He’s the kingdom's most dangerous prisoner. She just accidentally helped him escape.
When forbidden magic awakens within Princess Esmira, she knows she must flee—or be executed. Hoping to escape through the palace’s hidden tunnels, she instead discovers a chamber of ancient mirrors. Mist coils. Magic stirs. One touch shatters the glass—and frees Prince Methrin, the Wicked Prince of Mirrors.
Cursed for vanity, bloodshed, and a betrayal that nearly destroyed the realm, Methrin was exiled to the mirrorverse long ago. Now he's back—immortal, furious, and dangerously compelling. He claims the stories are twisted lies, the crown was stolen and the true monster escaped. Only Esmira’s raw, unstable magic can stop it.
Forced to flee together, bound by forbidden magic, Esmira is pulled into a world of illusions, broken prophecy, and a prince who sees through every mask she wears. As their connection deepens, so do the risks—because the monster Methrin once unleashed still haunts the realm… and it’s hunting again.
Wicked Prince of Mirrors is a complete stand-alone romantasy novel with a “happily ever after.” Perfect for readers who long for forbidden magic, cursed princes, mirror realms steeped in illusion, and slow-burn romantic fantasy.
Wicked Prince of Mirrors is Book One in the Wicked Princes Collection. A series of standalone fantasy romance novels.
Angela J. Ford is a bestselling fantasy romance author who writes mortal × immortal forbidden romance featuring Black heroines in worlds where gothic cinema meets fantasy.
Angela's standalone novels deliver steamy yearning, atmospheric world-building, and complete emotional satisfaction in one book. No cliffhangers. No waiting years for sequels. No series commitment required.
Perfect for readers who love the ache of mortal/immortal romance, want meaningful Black representation in fantasy, and prefer complete standalone stories over multi-book series commitments.
When she's not crafting fantasy romance worlds, Angela can be found with her nose in a book, curating romantasy book boxes for readers, or exploring new ways to bring her stories to life through signed editions and immersive book experiences.
Visit her website (angelajford.com) for signed hardcovers, exclusive book boxes and luxe bookish candles.
I didn't check my email earlier so my review and read was a bit late 😅
I did enjoy reading this sweet romantasy. Not sure why I expected this to get spicy but it doesn't. That didn't take away from the fun little adventure the FMC & MMC have.
This didn't make the 5 stars for me only because I needed stronger tension for the enemies' part and the FMC to not be so mousy -Even though it does make sense why she is, shes a pampered princess after all- (this is just my personal opinion, I like my FMC to argue and have more opinions and have more faults so I can see some big character growth) the FMC does become more brave at the end! I felt like there should be more, it didn't feel quite finished for me but I know this is part of the Wicked Prince series, maybe we will see our Prince and Princess again in the other books👀?
I did love some of the spooky elements about having mirror magic, that was fun!
In a world where magic is forbidden and magical beasts are a danger to everyone, Princess Esmira accidentally helps the wicked Prince of mirrors escape. We join them as they flee the realm, on a dangerous quest to try and save the world from the shadow monster.
I really enjoyed the concept of this book. Mirror magic is a unique power and I loved the mirrorverse. I enjoyed the fairytale retelling vibes too, don’t believe everything you grow up being told. The quest they embark on is dangerous and thrilling. My only critique is that most of the book is based on the quest to kill the shadow monster and then the ending seemed a little rushed. I would have liked the last 3 chapters to have been more in depth and action packed.
I liked the slow burn romance and thought that was done well. However it felt like we didn’t get to know any of the characters particularly well, so I never felt attached to them.
Told from Esmira’s point of view throughout, I think I would have preferred it to be dual point of view with Methrin, so we could get to know him a bit better and get a different perspective. Even better it would be awesome to have chapters from some of the side characters too. Lyra was a lovely character I definitely want to learn more about. I’d love to learn more about the Captain of the Venators too.
Overall, I rate this 3.5 (rounded up to 4 for Amazon & Goodreads). I did like the book but would have preferred more detail to increase my rating. I do recommend if you like dark fairytales and slow burn romance. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I enjoyed all the elements of forbidden magic, and how truths can be twisted and history changed. Princess Esmira is rather naive and sheltered, but has a desire to prove herself. When she discovers signs that she has forbidden mirror magic, she tries to run away and accidentally frees the Wicked Prince of mirrors. Now on the run, they are forced to work together, and Esmira discovers Methrin isn't the monster she was led to believe. He's dangerous and cryptic, but he protects her from harm and helps control her magic. They are on a quest to help Methrin clear his name, stop the monsters that threaten their worlds, and help Esmira face the consequences from magic. It's a reflective story about light and dark, accepting yourself, battling curses, and finding love. It's a dark standalone fantasy, with fairytale feels, and a misunderstood villain.
I can't even begin to express how much I loved Esmira. She was just so real. Her reactions to being ripped from everything she knew, hunted by her own people and thrust into a dangerous Fae world were entirely appropriate. She was not instantly brave, knew when to run to stay alive and had learn and work to become the fierce woman she was in the end. And when she stepped into her power? Brilliant. I also loved Methrin and unraveling the truth of his story and how he became the villain to his people. I would honestly love for their story to continue to see how they handle what comes next. How kingdoms are rebuilt and other worlds explored and saved. This was such a beautifully described world, and I am not ready to leave it.
I typically love this author, however, this book was a miss for me. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but I did read over half and am still not into it. I’ll likely try reading it again later, but for now, it’s a DNF.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for voluntarily giving my review. We meet Princess Esmira who lost her mother quite young and watches her father battle the beasts of the Borderlands. she visits a night market with her cousin to discover shr broke a mirror with magic....mirror magic...which is forbidden. a strange woman tells her to run in order to save herself. Esmira wanders the castle passages to come across a room full of things that possibly belonged to the Wicked Prince of Mirrors. while looking in a mirror a hand comes out and grabs her. she learns that this man is the wicked prince and he whisks her away from the castle. She wants to believe what she was taught about the Prince but he isn't what she thought. they must travel far in order to defeat the darkness that roams these lands and the lands of his home. will they be able to defeat the darkness or will Esmira become the next victim?
"I will not promise the moon without delivering it."
This was book one in a series of wicked princes who get their HEAs. I loved the premise and couldn't wait to see how their stories played out!
I think for me, I would have like to see more of the "wicked" and "villian" side of the Prince of Mirrors. He gave more misunderstood than villian, although it is my understanding that his power made him a little mad in the past. I think it would have been interesting to see a little bit of this madness.
I also wished I'd seen more of the tension/chemistry buildup between Esmira and the prince. I did enjoy their interactions as the book progressed, but note that this is more of a closed door romance with minor kissing.
Overall, I thought this was a good read. I look forward to reading the next books in the Wicked Princes series.
This was an interesting take on the light vs dark battle so frequently seen in the fantasy genre. The MCs had to battle their own darknesses to let the light shine through. The cast of characters were well-written. If you’re looking for a quick and easy read, I would definitely recommend. Note: the second half of the book had a lot of copy editing errors, so if that’s something that really bothers you, just something to be aware of.
4.25⭐ This book was not what I was expecting. It surprised me, in a good way. B/C of the FMCs internal struggle with her magic, it gave me minor "One Dark Window" vibes. Captivating characters and worlds. The only thing I found lacking was understanding of the magic system , outside of mirror magic. YA Dark Romance (no 🌶️) Enemies to Lovers Epic Journey Magic VS non-magic Laws Redemption Portals Monsters
Such a great story! Lore, enemies to lovers, redemption, mahic, and good vs evil all rolled into one. If you're looking for a quick read where the bad guy gets the girl, this one is for you! Safe for those that prefer romance without the spice. Don't let that deter you though, it's still a dark romantasy you'll love! I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a good story, but not quite what I'd expected from it. It tries to bring enemies-to-lovers vibes, but the enemies portion doesn't last long enough to make it feel right, and the FMC was more along for the ride than actively participating for a majority of it. I did enjoy the mirror magic, the slow unfolding of the wicked prince's past, and the worlds in general. good for a quick read. Fade to black romance.
Wonderful just wonderful story. I could not put the book down I had to see it to the end. I hope others will enjoy the story too. Enjoy yourself and have a hot tea for me. Happy reading.
This was such a cute story. When I think of fairytales this is exactly what I’m thinking of. I mean yes there’s a bit of an enemies to lovers so not the traditional fairytale but other than that. I would have enjoyed going more into the different realms and I would have enjoyed seeing a reunion with Esmira and her cousin. But overall it was a very sweet and fun story.
Angela J. Ford’s Wicked Prince of Mirrors is a lush, fast-paced romantasy that captures everything readers love about forbidden magic, morally gray heroes, and slow-burning attraction set against a backdrop of shattered kingdoms and haunting curses. With her trademark lyrical prose and cinematic worldbuilding, Ford crafts a story that feels equal parts Beauty and the Beast, Throne of Glass, and A Court of Thorns and Roses—but with a mirror-bright twist all her own.
The story begins when Princess Esmira, desperate and on the run from her own execution, stumbles into a hidden chamber of mirrors beneath her palace. What should have been an escape route becomes a trap—and then something far more dangerous—when she accidentally frees Prince Methrin, the fabled Wicked Prince of Mirrors, a cursed immortal whose name is whispered like a warning. From their first encounter, the tension crackles. Methrin is dangerous, charming, and unapologetically ruthless, while Esmira is untested, powerful, and teetering between fear and defiance.
As they flee through a realm unraveling under the weight of its own deceptions, Ford slowly peels back the layers of both characters. Esmira grows from a frightened fugitive into a young woman grappling with her power and her own moral compass. Methrin, meanwhile, is the perfect dark prince—enigmatic and magnetic, his motives unclear, his charm both alluring and unsettling. Their dynamic is electric: every argument feels like foreplay, every alliance balanced on the knife-edge of betrayal.
The worldbuilding shines with Ford’s signature detail—ancient magic systems, mirror realms, and spectral monsters that feel alive in every scene. The concept of the mirrorverse is both eerie and beautiful, a space that reflects not only reality but the truths and lies people hide within themselves. The story balances romance, action, and mystery with skill, though at times the pacing falters slightly as exposition competes with the growing emotional stakes. Still, once the momentum builds, it’s impossible to look away.
Ford’s writing is at its best in the emotional and sensual tension between her leads. The romance walks that delicious line between distrust and desire, light and shadow. There’s no instant love here—just a gradual, believable burn between two broken souls trying to save themselves, and maybe each other, before the world collapses.
In the never ending battle of light vs dark, I love it when an author makes that battle internal as well as external. Angela Ford reminds readers not to dampen their own light in Wicked Prince of Mirrors, book 1 in the Wicked Prince collaborative series. We are thrown into a world of magic, good vs evil, and come to learn that not everything is as it seems. This is a single POV, romantasy, that brings two unlikely people together. As their journey progresses, legends prove to be incorrect, the villain isn’t really the villain, and both our MCs learn how strong they really are.
Princess Esmira didn’t mean to help the Prince of Mirrors escape his prison, but she has. Fleeing the castle, she is fighting what she has been told about the Prince and what she sees. Nothing like she’s heard in the stories, she begins to enjoy the journey she is on with him. Esmira is definitely learning what life is like outside of the castle and the safety it provides. As her magic gains more life, the inner battle in her becomes one of being who she is supposed to be or being who she was born to be.
Mehtrin, our Prince of Mirrors, claims he had his kingdom and crown stolen from him and vows revenge on the shadow monster. He is cunning and morally gray. He didn’t necessarily give off villain vibes, more he was made to be the villain by the people telling the story. I do wish we got his POV in the story, even a few chapters, to get more insight into him and his inner monologue.
As these two bring out things in each other, I enjoyed watching them fall for one another. They both were able to see they were worthy as is. I also enjoy Angela’s writing and wonder if she plans on expanding this universe. There were some loose strings left that could lead into other books. I do think it’s noteworthy to mention, this is a slow burn, with little spice. I only mention this because I went in thinking there would be more. Still a wonderful read and great characters!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect: 🪞Shadows and Monsters 👑Forbidden Magic 🪞Enemies to Lovers 👑Touch of Madness 🪞Unavoidable Proximity 👑Villain Gets the Girl
Wicked Prince of Mirrors started off wonderfully, setting up the world and the magic system. I was caught up in the rush of Esmira's discovery of her forbidden magic and escape from the threat of death simply for having it. After the initial rush, unfortunately the story started to drag.
The romance didn't hit for me. I really appreciate it being closed door. That's a bit refreshing in a landscape of constant open door spice at inopportune moments. I like that the romance is not a 3 day instalove romance with the journey taking multiple months. Ultimately, I feel like we are told about the chemistry happening offscreen rather than seeing it build in the story. There's not enough banter, or actual relationship growth for me. There's wonderfully romantic scenes with offscreen connection to GET to those scenes.
I'll admit I'm a bit burned out on straight romances, so that may be why I'm not feeling it. I personaly would have liked this better if it wasn't a romance at all - if it just focused on the world, the magic, and fixing what's gone wrong, leaving the possibility of romance open-ended. Alternatively, there's so much packed into this one book, that if it were split out into a duology or even a series, there'd be some room to breathe, and the romance might have more time to flourish.
I love the lore behind the story, and the stakes, the shadows, and the magic system. I enjoyed seeing Esmira figure out what's going on, and confront what she's previously been told. I even like Methrin as a character, as well as some of the other side characters. The pieces to make this an amazing story are there. It's just missing something to make it click for me personally.
I received this ARC for free, and all opinions are my own. I definitely think people that enjoy straight romantic fantasy should check it out. I'm pretty sure this is a me thing.
I greatly enjoyed reading this story with fairytale vibes. I was on the fence with this one being 4 or 5 stars. I loved that it felt like a fairytale in how the story reads with light and darkness, good and evil, while also feeling like something I've never read. I think one thing that kept it from 5 for me was that I went in expecting a cruel prince from the title, but what I got was a couple who should be enemies needing each other, an interesting take on the usual enemies to lovers trope that fits with the villain getting the girl. I also enjoyed how the darkness the main characters battle are described in ways that relate to what we as people feel battling against negative thoughts or mental illness.
The story follows Esmira, and even though each chapter starts with her name, we never get the point of view from Methrin. Esmira experiences quite a bit of character growth through the story, which fits with the fairytale vibes. It was easy to fall in love with Esmira and Methrin, and even Lyra as a side character. The romance had some good tender moments, good building tension, and when they finally came together, it was sweet with no spice. All the steamy scenes faded to black. The world had plenty of magic, including a magical race and a different world. I found the story easy to read and the pacing decent. I loved how the prologue and epilogue related to each other, and of course the happy ending.
A story about courage, finding yourself and your purpose, overcoming doubt and believing in yourself. I highly recommend this book to fairytale lovers, as well as the romantasy lovers who don't enjoy or want much spice on the pages.
From the very first page, Wicked Prince of Mirrors draws you into a world where reflection and reality blur, and every secret comes with a dangerous price. This is not your typical fairy tale—it’s lush, seductive, and brimming with perilous magic.
Princess Esmira is a heroine you can’t help but root for. Her forbidden magic and desperate bid for freedom make her both vulnerable and powerful, a perfect balance of courage and fear. But the story truly ignites when she shatters the ancient mirror and releases Prince Methrin—the infamous Wicked Prince of Mirrors. Methrin is everything a dark romantasy reader craves: cursed, enigmatic, and utterly magnetic. His every word feels like a blade wrapped in silk.
The dynamic between Esmira and Methrin is electric—filled with tension, mistrust, and a slow-burning chemistry that crackles through every shared glance. Their bond unfolds through danger and deception, against the backdrop of a beautifully crafted world steeped in illusion, prophecy, and haunting lore. The mirror magic is original and vividly described, a perfect metaphor for identity, truth, and the masks we wear.
What sets this book apart is its atmosphere. The prose is lush and poetic, echoing the gothic beauty of Cruel Prince meets Beauty and the Beast, with a touch of Throne of Glass. Every scene feels cinematic, from the misty corridors of the palace to the dreamlike, distorted realm of mirrors.
By the final act, the story crescendos into an emotional storm—betrayal, sacrifice, and a love that burns as fiercely as it condemns. It’s haunting, romantic, and satisfyingly complete, even as it teases more “Wicked Princes” to come.
when Princess Esmira discovers she has forbidden magic, she is faced with the decision to flee or be executed. in hopes of escaping through the rumored palace’s hidden tunnels, she finds herself in a chamber with an ancient mirror. a touch of forbidden magic shatters the glass and frees Prince Methrin, the Wicked Prince of Mirrors. previously exiled to the Mirrorverse, after a tale so twisted by those in powers, Methrin is back - immortal, furious and dangerously handsome. with the claims that the tales about him are falsified and that he needs Esmira’s magic is the key to righting what is wrong, Esmira is pulled into a world filled with illusions, an obscure prophecy and a prince who sees her for herself and not any title. although raised to view the prince as wicked, as her enemy, Esmira finds her connection with the prince deepening throughout their adventures and their quests to be rid of a monster that the prince had unleashed.
i absolutely loved the quick pace of this romantasy, the descriptive colors of this fantasy world and the way Angela J Ford played with the “enemies to lovers” troped by having the fmc raised to fear and dislike the mmc. just to find out he is completely different to what her pre-determined image of him was. i loved how this story paid an ode to conquering ones “darkness,” the self-hating, negative thoughts that can create such a barrier to seeing the light. i thought it beautifully spoke to every day struggles of those challenged by mental illnesses.
I have a somewhat odd obsession with magic mirrors that take you to foreign lands, so this book immediately captivated my interest. I did receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review, full disclosure. If I could leave half stars, this would definitely be a bump up, but that's not an option here.
What I really enjoyed: - the mirror magic, as mentioned, I love the idea of falling through a mirror and ending up in another world - high stakes drama - multiple worlds at risk, dangerous (and pretty cool) bad creatures, and socio-political pressure coming from all angles - the sweet, innocent romance that felt relatable and nostalgic
Why only 3.5 stars? - I do feel like this could have had another round with an editor, there were quite a few basic errors - The protagonist often felt like she was just coasting along. We saw her internal angst, but as high as the stakes were, it didn't feel like she was actually challenged as much as I wanted her to be. I love it when protagonists hit rock bottom and bounce a few times before smashing everyone's expectations and saving the day.
The rating is my personal story preference. For readers who like a sweeter, less dangerous read that still has a great magical story and high stakes, this would hit the spot for sure.
Based on this story, I'd absolutely pick up another of Angela J. Ford's books when I'm in the mood for a book that I don't have to put down and can read cover to cover in a single sitting.
Angela J. Ford kicks off the Wicked Princes shared universe with Wicked Prince of Mirrors, a tale that proves reflections are rarely as innocent as they seem. At its heart, this is a dark fairytale that toys with the idea of truth, twisting history and morality until you’re not entirely sure who the villain really is—or if there even is one.
Princess Esmira begins her journey as the quintessential sheltered royal, all wide-eyed naivety and good intentions. But when her forbidden mirror magic awakens—and in the process frees Methrin, the Wicked Prince himself—her carefully arranged world fractures. What follows is a tense alliance stitched together with curses, secrets, and the unnerving realization that salvation and damnation might be two sides of the same mirror.
The book shines in its themes of self-acceptance, light versus dark, and the perilous seduction of power, all wrapped in a gothic-fairytale atmosphere. The romance is more a subtle shimmer than a blaze—delicate, teasing, and just enough to soften the shadows. Told entirely through Esmira’s eyes, the story maintains its intimacy, though I confess I wouldn’t have minded a glimpse into Methrin’s thoughts (because really, who doesn’t want to peek behind the mask of a wicked prince?).
Elegant, moody, and deliciously reflective, this standalone is proof that sometimes the scariest thing isn’t the monster in the mirror—it’s realizing the reflection is your own.
This book portrays the work of Angela J. Ford at her best, it is a dark romantic slow burn fantasy novel about a prince who had been cursed to live in the mirrorverse for eternity. He was considered to be the worst villain of the time, however the princess was soon to discover otherwise. She realises that she possesses mirror magic, and she knows that this was a type of magic considered dangerous in her father's kingdom, and that unless she fled the palace she would be executed if this was discovered. She takes to the tunnels below the palace hoping they would help her escape from the clutches of the dreaded venators, however she instead steps into a room of mirrors and manages to shatter these, thus releasing Methrin, the dreaded supposedly evil prince. He captures her and takes her with him to his own realm which he had been exiled from many years before. He was never cruel to her, on the contrary he showed her kindness and protection, but they were far from safe even in his own realm. This book is full of twists and turns, full of suspense and danger, showing how everyone has a dark side to oneself, a monster inside if you will, which must be defeated. Both Mithrin and Esmira fought their darker side, hoping to be allowed to live happily ever after. This is a book which just has to be read, I particularly love the idea of the night market and the descriptions of the different realms, which are so much a characteristic of Ms. Ford's writing which I so enjoy.
Wicked Prince of Mirrors follows Princess Esmira, who unexpectedly manifests forbidden Mirror Magic—and accidentally uses it to free the realm’s most dangerous prisoner: Prince Methrin, the so-called Wicked Prince of Mirrors, who claims he was framed. Forced to go on the run, Esmira soon discovers that Methrin may not be the villain she was raised to fear. Together, they embark on a quest to clear their names, unravel a broken prophecy, and confront a growing threat to their world.
This is a fast-paced romantasy story filled with forbidden magic, ancient monsters, and mirror realms steeped in illusion. This story kept me guessing and wondering—and rooting for the characters all the way through. The world-building around the mirror realm was especially fascinating, and the twists and secrets kept me turning the pages.
I loved seeing Esmira grow into her power and strength, while Methrin protects her and helps her master her magic. Their slow-burn romance is packed with sharp banter, tension, and emotional depth—which made it hard to put the book down.
A perfect addition to your spooky season TBR. Don’t miss this magical, twisty read!
Thank You Angela J. Ford and The Nerd Fam for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The Wicked Prince of Mirrors was an okay read—one with potential, but not the payoff I kept waiting for.
I was hoping for stronger world-building, higher stakes, and more depth overall. There were moments where it felt like the story might finally take off, but it never quite did. The FMC felt underdeveloped and passive, the MMC wasn’t much stronger, and there was a noticeable lack of romance. These two characters didn’t feel especially interesting on their own, and they definitely didn’t feel like they belonged together. The “enemies to lovers” angle never really landed.
I also wanted more action, richer descriptions, and more immersive fight scenes. The world hinted at something bigger, but it wasn’t explored deeply enough to fully pull me in.
Coming off faster-paced fantasy reads, this one felt muted. You really have to be in the mood for a slower, quieter story.
I’m giving it a 3.5 because there is potential here, and I don’t want to write off the author. If I run across the next book, I may pick it up—but I’m not in a rush to see what happens next.
Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews (BookTome Edition): “Wicked Prince of Mirrors” by Angela J. Ford
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author, and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.
"He's the kingdom's most dangerous prisoner. She just accidentally helped him escape!"
When Princess Esmira unleashes a forbidden magic onto the kingdom, she attempts to flee the castle's hidden passages only to stumble upon a chamber of ancient mirrors! With just one touch, the glass shatters—freeing the Wicked Prince of Mirrors from a curse put on him for his cruel vanity and reckless betrayal! When the prince claims he's been framed and he needs Esmira’s help to find the real threat still lurking in the shadows, the two runaway royals decide to work together to save their kingdoms and clear their names! That is..if they don't end up falling for each other first!
From the author of the “Tower Knights” series comes the first book in the author-collaborated Fantasy Romance series “Wicked Princes” by Angela J. Ford! This Dark Romantasy novel delivers an action-packed narrative filled with Mrs. Ford's signature tension-filled chemistry and a magical quest filled with twists and turns! The narrative also provides important commentary on the dangers of unjust villainization through fear and misinformation without full contextualization through the allegorical dynamics and gradual development between Esmira and Methrin. Dare to go within the Mirror Dimensions of the Fordiverse? Then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on October 3, 2025!
- Trigger Warnings: Discussions of War, Death of Family Members, Discussions of Grief and Loss, Discussions of Misinformation, Discussions of Discrimination, and Family Conflict (Father/Daughter)!
