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Mirrorwoven
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jul 26You are cordially invited to the Dragon Masquerade …
Del has two rules. stay away from royalty. don’t fall in love.
The first – because Del is secretly a runaway princess. After the death of her sister at the hand of her boyfriend, Del flees her family, home and all the responsibilities that come with being the queendom’s new heir. With a magically constructed mirrorwoven face, Del is now unrecognisable, and disappears to the faraway opaline lagoon-city of Salato.
The second rule – because the enchantment hiding Del’s identity can only be unravelled by true love’s kiss. But that’s just fine. Del’s had enough of love anyway.
When Del breaks Rule One and becomes court bard to the newly widowed First of Salato, she is resolved to keep her head down. But Clara is naïve and trusts too easily, and soon Del finds herself having to guide Clara through the shoals of court life, somehow without revealing her own secret.
As Del grows closer to both Clara and Nasca, Clara’s brilliant, dangerous sister-in-law, it will only take a push to bring Del’s house of cards tumbling down.
Like, for example, breaking Rule Two.
Del has two rules. stay away from royalty. don’t fall in love.
The first – because Del is secretly a runaway princess. After the death of her sister at the hand of her boyfriend, Del flees her family, home and all the responsibilities that come with being the queendom’s new heir. With a magically constructed mirrorwoven face, Del is now unrecognisable, and disappears to the faraway opaline lagoon-city of Salato.
The second rule – because the enchantment hiding Del’s identity can only be unravelled by true love’s kiss. But that’s just fine. Del’s had enough of love anyway.
When Del breaks Rule One and becomes court bard to the newly widowed First of Salato, she is resolved to keep her head down. But Clara is naïve and trusts too easily, and soon Del finds herself having to guide Clara through the shoals of court life, somehow without revealing her own secret.
As Del grows closer to both Clara and Nasca, Clara’s brilliant, dangerous sister-in-law, it will only take a push to bring Del’s house of cards tumbling down.
Like, for example, breaking Rule Two.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨👑 Mirrorwoven 👑 ✨
Sapphic Princess 🤝🏾 Love Triangle
I definitely need more Sapphic Princess romances! This was a fun Romantasy even if it’s a bit predictable!
4.5 Star read!
🪞 What to Expect
• Runaway princess
• Musician FMC
• Hidden identity
• Magical disguise
• Sapphic Romance
• Court politics
• Love triangle
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Rating: 4.5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel and Friends, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Sapphic Princess 🤝🏾 Love Triangle
I definitely need more Sapphic Princess romances! This was a fun Romantasy even if it’s a bit predictable!
4.5 Star read!
🪞 What to Expect
• Runaway princess
• Musician FMC
• Hidden identity
• Magical disguise
• Sapphic Romance
• Court politics
• Love triangle
_ _ _ _
⭐ Final Rating: 4.5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel and Friends, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Want to Read
January 3, 2026YA sapphic fantasy w/ love triangle
March 4, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley for providing an ARC for review.
Del is on the run. An heir to a magical kingdom in magical disguise, all she wants is to become a guild bard in Solato, a supposed democratic lagoon-city. Through a series of events however she finds herself court bard to the widowed First of Solato, which is a nightmare because of course, Rule 1 is to stay away from royalty. Rule 2 is not to fall in love - and of course Del, the disaster bisexual that she is, finds herself falling head over heels for the city's ruler. Oh, and there's also Clara's hot sister in law. Del must somehow keep herself hidden while helping the naive Clara the First navigate the leadership of a city roiling with class tension. What could go wrong?
Bori crafted a unique Venice inspired setting, interesting characters, a well voiced protagonist and of course, an enormous amount of sapphic yearning (and payoff). The twists in this were very satisfying, and once the pace picks up in the back half of the book it was difficult to put down.
This is an atypical read for me and I still found myself struggling to really connect with the story and characters, but I still ultimately enjoyed the read and am impressed at the quality of this debut.
Great work Bori, I'm proud of you!
Del is on the run. An heir to a magical kingdom in magical disguise, all she wants is to become a guild bard in Solato, a supposed democratic lagoon-city. Through a series of events however she finds herself court bard to the widowed First of Solato, which is a nightmare because of course, Rule 1 is to stay away from royalty. Rule 2 is not to fall in love - and of course Del, the disaster bisexual that she is, finds herself falling head over heels for the city's ruler. Oh, and there's also Clara's hot sister in law. Del must somehow keep herself hidden while helping the naive Clara the First navigate the leadership of a city roiling with class tension. What could go wrong?
Bori crafted a unique Venice inspired setting, interesting characters, a well voiced protagonist and of course, an enormous amount of sapphic yearning (and payoff). The twists in this were very satisfying, and once the pace picks up in the back half of the book it was difficult to put down.
This is an atypical read for me and I still found myself struggling to really connect with the story and characters, but I still ultimately enjoyed the read and am impressed at the quality of this debut.
Great work Bori, I'm proud of you!
October 17, 2025
Read an early copy of this and I CANNOT WAIT for it to be out in the world. One of the best YA fantasies I've read, hands down. So imaginative, so funny, and so damn heartbreaking. (Bori, you're the worst. But your books slaps.)
Read
March 17, 2026Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Full disclosure: This is not a book I can review without bias. I've been cheering it on since its inception - since its predecessor's inception! - and seeing Cser's hard work come to fruition fills me with an admiration and pride that was always going to colour my reading experience.
