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Mirror Me
Hannah McCauley doesn’t look at herself in the mirror anymore.
After a rebellious past, she now attends a strict private school in a new town, where her recently divorced mother has put her on social lockdown. No driving. No bad grades. No skipping classes. No unapproved friends. No makeup. No boys. And the subject of her best friend from her old school is definitely forbidden.
Hannah is being punished for something that happened a year earlier, something that she would like to put behind her. But strange occurrences frighten her, and she’s accused of breaking rules and doing other terrible things without any recollection of them. No one believes her, so she starts distrusting everything, even her own reflection.
Is she being haunted by her past? Stalked by someone with a grudge? Or is it all in her head? If she doesn’t figure out what’s happening fast, her existence could end up irreparably shattered.
After a rebellious past, she now attends a strict private school in a new town, where her recently divorced mother has put her on social lockdown. No driving. No bad grades. No skipping classes. No unapproved friends. No makeup. No boys. And the subject of her best friend from her old school is definitely forbidden.
Hannah is being punished for something that happened a year earlier, something that she would like to put behind her. But strange occurrences frighten her, and she’s accused of breaking rules and doing other terrible things without any recollection of them. No one believes her, so she starts distrusting everything, even her own reflection.
Is she being haunted by her past? Stalked by someone with a grudge? Or is it all in her head? If she doesn’t figure out what’s happening fast, her existence could end up irreparably shattered.
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Published July 25, 2017
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About the author
Tara St. Pierre
4 books109 followersTara St. Pierre has been writing for over two decades, but her muse only sporadically provides inspiration. Her laptop is filled with incomplete manuscripts and other plot outlines, and she feels blessed when one finally pushes its way through to completion--no matter how long it takes!
She enjoys classic science fiction movies and television shows. When driving, she sings along with the radio loudly and off key. She prefers tea over coffee, spring over autumn, vanilla ice cream over chocolate, and caramel over hot fudge. Though she lives by herself, one of her two cats enjoys cuddling with her.
She enjoys classic science fiction movies and television shows. When driving, she sings along with the radio loudly and off key. She prefers tea over coffee, spring over autumn, vanilla ice cream over chocolate, and caramel over hot fudge. Though she lives by herself, one of her two cats enjoys cuddling with her.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 17, 2017
3.5 stars
Mirror Me is surprisingly a well written YA contemporary with a healthy mix of suspense, mystery, paranormal and fantasy. The story centers on Hannah (also the narrator of the story) and her inner conflicts which are mainly manifested in her avoiding looking at herself in front of mirrors. Her past is something she would rather forget and looking at herself in front of the mirror is as good as confronting it. Consequently, this manifestation is also where everything interesting in the plot revolves.
There is natural charm and humor to the writing. It’s easy to read and connect with. The plot starts out nicely in a school setting with a portrayal of your good ole high school life where Hannah, even though a newcomer, easily finds friends in the characters of Zo and Grace. Of course, we find a romantic interest in the character of Cole. As the plot progresses, the mystery becomes established and weird things start taking place. The distance stretches between Hannah and her mom as her mom accuses her of rebellious acts Hannah has no recollection of. I have to admit, the strange incidents going on in the plot are imaginative and yes, also quite creepy.
In the end, I think the plot was very well played out. It managed to trick my mind into believing in several explanations to what Hannah is going through like multiple personality disorder, the idea of a parallel universe, but then there’s also a lot of paranormal-fantasy-ish elements and at one point, it kind of become quite too unrealistic and perhaps that’s my main complaint about the novel. Nevertheless, I appreciate what Ms. Tara St. Pierre was trying to do here. I liked how she put across the main theme of the story, about forgiving oneself in a very creative way. In the end, whichever really explains the odd events in Hannah’s life (it may as well be all of these things at once), I’m just glad with how her inner conflicts were resolved.
Thank you so much to Ms. Tara, for sending me a copy of her book. I had fun with both reading the book and writing this review. I’m looking forward to reading Just a Few Inches
Mirror Me is surprisingly a well written YA contemporary with a healthy mix of suspense, mystery, paranormal and fantasy. The story centers on Hannah (also the narrator of the story) and her inner conflicts which are mainly manifested in her avoiding looking at herself in front of mirrors. Her past is something she would rather forget and looking at herself in front of the mirror is as good as confronting it. Consequently, this manifestation is also where everything interesting in the plot revolves.
There is natural charm and humor to the writing. It’s easy to read and connect with. The plot starts out nicely in a school setting with a portrayal of your good ole high school life where Hannah, even though a newcomer, easily finds friends in the characters of Zo and Grace. Of course, we find a romantic interest in the character of Cole. As the plot progresses, the mystery becomes established and weird things start taking place. The distance stretches between Hannah and her mom as her mom accuses her of rebellious acts Hannah has no recollection of. I have to admit, the strange incidents going on in the plot are imaginative and yes, also quite creepy.
In the end, I think the plot was very well played out. It managed to trick my mind into believing in several explanations to what Hannah is going through like multiple personality disorder, the idea of a parallel universe, but then there’s also a lot of paranormal-fantasy-ish elements and at one point, it kind of become quite too unrealistic and perhaps that’s my main complaint about the novel. Nevertheless, I appreciate what Ms. Tara St. Pierre was trying to do here. I liked how she put across the main theme of the story, about forgiving oneself in a very creative way. In the end, whichever really explains the odd events in Hannah’s life (it may as well be all of these things at once), I’m just glad with how her inner conflicts were resolved.
Thank you so much to Ms. Tara, for sending me a copy of her book. I had fun with both reading the book and writing this review. I’m looking forward to reading Just a Few Inches
October 30, 2017
About: Mirror Me is a young adult paranormal written by Tara St. Pierre. It was recently published on 7/24/17 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, paperback, 270 pages. The genres are young adult, mystery, paranormal, fiction, and romance.
My Experience: I started reading Mirror Me on 10/26/17 and finished it on 10/30/17. I haven’t read a book that deals with mirrors and reflections before and this book makes it a refreshing read. I like the paranormal activity in this book. Nikki’s mirror side is interesting. The main character is a bit hard to relate to. She’s like a scared little cat in this new place and so afraid of her mom. When her mom can’t pick her up and her friend couldn’t drive her, somehow the bus isn’t one of her choice of transportation.
This book is told in the first person point of view, following Hannah McCauley, a senior in high school who has been on house arrest. Her bad girl days from the previous high school has caused her mother to transfer her into a new private school with strict-to-follow rules and no social life. Starting over hasn’t been so hard since her new friends at the new school are nice and law abiding. It’s only tough when Hannah looks at herself in the mirror because her reflections seems to always judging and criticizing her because they both knew of her rebellious past. Therefore, Hannah often avoids her reflection if she could, but when she couldn’t, it seems her reflection has a mind of it’s own and is out to get her. When she started noticing how her phone is not where she left the night before and her mom accused of driving her mom’s car during the night, she thought she may have Dissociative Identity Disorder. However, it becomes worse than that when she found herself being confronted and trapped on the other side. The mystery and suspense is a hard wait.
This book is well written. The plot is interesting. I like the supporting characters, especially Lorenzo aka Zo. When he talks, he puts a smile on my face. I like Grace and how she throws in a few Chinese vocabularies when she talks. This book really brings me back to high school and having lunch with my friends in the school cafeteria. I like how Hannah is nervous getting together with Cole for the first time at lunch. I like their flirting. Cole and his dimple is also a plus. This book has a good mystery and I do recommend everyone to read it.
Pro: mystery, suspense, friendship, diversity, easy to read, light hearted romance and actions
I rate it 4 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author, Tara St. Pierre for the opportunity to read and review your book. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more reviews
My Experience: I started reading Mirror Me on 10/26/17 and finished it on 10/30/17. I haven’t read a book that deals with mirrors and reflections before and this book makes it a refreshing read. I like the paranormal activity in this book. Nikki’s mirror side is interesting. The main character is a bit hard to relate to. She’s like a scared little cat in this new place and so afraid of her mom. When her mom can’t pick her up and her friend couldn’t drive her, somehow the bus isn’t one of her choice of transportation.
This book is told in the first person point of view, following Hannah McCauley, a senior in high school who has been on house arrest. Her bad girl days from the previous high school has caused her mother to transfer her into a new private school with strict-to-follow rules and no social life. Starting over hasn’t been so hard since her new friends at the new school are nice and law abiding. It’s only tough when Hannah looks at herself in the mirror because her reflections seems to always judging and criticizing her because they both knew of her rebellious past. Therefore, Hannah often avoids her reflection if she could, but when she couldn’t, it seems her reflection has a mind of it’s own and is out to get her. When she started noticing how her phone is not where she left the night before and her mom accused of driving her mom’s car during the night, she thought she may have Dissociative Identity Disorder. However, it becomes worse than that when she found herself being confronted and trapped on the other side. The mystery and suspense is a hard wait.
This book is well written. The plot is interesting. I like the supporting characters, especially Lorenzo aka Zo. When he talks, he puts a smile on my face. I like Grace and how she throws in a few Chinese vocabularies when she talks. This book really brings me back to high school and having lunch with my friends in the school cafeteria. I like how Hannah is nervous getting together with Cole for the first time at lunch. I like their flirting. Cole and his dimple is also a plus. This book has a good mystery and I do recommend everyone to read it.
Pro: mystery, suspense, friendship, diversity, easy to read, light hearted romance and actions
I rate it 4 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to the author, Tara St. Pierre for the opportunity to read and review your book. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more reviews
September 28, 2017
After a traumatic event a year earlier, high school student Hannah no longer looks at herself in the mirror. In an attempt to give her daughter a fresh start from her rebellious past, her mother has moved her to a new house and a new school. Hannah is determined to be a better person, and make the types of friends her mother would approve of. When odd things start happening around her house, her mother immediately blames Hannah, but Hannah has no memory of doing any of the things she’s being accused of.
What happened in Hannah’s past that caused her mother to move her away from her friends? What’s causing the strange events in her house? Will Hannah be able to move on from her past and gain her mother’s trust again?
I have to say, I was totally obsessed with the first half of Mirror Me to the point that I was so engrossed in it that I almost missed my train stop on my way to work! It was eerie and creepy, and I was constantly trying to figure out what was going on that was causing weird events to occur! It started with little things, like her mother’s car keys being moved, Hannah’s cell phone being in a different spot on her dresser when she woke up than where she left it when she fell asleep, and then progressed to larger things…like her mother’s car having more miles on it overnight. Is Hannah driving her mother’s car in her sleep?!
When the questions got answered, I was in awe of Tara St. Pierre’s imagination! I’ve read her previous book, Just a Few Inches, and had similar thoughts about how creative she is! One of the other things I loved about this book were the supporting characters! At her new school, Hannah makes friends with good-girl Grace, and aspiring makeup artist Zo. They were such great characters, and amazing friends to Hannah! They each had their own distinctive personalities, which I think was great.
There is a love story element to the book between Hannah and the school “bad boy” Cole. Cole was such a delightful character, and every piece of history and information about him made me love him even more! Despite his bad boy reputation, he clearly had a heart of gold, and that made me happy!
When the big reveal happened, I was surprised that so many of the characters instantly believed Hannah’s explanation with very few questions, but it worked for the story! All in all, I loved this YA Fantasy, and continue to be a fan of Tara’s work! A huge thank you to Tara St. Pierre for a copy of the book! It was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
What happened in Hannah’s past that caused her mother to move her away from her friends? What’s causing the strange events in her house? Will Hannah be able to move on from her past and gain her mother’s trust again?
I have to say, I was totally obsessed with the first half of Mirror Me to the point that I was so engrossed in it that I almost missed my train stop on my way to work! It was eerie and creepy, and I was constantly trying to figure out what was going on that was causing weird events to occur! It started with little things, like her mother’s car keys being moved, Hannah’s cell phone being in a different spot on her dresser when she woke up than where she left it when she fell asleep, and then progressed to larger things…like her mother’s car having more miles on it overnight. Is Hannah driving her mother’s car in her sleep?!
When the questions got answered, I was in awe of Tara St. Pierre’s imagination! I’ve read her previous book, Just a Few Inches, and had similar thoughts about how creative she is! One of the other things I loved about this book were the supporting characters! At her new school, Hannah makes friends with good-girl Grace, and aspiring makeup artist Zo. They were such great characters, and amazing friends to Hannah! They each had their own distinctive personalities, which I think was great.
There is a love story element to the book between Hannah and the school “bad boy” Cole. Cole was such a delightful character, and every piece of history and information about him made me love him even more! Despite his bad boy reputation, he clearly had a heart of gold, and that made me happy!
When the big reveal happened, I was surprised that so many of the characters instantly believed Hannah’s explanation with very few questions, but it worked for the story! All in all, I loved this YA Fantasy, and continue to be a fan of Tara’s work! A huge thank you to Tara St. Pierre for a copy of the book! It was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
July 25, 2017
I read Tara's book Just A Few Inches last year and I was so excited to read her new book Mirror Me. Kind of a funny story, but right before I was asked by Tara if I wanted to read her new book, I was talking to one of my friend's about how mirrors creeped me out. The next day I get an email asking if I wanted to read Mirror Me.
Mirror Me was definitely on the creepy side at times and it was totally weird, but in a good way! So many weird and crazy things were happening to Hannah and I wanted to know what was going on. I found myself coming up with so many different scenarios in my head as to what could be happening. At one point I had about 3 or 4 different things that could be happening to Hannah and explanations as to why certain things were happening. Some reasonable and some totally crazy explanations. I really enjoyed that about Mirror Me. It always kept me guessing and it was fun.
I really liked Hannah and her friendships with Zo and Grace. I wasn't a big fan of Hannah's mother. She made me so angry, because she wouldn't let Hannah do anything. It also didn't help that she would keep getting in trouble for things she didn't remember doing and her mother would not listen to her at all. I guess it's a little understandable since Hannah wasn't the best person a year ago, but I felt like her mom didn't cut her any slack at all and was way too overbearing. That was one of the things that really bugged me about the story. BUT there are two sides to every story, so you'll have to see how that unfolds.
Overall, I really enjoyed Mirror Me. It was fun, it was creepy, and it kept me guessing. Great characters and friendships. There were times that it was so hard to put down, because I just wanted to know what was happening to Hannah. I would definitely recommend picking this one up.
Mirror Me was definitely on the creepy side at times and it was totally weird, but in a good way! So many weird and crazy things were happening to Hannah and I wanted to know what was going on. I found myself coming up with so many different scenarios in my head as to what could be happening. At one point I had about 3 or 4 different things that could be happening to Hannah and explanations as to why certain things were happening. Some reasonable and some totally crazy explanations. I really enjoyed that about Mirror Me. It always kept me guessing and it was fun.
I really liked Hannah and her friendships with Zo and Grace. I wasn't a big fan of Hannah's mother. She made me so angry, because she wouldn't let Hannah do anything. It also didn't help that she would keep getting in trouble for things she didn't remember doing and her mother would not listen to her at all. I guess it's a little understandable since Hannah wasn't the best person a year ago, but I felt like her mom didn't cut her any slack at all and was way too overbearing. That was one of the things that really bugged me about the story. BUT there are two sides to every story, so you'll have to see how that unfolds.
Overall, I really enjoyed Mirror Me. It was fun, it was creepy, and it kept me guessing. Great characters and friendships. There were times that it was so hard to put down, because I just wanted to know what was happening to Hannah. I would definitely recommend picking this one up.
November 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
I was really happy with how this book turned out. It was an intense genre-blend that hooked me from the start. We follow Hannah McCulley, a reformed rebellious girl now in a strict private school, as she begins to encounter strange occurrences with no memories of doing them. Mirror Me is a powerful story of forgiveness that takes you on an intensely psychological ride.
Things I Liked
The mystery and uneasiness of the story is established very early on, and clearly sets a tone for the story. There’s this intense frenzy where you don’t really know what’s happening or what you can trust that makes for a very addicting read.
This book is a bit of a genre-blend of a few things. I loved that we got to see really intense psychological thriller elements blended with paranormal fantasy, all set in a private school. It kept the story really engaging.
I really loved Cole and thought he was such a genuine person. He was just so nice and sweet and positive. And the romance with Hannah was all kinds of adorable, but it never detracted from Hannah’s growth or journey.
Things I Didn’t Like
I wasn’t the biggest fan of some of the supporting characters. I guess I just wasn’t invested enough in their relationship with Hannah to connect to them personally. But I did like that the supporting characters felt like their own people, they had lives and passions and roles outside of their relationship to Hannah.
I feel like it too long for some key elements to be established in the story. While I ADORED the psychological elements, the paranormal ones weren’t really established until just past the halfway point. I also felt like it took way too long for Hannah’s past with Nikki to be revealed.
This was a really quick, but addicting read that morphed characters, suspense, and romance beautifully. I read this book in one sitting and I didn’t want to put it down. Mirror Me is a fantastic read that keeps you guessing.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
“I don’t like the way the reflection in my bedroom mirror judges me. I try not to look at her too closely…”
I was really happy with how this book turned out. It was an intense genre-blend that hooked me from the start. We follow Hannah McCulley, a reformed rebellious girl now in a strict private school, as she begins to encounter strange occurrences with no memories of doing them. Mirror Me is a powerful story of forgiveness that takes you on an intensely psychological ride.
Things I Liked
The mystery and uneasiness of the story is established very early on, and clearly sets a tone for the story. There’s this intense frenzy where you don’t really know what’s happening or what you can trust that makes for a very addicting read.
This book is a bit of a genre-blend of a few things. I loved that we got to see really intense psychological thriller elements blended with paranormal fantasy, all set in a private school. It kept the story really engaging.
I really loved Cole and thought he was such a genuine person. He was just so nice and sweet and positive. And the romance with Hannah was all kinds of adorable, but it never detracted from Hannah’s growth or journey.
Things I Didn’t Like
I wasn’t the biggest fan of some of the supporting characters. I guess I just wasn’t invested enough in their relationship with Hannah to connect to them personally. But I did like that the supporting characters felt like their own people, they had lives and passions and roles outside of their relationship to Hannah.
I feel like it too long for some key elements to be established in the story. While I ADORED the psychological elements, the paranormal ones weren’t really established until just past the halfway point. I also felt like it took way too long for Hannah’s past with Nikki to be revealed.
This was a really quick, but addicting read that morphed characters, suspense, and romance beautifully. I read this book in one sitting and I didn’t want to put it down. Mirror Me is a fantastic read that keeps you guessing.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2017
Hannah McCauley doesn’t look at herself in the mirror anymore.
After a rebellious past, she now attends a strict private school in a new town, where her recently divorced mother has put her on social lockdown. No driving. No bad grades. No skipping classes. No unapproved friends. No makeup. No boys. And the subject of her best friend from her old school is definitely forbidden.
Hannah is being punished for something that happened a year earlier, something that she would like to put behind her. But strange occurrences frighten her, and she’s accused of breaking rules and doing other terrible things without any recollection of them. No one believes her, so she starts distrusting everything, even her own reflection.
Is she being haunted by her past? Stalked by someone with a grudge? Or is it all in her head? If she doesn’t figure out what’s happening fast, her existence could end up irreparably shattered.
Rating: 4.75/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: THOSE MORALS, THOUGH!; this is as close to a "life-ruiner" as I've gotten in a while; maybe a bit too much focus on the romance and not enough on the friendship; slight warning for mature/sensitive subjects; awesome, well-rounded, complex plot and characters!
HUGE thanks to Tara St. Pierre for sending me a free egalley of this title in exchange for a voluntary honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
"What brings you to the mall? Other than to rescue clumsy damsels who get stranded there?"
"A damsel in distress?" He chuckles. "I see you more as a misunderstood but kick-ass heroine."
Having now finished TWO of her novels, I think it's safe for me to say that Tara St. Pierre is one of those authors with imaginations that know NO bounds. Because I read her debut novel last year, I went into this book TOTALLY blind--and let me tell you, I am so so glad that I did! Because I had no preconceived notions of what this book was about, I was able to take the journey in an unbiased and completely open way, which was both an awesome experiment and something I hope to experience again in the future.
This book was just.... GAAAAAH! I knew, from the first book I read of hers, that I was bound to stumble upon an incredibly moving, absolutely unique premise. Let me tell you, I was in absolutely no way disappointed! This novel takes a pretty old idea--being able to look at yourself in the mirror--and twists it into something unrecognizable, yet still completely relatable. When I reached the end, I sat here staring at the last line in total awe at just how far the morals and lessons stretched for this read. Seriously, coming out on the other side of these pages, I grasped the message entirely--and bow down to Tara St. Pierre for tackling such an abstract concept head-on, and making it into this gorgeous journey!
Like the gentleman he is, he holds open the front door and then escorts me to his truck. Though it's been recently washed, it's still a little beat up, but I don't care. He opens the passenger door for me and says, "Kick-ass heroines don't take fancy limousines to the ball. They take a truck."
I just... I cannot sing enough praises for this novel! I did feel, at times, that the focus on the romance came out a bit too steeped for my taste. There are some awesome, complex side-characters that sort of get kicked off to the wayside in the course of this book, and while this is both realistic and understandable given the circumstances.... I just felt as if those friendships might have done better to be more cultivated. Especially when the bomb near the end drops and they get pulled into the middle of the chaos--they accepted the strange situation VERY easily, and I couldn't quite wrap my head around how quickly they pulled together to help Hannah.
Still, this was an entertaining and beautifully inspiring journey...and I don't think I'll ever be able to look at a mirror in quite the same way again! Tara St. Pierre DID include some potentially triggering, mature subjects, so for sensitive readers--please, please keep yourselves safe! The characters are complex and vibrant, the plot is filled with twisty-turny vines and angst, and that ending! OH, MY PENGUINS, that ending is just glorious! I'd recommend this to lovers of unique premises, emotionally-challenging journeys, and characters who find their strength and come out on top in the end. Take a look in the mirror today, Penguins; this book just might change your point of view.
August 1, 2017
Another mysterious and interesting book from Tara St. Pierre. This author constantly amazes me with her intriguing paranormal stories. From the cover to the blurb, I was hooked, and I was not disappointed. I reviewed her first novel and loved it, so it was no surprise that I also liked Mirror Me.
A fun, quick summer read with just enough mystery to keep turning the pages.
A fun, quick summer read with just enough mystery to keep turning the pages.
July 26, 2017
I RECIEVED THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY VIEWS OR OPINIONS IN ANY WAY.
I really enjoyed reading Mirror Me by Tara St. Pierre.
Summary:
Hannah is a teenage girl with a troubled past. She used to be careless and is now regretting it. Hannah refuses to look at her self in the mirror anymore. But when strange things start happening, Hannah has to think about more than her self. What is going on?
I would just like to start by saying that I don't usually read books like this. Genre benders usually aren't my thing, and I am picky about fantasy. That aside, this was a really good book. I had enjoyed the authors first book, Just A Few Inches, so I was excited when she contacted me about reviewing this one.
I really liked Hannah's backstory. She was a teen who had been reckless in her old school. When she finally gets in trouble for it, she is moved to a new school in a new area. Her mom becomes very strict and Hannah finds a more studies group of friends to hang out with. This whole part of the story was so realistic, and I was happy to see the mom actually play an active part in the story.
This story was pretty creepy. Strange things keep happening to Hannah, and she doesn't know why. She is supposedly doing stuff that she has no recollection of. As the story progressed, it just got spookier and more mysterious.
I have to be honest, I sometimes found myself getting confused about what was happening to Hannah. Maybe it's just me, but I have a hard time keeping up with this genre and type of book.
This whole book was written very well. I liked Hannah as a character, as well as her friends. This whole story flowed well.
I really enjoyed reading Mirror Me by Tara St. Pierre.
Summary:
Hannah is a teenage girl with a troubled past. She used to be careless and is now regretting it. Hannah refuses to look at her self in the mirror anymore. But when strange things start happening, Hannah has to think about more than her self. What is going on?
I would just like to start by saying that I don't usually read books like this. Genre benders usually aren't my thing, and I am picky about fantasy. That aside, this was a really good book. I had enjoyed the authors first book, Just A Few Inches, so I was excited when she contacted me about reviewing this one.
I really liked Hannah's backstory. She was a teen who had been reckless in her old school. When she finally gets in trouble for it, she is moved to a new school in a new area. Her mom becomes very strict and Hannah finds a more studies group of friends to hang out with. This whole part of the story was so realistic, and I was happy to see the mom actually play an active part in the story.
This story was pretty creepy. Strange things keep happening to Hannah, and she doesn't know why. She is supposedly doing stuff that she has no recollection of. As the story progressed, it just got spookier and more mysterious.
I have to be honest, I sometimes found myself getting confused about what was happening to Hannah. Maybe it's just me, but I have a hard time keeping up with this genre and type of book.
This whole book was written very well. I liked Hannah as a character, as well as her friends. This whole story flowed well.
April 5, 2018
Sometimes looking in the mirror is tough. Particularly if you don’t like what you see.
In Mirror Me we focus on Hannah, a rather angry character who has been struggling with her mum’s attempts to keep her on the straight and narrow after some (stereotypical?) teen behaviour. She has to come to terms with an event from her past, but that’s hard when she’s not prepared to confront what happened.
In order for this to happen we veer into a rather odd story involving reflections and alternative worlds. There’s little attempt to explain what’s happening for us.
A little messy.
In Mirror Me we focus on Hannah, a rather angry character who has been struggling with her mum’s attempts to keep her on the straight and narrow after some (stereotypical?) teen behaviour. She has to come to terms with an event from her past, but that’s hard when she’s not prepared to confront what happened.
In order for this to happen we veer into a rather odd story involving reflections and alternative worlds. There’s little attempt to explain what’s happening for us.
A little messy.
March 6, 2018
4.5 Stars Excellent suspense and well-crafted, full characters. Delivers a wonderful story without a heavy handed message, yet one that shines through.
September 1, 2017
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I was provided with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Mirror Me follows our MC Hannah who is currently under lock and key with strict rules and punishments in place while attending a private school. It seems a bit harsh, the list of unapproved things but Hannah is trying to be better. These are in place after a major screw up the previous year. She is trying to get her life back on track and earn back trust. So when she suddenly starts getting in trouble, accused of breaking the rules she has been so diligent to follow, no one believes she isn’t doing them. She can’t even look at her own reflection, seeing a completely different person in there. Are her past mistakes coming back to haunt her or is she losing her mind.
At the start we know Hannah got into some trouble and has since moved and started over but with no trust built with her mother and some serious rules. I wanted to know just what happened to inspire these rules from the start and getting little bits along the way made me even more curious as I tried to figure it out. Her mom, while I really appreciated her taking an active role in her life unlike some parents in YA who are never around, I think she was a bit harsh. The whole dynamic works well within the story and really plays out over the length of the story. There are also moments where I felt honest empathy for several of the characters.
Hannah is very hard on herself and is punishing herself for what happened. I liked that she was remorseful for what happened, even before we knew what that was. She was the kind of person who knows she was making mistakes and is trying to learn from them and change. Which is why I thought her mom was too harsh most of the time. You can sympathize with her and what she is going through in trying to atone. Hannah has her friends that she is close with and you can feel the bonds there even through ups and downs. With friends you don't always have to agree with each other or approve of things they do to be friends. Not every friendship is perfect but I enjoyed that they were able to work through difficult times. Still they have plenty of hilarious moments and real sincerity.
The romance in this was rather cute and a bit different. I liked the overall twist and the fall out of that twist. I think everyone took it so much better than I think I would have. The book has many great and positive messages that I really enjoyed. They weren't shoved at you to make a point but woven into a fast and engaging story. A girl with a past has things start happening that she can't explain. Is she losing her mind? Is her past coming back for her? The play in binding just a touch of magical/fantasy elements was perfect. Anything is possible.
This was a quick read for me and I probably would have finished it in one sitting had I not been out of town at the time squeezing in family visits and the like. It was easy to pick back up and fall right back into the story. I would easily recommend this story to anyone for the plot and the way it makes you think and take stock. Plus any book where you seriously doubt the sanity of the character is something I want to read. I'm happy this book fell into my radar because it was an enjoyable read for me and that is always a positive!
I was provided with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Mirror Me follows our MC Hannah who is currently under lock and key with strict rules and punishments in place while attending a private school. It seems a bit harsh, the list of unapproved things but Hannah is trying to be better. These are in place after a major screw up the previous year. She is trying to get her life back on track and earn back trust. So when she suddenly starts getting in trouble, accused of breaking the rules she has been so diligent to follow, no one believes she isn’t doing them. She can’t even look at her own reflection, seeing a completely different person in there. Are her past mistakes coming back to haunt her or is she losing her mind.
At the start we know Hannah got into some trouble and has since moved and started over but with no trust built with her mother and some serious rules. I wanted to know just what happened to inspire these rules from the start and getting little bits along the way made me even more curious as I tried to figure it out. Her mom, while I really appreciated her taking an active role in her life unlike some parents in YA who are never around, I think she was a bit harsh. The whole dynamic works well within the story and really plays out over the length of the story. There are also moments where I felt honest empathy for several of the characters.
Hannah is very hard on herself and is punishing herself for what happened. I liked that she was remorseful for what happened, even before we knew what that was. She was the kind of person who knows she was making mistakes and is trying to learn from them and change. Which is why I thought her mom was too harsh most of the time. You can sympathize with her and what she is going through in trying to atone. Hannah has her friends that she is close with and you can feel the bonds there even through ups and downs. With friends you don't always have to agree with each other or approve of things they do to be friends. Not every friendship is perfect but I enjoyed that they were able to work through difficult times. Still they have plenty of hilarious moments and real sincerity.
The romance in this was rather cute and a bit different. I liked the overall twist and the fall out of that twist. I think everyone took it so much better than I think I would have. The book has many great and positive messages that I really enjoyed. They weren't shoved at you to make a point but woven into a fast and engaging story. A girl with a past has things start happening that she can't explain. Is she losing her mind? Is her past coming back for her? The play in binding just a touch of magical/fantasy elements was perfect. Anything is possible.
This was a quick read for me and I probably would have finished it in one sitting had I not been out of town at the time squeezing in family visits and the like. It was easy to pick back up and fall right back into the story. I would easily recommend this story to anyone for the plot and the way it makes you think and take stock. Plus any book where you seriously doubt the sanity of the character is something I want to read. I'm happy this book fell into my radar because it was an enjoyable read for me and that is always a positive!