Okay, so... the premise had me hooked (mirrors! princes! dark magic!), but the execution? A miss for me. 😅
The romance? I couldn’t feel the connection. So much happened off-page (fine!), but for a slow-burn? I needed more banter, more "enemies," more... tension on the page. It was like watching a romance through frosted glass.
And the pacing? Started slow... then you get caught up in the rush... and then it just... drags. I felt like I skimmed the last few chapters (or six 😅) but I definitely didn't!
Esmira? Sweet girl, but she felt like a mouse in a lion’s den—and not in a fun, empowering way. I wanted her to roar, but she mostly... squeaked. (Though her journey to find purpose? That part? Chef’s kiss. 🖤)
Methrin? Had potential! But he felt like a sketch—needed more shading, more sides of him on-page, more something to make him real. We got his backstory. We know why he's called the Wicked Prince of Mirrors, but.... something was missing...
The plot? Intriguing. The lore? Amazing. The stakes? High. The execution? Not for me.
Thank you to Angela J. Ford for this gifted ARC. All thoughts are my own.
This is a quick read if you want to dive into a world of light versus dark, lore and magic, portals to other realms, and lots of dark fairytale vibes.
Esmira is the human princess who suddenly manifests Mirror Magic - the one magic that results in immediate execution, for there is a dark history in the land of the Wicked Prince of Mirrors that became so twisted from his Mirror Magic that he led the land into famine and war and let dark creatures escape. To make matters worse for Esmira, she accidentally uses her magic to help the Wicked Prince escape his imprisonment.
The story in part is a growth journey for the naive princess as she discovers secrets and lost histories to the truths she has grown up with. It’s about a battle of good against evil. It’s about how people have many facets to them. And it’s about how our shadow selves plague us.
Easy to read. Cool lore. Def recommend for the October season. These are my honest thoughts. Thank you for letting me receive an advanced copy!
I enjoyed every single page of this book and I am sorry that it has ended. But that only makes me look forward to reading it again!
To me the story opened many layers of Mirror Magic. Holding a mirror up and seeing the truth of self, the internal battle of inner demons, the truth in family and friends and finding the one person who sees you exactly as you are and helping you see your own worth and capabilities.
I enjoyed riding along on Esmira and Methrin's adventures. So many twist and turns and watching them fall in love and find each other.. priceless!
This book had just a hint of spice to make me kick of my feet and sigh with happiness. I truly recommend it for all readers!
Tropes: 🪞Forbidden Magic 🪞Cursed Prince 🪞Enemies to lovers 🪞Slow-Burn Romance 🪞Forbidden love 🪞Dark fairytale vibes 🪞Forced Proximity 🪞Magical Prophecy 🪞Touch of Madness
***ARC REVIEW** Every child in the kingdom knows the story of the Wicked Prince of Mirrors and is taught to fear those who possess Mirror Magic. Wielders of this forbidden power are sentenced to immediate execution, lest they use their craft to set the Wicked Prince free from his prison within the Mirrorverse.
Princess Esmira, daughter of the king who usurped the Wicked Prince's throne, suddenly discovers—to her horror—that she possesses Mirror Magic. In her attempt to flee, she accidentally helps the Wicked Prince escape his prison.
I enjoyed the journey of self-discovery and growth in this story. The magical worlds and political strife between different kingdoms add depth to Esmira's adventure. The author included the lesson that whoever wins the war is able to write history however they see fit. As always, Angela J. Ford's beautiful world building and slow-burn romance captivate her audience from start to finish.
This was such a fun book to read read! It’s a story about forbidden magic, hidden truths, a prophecy, and the realization that history is written by the victors and it might not be the entire truthful.
Princess Esmira has always been told by her father that her only purpose is to marry for political gain. That is until she discovers that she has forbidden mirror magic and is forced to flee. In her escape, she accidentally frees the Wicked Prince, Methrin, who was banished to the mirror long ago. But as the two of them try to escape, Esmira begins to question everything she’s been taught about the prince and her mirror magic.
Esmira’s growth is one of my favorite parts of the book. She starts off as very sheltered and naive but learns to embrace her magic and her strength. She realizes that “evil” and “good” exist within everyone, even herself. Methrin’s is there along the way supporting her, especially as he did the same a long time ago.
Overall, this is a great book and I enjoyed reading it.