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Once Upon a Mirror
Once Upon A Time, A Girl Vanished, and A Boy Waited For Her
Twenty years ago, Nessa Davis vanished into an enchanted realm inside a magical mirror—a world where fairy tales are real. Her best friend, Charlie Grimm, has been waiting for her ever since.
One night, the portal reopens. Charlie enters the magical realm with his six-year-old niece and nephew. He finally reunites with Nessa, but a lot has changed over the years. She is now the princess and ruler of the kingdom of Glimmerfell. Nessa has a sworn duty to stay and lead the peaceful kingdom they visited in their childhood.
While Charlie and Nessa catch up on their lost years, a mysterious threat plagues the kingdom. It wants to use the mirror to escape the realm. Pumpkin creatures attack the castle and kidnap Charlie’s niece and nephew. Nessa and Charlie are given an hand over the mirror in three days in exchange for the children.
In a magical realm filled with danger and threats around every corner, Nessa and Charlie must journey into a dark forest to rescue the children before it’s too late.
An Everfell Fairy Tale suitable for all ages.
This book is not affiliated with, authorized by or endorsed by Disney or any other company. All characters and dialogue are products solely of the author’s imagination. Some of the characters were inspired by public domain characters from Charles Perrault or the Grimms Fairy Tales.
Twenty years ago, Nessa Davis vanished into an enchanted realm inside a magical mirror—a world where fairy tales are real. Her best friend, Charlie Grimm, has been waiting for her ever since.
One night, the portal reopens. Charlie enters the magical realm with his six-year-old niece and nephew. He finally reunites with Nessa, but a lot has changed over the years. She is now the princess and ruler of the kingdom of Glimmerfell. Nessa has a sworn duty to stay and lead the peaceful kingdom they visited in their childhood.
While Charlie and Nessa catch up on their lost years, a mysterious threat plagues the kingdom. It wants to use the mirror to escape the realm. Pumpkin creatures attack the castle and kidnap Charlie’s niece and nephew. Nessa and Charlie are given an hand over the mirror in three days in exchange for the children.
In a magical realm filled with danger and threats around every corner, Nessa and Charlie must journey into a dark forest to rescue the children before it’s too late.
An Everfell Fairy Tale suitable for all ages.
This book is not affiliated with, authorized by or endorsed by Disney or any other company. All characters and dialogue are products solely of the author’s imagination. Some of the characters were inspired by public domain characters from Charles Perrault or the Grimms Fairy Tales.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
71 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 10, 2025
This was a fun easy read, loved the special characters
December 11, 2025
Once Upon a Mirror by C.M. Mason Review
This fairytale fantasy is a charming, quick read centered on Charlie Grimm and Nessa, two friends who discovered a magical world through a mirrored portal. The story opens tragically: Nessa disappears at age 13, and the portal is no longer active and Charlie is Left in the world without his best friend and unable to explain fully to the adults in their life without seeming crazy.
Twenty years later, the mirror unexpectedly reopens while Charlie is watching his niece and nephew, kicking off a new adventure to a world where familiar fairy tales are real—and perhaps a chance to find Nessa.
Structurally, the book is straightforward, concluding with a traditional happy ending that also sets the stage for a related story within this world called Brightfell, one of several kingdoms.
While the resolution of the ultimate conflict felt quick and I would have liked a little bit more character development, the book succeeds when viewed as a modern take on a traditional fairy tale structure. The book prioritizes friendship and family, making it a swift journey for readers seeking a simple, nostalgic escape that is also suitable for the whole family. So prepare yourself to meet some old friends from fairytales of our past.
Note: I was an ARC reader for Once upon a Mirror and glad to have been able to experience the journey.
This fairytale fantasy is a charming, quick read centered on Charlie Grimm and Nessa, two friends who discovered a magical world through a mirrored portal. The story opens tragically: Nessa disappears at age 13, and the portal is no longer active and Charlie is Left in the world without his best friend and unable to explain fully to the adults in their life without seeming crazy.
Twenty years later, the mirror unexpectedly reopens while Charlie is watching his niece and nephew, kicking off a new adventure to a world where familiar fairy tales are real—and perhaps a chance to find Nessa.
Structurally, the book is straightforward, concluding with a traditional happy ending that also sets the stage for a related story within this world called Brightfell, one of several kingdoms.
While the resolution of the ultimate conflict felt quick and I would have liked a little bit more character development, the book succeeds when viewed as a modern take on a traditional fairy tale structure. The book prioritizes friendship and family, making it a swift journey for readers seeking a simple, nostalgic escape that is also suitable for the whole family. So prepare yourself to meet some old friends from fairytales of our past.
Note: I was an ARC reader for Once upon a Mirror and glad to have been able to experience the journey.
October 5, 2025
This is truly good, clean, family friendly fun with fairy tales. I'd compare it to Jumanji for all ages. There are some situations only adults will understand, mild fighting scenes involving pumpkins and gingerbread, and lots of fun people of all ages will enjoy. I definitely recommend giving it a read!
Thank you to the author for the early copy! This is my honest voluntary review.
Thank you to the author for the early copy! This is my honest voluntary review.
October 6, 2025
Reading this reminded me of when I read The Chronicles of Narnia when I was little.
Charlie's demeanor has an abrupt shift during the meeting with Cy and it felt very off character.
This was a cute adventure with the tiniest tinge of romance.
I couldn't tell if the last chapter is a teaser towards the next book or a backstory of the villain.
Charlie's demeanor has an abrupt shift during the meeting with Cy and it felt very off character.
This was a cute adventure with the tiniest tinge of romance.
I couldn't tell if the last chapter is a teaser towards the next book or a backstory of the villain.
November 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, had a good story line, and is friendly for the whole family. It had magic, villains, heroes, family, and fairy tail spins. Anything you could want in a good clean read. I would highly recommend this book. Can't wait for more stories to come out in this world..
November 8, 2025
4/5 stars
I like to read this story with being an uncle to th kids and having a avenge in a mirror with a bunch of grim fiery tales to adventure with a friend in the mirror and the adventure for the kids to!
I like to read this story with being an uncle to th kids and having a avenge in a mirror with a bunch of grim fiery tales to adventure with a friend in the mirror and the adventure for the kids to!
November 1, 2025
Such a believable story line with many classic fairytales wove into it! I felt like I was truly there and that to me is the sign of an awesome Author!
November 6, 2025
I had no idea this was a fairytale for younger readers, but it was good.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews