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The Mirror Sisters #1
The Mirror Sisters
From the legendary New York Times bestselling author of Flowers in the Attic and My Sweet Audrina (now Lifetime movies) comes the first book in a new series featuring identical twin sisters forced to act, look, and feel truly identical by a perfectionist mother. For fans of Ruth Ware (The Woman in Cabin 10) and Emma Donoghue (Room).Alike in every single way...with one dark exception. As identical twins, their mother insists that everything about them be their clothes, their toys, their friends...the number of letters in their names, Haylee Blossom Fitzgerald and Kaylee Blossom Fitzgerald. If one gets a hug, the other must too. If one gets punished, the other must be too. Homeschooled at an early age, when the girls attend a real high school they find little ways to highlight the differences between them. But when Haylee runs headfirst into the dating scene, both sisters are thrust into a world their mother never prepared them for—causing one twin to pursue the ultimate independence. The one difference between the two girls may spell the difference between life...and a fate worse than death. Written with the taboo-breaking, gothic atmosphere that V.C. Andrews is loved for, The Mirror Sisters is the latest in her long line of spellbinding novels about mysterious families and tormented love.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
463 people are currently reading
3037 people want to read
About the author
V.C. Andrews
370 books9,075 followersBooks published under the following names - Virginia Andrews, V. Andrews, Virginia C. Andrews & V.C. Endrius. Books since her death ghost written by Andrew Neiderman, but still attributed to the V.C. Andrews name
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
Virginia Cleo Andrews (born Cleo Virginia Andrews) was born June 6, 1923 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The youngest child and the only daughter of William Henry Andrews, a career navy man who opened a tool-and-die business after retirement, and Lillian Lilnora Parker Andrews, a telephone operator. She spent her happy childhood years in Portsmouth, Virginia, living briefly in Rochester, New York. The Andrews family returned to Portsmouth while Virginia was in high school.
While a teenager, Virginia suffered a tragic accident, falling down the stairs at her school and incurred severe back injuries. Arthritis and a failed spinal surgical procedure forced her to spend most of her life on crutches or in a wheelchair.
Virginia excelled in school and, at fifteen, won a scholarship for writing a parody of Tennyson's Idylls of the King. She proudly earned her diploma from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth. After graduation, she nurtured her artistic talent by completing a four-year correspondence art course while living at home with her family.
After William Andrews died in the late 1960s, Virginia helped to support herself and her mother through her extremely successful career as a commercial artist, portrait painter, and fashion illustrator.
Frustrated with the lack of creative satisfaction that her work provided, Virginia sought creative release through writing, which she did in secret. In 1972, she completed her first novel, The Gods of the Green Mountain [sic], a science-fantasy story. It was never published. Between 1972 and 1979, she wrote nine novels and twenty short stories, of which only one was published. "I Slept with My Uncle on My Wedding Night", a short fiction piece, was published in a pulp confession magazine.
Promise gleamed over the horizon for Virginia when she submitted a 290,000-word novel, The Obsessed, to a publishing company. She was told that the story had potential, but needed to be trimmed and spiced up a bit. She drafted a new outline in a single night and added "unspeakable things my mother didn't want me to write about." The ninety-eight-page revision was re-titled Flowers in the Attic and she was paid a $7,500 advance. Her new-generation Gothic novel reached the bestseller lists a mere two weeks after its 1979 paperback publication by Pocket Books.
Petals on the Wind, her sequel to Flowers, was published the next year, earning Virginia a $35,000 advance. The second book remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an unbelievable nineteen weeks (Flowers also returned to the list). These first two novels alone sold over seven million copies in only two years. The third novel of the Dollanganger series, If There Be Thorns, was released in 1981, bringing Virginia a $75,000 advance. It reached No. 2 on many bestseller lists within its first two weeks.
Taking a break from the chronicles of Chris and Cathy Dollanganger, Virginia published her one, and only, stand-alone novel, My Sweet Audrina, in 1982. The book welcomed an immediate success, topping the sales figures of her previous novels. Two years later, a fourth Dollanganger novel was released, Seeds of Yesterday. According to the New York Times, Seeds was the best-selling fiction paperback novel of 1984. Also in 1984, V.C. Andrews was named "Professional Woman of the Year" by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.
Upon Andrews's death in 1986, two final novels—Garden of Shadows and Fallen Hearts—were published. These two novels are considered the last to bear the "V.C. Andrews" name and to be almost completely written by
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October 14, 2016
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley.)
This was a contemporary story about identical twins.
The characters in this were a bit odd. The twins’ mother was obsessed with keeping everything the same for the twins, and it got old fast. The twins picked up on it and purposefully tried to please her though, so they were just as bad really.
The storyline in this was literally about how similar the girls were for the first half of the book and it really dragged because of it. When we finally got a plotline we had Haylee and Kaylee attending high school parties, and Haylee experimenting with sex. Haylee did also play a couple of cruel tricks on Kaylee, but for the most part they continued to play up being identical for their mother.
The ending to this was a total cliff-hanger.
6 out of 10
“Two halves make a whole,” Mother said. “Together they are my perfect daughter.”
This was a contemporary story about identical twins.
The characters in this were a bit odd. The twins’ mother was obsessed with keeping everything the same for the twins, and it got old fast. The twins picked up on it and purposefully tried to please her though, so they were just as bad really.