By the same token, I'm fairly miserly with my star ratings, and have only become pickier and more discerning as my reading journey has gone on. I love and support my friends, but I also believe strongly in honesty, and in the boundaries between readerly and writerly spaces.
Thankfully, though unsurprisingly, Mirrorwoven was fantastic, and I can gush with integrity. Mirrorwoven follows Del, a runaway princess who soon finds that she has inadvertently traded the trials and tribulations of one court and kingdom - well, queendom: her home, Gilnea - for another. It is in this latter nation, the Venice-inspired city-state Salato, that Del must learn to stand her ground, navigating her appointment as court bard to its ruler, the First; her budding relationships with two very different, though equally alluring, sisters-by-marriage, Clara and Nasca; the fraught politics of a much larger, wealthier foreign body; and all that follows as a result.
I loved these characters from the very first page, and soon found myself as swept up in the happenings of their lives as they were. This debut is written with so much self assurance, such attention to detail and respect for the craft of writing, that it almost transcends genre. I say almost, because this is very much a young adult fantasy novel, and it shows too much respect for both the genre and its readers to waste page space trying to convert the uninitiated, no matter how much it knows they're missing out. But for the casual fantasy reader, it's a joyous reminder of all that is good about the genre, and for the fantasy lover, it's a no-brainer.
In some respects, Cser shows her hand early. There are no deus ex machinas here, only Chekhov's guns and Occam's razors. Setup and payoff go hand in hand, and in Mirrorwoven, such narrative principles are deftly balanced against surprise and intrigue, always in harmony. The joy is not in watching the cards being revealed, but in seeing how expertly Cser stacks them up, only to make them tumble at just the right moment. The whole thing is spectacularly orchestrated; never is that clearer than in its conclusion, which ties up just enough to leave you happy and hopeful, but not so much that you're totally satisfied - because such completion, of course, comes with Mirrorwoven #2, just as intended.
I can't wait to have this book in my hot little hands come pub day. If you like sapphic romances, if you like love triangles, forbidden love, YEARNING (my God, the yearning), rich historical Venetian fantasy settings, world-building as natural as breathing and as exciting as your dream holiday, court politics, masquerade balls, music, love, life, light - give Mirrorwoven a try. I doubt you'll regret it.
Thank you to Bori Cser, Harper Fire, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. What a fun week of reading this has been!
By the same token, I'm fairly miserly with my star ratings, and have only become pickier and more discerning as my reading journey has gone on. I love and support my friends, but I also believe strongly in honesty, and in the boundaries between readerly and writerly spaces.
Thankfully, though unsurprisingly, Mirrorwoven was fantastic, and I can gush with integrity. Mirrorwoven follows Del, a runaway princess who soon finds that she has inadvertently traded the trials and tribulations of one court and kingdom - well, queendom: her home, Gilnea - for another. It is in this latter nation, the Venice-inspired city-state Salato, that Del must learn to stand her ground, navigating her appointment as court bard to its ruler, the First; her budding relationships with two very different, though equally alluring, sisters-by-marriage, Clara and Nasca; the fraught politics of a much larger, wealthier foreign body; and all that follows as a result.
I loved these characters from the very first page, and soon found myself as swept up in the happenings of their lives as they were. This debut is written with so much self assurance, such attention to detail and respect for the craft of writing, that it almost transcends genre. I say almost, because this is very much a young adult fantasy novel, and it shows too much respect for both the genre and its readers to waste page space trying to convert the uninitiated, no matter how much it knows they're missing out. But for the casual fantasy reader, it's a joyous reminder of all that is good about the genre, and for the fantasy lover, it's a no-brainer.
In some respects, Cser shows her hand early. There are no deus ex machinas here, only Chekhov's guns and Occam's razors. Setup and payoff go hand in hand, and in Mirrorwoven, such narrative principles are deftly balanced against surprise and intrigue, always in harmony. The joy is not in watching the cards being revealed, but in seeing how expertly Cser stacks them up, only to make them tumble at just the right moment. The whole thing is spectacularly orchestrated; never is that clearer than in its conclusion, which ties up just enough to leave you happy and hopeful, but not so much that you're totally satisfied - because such completion, of course, comes with Mirrorwoven #2, just as intended.
I can't wait to have this book in my hot little hands come pub day. If you like sapphic romances, if you like love triangles, forbidden love, YEARNING (my God, the yearning), rich historical Venetian fantasy settings, world-building as natural as breathing and as exciting as your dream holiday, court politics, masquerade balls, music, love, life, light - give Mirrorwoven a try. I doubt you'll regret it.
Thank you to Bori Cser, Harper Fire, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. What a fun week of reading this has been!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A runaway princess in the midst of a journey
Imagine your situation when you create only two rules and quickly end up breaking both? That's exactly what happens to Del in "Mirrorwoven". First of all, I wanted to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Generally, love triangles are very hit or miss for me, and this one was a miss. Unfortunately, I didn't like Nasca at all, and nothing about her convinced me of her feelings or that anyone could feel anything for her (that was quite sad, actually), but I have a vague impression that perhaps it was a reaction the author expected (and perhaps it was her intention, I can't say).
Therefore, for me, I saw the story more as a romance between Del and Clara, and I anxiously awaited the moment when things would work out for them... But I was nervous thinking about everything Del was hiding from Clara, including her identity. What actually makes it more interesting and more to my liking, because I love stories where one side hides who they are, and has reasons for doing so.
I loved how the musical element was handled in the story, and the importance it had. It was very moving to feel how much music really meant to Del, but I'll try not to say too much about it so you can have the same sense of discovery while reading. I also loved the vivid descriptions, well-connected to the sensory side, making them easy to imagine and experience.
However, I felt something was missing. In the world-building and the magic, mainly, but I don't know if I can name everything I felt was missing. The truth is that the story had the potential to be even more, and I missed seeing that. Maybe I had too high expectations, but I really felt it lacked a spark. It had a lot of potential to be a wonderful book, but I enjoyed it anyway.
I think one of the things that took me out of the reading a bit was the fact that I felt part of the way the plot was handled, and part of the language, didn't quite match the YA genre that's so often mentioned in the synopsis, and perhaps that's something the author could pay attention to in the future when writing another YA book. Maybe because I read and write YA I'm a bit more picky about this, so I think it's important to say that maybe my opinion is biased.
I was also sad that some characters just disappeared and lost importance throughout the plot, when the book gave the impression that they would have an important role in the story. I also missed seeing more of "Mirrorwoven," but it had a secondary role in the story.
Finally, I recommend the book to those who like lighter fantasies with a fairy tale touch, as well as easy-to-visualize universes. And definitely the highlight of the book is the beautiful romance. I will certainly read the books that the author publishes in the future.
Imagine your situation when you create only two rules and quickly end up breaking both? That's exactly what happens to Del in "Mirrorwoven". First of all, I wanted to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Generally, love triangles are very hit or miss for me, and this one was a miss. Unfortunately, I didn't like Nasca at all, and nothing about her convinced me of her feelings or that anyone could feel anything for her (that was quite sad, actually), but I have a vague impression that perhaps it was a reaction the author expected (and perhaps it was her intention, I can't say).
Therefore, for me, I saw the story more as a romance between Del and Clara, and I anxiously awaited the moment when things would work out for them... But I was nervous thinking about everything Del was hiding from Clara, including her identity. What actually makes it more interesting and more to my liking, because I love stories where one side hides who they are, and has reasons for doing so.
I loved how the musical element was handled in the story, and the importance it had. It was very moving to feel how much music really meant to Del, but I'll try not to say too much about it so you can have the same sense of discovery while reading. I also loved the vivid descriptions, well-connected to the sensory side, making them easy to imagine and experience.
However, I felt something was missing. In the world-building and the magic, mainly, but I don't know if I can name everything I felt was missing. The truth is that the story had the potential to be even more, and I missed seeing that. Maybe I had too high expectations, but I really felt it lacked a spark. It had a lot of potential to be a wonderful book, but I enjoyed it anyway.
I think one of the things that took me out of the reading a bit was the fact that I felt part of the way the plot was handled, and part of the language, didn't quite match the YA genre that's so often mentioned in the synopsis, and perhaps that's something the author could pay attention to in the future when writing another YA book. Maybe because I read and write YA I'm a bit more picky about this, so I think it's important to say that maybe my opinion is biased.
I was also sad that some characters just disappeared and lost importance throughout the plot, when the book gave the impression that they would have an important role in the story. I also missed seeing more of "Mirrorwoven," but it had a secondary role in the story.
Finally, I recommend the book to those who like lighter fantasies with a fairy tale touch, as well as easy-to-visualize universes. And definitely the highlight of the book is the beautiful romance. I will certainly read the books that the author publishes in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ☆
Del is a runaway princess who has fled her kingdom in the wake of her sister’s death. She swears to two rules: stay away from royalty and don’t fall in love. However, this doesn’t go according to plan, as she becomes bard to the new First Salato (royalty), but Del also manages to fall in love during the process.
Del was an interesting FMC to say the least. From the very first page, you’re immediately sucked into her life after having left her kingdom. She’s trying to figure herself out while keeping her identity hidden, which isn’t difficult thanks to the enchantment concealing her features (which can only be broken by true love’s kiss). Del finds herself in a love triangle between two sisters, which I really enjoyed. Love triangles are normally hit or miss, to the point where I slightly dread them when I see they’re incorporated in a story, especially when siblings are involved. But that wasn’t the case. There was a lot of yearning, and you could tell the feelings involved were genuine from the beginning.
Music is a large part of this story, and at first I wondered whether it would be heavily emphasized or pushed aside as an afterthought. I was glad to see that it was extremely important to Del and her story, and I think it made the reading experience all the more enjoyable.
The only difficulty I had while reading was this underlying feeling that something was missing. There are parts of the book where certain situations or the worldbuilding itself could have been expanded. I thought there would be more explanations with mirrors and their significance, especially given that the book is called Mirrorwoven. This is just one example, but overall, I don’t feel like it took away from the story. It was extremely atmospheric and enjoyable. I liked the characters and the magic system. I could appreciate the incorporation of music because it’s not something I come across too frequently in fantasy books. I definitely would read more by this author.
Del is a runaway princess who has fled her kingdom in the wake of her sister’s death. She swears to two rules: stay away from royalty and don’t fall in love. However, this doesn’t go according to plan, as she becomes bard to the new First Salato (royalty), but Del also manages to fall in love during the process.
Del was an interesting FMC to say the least. From the very first page, you’re immediately sucked into her life after having left her kingdom. She’s trying to figure herself out while keeping her identity hidden, which isn’t difficult thanks to the enchantment concealing her features (which can only be broken by true love’s kiss). Del finds herself in a love triangle between two sisters, which I really enjoyed. Love triangles are normally hit or miss, to the point where I slightly dread them when I see they’re incorporated in a story, especially when siblings are involved. But that wasn’t the case. There was a lot of yearning, and you could tell the feelings involved were genuine from the beginning.
Music is a large part of this story, and at first I wondered whether it would be heavily emphasized or pushed aside as an afterthought. I was glad to see that it was extremely important to Del and her story, and I think it made the reading experience all the more enjoyable.
The only difficulty I had while reading was this underlying feeling that something was missing. There are parts of the book where certain situations or the worldbuilding itself could have been expanded. I thought there would be more explanations with mirrors and their significance, especially given that the book is called Mirrorwoven. This is just one example, but overall, I don’t feel like it took away from the story. It was extremely atmospheric and enjoyable. I liked the characters and the magic system. I could appreciate the incorporation of music because it’s not something I come across too frequently in fantasy books. I definitely would read more by this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mirrorwoven was on my ‘maybe’ list of books to read, and I’m so glad I requested it. I was a little on the fence about this book in the beginning, but something changed along the way, and by the end, I loved it. So much so that I was very annoyed by the open-endedness of things, and there definitely better be a sequel on the horizon or I’m going to be very upset.
I tend to not like love triangles, but I thought this one was well done. At first, I was definitely more invested in Del and Nasca, but as we got to know Clara more, my opinion shifted. I almost instantly liked Del and Nasca (both as individuals and as potential love interests), but Clara very much grew on me throughout the book in a way that I wasn’t expecting.
The story also went places I was not anticipating to the point that I was reading it at work during lunch and trying not to cuss at my desk (and failing). I often see things coming from a mile away, so this was a nice change of pace. Some of these things were wrapped up by the end, but others were left open for that sequel that I hope is happening.
I really only had one complaint about the book and that was that I found some things confusing in the beginning, which is maybe why I was on the fence at first. I felt like some things were left a little too vague for too long regarding Del’s life before coming to Salato. Not getting the full picture made it hard for me to remember who was who, which wasn’t helped by the fact that sometimes their full name was used and sometimes their nickname.
This was a very enjoyable and engaging book that I couldn’t wait to continue every time I had to stop for something ridiculous like sleep or work. Four and a half stars, rounded up.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I tend to not like love triangles, but I thought this one was well done. At first, I was definitely more invested in Del and Nasca, but as we got to know Clara more, my opinion shifted. I almost instantly liked Del and Nasca (both as individuals and as potential love interests), but Clara very much grew on me throughout the book in a way that I wasn’t expecting.
The story also went places I was not anticipating to the point that I was reading it at work during lunch and trying not to cuss at my desk (and failing). I often see things coming from a mile away, so this was a nice change of pace. Some of these things were wrapped up by the end, but others were left open for that sequel that I hope is happening.
I really only had one complaint about the book and that was that I found some things confusing in the beginning, which is maybe why I was on the fence at first. I felt like some things were left a little too vague for too long regarding Del’s life before coming to Salato. Not getting the full picture made it hard for me to remember who was who, which wasn’t helped by the fact that sometimes their full name was used and sometimes their nickname.
This was a very enjoyable and engaging book that I couldn’t wait to continue every time I had to stop for something ridiculous like sleep or work. Four and a half stars, rounded up.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Every now again, a book comes along that reminds you just how FUN reading can be. Mirrorwoven is absolutely that book.
If Kvothe from The Name of the Wind was a chaotic bisexual runaway princess, caught in a love triangle between Sabran from Priory of the Orange Tree and the femme equivalent of Robin Hood's Guy of Gisborne (the Richard Armitage version obviously!), while living like Sophie from Howl's Moving Castle if the curse had made her a hottie instead, while trying to compartmentalise herself like Shallan from the Stormlight Archive... you might get something like Mirrorwoven.
But these comparisons seem somewhat unfair as it is very much its own book! I loved Del/Adeline, despite (or because of) the consistently terrible decisions she made throughout the novel.
It was also so nice to see a love interest who was loved for just being a dang good person who consistently tries to be better.
Worth noting that this is a delightfully queernorm world, with well-written trans rep of a minor character with no associated trauma and queer characters all-over. The main character however, most certainly DOES have trauma, which leads her to fracture her personalities and we only properly uncover her backstory as the book goes on.
As someone who spent years of their life studying music, I got so much joy from Del as a main character- I can totally understand falling out of a boat and only thinking of your instrument.
Please tell me there is a sequel, and we will get to see more of the other kingdoms!
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins and Bori for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest feedback!!
If Kvothe from The Name of the Wind was a chaotic bisexual runaway princess, caught in a love triangle between Sabran from Priory of the Orange Tree and the femme equivalent of Robin Hood's Guy of Gisborne (the Richard Armitage version obviously!), while living like Sophie from Howl's Moving Castle if the curse had made her a hottie instead, while trying to compartmentalise herself like Shallan from the Stormlight Archive... you might get something like Mirrorwoven.
But these comparisons seem somewhat unfair as it is very much its own book! I loved Del/Adeline, despite (or because of) the consistently terrible decisions she made throughout the novel.
It was also so nice to see a love interest who was loved for just being a dang good person who consistently tries to be better.
Worth noting that this is a delightfully queernorm world, with well-written trans rep of a minor character with no associated trauma and queer characters all-over. The main character however, most certainly DOES have trauma, which leads her to fracture her personalities and we only properly uncover her backstory as the book goes on.
As someone who spent years of their life studying music, I got so much joy from Del as a main character- I can totally understand falling out of a boat and only thinking of your instrument.
Please tell me there is a sequel, and we will get to see more of the other kingdoms!
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins and Bori for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest feedback!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm screaming. I'm sobbing. I'm obsessed.
MIRRORWOVEN is a bright, joyous, heart-shredding debut. The world is vibrant and alive, inspired by Venetian canals singing with music, sunlit estuaries with salt on the air and dragons rumored to sleep below.
Del is an incredible protagonist, full of humor and sassy avoidance on the surface, fleeing from her trauma like her life depends on it. Her reluctant journey of self-acceptance had me gripped, shouting at her and rooting for her in equal measure.
And the yearning? Off the charts. This book spoils us with not one, but TWO iconic sapphic love interests. We've got one with cute pathetic puppy energy, who you just want to snuggle up with and protect from the world, but is actually a badass in her own right. Then another with unflinching step-on-me energy who might just burn the world down, and honestly, let her. How is a girl to choose??
But beyond the characters, and the love story, and the incredible setting, what truly shines in this book is the MUSIC. Not just a passing feature, or a light hobby for the MC. Music is woven so beautifully and inextricably into Del's character and her story. This book is written with such a clear passion for music, for the craft of creating and sharing songs, for the love and heartbreak and memories laden in every note.
If you're looking for something fresh, musical, both joyous and devastating, don't miss MIRRORWOVEN!
MIRRORWOVEN is a bright, joyous, heart-shredding debut. The world is vibrant and alive, inspired by Venetian canals singing with music, sunlit estuaries with salt on the air and dragons rumored to sleep below.
Del is an incredible protagonist, full of humor and sassy avoidance on the surface, fleeing from her trauma like her life depends on it. Her reluctant journey of self-acceptance had me gripped, shouting at her and rooting for her in equal measure.
And the yearning? Off the charts. This book spoils us with not one, but TWO iconic sapphic love interests. We've got one with cute pathetic puppy energy, who you just want to snuggle up with and protect from the world, but is actually a badass in her own right. Then another with unflinching step-on-me energy who might just burn the world down, and honestly, let her. How is a girl to choose??
But beyond the characters, and the love story, and the incredible setting, what truly shines in this book is the MUSIC. Not just a passing feature, or a light hobby for the MC. Music is woven so beautifully and inextricably into Del's character and her story. This book is written with such a clear passion for music, for the craft of creating and sharing songs, for the love and heartbreak and memories laden in every note.
If you're looking for something fresh, musical, both joyous and devastating, don't miss MIRRORWOVEN!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
a runaway princess, a borrowed face, and two rules she was absolutely never going to keep
okay so Mirrorwoven got me. like genuinely got me. Del is such a good protagonist, she's witty and chaotic and the kind of narrator who makes you want to follow her anywhere even when she's actively making terrible decisions. which she is. constantly. and it's great.
the love triangle actually works here?? which, as someone who is usually deeply skeptical of love triangles, feels worth saying out loud. Clara and Nasca are such different pulls on Del, and watching her emotionally combust over both of them while also trying to not blow her entire cover was honestly
so entertaining. the "true love's kiss breaks the enchantment" stakes added this perfect layer of tension to every single romantic moment and i loved it.
my main gripe is that i wanted more from the world. Salato sounds gorgeous, the mirrorwoven magic is genuinely cool, and i felt like we were always just on the edge of getting more and then... didn't quite get there. not a dealbreaker but i was hungry for it.
still, this was a really solid read and Del is the kind of character i'll be thinking about for a while.
4 stars.
(thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC. all opinions are my own.)
okay so Mirrorwoven got me. like genuinely got me. Del is such a good protagonist, she's witty and chaotic and the kind of narrator who makes you want to follow her anywhere even when she's actively making terrible decisions. which she is. constantly. and it's great.
the love triangle actually works here?? which, as someone who is usually deeply skeptical of love triangles, feels worth saying out loud. Clara and Nasca are such different pulls on Del, and watching her emotionally combust over both of them while also trying to not blow her entire cover was honestly
so entertaining. the "true love's kiss breaks the enchantment" stakes added this perfect layer of tension to every single romantic moment and i loved it.
my main gripe is that i wanted more from the world. Salato sounds gorgeous, the mirrorwoven magic is genuinely cool, and i felt like we were always just on the edge of getting more and then... didn't quite get there. not a dealbreaker but i was hungry for it.
still, this was a really solid read and Del is the kind of character i'll be thinking about for a while.
4 stars.
(thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC. all opinions are my own.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am incredibly grateful to HarperCollins UK, Children's for the opportunity to read and review Mirrorwoven. Being selected to explore this captivating story before its official release has been such a treat, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you. A huge thank you to the team at HarperCollins UK, Children's for their generosity and for making this advanced reading experience possible.
I am so in my Fantasy era at the moment!
Now, Mirrorwoven was good but it didn't live up to my expectations. It has a lot of promise and it is a good book, but it had the potential to be a great book, not just a good book.
The premise itself is good but most of the book felt like it was setting the scene and a lead up to the main event but at no point was it really clear where it was going.
There were certain characters that seemed so important in the beginning but then are barely featured or even mentioned throughout most of the story.
With the title being Mirrorwoven, I expected to see or hear of it more throughout but in reality it plays quite a minor part in the story.
With all of that being say, it's an enjoyable read. It wasn't something I struggled to get through by any means and it was time well spent. I am excited to see what's next for this author. I think a sequel could be a good idea as there's still lots that could be developed based on what we've seen.
I am so in my Fantasy era at the moment!
Now, Mirrorwoven was good but it didn't live up to my expectations. It has a lot of promise and it is a good book, but it had the potential to be a great book, not just a good book.
The premise itself is good but most of the book felt like it was setting the scene and a lead up to the main event but at no point was it really clear where it was going.
There were certain characters that seemed so important in the beginning but then are barely featured or even mentioned throughout most of the story.
With the title being Mirrorwoven, I expected to see or hear of it more throughout but in reality it plays quite a minor part in the story.
With all of that being say, it's an enjoyable read. It wasn't something I struggled to get through by any means and it was time well spent. I am excited to see what's next for this author. I think a sequel could be a good idea as there's still lots that could be developed based on what we've seen.
April 29, 2026
Oh I absolutely loved reading this debut gem of a book from Bori Cser!
Reading this book felt like reading a beautiful modern aged fairytale set in a world that reminded me of Venice. Think beautiful lagoons, canals and islands ruled by different kingdoms and our FMC Del, a princess from the Kingdom of Gilnea running away to Salato - mostly to pursue her love of music but also to run away from an awful tragedy and she does so under an enchantment that changes her appearance with magic made from mirrors.
Del then meets all these wonderful characters and explores the island of Salato which I think Bori does so wonderfully. Everything felt colourful and cultural and was a real pleasure to explore. All of the characters add such a wonderful depth to the story and I loved getting to know them all.
One of my favourite character dynamics was the sapphic love triangle between Del, Clara and Nasca. All the yearning and flirting had me squealing snd blushing and I love how the story panned out.
In this book you will also find court intrigue, traditional magic like “true loves first kiss” and one of my favourite tropes - found family
This book was a pleasure to read and I’m so thankful to harper fire for sending me an early copy and PR box. Congratulations Bori and can’t wait to read book two!
Reading this book felt like reading a beautiful modern aged fairytale set in a world that reminded me of Venice. Think beautiful lagoons, canals and islands ruled by different kingdoms and our FMC Del, a princess from the Kingdom of Gilnea running away to Salato - mostly to pursue her love of music but also to run away from an awful tragedy and she does so under an enchantment that changes her appearance with magic made from mirrors.
Del then meets all these wonderful characters and explores the island of Salato which I think Bori does so wonderfully. Everything felt colourful and cultural and was a real pleasure to explore. All of the characters add such a wonderful depth to the story and I loved getting to know them all.
One of my favourite character dynamics was the sapphic love triangle between Del, Clara and Nasca. All the yearning and flirting had me squealing snd blushing and I love how the story panned out.
In this book you will also find court intrigue, traditional magic like “true loves first kiss” and one of my favourite tropes - found family
This book was a pleasure to read and I’m so thankful to harper fire for sending me an early copy and PR box. Congratulations Bori and can’t wait to read book two!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 rounded up!
This sapphic fantasy novel caught my eye as soon as it was announced, with its stunning cover and exciting premise, and I’m so happy to say it absolutely lived up to my expectations. It’s a beautiful story of love, secrets, loyalty, and music. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read it early!
Set in a Venice-inspired fantasy world, Mirrorwoven follows Del, a runaway princess who has been magically altered to appear as a commoner so she can start a new life as a musician in a different kingdom. Despite her rule to stay away from royalty, she soon becomes the royal bard in Salato, where she is drawn into a love triangle with the ruling First and her sister-in-law. While her enchantment could be broken by true love’s kiss, already a problem for her in itself, political tensions are also rising, mistrust of the inexperienced First is simmering in Salato, and external threats begin to reach realm.
I’m not often sold on love triangles these days, but Bori Cser really made this one work so well. Clara and Nasca are such distinct presences in Del’s life - one kind, calm, and sometimes a bit too naive; the other fiery, brilliant, and dangerous. Even though I had no doubt who I leaned towards, I could tangibly feel the pull of both girls, which made Del’s hesitation feel very real (especially with the added complication of her enchantment potentially being undone).
The first half of the book focuses heavily on world-building and character development, all of it beautifully written. I wasn’t entirely sure where the fantasy plot was heading at first, but I didn’t mind, as I was so immersed in the setting and relationships. And then the story really picks up! The stakes rise, the twists start coming, and suddenly everything feels urgent and unpredictable. I was hooked and I didn’t see many of the developments coming - loved how it all unfolded!
As an Italian, I also really liked the familiar elements woven into this Venetian-inspired world, from the names to the small cultural details, and the use of some Italian expressions.
I’d highly recommend this to readers who enjoy YA fantasy with a slower, immersive build-up and high stakes in the second half, as well as sapphic romance.
This sapphic fantasy novel caught my eye as soon as it was announced, with its stunning cover and exciting premise, and I’m so happy to say it absolutely lived up to my expectations. It’s a beautiful story of love, secrets, loyalty, and music. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read it early!
Set in a Venice-inspired fantasy world, Mirrorwoven follows Del, a runaway princess who has been magically altered to appear as a commoner so she can start a new life as a musician in a different kingdom. Despite her rule to stay away from royalty, she soon becomes the royal bard in Salato, where she is drawn into a love triangle with the ruling First and her sister-in-law. While her enchantment could be broken by true love’s kiss, already a problem for her in itself, political tensions are also rising, mistrust of the inexperienced First is simmering in Salato, and external threats begin to reach realm.
I’m not often sold on love triangles these days, but Bori Cser really made this one work so well. Clara and Nasca are such distinct presences in Del’s life - one kind, calm, and sometimes a bit too naive; the other fiery, brilliant, and dangerous. Even though I had no doubt who I leaned towards, I could tangibly feel the pull of both girls, which made Del’s hesitation feel very real (especially with the added complication of her enchantment potentially being undone).
The first half of the book focuses heavily on world-building and character development, all of it beautifully written. I wasn’t entirely sure where the fantasy plot was heading at first, but I didn’t mind, as I was so immersed in the setting and relationships. And then the story really picks up! The stakes rise, the twists start coming, and suddenly everything feels urgent and unpredictable. I was hooked and I didn’t see many of the developments coming - loved how it all unfolded!
As an Italian, I also really liked the familiar elements woven into this Venetian-inspired world, from the names to the small cultural details, and the use of some Italian expressions.
I’d highly recommend this to readers who enjoy YA fantasy with a slower, immersive build-up and high stakes in the second half, as well as sapphic romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be sent an early copy of this by the author, and I so enjoyed it. At a plot level, it’s a compelling sapphic love triangle between young women who have had the welfare of kingdoms thrust onto their too-young shoulders; but it's also an exploration of grief and pain, responsibility and entitlement, the mistakes of youth, and all the ways that the artist is in constant friction with their place in society.
Del is a princess running away from her past after faking her own death and magically changing her face. Her new identity will hold as long as she never again falls in love, which she cannot imagine anyway. Not after what happened. She has a whole plan of making it as a lutist in her new home, which should be big enough to hide in. Except, then she meets the sweet Clara and the tart Nasca, and she officially has A Problem.
I very much enjoyed the lush fantasy historical setting, in a place that looks a lot like a Renaissance city state, complete with attendant political messiness; and the chaos bisexual MC, whose voice manages to both be sassy and compelling, and who also just felt very real as a musician.
The whole thing is delicious. Everyone is in for a treat.
Del is a princess running away from her past after faking her own death and magically changing her face. Her new identity will hold as long as she never again falls in love, which she cannot imagine anyway. Not after what happened. She has a whole plan of making it as a lutist in her new home, which should be big enough to hide in. Except, then she meets the sweet Clara and the tart Nasca, and she officially has A Problem.
I very much enjoyed the lush fantasy historical setting, in a place that looks a lot like a Renaissance city state, complete with attendant political messiness; and the chaos bisexual MC, whose voice manages to both be sassy and compelling, and who also just felt very real as a musician.
The whole thing is delicious. Everyone is in for a treat.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Whatever the nonsense being marketed to little girls today, being a princess is sometimes not all it's cracked up to be. Just ask Del.
After her sister dies at the hands of her boyfriend, Del is in line to become the ruler of their Queendom - something she has no desire to do. So, she escapes and travels far away, disguising herself with a mirror magic face which prevents anyone from recognising her - provided she follows the key rule: not falling in love.
But while Del may think that this is going to be a piece of cake, life has other plans in store for her. Not least the fascinating people she meets in her new location, and the court intrigues she must navigate there....
This is intelligent and creative fantasy storytelling which will be greatly enjoyed by the target readership.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
After her sister dies at the hands of her boyfriend, Del is in line to become the ruler of their Queendom - something she has no desire to do. So, she escapes and travels far away, disguising herself with a mirror magic face which prevents anyone from recognising her - provided she follows the key rule: not falling in love.
But while Del may think that this is going to be a piece of cake, life has other plans in store for her. Not least the fascinating people she meets in her new location, and the court intrigues she must navigate there....
This is intelligent and creative fantasy storytelling which will be greatly enjoyed by the target readership.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was an absolute delight. I have this thing where I'll read the first chapter of every book on my TBR (I don't know why I'm like this) and Mirrorwoven was so good right off the bat that it fully cut the TBR line. The voice is relatable and made me laugh more than once, the worldbuilding is very well done, and the characters consistently stumble through their mistakes with heart. The ending left me both satisfied and hungry for more (which is not an easy balance to pull off!)
Mirrorwoven is both a book that I wish I could've had as a teen and one I fully loved as an adult. Can someone say fully sapphic love triangle??? Anyway, highly highly recommend!
Mirrorwoven is both a book that I wish I could've had as a teen and one I fully loved as an adult. Can someone say fully sapphic love triangle??? Anyway, highly highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
A very sweet book with good world building. Del's character makes this book very witty and humorous. There is political tension and a magic system. This book has some essence of like sleeping beauty with enchantments.
The relationship Del develops with her found family is sweet. The love triangle and emotion indecision she has is relatable. Even at the end with her fighting her emotions and what is true and not is more believable. I love how Bori doesn't just have Del overcome what happen easily, you get her mentally battling herself.
This was a great read!
A very sweet book with good world building. Del's character makes this book very witty and humorous. There is political tension and a magic system. This book has some essence of like sleeping beauty with enchantments.
