect my crown is to gain allies. Being a woman, that means only one thing. But since I’ve just been freed from one nightmare, I refuse to bind myself to another.
I have only one wake the princess, marry her off to some rich noble, and live my life opulent, important, and the fairest of them all. With my Mirror and my magic, I'll let no one stand in the way of my happily ever after.
Especially not a handsome, keen-eyed prince.
"The Secrets Mirrors Keep" is a clean Evil Queen from Snow White retelling redemption novella. Starts dark, ends in hope. Perfect for those who love fairytales with a twist.
But when fires, floods, and infighting threaten my country, the only way to protect my crown is to gain allies. Being a woman, that means only one thing. But since I’ve just been freed from one nightmare, I refuse to bind myself to another.
I have only one wake the princess, marry her off to some rich noble, and live my life opulent, important, and the fairest of them all. With my Mirror and my magic, I'll let no one stand in the way of my happily ever after.
Especially not a handsome, keen-eyed prince.
"The Secrets Mirrors Keep" is a clean Evil Queen from Snow White retelling redemption novella. Starts dark, ends in hope. Perfect for those who love fairytales with a twist.
- GenresFairy Tale Retellings
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
5 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Alora Carter
9 books87 followersAuthor Alora Carter is a native Coloradan sun-child who would rather be lost in a forest than adulting. She has three vibrant littles and a handsome viking-esque husband, as well as two German Shorthaired Pointesr, a frog, some fowl, and a four-foot corn snake named Sancho. Currently thriving in the lake lands of the mid-west, she finds herself through writing fantasy that sprinkles in cool science alongside themes of endurance in hardship, found family and growing the hidden potential in us all.
She began writing amidst the Pandemic in fall of 2021 and finished May 2022 with her first draft. Working nearly full-time and mothering full-time means she sneaks in minutes and hours to write and work on the next novel. She loves the imaginative human soul and hopes someone learns some amazing facts along the way. To combine her love of science with her love of writing and reading is a dream come true.
Spoiler alert: Good wins and love conquers all, even if it might not look like it at the time.
Website: www.AloraCarter.com
Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorAloraCarter
Instagram at www.instagram.com/AuthorAloraCarter
TikTok at www.tiktok.com/AuthorAloraCarter
She began writing amidst the Pandemic in fall of 2021 and finished May 2022 with her first draft. Working nearly full-time and mothering full-time means she sneaks in minutes and hours to write and work on the next novel. She loves the imaginative human soul and hopes someone learns some amazing facts along the way. To combine her love of science with her love of writing and reading is a dream come true.
Spoiler alert: Good wins and love conquers all, even if it might not look like it at the time.
Website: www.AloraCarter.com
Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorAloraCarter
Instagram at www.instagram.com/AuthorAloraCarter
TikTok at www.tiktok.com/AuthorAloraCarter
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Did not finish
July 14, 2025The author gives in-depth content warnings at the beginning of the book, and after reading them, I decided to try this anyway and see if I could handle it. I made it 32 pages in, and my heart can't do it. I know this book ends hopefully, and that it's a redemption story, but I just can't get past the horrible abusive situations. Specifically: Even if it ends well, I can't get myself to go through the dark to get to the light. Not in this instance.
November 2, 2025
This very intriguing fantasy retelling of Snow White, told from the Evil Queen's perspective, was a story I thoroughly enjoyed! There was also chapters from the mirror's vantage point, which brought the Queen's reasoning into the story. I felt a connection with her, and sorrow for the life she had to endure.
When the Queen discovers that she wasn't successful in killing Snow White, she decides to use it to her advantage. With her kingdom suffering after the death of Snow's evil father the king, and no hope of a treaty in sight, she reaches out to neighboring princes to awaken Snow with true love's kiss. She hopes that uniting the kingdoms will save her people, even though she despises Snow for being "the fairest in the land". Using her magic to disguise herself, she travels with the princes to talk about the beautiful princess in hopes that one of them will fall in love. Along the way she finds her true self, and sees the error of her ways.
Could she be forgiven and redeemed? Could she ever deserve her own happiness?
When the Queen discovers that she wasn't successful in killing Snow White, she decides to use it to her advantage. With her kingdom suffering after the death of Snow's evil father the king, and no hope of a treaty in sight, she reaches out to neighboring princes to awaken Snow with true love's kiss. She hopes that uniting the kingdoms will save her people, even though she despises Snow for being "the fairest in the land". Using her magic to disguise herself, she travels with the princes to talk about the beautiful princess in hopes that one of them will fall in love. Along the way she finds her true self, and sees the error of her ways.
Could she be forgiven and redeemed? Could she ever deserve her own happiness?
June 28, 2024
Wow what a start! What a story! I didn't want it to end! I've read tonnes of Snow White retellings but THIS one was so novel, so engaging and captivating, I read it in 45 minutes, literally! You might be wondering WHAT is novel about this read, well.... firstly the twist on the original is splendid, evil queen...or is she, we get a perspective from the mirror, yes, THE mirror, who sees it all, follows it all and giving me an entirely different view, pun intended! I loved the message and the moral of the story, not everything should be taken at face value, not everything we see is the true reflection of that person (see? I did it again, can't help those puns!)
As I've mentioned, a very powerful start, immediately setting my protective instincts on high alert. We see what shaped the young Kevali into who she is today, let's just say, it's incredible she didn't turn out full on psycho! Abused by her mother, abused by her husband the King, her entire existence is about being an object to be admired, flaunted so of course her perceptions are completely askew! A lovely complex character who I sympathised with from the onset and, I admit, a tear or two rolled down my cheeks. All the love she has in her heart, eradicated, caged in a prison of her own making. in her quest to be accepted. Yes, she did achieve what she had aimed for but the results were not at all as she had hoped for. In seeking to undo what she had done, she schemes and plots and enlists a Prince or two. Once more, things don't go as she had planned... I adored Damian, what a gorgeous character! Strong, fair, handsome and all round Mr Incredible!
The journey to awaken Snow was a journey of self realisation, the confusion as past events lose their potency, the emotions so carefully hidden raging like an inferno, a journey of growth, a journey of acceptance and love. The redemption and the HEA just filled me with such joy I could barely contain my excitement! Absolutely gorgeous gorgeous story! Absolutely a must read!
As I've mentioned, a very powerful start, immediately setting my protective instincts on high alert. We see what shaped the young Kevali into who she is today, let's just say, it's incredible she didn't turn out full on psycho! Abused by her mother, abused by her husband the King, her entire existence is about being an object to be admired, flaunted so of course her perceptions are completely askew! A lovely complex character who I sympathised with from the onset and, I admit, a tear or two rolled down my cheeks. All the love she has in her heart, eradicated, caged in a prison of her own making. in her quest to be accepted. Yes, she did achieve what she had aimed for but the results were not at all as she had hoped for. In seeking to undo what she had done, she schemes and plots and enlists a Prince or two. Once more, things don't go as she had planned... I adored Damian, what a gorgeous character! Strong, fair, handsome and all round Mr Incredible!
The journey to awaken Snow was a journey of self realisation, the confusion as past events lose their potency, the emotions so carefully hidden raging like an inferno, a journey of growth, a journey of acceptance and love. The redemption and the HEA just filled me with such joy I could barely contain my excitement! Absolutely gorgeous gorgeous story! Absolutely a must read!
May 5, 2025
What a fantastic Snow White retelling! And this one is from the perspective of the "evil" queen. Kevali has been told what to and how to act her entire life - first by her mother then by her husband the King. Expected to be the perfect Queen and to be seen and not heard. She's been oppressed and traumatized by those who are supposed to care for her. And we get to see this through not only her eyes, but the magic mirror as well. After the King dies, she gets rid of Snow White as well. But when all of her plans to rule the kingdom begin crumbling, she must come up with a new plan to save the kingdom and solidify her reign.
Kevali started off as your average child. She wanted to play, learn and be loved. But as she grew up, more and more was expected of her and her mother treated her as a bargaining chip rather than a daughter, teaching her that women are only valued for their looks. After one fateful day, Kevali decides to harden her heart to everything in this world so her mother could not take anything else from her. That is the woman we meet in the present day as the Queen; the woman who will murder to climb to the top and stay the most beautiful person in the land.
It was interesting to have dual POV's with one of them being the magical mirror. While the mirror can only speak the truth, it sees everything. We are given a glimpse from both inside the Queen's mind and from an outsider's perspective.
There are a lot of emotional moments in this shorter book. Watching a young girl trained to strive for beauty above all else, being forced into situations no one should go through (nothing on page, all inferred), watching someone she loves hurt all evoke strong emotions. But there are also wonderful emotions that you get to go through as Kevali learns that life may not be as she was raised to believe by her mother and husband. When she goes into the forest, I can just picture the happiness on her face!
I have adored all of Alora's books and this one is no different! It is a tale of redemption and finding love after a life of heartache.
Kevali started off as your average child. She wanted to play, learn and be loved. But as she grew up, more and more was expected of her and her mother treated her as a bargaining chip rather than a daughter, teaching her that women are only valued for their looks. After one fateful day, Kevali decides to harden her heart to everything in this world so her mother could not take anything else from her. That is the woman we meet in the present day as the Queen; the woman who will murder to climb to the top and stay the most beautiful person in the land.
It was interesting to have dual POV's with one of them being the magical mirror. While the mirror can only speak the truth, it sees everything. We are given a glimpse from both inside the Queen's mind and from an outsider's perspective.
There are a lot of emotional moments in this shorter book. Watching a young girl trained to strive for beauty above all else, being forced into situations no one should go through (nothing on page, all inferred), watching someone she loves hurt all evoke strong emotions. But there are also wonderful emotions that you get to go through as Kevali learns that life may not be as she was raised to believe by her mother and husband. When she goes into the forest, I can just picture the happiness on her face!
I have adored all of Alora's books and this one is no different! It is a tale of redemption and finding love after a life of heartache.
March 25, 2025
The Secrets Mirrors Keep captured me from the very first word and swept me away on a journey filled with magic and secrets, heartache and heartbreak, abuse and redemption, and finished with forgiveness and the happiest of ever afters!
Queen Kevali never got to be her own person. Her mother always had plans and aspirations for her…ones that involveved marrying a heartless and cruel king and being the fairest and most beautiful of them all. Kavali’s life Is anything but easy. And gets only harder as her stepdaughter, Snow, gets older and grows into her beauty and the king pits the two women against one another. After the king’s death Kevali decides the only way to keep her thrown is to poison the princess. But things are never what they seem and she soon realizes that she is way out of her depth and must enact a plan to save a kingdom and wake the princess from her magical sleep.
This story had its darkness…it’s ugly moments…it’s anger and deceit…but quite honestly those are the moments that really showed the depth and beauty of the story and Carter’s writing. Those are the passages that felt real and true and made me empathize and forgive a broken woman for the horrors she committed and cheer for the Happily Ever After she paid for with loss, blood, tears, and despair.
The romance in this story is so very sweet and rewarding! But I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’m just going to leave it at that.
And I absolutely adored the chapters from the Mirror’s POV! The lines that introduce them are pure magic!
But my very favorite aspect of this story was the redemption arc. I am always down for a well written redemption and Carter did an excellent job with this one!
So yep…if you like your tales with some sweetness, some magic, a dollup of swoony romance, a large measure of darkness, redemption, and a well earned HEA you need to give The Secrets Mirrors Keep a read.
Queen Kevali never got to be her own person. Her mother always had plans and aspirations for her…ones that involveved marrying a heartless and cruel king and being the fairest and most beautiful of them all. Kavali’s life Is anything but easy. And gets only harder as her stepdaughter, Snow, gets older and grows into her beauty and the king pits the two women against one another. After the king’s death Kevali decides the only way to keep her thrown is to poison the princess. But things are never what they seem and she soon realizes that she is way out of her depth and must enact a plan to save a kingdom and wake the princess from her magical sleep.
This story had its darkness…it’s ugly moments…it’s anger and deceit…but quite honestly those are the moments that really showed the depth and beauty of the story and Carter’s writing. Those are the passages that felt real and true and made me empathize and forgive a broken woman for the horrors she committed and cheer for the Happily Ever After she paid for with loss, blood, tears, and despair.
The romance in this story is so very sweet and rewarding! But I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’m just going to leave it at that.
And I absolutely adored the chapters from the Mirror’s POV! The lines that introduce them are pure magic!
But my very favorite aspect of this story was the redemption arc. I am always down for a well written redemption and Carter did an excellent job with this one!
So yep…if you like your tales with some sweetness, some magic, a dollup of swoony romance, a large measure of darkness, redemption, and a well earned HEA you need to give The Secrets Mirrors Keep a read.
March 27, 2025
The Secrets Mirrors Keep
by Alora Carter
This is a villain redemption story....from the perspective of the "evil stepmother" in Snow White. Please make no mistake - lady's evil. I mean. Yes, evil. But also..heavily, heavily, heavily traumatized. It also includes plenty of commentary from The Mirror, who can do nothing but witness *everything*, without a choice, and tell the truth when asked.
Kevali is the beautiful daughter of a sorceress, who is bullied and abused and controlled and told that her *only* worth is her looks. When she is married, underage, to a wicked king, this abuse continues and escalates. When Snow White comes along, magically enhanced to be as close to perfection as possible...well, eventually Kevali cracks. And she will do just about anything to finally be free of the abuse and control.
This book was quite dark, with a lot of trigger warnings. Most notable, I think, is death/murder of a parent, infidelity, and implied physical and sexual abuse in a marriage. (Also, mental abuse, tying her ENTIRE worth to her looks.) However, the book is short, and the ending is full of hope and love and healing.
I enjoyed this book, and give it 4/5 stars on my personal scale, but 5/5 for quality, content, pacing, and every other way you'd rate a story. I would recommend it (with caveats and age restrictions), but it probably won't go on my "cozy definitely re-read it" shelf. 🫣 (And I SINCERELY appreciate Alora holding my hand while I read this. She messaged me a few times when I got nervous. The story really is dark, but the ending really is lovely.)
by Alora Carter
This is a villain redemption story....from the perspective of the "evil stepmother" in Snow White. Please make no mistake - lady's evil. I mean. Yes, evil. But also..heavily, heavily, heavily traumatized. It also includes plenty of commentary from The Mirror, who can do nothing but witness *everything*, without a choice, and tell the truth when asked.
Kevali is the beautiful daughter of a sorceress, who is bullied and abused and controlled and told that her *only* worth is her looks. When she is married, underage, to a wicked king, this abuse continues and escalates. When Snow White comes along, magically enhanced to be as close to perfection as possible...well, eventually Kevali cracks. And she will do just about anything to finally be free of the abuse and control.
This book was quite dark, with a lot of trigger warnings. Most notable, I think, is death/murder of a parent, infidelity, and implied physical and sexual abuse in a marriage. (Also, mental abuse, tying her ENTIRE worth to her looks.) However, the book is short, and the ending is full of hope and love and healing.
I enjoyed this book, and give it 4/5 stars on my personal scale, but 5/5 for quality, content, pacing, and every other way you'd rate a story. I would recommend it (with caveats and age restrictions), but it probably won't go on my "cozy definitely re-read it" shelf. 🫣 (And I SINCERELY appreciate Alora holding my hand while I read this. She messaged me a few times when I got nervous. The story really is dark, but the ending really is lovely.)
June 11, 2025
The Evil Queen has won. Snow White has been poisoned, the crown is hers, Kevali is finally free. But fires, floods, food shortages, and the constant border skirmishes inherited to her by the late king have left distrust and hate in the citizens. While trying to fill in the gaps of her knowledge and trying to find a way to fund Acacia she learns that Snow is still alive. Deciding that a marriage contract would solve all her problems, she reaches out to Zafmet. Needing to travel to where Snow is kept safe by the Thwarven, Kevali decides to disguise herself to join them, both in a way to see what her citizens need and to be free of her cage. What starts as a trip of freedom turns into one of healing as the mirror reflects on her past and Kevali ponders her future.
This is a unique way of giving a complete story to an iconic villain. The shifting between past and present to give insight into actions and goals was well done. In this telling, the Queen is a victim in many ways and never truly allowed to be. The mirror has its own personality and gives its own perspective to the events as well. I enjoyed how it could see through all the mirrors so we got a glimpse of Snow and the King as well at times. Very well done and would gladly recommend.
This is a unique way of giving a complete story to an iconic villain. The shifting between past and present to give insight into actions and goals was well done. In this telling, the Queen is a victim in many ways and never truly allowed to be. The mirror has its own personality and gives its own perspective to the events as well. I enjoyed how it could see through all the mirrors so we got a glimpse of Snow and the King as well at times. Very well done and would gladly recommend.
May 12, 2025
I know a lot of people think this story is really dark, but I found it beautiful. The deeper meaning in this story is important and I think the author did an amazing job crafting a story depicting character growth, self-acceptance, and self-love.
There are definitely some moments in this story that some might find triggering, so make sure you read the warnings. The author is very open about the content, which I find admirable. Mant authors skirt around content and do not warn readers. So. I think it is wonderful that Alora Carter is so open about the content of this novella.
I enjoyed the Dual POV of the mirror and Queen Kevali
I honestly think the content was handed well and I didn’t find the book disturbing
This is the second book I have read by Alora Carter, and they were both five star reads. I cannot wait to read more novels by this author.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes character driven fairy-tale retellings. It was a pleasure to follow the “evil” queen on her journey of self-discovery. I know I will come back to this story again!
There are definitely some moments in this story that some might find triggering, so make sure you read the warnings. The author is very open about the content, which I find admirable. Mant authors skirt around content and do not warn readers. So. I think it is wonderful that Alora Carter is so open about the content of this novella.
I enjoyed the Dual POV of the mirror and Queen Kevali
I honestly think the content was handed well and I didn’t find the book disturbing
This is the second book I have read by Alora Carter, and they were both five star reads. I cannot wait to read more novels by this author.
I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes character driven fairy-tale retellings. It was a pleasure to follow the “evil” queen on her journey of self-discovery. I know I will come back to this story again!
June 9, 2025
This is an absolutely fantastic redemption story for the evil queen from “Snow White”. The novella offers a twist to the original fairytale, turning the queen into a victim of abuse who searches for freedom in the only ways she knows how. I loved how the author takes he familiar fairytale and starts with everything set up the way we would expect, painting the queen as the evil one, but then slowly shows us the evil that shaped her and how her experiences after Snow White is cursed with the sleeping death shape her into someone new and totally unexpected. I love how it’s the mirror that reveals the queen’s awful past. It offers a real nice emotional buffer to all the abuse, hinting at it instead of showing it, which makes this story perfect for teens and adults alike.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this to anyone looking for stories with vibes similar to Disney’s Maleficent
I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this to anyone looking for stories with vibes similar to Disney’s Maleficent
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March 24, 2025Beauty, hope, or light... just a wonderful story
This was such a heartbreakingly beautiful story! We see an entirely different side of the Queen from the snow white story, but one I would never expect. The depth of pain that the Queen experienced in this story was through, and we also see the perspective from the ever watching mirror on the wall. The betrayal she received from those she expected to love was what shaped her expectations. Can she be redeemed by saving Snow? Can she see another side of life, one that doesn't cause her to flinch whenever someone reaches for her? Another beautiful story created by Alora, and she continues to show how creative of a storyteller she is by the world's she creates.
“Because, if there is beauty or hope or light that exists anywhere, perhaps there can be hope for me in the end."
This was such a heartbreakingly beautiful story! We see an entirely different side of the Queen from the snow white story, but one I would never expect. The depth of pain that the Queen experienced in this story was through, and we also see the perspective from the ever watching mirror on the wall. The betrayal she received from those she expected to love was what shaped her expectations. Can she be redeemed by saving Snow? Can she see another side of life, one that doesn't cause her to flinch whenever someone reaches for her? Another beautiful story created by Alora, and she continues to show how creative of a storyteller she is by the world's she creates.
“Because, if there is beauty or hope or light that exists anywhere, perhaps there can be hope for me in the end."
May 28, 2024
I really enjoy books by this author - and this one is no exception! It's such an interesting perspective, retelling Snow White from the Evil Queen's PoV. I really felt for the character. She'd had to be so strong through many awful things, some of which she did herself, and I couldn't help wishing she could get her own happily ever after. Prince Damian was also a great character. My only niggle is that I would have loved to see more of their time together.
If you enjoy fairytale retellings, I highly recommend this book and others from the same author. I'll definitely be watching out for more!
If you enjoy fairytale retellings, I highly recommend this book and others from the same author. I'll definitely be watching out for more!
August 23, 2023
What do you do when despite your best efforts, your country is falling to famine, fires, and war? You resurrect a sleeping princess and marry her off to neighboring prince, of course. Well, if you can find a way to make the prince fall in love with someone he's never met, that is.
Written with humor and heart, this evil queen retelling takes a lot of tropes and turns them on their heads. The evil queen is evil, yes, and she has a horrid backstory as is often the case with villains, but she actually cares about her people and ruling well and saving lives. She's a complete mess, and she has a lot to learn. And it's entertaining to watch her figure it out.
Alora Carter is a new voice to the world of fairy tale retellings, but her stories are original and filled with twists and turns I would have never thought of. She is a storyteller to watch for. And I can't wait to see what she will write next.
Disclaimer: I edited this book, so I got to see a lot of revisions. It started really good, and it just kept getting better.
Written with humor and heart, this evil queen retelling takes a lot of tropes and turns them on their heads. The evil queen is evil, yes, and she has a horrid backstory as is often the case with villains, but she actually cares about her people and ruling well and saving lives. She's a complete mess, and she has a lot to learn. And it's entertaining to watch her figure it out.
Alora Carter is a new voice to the world of fairy tale retellings, but her stories are original and filled with twists and turns I would have never thought of. She is a storyteller to watch for. And I can't wait to see what she will write next.
Disclaimer: I edited this book, so I got to see a lot of revisions. It started really good, and it just kept getting better.
August 23, 2023
This is the book for all those who love retellings with interesting twists. This evil queen has all the darkness you'd suspect but then has a different path to follow. The Mirror is given human qualities and its thoughts run throughout, which makes this retelling unique; the words of the mirror make the story! But my favorite character is the Evil Queen - her backstory given in flashback chapters makes her more than one dimensional and you begin to have empathy for her. A great read with a great storyline that goes by in a flash!
September 10, 2023
This story!
The Secrets Mirrors Keep is a short but powerful tale of redemption, forgiveness and self-worth. It gives real motive to the Evil Queen in Snow White, yet still leaves room for compassion and understanding what drives Kevali. The romance is one you can see coming as it develops, but in the best way.
I also had happy tears for Kevali during the emotional ending. (Yes, I am a softy, but it was really well done!) I really enjoyed this story.
I did receive an ARC and this is an honest, voluntary review.
The Secrets Mirrors Keep is a short but powerful tale of redemption, forgiveness and self-worth. It gives real motive to the Evil Queen in Snow White, yet still leaves room for compassion and understanding what drives Kevali. The romance is one you can see coming as it develops, but in the best way.
I also had happy tears for Kevali during the emotional ending. (Yes, I am a softy, but it was really well done!) I really enjoyed this story.
I did receive an ARC and this is an honest, voluntary review.
September 23, 2023
This is the evil queen story everyone wants! Filled with humour, heart and the weight of a kingdom on the head of a queen that will do anything to make things better (even if it's the wrong way!)
The Queen's backstory was despicable, like most evil baddies but I love her desperation to keep her kingdom afloat and the path she chooses to take.
It has the mirror, the princess and the prince. All avenues of a Snow White retelling you expect but the story definitely does some unique things that keep it interesting!
May 20, 2024
This was a very well done villain origin story and a redemption story in one. The MC was relatable, the romance was sweet, the way the author dealt with the emotional scarring was well thought through especially for a shorter novella. Quite nice and it makes me want to pick up more from this author.
Coarse language: none
Violence & Gore: moderate to extreme violence including gruesome murder, violence against an animal and domestic and emotional abuse, moderate gore
Sexual content: clear suggestion of off-screen rape (nothing shown, no details given)
Coarse language: none
Violence & Gore: moderate to extreme violence including gruesome murder, violence against an animal and domestic and emotional abuse, moderate gore
Sexual content: clear suggestion of off-screen rape (nothing shown, no details given)
January 1, 2026
I adore this story. It is brutal, but beautiful. I love how the main character is a consistent villain with a heart(however buried it may be). I love how this author portrayed the abuse, It was very well done.The writing was excellent and I am VERY satisfied with the ending. I wish there more books set in this world.
This is a dark fairytale. And graphic in the abuse and death. If you are a more sensitive reader, skip the Mirror POV chapters. That way you will only have mentions of the abuse instead of seeing it.
This is a dark fairytale. And graphic in the abuse and death. If you are a more sensitive reader, skip the Mirror POV chapters. That way you will only have mentions of the abuse instead of seeing it.
August 28, 2023
This is a fantastic twist on Snow White. I loved it. Had it been longer and more fleshed out, I wouldn’t complain, but it’s also nice to have a quick read available.
Age-wise, I’d say 16+. It has some darker scenes, or talks of them. There isn’t much violence, but there are some descriptions of violence that had been done. Very minor cursing- damn- used once or twice.
I received and ARC version of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Age-wise, I’d say 16+. It has some darker scenes, or talks of them. There isn’t much violence, but there are some descriptions of violence that had been done. Very minor cursing- damn- used once or twice.
I received and ARC version of this book, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2025
From the opening line, The Secrets Mirrors Keep by Alora Carter completely captivated me. This dark-to-hopeful villain redemption novella offers a powerful and emotional retelling of Snow White—from the Evil Queen’s perspective—and it surprised me in the most incredible way.
What I expected: a villain’s origin story.
What I got: a beautifully written, raw journey of healing, self-realization, and redemption.
There are some tough themes—abuse, non-consensual marriage, and trauma—but they are handled with sensitivity and purpose. If needed, readers can skip one POV and still follow the story. But I urge you, if you can, to press through—because the beauty on the other side is absolutely worth it.
This book gave me a newfound appreciation for villains and what brokenness may lie behind their cruelty. The Evil Queen’s journey was laced with pain and darkness, but also resilience, transformation, and a deeply earned happily ever after. By the end, I wasn’t just hoping for her redemption—I was rooting for it with all my heart. 🥹
Alora Carter’s writing is poignant and powerful, with every scene carefully crafted. This novella was my first Snow White retelling and my first time seeing the story through the villain’s eyes—and now I want more of both. This is the kind of story that lingers with you, long after the last page.
What I expected: a villain’s origin story.
What I got: a beautifully written, raw journey of healing, self-realization, and redemption.
There are some tough themes—abuse, non-consensual marriage, and trauma—but they are handled with sensitivity and purpose. If needed, readers can skip one POV and still follow the story. But I urge you, if you can, to press through—because the beauty on the other side is absolutely worth it.
This book gave me a newfound appreciation for villains and what brokenness may lie behind their cruelty. The Evil Queen’s journey was laced with pain and darkness, but also resilience, transformation, and a deeply earned happily ever after. By the end, I wasn’t just hoping for her redemption—I was rooting for it with all my heart. 🥹
Alora Carter’s writing is poignant and powerful, with every scene carefully crafted. This novella was my first Snow White retelling and my first time seeing the story through the villain’s eyes—and now I want more of both. This is the kind of story that lingers with you, long after the last page.
September 18, 2023
I don’t usually read stories full of tragedy, but this one is also full of hope. There is a lot of human suffering with potential triggers, but there is also human kindness and resilience. The scenes are from the mirror’s point of view and the villain’s. Really? Yes, really! And it works so well. It’s a page-turner with a happily-ever-after.
November 3, 2023
This was an amazing snow white retelling from the perspective of the evil queen. The story progresses beautifully ans and is narrated from the view point of the Queen and the mirror. Prince Damian was a great refreshing character who adds an interesting dimension to the story. Beautifully done! I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 6, 2026
SOBBING!!!
This book was so good!!! Absolutely intense! Definitely deals with heavy topics with very careful care. Read the trigger warnings and approach at your own ability, but if you can wade through the hard, the ending is so beautiful and satisfying and tear-inducing! I was not ready to be so emotionally wrecked by this story of love, jealousy, kindness, and mercy!
This book was so good!!! Absolutely intense! Definitely deals with heavy topics with very careful care. Read the trigger warnings and approach at your own ability, but if you can wade through the hard, the ending is so beautiful and satisfying and tear-inducing! I was not ready to be so emotionally wrecked by this story of love, jealousy, kindness, and mercy!
September 3, 2023
Ohhhhh my. This book was powerful and dark and intriguing and amazing. I actually teared up a few times, but this is a book that needs to be read. Not only was the story well-written, and the characters very real, the lessons hidden throughout are just so important.
April 16, 2025
Absolutely loved this one! What a redemption story! This novella deals with heavy topics but the Mirror’s POV brings much awareness and understanding to what Kevali, the Evil Queen, went through. Quick, fast paced read!
May 25, 2025
Loving the evil!!!
It is an amazing author that can make me love an evil character!!! I love this author! I was hesitant at first when I picked up this book, but I'm so glad I did! On to the next!
It is an amazing author that can make me love an evil character!!! I love this author! I was hesitant at first when I picked up this book, but I'm so glad I did! On to the next!
August 10, 2024
I put off reading this book for so long, and now I am both kicking myself for waiting so long, while also being so glad that it has recused me from my current reading slump. It’s been a while since I could honestly give a 5 star review.
The growth of the villain is so amazing. I appreciate all the trigger warnings that the author gives at the beginning so that readers can judge for themselves if the darkness is the type they can handle, but as the author promises after the trigger warnings, all of the darkness is presented as that. It never blurs the lines of what is acceptable: the victims are victims, and this story is about their redemption and their resilience to their own happy ever after!