The storyline in this was literally about how similar the girls were for the first half of the book and it really dragged because of it. When we finally got a plotline we had Haylee and Kaylee attending high school parties, and Haylee experimenting with sex. Haylee did also play a couple of cruel tricks on Kaylee, but for the most part they continued to play up being identical for their mother.
The ending to this was a total cliff-hanger.
6 out of 10
October 18, 2016
Haylee and Kaylee are identical twins and when they were born their mother insisted that each be treated the exact same throughout their lives. From everything from their clothes and toys to whether one gets a hug the other must get the same their mother would not let the two have any sort of identity of their own and the twins quickly learned as they got older that keeping their mother happy kept the peace in the family.
As Haylee and Kaylee got older it became clear to them that their mother expected perfection and would not tolerate any disobedience, if one twin was punished then the other was too. The girls were home schooled and even expected to perform and learn the same so if one fell behind the other would pretend to need help. This was their life until the twins were finally allowed to attend school were young Haylee began to test the waters and her independence much to the dismay of Kaylee.
The Mirror Sisters was probably one of the better V.C. Andrews books that I have read since Ms. Andrews passed away. I've not always been a fan of the books from after the ghostwriter had taken over but I continue to pick these up hoping for some of that earlier magic. With this book the psychological torment from the overbearing mother was most definitely there which made for an intriguing read. I was also impressed that for a change I didn't feel that the book felt incredibly dated and seemed to be brought more into this century, there was even computers involved, color me shocked.
But the thing with this book that didn't allow me to rate it extremely high was that it just took so long to get passed establishing the twins torment that the story borders on dragging along waiting for more to happen. Then when things really do take place towards the end of the story progressing past the world building the book comes to an end leaving the reader with a huge cliffhanger to carry over into the second book. I will definitely be interested in continuing the story but I was still a bit disappointed to not have more content in this one.
Overall, 3.5 stars. To me this one was one of the better reads from the ghostwriter era of the V.C. Andrews catalog really setting up what looks like it will be an intriguing psychological thriller series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
As Haylee and Kaylee got older it became clear to them that their mother expected perfection and would not tolerate any disobedience, if one twin was punished then the other was too. The girls were home schooled and even expected to perform and learn the same so if one fell behind the other would pretend to need help. This was their life until the twins were finally allowed to attend school were young Haylee began to test the waters and her independence much to the dismay of Kaylee.
The Mirror Sisters was probably one of the better V.C. Andrews books that I have read since Ms. Andrews passed away. I've not always been a fan of the books from after the ghostwriter had taken over but I continue to pick these up hoping for some of that earlier magic. With this book the psychological torment from the overbearing mother was most definitely there which made for an intriguing read. I was also impressed that for a change I didn't feel that the book felt incredibly dated and seemed to be brought more into this century, there was even computers involved, color me shocked.
But the thing with this book that didn't allow me to rate it extremely high was that it just took so long to get passed establishing the twins torment that the story borders on dragging along waiting for more to happen. Then when things really do take place towards the end of the story progressing past the world building the book comes to an end leaving the reader with a huge cliffhanger to carry over into the second book. I will definitely be interested in continuing the story but I was still a bit disappointed to not have more content in this one.
Overall, 3.5 stars. To me this one was one of the better reads from the ghostwriter era of the V.C. Andrews catalog really setting up what looks like it will be an intriguing psychological thriller series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 26, 2016
The Mirror sister was a DNF for me at %15. The information and story given was just too repetitive. I felt like I was reading the same sentences over and over again and just couldn't continue.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book Via NetGalley.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book Via NetGalley.
August 7, 2017
I thought the mirror sisters by v.c Andrews was a good book but I didn't like the way the mom treated her twins.
December 5, 2016
Release Date: October 25, 2016
Genre: Young Adult. Gothic Fiction.
The Mirror Sisters is a story about obsession, lies, and manipulation. Told in classic V.C. Andrews gothic voice, readers will become captivated with this story. That is, if you can get past the fact that V.C. Andrews is not the real writer of this story, but her ghost writer Andrew Neiderman. If I am being honest, I would have to say that I really don’t mind his writing. I think it flows well with the voice of classic V.C. Andrews novels, and keeps up with more modern times. Many readers are unable to accept his writing style and that’s fine as it is their opinion alone, but for me, I will still read the books and most likely enjoy them. With that being said, I thought this was a pretty well written story and the plot is extremely unique. The characters did get on my nerves at points but this goes to show you that while the lies and manipulations go deep. The story does end on a cliffhanger and I can assure you that the ending is something you will not expect!! So, if you enjoy modern day V.C. Andrews novels than I would recommend this one to you.
What Worked for Me
The plot of this book is extremely unique. I don’t think we would see a story written like this from any other author of this time. It tells the story of identical twin sisters who are basically groomed to look after one another no matter what goes on in their lives and to remain perfect at all times. Their mother is completely obsessed with these two girls and even goes as far as referring them as one individual. While this may be a hard pill to swallow, it really adds a richness to the story. So, the entire plotline really worked for me and I was intrigued with it all the way through to the end.
What also worked for me was the ending. Now, most people don’t appreciate those dreaded cliffhangers but the way this one ends is so unexpected and crazy that it’s hard not to like it and say WOW. You really just don’t understand how far these sisters will go in order to gain their own identity apart from their twins.