The relationship Del develops with her found family is sweet. The love triangle and emotion indecision she has is relatable. Even at the end with her fighting her emotions and what is true and not is more believable. I love how Bori doesn't just have Del overcome what happen easily, you get her mentally battling herself.
This was a great read!
Review of advance copy
This book was so good!! I picked it up because of the cover and was hooked as soon as I read the first page!
I really loved the world building and all of the characters, and found the romance so sweet. I normally avoid love triangles like the plague but I’m glad I pushed through for this one because it doesn’t last too long; after a while you can guess who the end game couple is.
Overall such a good read, and probably the only reason I’m giving it a 4/5 instead of 5/5 is because I’ve been reading too much epic high fantasy’s and not much ya recently.
I really loved the world building and all of the characters, and found the romance so sweet. I normally avoid love triangles like the plague but I’m glad I pushed through for this one because it doesn’t last too long; after a while you can guess who the end game couple is.
Overall such a good read, and probably the only reason I’m giving it a 4/5 instead of 5/5 is because I’ve been reading too much epic high fantasy’s and not much ya recently.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(3.5) e-ARC provided by NetGalley
what a super cute romp through magic, love, and music!
This book was very fun, superbly written in an easy-to-follow and slightly humorous style. Del is an extremely likeable character, being self-assured, and caring, but also too caught up in the events around her to remember everything. She is unsure about what is important to her, yet must make compromises all the time. The supporting characters also worked very well, each one highlighting a certain aspect of Del’s character. I also loved the clear growth of the characters, especially with Del’s relationship with Clara.
The worldbuilding is gorgeous. Set in a Venice-inspired world, our city is filled with canals and mirrors and music, completely different from Del’s hometown. I particularly liked the vivid, sensory descriptions, and felt Cser successfully conveyed the world and its complicated politics to me.
Despite it being YA, I felt there was a bit of discrepancy of tone. It reads like lower YA/upper middle grade, with a very simple tone and characterisation. Likewise, although there are some strong political themes involving royalty and abuse of power, and death, these are kept very simple and not expanded on much. The plot is also quite predictable — but this doesn’t make it any less entertaining! Sapphic YA fantasy is an insta-like from me
what a super cute romp through magic, love, and music!
This book was very fun, superbly written in an easy-to-follow and slightly humorous style. Del is an extremely likeable character, being self-assured, and caring, but also too caught up in the events around her to remember everything. She is unsure about what is important to her, yet must make compromises all the time. The supporting characters also worked very well, each one highlighting a certain aspect of Del’s character. I also loved the clear growth of the characters, especially with Del’s relationship with Clara.
The worldbuilding is gorgeous. Set in a Venice-inspired world, our city is filled with canals and mirrors and music, completely different from Del’s hometown. I particularly liked the vivid, sensory descriptions, and felt Cser successfully conveyed the world and its complicated politics to me.
Despite it being YA, I felt there was a bit of discrepancy of tone. It reads like lower YA/upper middle grade, with a very simple tone and characterisation. Likewise, although there are some strong political themes involving royalty and abuse of power, and death, these are kept very simple and not expanded on much. The plot is also quite predictable — but this doesn’t make it any less entertaining! Sapphic YA fantasy is an insta-like from me
October 15, 2025
Beautiful writing, rich world-building, and an absolutely enchanting storyline.
This book is so atmospheric, right from the start, and the author does an incredible job of balancing world-building with character development and real-time action. Get ready for a delightful romp in a lush world with characters you'll fall in love with at once!
Just stay away from the mirrors...
This book is so atmospheric, right from the start, and the author does an incredible job of balancing world-building with character development and real-time action. Get ready for a delightful romp in a lush world with characters you'll fall in love with at once!
Just stay away from the mirrors...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to get an arc! I really enjoyed stepping into Del’s world and following her on her quest to join the guild. I felt like I was right there in Salato with Del and the other characters (I have a soft spot for Minnow). The musical world was well-written, and Del’s humor (and secrets!) kept me turning the pages.
October 14, 2025
Sumptuous in its worldbuilding, sharp and witty in its prose, Mirrorwoven drew me in completely. These characters have a unique charm readers will fall hard for, and the romance will make you want to stand up and cheer! Such a sparkling, assured debut.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An utterly enchanting world and story that makes reading as magical as it is! I really enjoyed this beautiful story. I absolutely adored the world we got to enter and loved the journey of the characters. This story feels magical, exciting and emotional.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read an early copy and SO OBSESSED!
One of the best YA fantasies I've read, incredibly witty writing, was actually torn between the love triangle points. Would kill for Del, would die for Clara, will die under Nasca's blade.
One of the best YA fantasies I've read, incredibly witty writing, was actually torn between the love triangle points. Would kill for Del, would die for Clara, will die under Nasca's blade.
October 14, 2025
The prose sparkles and the story enchants! Del is one of my favourite disaster MCs I've ever read about and I can't wait for everyone to read this gem of a book.
Review of advance copy
Gorgeous writing and a gorgeous cover to match!
March 28, 2026
The main character’s decisions in this book made me so mad I had to stop reading it for a few days (I mean that as a compliment)
January 1, 2026
This book is SO good! The characters absolutely come to life on the page, the worldbuilding is so VIVID. I absolutely could not put it down. I cannot WAIT for this book to hit shelves. Trust me when I say you do not want to miss this one!
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