The growth of the villain is so amazing. I appreciate all the trigger warnings that the author gives at the beginning so that readers can judge for themselves if the darkness is the type they can handle, but as the author promises after the trigger warnings, all of the darkness is presented as that. It never blurs the lines of what is acceptable: the victims are victims, and this story is about their redemption and their resilience to their own happy ever after!
September 22, 2023
#DarkFantasy #RomanticFantasy #FairytaleRetelling #Roadtrip #StalkerMirror #SoManyPrincesSoLittleTime
Summary: In this reimagining of Snow White, the evil queen has “won,” but actually ruling a war-torn kingdom as the “fairest of them all” is proving to be a challenge. What they need is a marriage alliance with another rich kingdom—even if it means joining a pair of princes on a magical roadtrip to awaken Snow and reflecting on all her previous life choices.
Pros: I loved that we got a new look at the “evil queen’s” backstory, and I enjoyed how her character was fleshed out. I also appreciated that these details weren’t used to excuse her poor choices or diminish the “goodness” of Snow and the charm of the original fairytale. This is a true redemption arc, that got to the root of the issue with a good mixture of justice and mercy/empathy.
As such, this story tackles some harder/darker issues, but still remains clean as far as the romance goes, along with all the expected happily-ever-afters.
And the spin on the mirror was really clever.
Cons: We spent so much time on the evil queen’s backstory and character arc that I wish we got more of the princes’ backstories and built the romance a little more, but for a short/limited format, it was fine and it’s not like I didn’t know where it was going. ;)
Conclusion: Nice short that makes you hungry for more fairytales by Carter. Perhaps one about a prince who needs to awaken another sleeping princess? Does anyone know where one might find such a glorious thing?
;)
Summary: In this reimagining of Snow White, the evil queen has “won,” but actually ruling a war-torn kingdom as the “fairest of them all” is proving to be a challenge. What they need is a marriage alliance with another rich kingdom—even if it means joining a pair of princes on a magical roadtrip to awaken Snow and reflecting on all her previous life choices.
Pros: I loved that we got a new look at the “evil queen’s” backstory, and I enjoyed how her character was fleshed out. I also appreciated that these details weren’t used to excuse her poor choices or diminish the “goodness” of Snow and the charm of the original fairytale. This is a true redemption arc, that got to the root of the issue with a good mixture of justice and mercy/empathy.
As such, this story tackles some harder/darker issues, but still remains clean as far as the romance goes, along with all the expected happily-ever-afters.
And the spin on the mirror was really clever.
Cons: We spent so much time on the evil queen’s backstory and character arc that I wish we got more of the princes’ backstories and built the romance a little more, but for a short/limited format, it was fine and it’s not like I didn’t know where it was going. ;)
Conclusion: Nice short that makes you hungry for more fairytales by Carter. Perhaps one about a prince who needs to awaken another sleeping princess? Does anyone know where one might find such a glorious thing?
;)
October 1, 2024
I owned this book for nearly a year before I finally read it, mostly because the list of trigger warnings initially made me wonder if I could stomach the whole thing. If this is you, please reconsider giving this book a chance! There is no glorifying what Kevali (the Evil Queen) suffered in her past, and the details are kept to a minimum. Just enough for me the reader to understand why she became the villain she became.
Which brings me to the rest of the book, the redemption of this character who herself believed she was "broken". The humorous and poignant journey with the two princes was a ride to remember, literally, with extra details for horse-lovers. AND SWOONY ROMANCE with banter! That was such a pleasant surprise! I was so delighted with the double happy ending.
Carter has an immersive yet zero-fluff writing style which I love from her other works. The Secrets Mirrors Keep kept me turning the pages until the end. It was a fast and memorable read, and definitely a re-read in the future!
Which brings me to the rest of the book, the redemption of this character who herself believed she was "broken". The humorous and poignant journey with the two princes was a ride to remember, literally, with extra details for horse-lovers. AND SWOONY ROMANCE with banter! That was such a pleasant surprise! I was so delighted with the double happy ending.
Carter has an immersive yet zero-fluff writing style which I love from her other works. The Secrets Mirrors Keep kept me turning the pages until the end. It was a fast and memorable read, and definitely a re-read in the future!
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