August 1, 2017
Originally posted on Daydreaming Books.
*I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I had read the author's debut novel, Just a Few Inches (you can read my review here) and absolutely fell in love with it, so when she asked me to review her 2nd book, I jumped at the opportunity. Although this book didn't manage to wow me, it was still an enjoyable and a creepy read and like her first book, a moral to understand and learn for ourselves.
After a particular incident that totally changed Hannah's life, her mother doesn't trust her and neither does she trust herself anymore. But soon strange things start happening which is out of her control. She can't remember things and she is afraid to look into her mirror. When all hell breaks loose, will Hannah be able to save herself in time or will she be lost forever?
The plot was pretty intriguing and the mystery aspect was maintained well throughout the book. Hannah is being punished by her mother she committed a year ago, she has her on high alert and even little things make her mother angry. She, herself can't get over the past incident due to which she had to change school and completely change herself. As we read the book, we get glimpses of Hannah's past from which we can understand that she was a completely different and notorious person from whom she is now. Although the author kept referring to the "past incident" throughout the entire book, it isn't until the very end that the actual truth is revealed, so that was a bit repetitive indeed.
What intrigued me the most was when the strange things begin happening to her. She would wake up and find her things placed in different spots than she did last time and not remembering specific incidents. It was obvious that there was definitely something to do with the mirror and hence the title. This book definitely had its creepy moments and I was really concerned for her but as the story proceeded, it didn't take much time for me to solve the riddle about why everything was going on which did dampen my enthusiasm a little, making it a bit predictable but it was still a fun read.
I enjoyed the other minor characters and the parts they had to play. Although Grace came up as a little bit too stuck up at first but when Hannah needed her help, she was there, though it did feel a little weird how everybody accepted the situation so easily. I wanted more of Cole which unfortunately Hannah didn't get much either but he was a sweet character! On the other hand, I seriously didn't like her mother, I knew she had to face things because of her but she didn't try to understand her or cut her some slack but I did enjoy how everything wrapped up in the end.
Overall, Mirror Me was an interesting read. The plot could have been a little more fleshed out but it was executed neatly. The writing was beautiful and smooth and the pace was even throughout the book. I can't wait to read more by this author!
Recommend it?
Yes.
*I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I had read the author's debut novel, Just a Few Inches (you can read my review here) and absolutely fell in love with it, so when she asked me to review her 2nd book, I jumped at the opportunity. Although this book didn't manage to wow me, it was still an enjoyable and a creepy read and like her first book, a moral to understand and learn for ourselves.
After a particular incident that totally changed Hannah's life, her mother doesn't trust her and neither does she trust herself anymore. But soon strange things start happening which is out of her control. She can't remember things and she is afraid to look into her mirror. When all hell breaks loose, will Hannah be able to save herself in time or will she be lost forever?
The plot was pretty intriguing and the mystery aspect was maintained well throughout the book. Hannah is being punished by her mother she committed a year ago, she has her on high alert and even little things make her mother angry. She, herself can't get over the past incident due to which she had to change school and completely change herself. As we read the book, we get glimpses of Hannah's past from which we can understand that she was a completely different and notorious person from whom she is now. Although the author kept referring to the "past incident" throughout the entire book, it isn't until the very end that the actual truth is revealed, so that was a bit repetitive indeed.
What intrigued me the most was when the strange things begin happening to her. She would wake up and find her things placed in different spots than she did last time and not remembering specific incidents. It was obvious that there was definitely something to do with the mirror and hence the title. This book definitely had its creepy moments and I was really concerned for her but as the story proceeded, it didn't take much time for me to solve the riddle about why everything was going on which did dampen my enthusiasm a little, making it a bit predictable but it was still a fun read.
I enjoyed the other minor characters and the parts they had to play. Although Grace came up as a little bit too stuck up at first but when Hannah needed her help, she was there, though it did feel a little weird how everybody accepted the situation so easily. I wanted more of Cole which unfortunately Hannah didn't get much either but he was a sweet character! On the other hand, I seriously didn't like her mother, I knew she had to face things because of her but she didn't try to understand her or cut her some slack but I did enjoy how everything wrapped up in the end.
Overall, Mirror Me was an interesting read. The plot could have been a little more fleshed out but it was executed neatly. The writing was beautiful and smooth and the pace was even throughout the book. I can't wait to read more by this author!
Recommend it?
Yes.
December 24, 2017
All Hannah wants is to put her past behind her. But that feels almost impossible when it seems to chase her no matter where she goes. Then people start accusing Hannah of doing things she doesn’t ever remember doing. With an already overprotective mom, these happenings put Hannah on more of a lockdown than she was already experiencing. Is it simply memory loss or something more? Something sinister?
Opinion:
This book sounded very intriguing, so I was quite excited to start reading it. I’m glad I chose to review this book, as it was excellent. The author was able to capture teenagers in a light that was not demeaning nor glorifying – it felt very honest. Even the so-called “bad boy” character was able to be seen in a positive way. The author did an excellent job making even the thought-to-be bad characters understandable.
I also liked the main character, Hannah. She was very selfless, but she didn’t neglect herself. She tried to do what was right, and that is always an admirable trait to see in a character.
Another thing I enjoyed was that the plot moved quickly and didn’t bore me once. I was worried that it would just be another “teen book,” but that wasn’t the case. The storyline moved along nicely, and I wasn’t confused once. It didn’t feel too rushed, nor did it feel dragged out, but rather just the right length.
Overall, Mirror Me did not disappoint at all. It is an excellent read that any paranormal lover is sure to enjoy.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 18
Opinion:
This book sounded very intriguing, so I was quite excited to start reading it. I’m glad I chose to review this book, as it was excellent. The author was able to capture teenagers in a light that was not demeaning nor glorifying – it felt very honest. Even the so-called “bad boy” character was able to be seen in a positive way. The author did an excellent job making even the thought-to-be bad characters understandable.
I also liked the main character, Hannah. She was very selfless, but she didn’t neglect herself. She tried to do what was right, and that is always an admirable trait to see in a character.
Another thing I enjoyed was that the plot moved quickly and didn’t bore me once. I was worried that it would just be another “teen book,” but that wasn’t the case. The storyline moved along nicely, and I wasn’t confused once. It didn’t feel too rushed, nor did it feel dragged out, but rather just the right length.
Overall, Mirror Me did not disappoint at all. It is an excellent read that any paranormal lover is sure to enjoy.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 18
September 19, 2017
In Tara St. Pierre's "Mirror Me" Hannah, a former bad girl, is starting over at a private school under her extremely strict mother's watchful eye while trying to earn back trust and privileges. Hannah appears to be trying to keep all the rules. So how is it that she seems to keep breaking them and then not remember doing it? Why is the reflection she encounters in the mirror different than the one on her side of the mirror? Hannah avoids mirrors as she struggles to keep everything going on from her mom, her best friends Zo and Grace, and the cute boy Cole she secretly likes. Is she losing her mind or is something else going on? I liked this book, I felt it moved along at a fast pace and had interesting plot twists and some diversity in the main characters. I also thought the use of naming the main character Hannah, a perfect palindrome, was very clever and an attention to detail I appreciate in an author. Great YA book for readers who enjoy modern fiction or paranormal genres.
August 29, 2017
DISCLAIMER: I WAS SENT A REVIEW COPY OF THIS BOOK, VIA THE AUTHOR, IN CONSIDERATION FOR HONEST REVIEW.
Oh man. This book had me on edge. I wish I had taken a picture of my face the other day. Because I totally flipped out and wanted to smack Hannah's reflection. Each character plays a role in this book. I cannot see the book without them, or even in the corner as a random name the author throws in. Zo was adorable, Grace to the rescue. And then there was Cole. Bad boy Cole. Honestly, all bad boys reel me in. His character was a fantastic love interest.
I don't know that I would call this a thriller, but there was definitely that aspect of mystery and not know what lurks around the corner. Tara's writing is amazing. She knows how to draw in a reader, and holds them until they've finished the story. Fantastic read.
Oh man. This book had me on edge. I wish I had taken a picture of my face the other day. Because I totally flipped out and wanted to smack Hannah's reflection. Each character plays a role in this book. I cannot see the book without them, or even in the corner as a random name the author throws in. Zo was adorable, Grace to the rescue. And then there was Cole. Bad boy Cole. Honestly, all bad boys reel me in. His character was a fantastic love interest.
I don't know that I would call this a thriller, but there was definitely that aspect of mystery and not know what lurks around the corner. Tara's writing is amazing. She knows how to draw in a reader, and holds them until they've finished the story. Fantastic read.
February 23, 2018
My review: (review copy provided)
http://triciaciak.blogspot.com/
4.5 stars!
I couldn’t put this book down. I’m not a big YA reader, but this book just sucked me in. It was so suspenseful you had to find out what was happening to this poor girl. What happened in her past?
It’s paranormal, but yet it didn’t feel that way. This was such a unique and original story.
Hannah, our MC, has recently moved and her mom basically has her on lockdown. We as readers don’t really know why but we know it has something to do with her rebellious past.
Hannah is afraid of almost everything around her doesn’t know what she should or shouldn't be doing.
When Hannah starts experiencing some crazy things and can’t remember what she's done or hasn’t, things start going to hell. She’s tried to maintain her good girl image at her new school, but her reflection isn’t going to let that happen.
She can’t look herself in the mirror, she beats herself up for her past, but her reflection won’t let her look away. Hannah thinks she crazy and starts doing things she can’t remember.
There is a sweet love story thrown into the mix, and the suspense had me turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen.
I really enjoyed this story, it was different and took me out of my “reading” comfort zone.
I recommend!
http://triciaciak.blogspot.com/
4.5 stars!
I couldn’t put this book down. I’m not a big YA reader, but this book just sucked me in. It was so suspenseful you had to find out what was happening to this poor girl. What happened in her past?
It’s paranormal, but yet it didn’t feel that way. This was such a unique and original story.
Hannah, our MC, has recently moved and her mom basically has her on lockdown. We as readers don’t really know why but we know it has something to do with her rebellious past.
Hannah is afraid of almost everything around her doesn’t know what she should or shouldn't be doing.
When Hannah starts experiencing some crazy things and can’t remember what she's done or hasn’t, things start going to hell. She’s tried to maintain her good girl image at her new school, but her reflection isn’t going to let that happen.
She can’t look herself in the mirror, she beats herself up for her past, but her reflection won’t let her look away. Hannah thinks she crazy and starts doing things she can’t remember.
There is a sweet love story thrown into the mix, and the suspense had me turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen.
I really enjoyed this story, it was different and took me out of my “reading” comfort zone.
I recommend!
July 6, 2018
Once again, St. Pierre presents a realistic and believable contemporary young adult novel, intertwined with elements of fantasy and science fiction. I was impressed not only by the sheer fast-paced, enticing plotline, but also the realness of her characters. Representative of true high school students, the support of believable characters provides the perfect environment to grow such an imaginative and fantastical story. She does a nice job of balancing subplots between both the fantasy and contemporary sides of her novel, allowing the reader to become invested in both what is happening to the characters as well as the characters themselves. The playful dialogue and interactions of the lovable characters throughout the book create an easy-going, natural story with plenty twists and turns that keep you up late, turning page after page.
August 1, 2017
Mirror Me is the second book by Tara St. Pierre and I have to say I look forward to more books by this vivid author.
I won't get into spoilers here--because I hate that--but I can say that if you are looking for a quick, interesting, page turning read then this is one book you must pick up. I was surprised with the big reveal at the end as I thought it was something different. Truth be told I had about 5 different theories!. The story is very unique and clever and has a hidden meaning--which is revealed at the end of course--and that all plays out very, very well. There are no loose ends and you're left feeling complete which is how you should feel at the end of a novel.
I won't get into spoilers here--because I hate that--but I can say that if you are looking for a quick, interesting, page turning read then this is one book you must pick up. I was surprised with the big reveal at the end as I thought it was something different. Truth be told I had about 5 different theories!. The story is very unique and clever and has a hidden meaning--which is revealed at the end of course--and that all plays out very, very well. There are no loose ends and you're left feeling complete which is how you should feel at the end of a novel.
November 6, 2017
I received this book from a Goodreads Givaway, and Phew ....It was really good!! I picked it up yesterday, and finished it this morning, so no problem with the reading flow. It was well thought out, well executed and the ending didn't make me cringe . So good on you , Tara St. Pierre. It is a winner!