What Didn’t Work for Me
What I didn’t care for when it comes to this story is the slow buildup. Sure readers are able to gain a full understanding of these girls lives, but it happens so slow that I wish the author would have gotten to the point a lot quicker. Some parts just really dragged on for me.
Overall …
Overall, I did enjoy the story and will definitely be picking up the second book when it releases because I can’t wait to see what happens next. As I said before, this one DOES end in a cliffhanger, but the darkness that emits from the ending makes me really want to see what happens. So, if you don’t mind “newer” V.C. Andrews writing than I would recommend this book. I like it, but then again, that’s my opinion alone.
Genre: Young Adult. Gothic Fiction.
The Mirror Sisters is a story about obsession, lies, and manipulation. Told in classic V.C. Andrews gothic voice, readers will become captivated with this story. That is, if you can get past the fact that V.C. Andrews is not the real writer of this story, but her ghost writer Andrew Neiderman. If I am being honest, I would have to say that I really don’t mind his writing. I think it flows well with the voice of classic V.C. Andrews novels, and keeps up with more modern times. Many readers are unable to accept his writing style and that’s fine as it is their opinion alone, but for me, I will still read the books and most likely enjoy them. With that being said, I thought this was a pretty well written story and the plot is extremely unique. The characters did get on my nerves at points but this goes to show you that while the lies and manipulations go deep. The story does end on a cliffhanger and I can assure you that the ending is something you will not expect!! So, if you enjoy modern day V.C. Andrews novels than I would recommend this one to you.
What Worked for Me
The plot of this book is extremely unique. I don’t think we would see a story written like this from any other author of this time. It tells the story of identical twin sisters who are basically groomed to look after one another no matter what goes on in their lives and to remain perfect at all times. Their mother is completely obsessed with these two girls and even goes as far as referring them as one individual. While this may be a hard pill to swallow, it really adds a richness to the story. So, the entire plotline really worked for me and I was intrigued with it all the way through to the end.
What also worked for me was the ending. Now, most people don’t appreciate those dreaded cliffhangers but the way this one ends is so unexpected and crazy that it’s hard not to like it and say WOW. You really just don’t understand how far these sisters will go in order to gain their own identity apart from their twins.
What Didn’t Work for Me
What I didn’t care for when it comes to this story is the slow buildup. Sure readers are able to gain a full understanding of these girls lives, but it happens so slow that I wish the author would have gotten to the point a lot quicker. Some parts just really dragged on for me.
Overall …
Overall, I did enjoy the story and will definitely be picking up the second book when it releases because I can’t wait to see what happens next. As I said before, this one DOES end in a cliffhanger, but the darkness that emits from the ending makes me really want to see what happens. So, if you don’t mind “newer” V.C. Andrews writing than I would recommend this book. I like it, but then again, that’s my opinion alone.
June 24, 2017
A GOOD TRIBUTE TO V.C. ANDREWS
When I first opened this book, I was hooked!! I get so excited when a V.C. Andrews ghostwriter gets it right (no pun intended). The Mirror Sisters hearkens back to the original V.C. Andrews works. There is intrigue, suspense and foreboding from the very beginning. Is does not take long to realize that the perfect family is not so perfect. The chinks in the armor are evident early on. Nonetheless, there are moments when you will smile and, even laugh, but there is that constant nagging sense that something unexpected, something even dangerous, is hiding right around the corner.
Why 4 stars versus 5? Well, this is no Flowers in the Attic . There were moments when I found the author unnecessarily redundant and a little too verbose. Specifically, when it came to describing the lives, relationships and the Fitzgerald sisterly bonds. The information could have easily been relayed in fewer words and pages. But, overall, I truly enjoyed this book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
When I first opened this book, I was hooked!! I get so excited when a V.C. Andrews ghostwriter gets it right (no pun intended). The Mirror Sisters hearkens back to the original V.C. Andrews works. There is intrigue, suspense and foreboding from the very beginning. Is does not take long to realize that the perfect family is not so perfect. The chinks in the armor are evident early on. Nonetheless, there are moments when you will smile and, even laugh, but there is that constant nagging sense that something unexpected, something even dangerous, is hiding right around the corner.
Why 4 stars versus 5? Well, this is no Flowers in the Attic . There were moments when I found the author unnecessarily redundant and a little too verbose. Specifically, when it came to describing the lives, relationships and the Fitzgerald sisterly bonds. The information could have easily been relayed in fewer words and pages. But, overall, I truly enjoyed this book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
November 16, 2016
“The Mirror Sisters” is the beginning of a new series in the long line of V.C. Andrews novels.
Haylee and Kaylee are what you expect from V.C. Andrews characters: wealthy, beautiful, really really screwed up mother. In other words, everything those of us who have read the novels since “Flowers in the Attic” have come to know and love. The plot premise also follows in the creepy family vibe with a mother who takes the word “identical” way too literally when it comes to her girls.
Unfortunately, almost the entire book felt like it was building up to something way bigger than the climax. It was a letdown. That being said, I will still read the next in the series and hope that it lives up to its promise.
“The Mirror Sisters” is recommended for anyone who enjoys V.C. Andrews books.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Haylee and Kaylee are what you expect from V.C. Andrews characters: wealthy, beautiful, really really screwed up mother. In other words, everything those of us who have read the novels since “Flowers in the Attic” have come to know and love. The plot premise also follows in the creepy family vibe with a mother who takes the word “identical” way too literally when it comes to her girls.
Unfortunately, almost the entire book felt like it was building up to something way bigger than the climax. It was a letdown. That being said, I will still read the next in the series and hope that it lives up to its promise.
“The Mirror Sisters” is recommended for anyone who enjoys V.C. Andrews books.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
October 21, 2016
First off I have to say that Haylee and Kaylee's mother kind of reminded me of Mommy Dearest. This is no wonder that Haylee turned out to be the evil bitch twin. Thus the reason I liked Kaylee better as she was kind. Yet, I hope in the next book she comes out a fighter and does not let Haylee keep running all over her. There was the word gothic thrown in about the author's writing style, which yes the author has been known for but I would not describe this book as being gothic. If anything it was more PG-13. The most devious act that Haylee committed was horrible but not shocking. Except for Haylee's recent one that has Kaylee in way over her head. I am interested to see how this all plays out in the next book.
November 4, 2016
Started yesterday, finished yesterday.
My sister warned me about this author and the melodramatic tendencies, but I thought the plot looked interesting so I gave it a shot.
The first half is suffocatingly boring. The author describes in exact detail how bizarre the mother is in making them mirror sisters, where one cannot be hungry without the other, and one cannot live without the other. For example, when one of them cuts their hand on glass, the mother cuts the other in the exact same place to further bond them as a "team", whilst lying to others that it just happened naturally because they're perfectly identical twins. Although this is an good example, the author just loads up way too much of them to illustrate her point. It's redundant and excessive, and really slowed down the plot.
The latter half is sort of better - they go to school and Haylee shows more of her true self. Things actually happen in the household, and the sibling relationship seems to be improving. Of course, then comes the twist ending that shocked me, disgusted me and made me wish desperately for the time I spent on this book back. It wasn't shock in a good way, like when you read amazing books like Lord of the Flies (disgusted shock) or when you realize Snape's sacrifice (heart-wrenching shock). It was cheap shock, like pop stars wearing incredibly little and/or strange pieces of clothing as attention. So disappointed.
My sister warned me about this author and the melodramatic tendencies, but I thought the plot looked interesting so I gave it a shot.
The first half is suffocatingly boring. The author describes in exact detail how bizarre the mother is in making them mirror sisters, where one cannot be hungry without the other, and one cannot live without the other. For example, when one of them cuts their hand on glass, the mother cuts the other in the exact same place to further bond them as a "team", whilst lying to others that it just happened naturally because they're perfectly identical twins. Although this is an good example, the author just loads up way too much of them to illustrate her point. It's redundant and excessive, and really slowed down the plot.
The latter half is sort of better - they go to school and Haylee shows more of her true self. Things actually happen in the household, and the sibling relationship seems to be improving. Of course, then comes the twist ending that shocked me, disgusted me and made me wish desperately for the time I spent on this book back. It wasn't shock in a good way, like when you read amazing books like Lord of the Flies (disgusted shock) or when you realize Snape's sacrifice (heart-wrenching shock). It was cheap shock, like pop stars wearing incredibly little and/or strange pieces of clothing as attention. So disappointed.
March 26, 2017
Oh my goodness what just happened? I cannot believe what just happened I need the next book asap
Well this is my first time reading a book by this author but I must say I am now eager to read more of her work. I was recommended this book by my wonderful friend Brooklyn and I am so glad she recommended this to me, easily the best book I read this year so far. This book had a really strong plot through out and I was hooked. I was so drawn into the book I hated when I had to put it down to do other things. The story follows identical twins Haylee and Kaylee. Their mum is adamant that the girls are absolutely identical, from their name having the same number of letter. They have to dress the same, their hair has to be the same and if one hurts the mum expects the other to hurt. I did feel sorry for the twins because the don't have the chance to find themselves and experience their own thing because of their mum. It does affect the girls and I really do feel sorry for them. The story is told from Kaylee's point of view and I did grow to like her more than Haylee. Things happen through out the book that makes me like Kaylee's character more than her sister. I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil it.
I was fully hooked into this story by the time the ending came and I was so shocked by the ending. All I could think was that it wasn't happening and it wasn't possibly true. The Fact that Haylee could do that to her own sister (I won't say what happens) but it made me want to slap her. Kaylee wasn't to blame for the way the mum treated the girls so she should have never have done that to her own sister. I would never in 100 years do that to my sister no matter how much I resented her. The ending was so shocking and made me so mad. I really cannot wait for the next book so I can see what happens and how this story plays out.
Well this is my first time reading a book by this author but I must say I am now eager to read more of her work. I was recommended this book by my wonderful friend Brooklyn and I am so glad she recommended this to me, easily the best book I read this year so far. This book had a really strong plot through out and I was hooked. I was so drawn into the book I hated when I had to put it down to do other things. The story follows identical twins Haylee and Kaylee. Their mum is adamant that the girls are absolutely identical, from their name having the same number of letter. They have to dress the same, their hair has to be the same and if one hurts the mum expects the other to hurt. I did feel sorry for the twins because the don't have the chance to find themselves and experience their own thing because of their mum. It does affect the girls and I really do feel sorry for them. The story is told from Kaylee's point of view and I did grow to like her more than Haylee. Things happen through out the book that makes me like Kaylee's character more than her sister. I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil it.
I was fully hooked into this story by the time the ending came and I was so shocked by the ending. All I could think was that it wasn't happening and it wasn't possibly true. The Fact that Haylee could do that to her own sister (I won't say what happens) but it made me want to slap her. Kaylee wasn't to blame for the way the mum treated the girls so she should have never have done that to her own sister. I would never in 100 years do that to my sister no matter how much I resented her. The ending was so shocking and made me so mad. I really cannot wait for the next book so I can see what happens and how this story plays out.
October 12, 2024
"She had no idea about what was coming, crawling along on the tails of shadows toward our home
and our family as we grew older".
The Mirror Sisters (The Mirror Sisters, #1)
by V.C. Andrews
For some inexplicable reason I actually finished this.
SPOILERS:
My advice? Skip it. Two sisters, one good, one evil. Constant harassment of good twin by evil twin. Evil twin sets good twin up for something horrible. To be continued...
I wonder how this book would have been if V.C. Andrews had actually written it. As it stands, this truly was pretty bad and why I finished I do not understand.
2 stars.
and our family as we grew older".
The Mirror Sisters (The Mirror Sisters, #1)
by V.C. Andrews
For some inexplicable reason I actually finished this.
SPOILERS:
My advice? Skip it. Two sisters, one good, one evil. Constant harassment of good twin by evil twin. Evil twin sets good twin up for something horrible. To be continued...
I wonder how this book would have been if V.C. Andrews had actually written it. As it stands, this truly was pretty bad and why I finished I do not understand.
2 stars.
November 8, 2016
Impressively horrendous. Mildly creepy/boring in the beginning (we got it- they're identical), ridiculously unbelievable in the end.
November 7, 2016
I honestly don't know why I bothered. I didn't always dislike the ghostwriter. I'd read any VC Andrews. That's probably why I still read these if they pop up in the library. Thing is, at some point it stopped working. I think maybe as time goes on it's just more obvious he doesn't know how to write as teenage girls. Whether that was always the case and I missed it or he's just gotten worse at it as the years went on, who knows but it is very clear to me now either way. Maybe the earlier stories still had notes from the real VC Andrews to help. Maybe it's the time period. The more modern they try to make these stories the less they work. I wish I knew for sure what changed but something did.
The dialog is so awkward I'd give it one star, but the story is creepy enough for VC Andrews. Twin girls raised by a mother so obsessed with keeping them identical that they must have two of everything and not attend public school until they cannot be corrupted into being unique individuals. But, of course, even the most of identical twins do have differences. Bullying them into being one person creates all kinds of problems. While there's a dark event, there's no real ending so you're left to imagine what happens or at least I hope so as this book does not deserve a sequel.
The dialog is so awkward I'd give it one star, but the story is creepy enough for VC Andrews. Twin girls raised by a mother so obsessed with keeping them identical that they must have two of everything and not attend public school until they cannot be corrupted into being unique individuals. But, of course, even the most of identical twins do have differences. Bullying them into being one person creates all kinds of problems. While there's a dark event, there's no real ending so you're left to imagine what happens or at least I hope so as this book does not deserve a sequel.
April 11, 2019
It has been a really long time since I read a book by this author. I forgot how twisted and dark the characters can get in her books. This book took longer to get to the twisted parts than I remember in the other books. However, I loved the story idea and the execution was well done. I was literally hooked on the story from the beginning. I am anxious to see where this story goes in the next book.
January 5, 2018
***Spoilers included***
Sometimes, you watch or read something (take the TV show Glee, for example), and it starts to get terrible. As you watch/read, you go through the stages of grief for what could have been. (Think of those hours or dollars you spent for this “entertainment!”). I get that “V.C. Andrews,” when she was alive, was no Shakespeare, but she spoke to me in the way that only psychotic grandmothers, memory loss, incest, and killing children with rat poison could. Whoever has now assumed the writer of identity of V.C. Andrews clearly was not trying with this book at all, much like Ryan Murphy was after Glee season 2, and kept going just to get paid. Anyway, I read it so you don’t have to, and I’m going to take you through my grief cycle! Enjoy the ride!
Denial:
“But we were still young. She would have lots of opportunities to come up with worse ideas. And she did” (Intro). Sure, it’s not the most well-written foreshadowing out there, but here I was thinking that one twin would be the equivalent of The Omen’s Damian, and instead I mostly read about a bitchy, lying, angsty girl and her goody-goody sister. Hasn’t that been done enough?
“She claimed it was practically blasphemous to do otherwise, because the biggest danger of any parent of identical twins was that somehow, some way, he or she would favor one over the other” (10). The mother’s rule’s had the ability to be chilling, but it never got there. Sure, there was plenty of adolescent “horror” with home schooling, rules for their eventual private school (such as going everywhere at the same time, having to make the same grades, etc), basically naming her kids the same name with the middle name of “Blossom,” and, the scariest part of it all: Mother becoming a teacher’s assistant to spy on everyone! But everything was summed up in a few sentences with no further development.
This book has all the plot details for something worthwhile! What was I missing?!
Anger:
Frankly, everyone is an idiot except for Haylee. Kaylee, Haylee sleeps with your boyfriend pretending to be you, and you still want to watch movies with her and help her lie about her internet romance? I thought identical twins were supposed to have special insight about each other!
I guess I can’t blame Kaylee too much since her parents were idiots as well. The father keeps “sensing” that how the mother is raising them is wrong, yet never speaks up and leaves (Ok, maybe that’s just a typical man), but for a “villainous” presence, the mom doesn’t even spy on them! She seriously believes everything they tell her. I get that she’s a narcissist, but everyone knows not to trust teenage girls! And the father creates a completely new family and is confused why the twins hate him? Hmm.
“It was all scientific goobledygook and quite boring” (112). How does Kaylee get older and “write” as an adult looking back on her life, yet talk to her audience like a five-year-old. An adult who apparently was one of the smartest students in her private school has an inane vocabulary and still makes references like the “Cinderella hour” even when writing about her high school self (149). I think my rage at the vocabulary was the strongest emotion felt during this read.
This book was published in 2016, yet I was bombarded by dated references to Titanic, bad cell phone cameras, and a lack of texting (306). How old is this writer?! You can’t write a modern book without addressing tech!
Bargaining:
Ok, Matt and Jimmy, and creepy internet guy, if you make this book more bearable, I’ll forgive the new ghostwriter for the previous issues! Well, Jimmy was a moron and a poor plot device, Matt doesn’t even try to win Kaylee back or date Haylee (two authorial choices that would have been far more interesting than have him avoid his gf then move away), and creepy internet guy is a mashup of every creepy internet guy one could imagine with little imagination whatsoever: mommy issues, chains girls to the house, and delusions of doing what’s best with her. I’m sure in the sequel she will pretend to love him, bang him over the head with something, and run.
Depression:
Ok, I was on a cabin retreat and this was all I had to read, but imagine what I could have read in that time! Imagine how V.C. Andrews would feel to see her whole empire fall! How did this get published when Kaylee is the most naive idiot to ever be created?!
Acceptance:
I read it in basically a day, then I realized there are two more. I guess I have to find out of she bangs internet guy on the head and gets away, after all.
Sometimes, you watch or read something (take the TV show Glee, for example), and it starts to get terrible. As you watch/read, you go through the stages of grief for what could have been. (Think of those hours or dollars you spent for this “entertainment!”). I get that “V.C. Andrews,” when she was alive, was no Shakespeare, but she spoke to me in the way that only psychotic grandmothers, memory loss, incest, and killing children with rat poison could. Whoever has now assumed the writer of identity of V.C. Andrews clearly was not trying with this book at all, much like Ryan Murphy was after Glee season 2, and kept going just to get paid. Anyway, I read it so you don’t have to, and I’m going to take you through my grief cycle! Enjoy the ride!
Denial:
“But we were still young. She would have lots of opportunities to come up with worse ideas. And she did” (Intro). Sure, it’s not the most well-written foreshadowing out there, but here I was thinking that one twin would be the equivalent of The Omen’s Damian, and instead I mostly read about a bitchy, lying, angsty girl and her goody-goody sister. Hasn’t that been done enough?
“She claimed it was practically blasphemous to do otherwise, because the biggest danger of any parent of identical twins was that somehow, some way, he or she would favor one over the other” (10). The mother’s rule’s had the ability to be chilling, but it never got there. Sure, there was plenty of adolescent “horror” with home schooling, rules for their eventual private school (such as going everywhere at the same time, having to make the same grades, etc), basically naming her kids the same name with the middle name of “Blossom,” and, the scariest part of it all: Mother becoming a teacher’s assistant to spy on everyone! But everything was summed up in a few sentences with no further development.
This book has all the plot details for something worthwhile! What was I missing?!
Anger:
Frankly, everyone is an idiot except for Haylee. Kaylee, Haylee sleeps with your boyfriend pretending to be you, and you still want to watch movies with her and help her lie about her internet romance? I thought identical twins were supposed to have special insight about each other!
I guess I can’t blame Kaylee too much since her parents were idiots as well. The father keeps “sensing” that how the mother is raising them is wrong, yet never speaks up and leaves (Ok, maybe that’s just a typical man), but for a “villainous” presence, the mom doesn’t even spy on them! She seriously believes everything they tell her. I get that she’s a narcissist, but everyone knows not to trust teenage girls! And the father creates a completely new family and is confused why the twins hate him? Hmm.
“It was all scientific goobledygook and quite boring” (112). How does Kaylee get older and “write” as an adult looking back on her life, yet talk to her audience like a five-year-old. An adult who apparently was one of the smartest students in her private school has an inane vocabulary and still makes references like the “Cinderella hour” even when writing about her high school self (149). I think my rage at the vocabulary was the strongest emotion felt during this read.
This book was published in 2016, yet I was bombarded by dated references to Titanic, bad cell phone cameras, and a lack of texting (306). How old is this writer?! You can’t write a modern book without addressing tech!
Bargaining:
Ok, Matt and Jimmy, and creepy internet guy, if you make this book more bearable, I’ll forgive the new ghostwriter for the previous issues! Well, Jimmy was a moron and a poor plot device, Matt doesn’t even try to win Kaylee back or date Haylee (two authorial choices that would have been far more interesting than have him avoid his gf then move away), and creepy internet guy is a mashup of every creepy internet guy one could imagine with little imagination whatsoever: mommy issues, chains girls to the house, and delusions of doing what’s best with her. I’m sure in the sequel she will pretend to love him, bang him over the head with something, and run.
Depression:
Ok, I was on a cabin retreat and this was all I had to read, but imagine what I could have read in that time! Imagine how V.C. Andrews would feel to see her whole empire fall! How did this get published when Kaylee is the most naive idiot to ever be created?!
Acceptance:
I read it in basically a day, then I realized there are two more. I guess I have to find out of she bangs internet guy on the head and gets away, after all.
February 10, 2017
This is a very weird book. The story started out interesting enough but as I kept reading I was thinking: "let's move it along...speed it up". The plot premise follows a creepy family vibe with a mother who takes the word “identical” way too literally when it comes to her twin girls. I felt that the author spent way too much time developing this part of the story. After a few chapters I got it...the mother is a weirdo who is driving her husband away giving her daughters with a very twisted view of life.
Unfortunately, almost the entire book felt like it was building up to something way bigger than the climax. It was a kind of a letdown. The ending left everything hanging in the balance with no idea as to what would happen next. When I was finished I literally threw the book on the floor and said "this is the worst book I have ever read!"
I kept thinking that there must be at least a second book in the series to help resolve this horrible ending. I now see that there is a second book and maybe a third on the way. I guess I will have to at least read the next one to see what happens. Hopefully I will not have such a violent reaction to the second one.
As a side note, I do understand that V.C. Andrews is not the real writer of this story, but her ghost writer Andrew Neiderman. It is told in classic V.C. Andrews gothic voice but just does not live up to many of the other books I have read by this author.
Unfortunately, almost the entire book felt like it was building up to something way bigger than the climax. It was a kind of a letdown. The ending left everything hanging in the balance with no idea as to what would happen next. When I was finished I literally threw the book on the floor and said "this is the worst book I have ever read!"
I kept thinking that there must be at least a second book in the series to help resolve this horrible ending. I now see that there is a second book and maybe a third on the way. I guess I will have to at least read the next one to see what happens. Hopefully I will not have such a violent reaction to the second one.
As a side note, I do understand that V.C. Andrews is not the real writer of this story, but her ghost writer Andrew Neiderman. It is told in classic V.C. Andrews gothic voice but just does not live up to many of the other books I have read by this author.
May 8, 2019
Haley and Kaley are twins. They have done everything together since their birth. The mother is absolutely sure that is the best way to raise twins. Neither girl will ever receive anything that isn't given to the other exactly the same including hugs and compliments. If either girl does something wrong, both girls are punished. The mother is out of control.
I found the differences between the girls to be very well done, but I question how any father could allow such a thing to happen. The woman was clearly obsessive about doing everything the same, including buying two pianos when it came time for lessons. Home schooled, the girls have no chance to be individual and learn very quickly not to make their mother angry about any differences.
The girls are individuals and the author does a good job of that and building to the ending but I think the premise of absolute doubles and the lengths this was taken to was just not realistic enough to sell the story. Hence the rating.
I found the differences between the girls to be very well done, but I question how any father could allow such a thing to happen. The woman was clearly obsessive about doing everything the same, including buying two pianos when it came time for lessons. Home schooled, the girls have no chance to be individual and learn very quickly not to make their mother angry about any differences.
The girls are individuals and the author does a good job of that and building to the ending but I think the premise of absolute doubles and the lengths this was taken to was just not realistic enough to sell the story. Hence the rating.
October 23, 2016
This was one totally disturbed mother!!! She was definitely certifiably insane. As for the daughter's, I really felt sorry for them. Well, until the end of the book. One of those daughters does something that is unbelievably, undeniably the most evil thing that someone could do to another person.
This is setting up to be a great series. I read V.C. Andrews (Flowers in the Attic) growing up. And I loved that series. I had no idea that there were so many more. But this one, it is bone chilling. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens and just how evil these people really are. And that's evil with a capital "E". I'm shuddering while writing this review and remembering what happened.
Huge thanks to Gallery, Threshold Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
This is setting up to be a great series. I read V.C. Andrews (Flowers in the Attic) growing up. And I loved that series. I had no idea that there were so many more. But this one, it is bone chilling. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens and just how evil these people really are. And that's evil with a capital "E". I'm shuddering while writing this review and remembering what happened.
Huge thanks to Gallery, Threshold Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2017
Saturday 15th July 2017: Finished. The book suddenly decided to get a plot after 300 pages. It's a bit WTF:
Saturday 15th July 2017: Still reading. In case you're looking for spoilers: It took over 200 pages to actually get to this bit of plot. That there are two more books in this series, I don't understand. More filler?
Saturday 15th July 2017: Still reading. In case you're looking for spoilers: It took over 200 pages to actually get to this bit of plot. That there are two more books in this series, I don't understand. More filler?
October 19, 2017
I'm all the anger right now. That was a constant ride of intensity and wondering what in the name of Shakespeare would happen next.
I never could have predicted that ending. Oh my god. What the hell, Haylee? Why would you do that? To your own sister!
Throughout this book Haylee and Kaylee shared everything. Identical twins, raised to be the same, given the same clothes, the same everything. Their father was suppressed by their overbearing mother and each sister was suffocated and forced to copy one another. Their mother felt so blessed to have had twin girls, feeling like they were one instead of being two separate humans.
Okay so I understand Haylee for being so frustrated, but there are better ways to approach being sick of being a twin! You don't arrange to meet up with your shady sounding online boyfriend, fake being sick and get your sister to explain to him that you're not well!
What's worse? I read the start of the next book and found out Haylee did this intentionally? What the fuck girl? And then you lie to your mum and say it was Kaylee who was talking to the guy? No!
Gosh I need book 2. Now. This has reinstated my love for VC Andrews.
I never could have predicted that ending. Oh my god. What the hell, Haylee? Why would you do that? To your own sister!
Throughout this book Haylee and Kaylee shared everything. Identical twins, raised to be the same, given the same clothes, the same everything. Their father was suppressed by their overbearing mother and each sister was suffocated and forced to copy one another. Their mother felt so blessed to have had twin girls, feeling like they were one instead of being two separate humans.
Okay so I understand Haylee for being so frustrated, but there are better ways to approach being sick of being a twin! You don't arrange to meet up with your shady sounding online boyfriend, fake being sick and get your sister to explain to him that you're not well!
What's worse? I read the start of the next book and found out Haylee did this intentionally? What the fuck girl? And then you lie to your mum and say it was Kaylee who was talking to the guy? No!
Gosh I need book 2. Now. This has reinstated my love for VC Andrews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
2.5*
This book could have been a quarter of the size if you took out all the repetitive details. We get it; they're identical twins. Identical in ev-ver-ree single way. All of them. Ever. Please move on.
The ending was actually interesting enough for me to want to read the second one, which surprised me, but it was also quite predictable. I was so sure I wouldn't continue this series, but apparently I'm a sucker for a cliffhanger that's as overdramatic as a soap opera.
This book could have been a quarter of the size if you took out all the repetitive details. We get it; they're identical twins. Identical in ev-ver-ree single way. All of them. Ever. Please move on.
The ending was actually interesting enough for me to want to read the second one, which surprised me, but it was also quite predictable. I was so sure I wouldn't continue this series, but apparently I'm a sucker for a cliffhanger that's as overdramatic as a soap opera.
February 18, 2018
OMG Haylee is nothing but a bitch. How can she do that to her sister? Poor Kaylee at first I thought she was just a loser who complains all the time but now reading what happened to her I feel so sad and sorry for her. I hope in the next book she is rescued.
I know that Mrs. Andrews had been dead for over 30 years. But the writer who writes under her name tried to hard sometimes.
I know that Mrs. Andrews had been dead for over 30 years. But the writer who writes under her name tried to hard sometimes.
October 26, 2016
Haylee Blossom Fitzgerald and Kaylee Blossom Fitzgerald are identical from the number of freckles they have to the letters in their name. As they grow up their mother reinforces how much alike they are often referring to them as one instead of two as a way to meld their identities and feelings together. If one is sick, she assumes the other must also be sick. If one is cut, the other will be cut the same way. If their father ever buys one a present, he must buy the exact same thing for the other. Kaylee is more accepting of this arrangement while Haylee goes behind their mother’s back in any way she can to differentiate herself. After their parent’s divorce things get worse for Kaylee as her mother is no longer as observant to their every move, which Haylee uses to her advantage. Just when Kaylee thinks things are finally settling down around her, the real horror begins.
"The Mirror Sisters" by VC Andrews is the first in an all new trilogy. The premise was very intriguing. Though filled with repetition and filler material, the author made sure to really hit readers over the head with how alike the twins were forced to be by their mother which was pretty tedious. The last twenty or so pages of the book were a real nail biter and the preview of the next book in the series seems to jump into things quicker than this one did. Overall, it gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
"The Mirror Sisters" by VC Andrews is the first in an all new trilogy. The premise was very intriguing. Though filled with repetition and filler material, the author made sure to really hit readers over the head with how alike the twins were forced to be by their mother which was pretty tedious. The last twenty or so pages of the book were a real nail biter and the preview of the next book in the series seems to jump into things quicker than this one did. Overall, it gets 3.5 out of 5 stars.
November 16, 2016
They back of the book had me eager to read this but soon lost its appeal very fast. The book for the first half is how Haylee and Kaylee are alike in every single manner and that their mother demands it and even makes these very strict rules. It suddenly switches over to how they are 15 and Haylee is experimenting with sex and drugs while Kaylee is more reserved. The ending of the book was a complete cliffhanger. I'd like to know how it plays out but also worried the second book will drag on like this one.
January 31, 2018
The plot honestly wasn’t bad although I figured out the twist pretty early, but the writing is AWFUL. What is Neiderman even doing?! Is he even TRYING to write a decent story anymore? The timeline skips all over the place with no rhyme or reason and he repeats the same thing over and over. He could’ve told this story in half as many pages if he cut out the weird time hops and repetitive aspects.
February 17, 2017
I swear I'm never reading another V.C. Andrew's book. Nothing ever changes from one book to another. Always a cruel mother/stepmother/foster mother. Always a distant/detached/wimpy father. Two or more siblings, one of whom does something to disgrace the family, like getting pregnant. They're so formulaic I could scream!
August 14, 2018
Overall, not a bad read. And interesting look at an unlikely scenario. Anyone who has been compared to a sibling at one point in time can relate to these girls at least a little bit. Leaned into horror or mystery especially towards the end. The beginning is a little repetitive.
November 13, 2016
Not the best writing, as usual, but an entertaining story and the end was really screwed up.
November 20, 2016
This book was just boring. DNF at 45%.
November 22, 2016
Just couldn't get into it, so stopped reading after the fourth chapter or so. I did read the last chapter though..
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