December 8, 2017
We are proud to announce that MIRROR ME by Tara St. Pierre is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
December 12, 2021
Mirror Me
This story was very thought-provoking at times and also interesting, I liked the characters and enjoyed the story.
The Narrator was great and made listening to the story easy
This story was very thought-provoking at times and also interesting, I liked the characters and enjoyed the story.
The Narrator was great and made listening to the story easy
August 10, 2017
It's not often I find a book which actually keep me guessing. Many books make that claim, but few actually follow through. This one achieved that for me, and I love it for that! I had the pleasure of getting to read this chapter-by-chapter in a serial-like fashion as it was being written and Tara would email them to me. This was both a blessing and a curse, because reading just one chapter at a time was so tantalizing it was almost tortuous to have to wait for the next one. Finally being able to read it straight through was a wonderfully satisfying experience, and even better in its finished and edited state.
Things I love: Hannah. I mean, if you're going to read a book with a first person narrator, you better like her. And I do... so so much! Even when she's struggling, even when she's not liking herself, even when her decisions and reactions are frustrating, I can't help but like her. She's relatable. She's engaging. She's real.
And this brings me to the other characters as well, because every character feels like a real and relatable person. Her friends may be a bit stereotypical, but they're all so well fleshed out that they don't read that way. They reminded me instantly of friends I went to high school with.
I'm also a huge fan of Hannah's two primary relationships... her mother, and her crush. Her relationship with her mom is complicated for many reasons, but one of the things that I LOVE is that Tara allows her to be an actual 3-D person and not just the overbearing overprotective mother who is mean for no reason (as many YA parents can be). When we meet her, she seems to be just that. But as the story goes on and we learn more about what's happening and what's happened, well, I'll only say that their relationship makes sense. And Cole. Cole is her "bad boy" crush, and I'm trying to think of things to say that won't spoil any of the reveals about him... but I'll just say he's wonderfully swoon-worthy and leave it at that. Just trust me.
This book is suspenseful and gripping (but never in a horror type way, just in a fun page-turning way), it is heartfelt and poignant, and it is most definitely worthy of every one of the five stars I've rated it. Want something that will keep you reading way past your bedtime? This is the one.
Things I love: Hannah. I mean, if you're going to read a book with a first person narrator, you better like her. And I do... so so much! Even when she's struggling, even when she's not liking herself, even when her decisions and reactions are frustrating, I can't help but like her. She's relatable. She's engaging. She's real.
And this brings me to the other characters as well, because every character feels like a real and relatable person. Her friends may be a bit stereotypical, but they're all so well fleshed out that they don't read that way. They reminded me instantly of friends I went to high school with.
I'm also a huge fan of Hannah's two primary relationships... her mother, and her crush. Her relationship with her mom is complicated for many reasons, but one of the things that I LOVE is that Tara allows her to be an actual 3-D person and not just the overbearing overprotective mother who is mean for no reason (as many YA parents can be). When we meet her, she seems to be just that. But as the story goes on and we learn more about what's happening and what's happened, well, I'll only say that their relationship makes sense. And Cole. Cole is her "bad boy" crush, and I'm trying to think of things to say that won't spoil any of the reveals about him... but I'll just say he's wonderfully swoon-worthy and leave it at that. Just trust me.
This book is suspenseful and gripping (but never in a horror type way, just in a fun page-turning way), it is heartfelt and poignant, and it is most definitely worthy of every one of the five stars I've rated it. Want something that will keep you reading way past your bedtime? This is the one.
January 8, 2022
This was a very interesting read, but turned out to be totally different than what I had expected. Going into the book, up until about half way through, I was sure this book was going to be a thriller about a young girl dealing with a mental health diagnosis. However, that's not the case.
I don't want to reveal too many details, but I promise you will be just as intrigued with this book as I was!
I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was happening next. When I thought I had it figured out, BAM! A twist I wasn't expecting! I couldn't put this book down and finished it in 2 days! I would definitely recommend this book for anyone that loves suspense and thriller type books with a few sprinkles from the fantasy world!
I don't want to reveal too many details, but I promise you will be just as intrigued with this book as I was!
I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was happening next. When I thought I had it figured out, BAM! A twist I wasn't expecting! I couldn't put this book down and finished it in 2 days! I would definitely recommend this book for anyone that loves suspense and thriller type books with a few sprinkles from the fantasy world!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2017
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: Young-Adult, Contemporary
Recommend: Yes
Standalone
NO SPOILERS!!!
Review originally posted on Aoibh Reads
Hannah now attends a prestigious, strict school, as a last effort of her mother's to tame her. After a rebellious past and an event involving Hannah's best friend, Hannah can't look at herself in the mirror. When she does, her reflection doesn't match what she expects, and Hannah fears for her sanity. When objects become displaced, screens appear backward, and Hannah is accused of going places & doing things she has no recollection of, Hannah debates if she can even trust herself.
Wowww! The blurb provided doesn't really allude to the extremities of what occurs and I was SO hooked. There are so many questions; What happened with Nikki? Is Nikki alive? Who is really to blame? Is Hannah seeing things? What is going on with her reflection? Who is moving her phone? The list goes on.
It's actually quite a difficult book to review without giving spoilers away as you need to nearly go into this book half blind.
Hannah: I think Hannah was a brilliant main character. We know she has had a rebellious past and is now paying the price under the strict rule of her mother. She has had to move away from her old life, her best friend, Nikki, and doesn't even get to keep photos of her life. She is now trying to keep her head down, get good grades and just stay out of trouble, but it's not good enough in her mother's eyes. As a teenager, she also has the ongoing drama of school life and friends and trying to fit in and be a part of things as much as her mother will allow. Her mother only approves of one friend solely because she believes she helps Hannah's grades and that's all that counts. As the story builds, you really feel for Hannah and her loss of control over her life as the unthinkable drama unfolds.
Story: This is such an original concept, brought to life so well. Slowly, Hannah is being accused of doing things she has no memory of; plagiarizing and sneaking out, getting her in further trouble, and we have no idea how it's all happening. Told from Hannah's POV, the reader is left with the same wonder and questions as Hannah, not knowing the importance of mirrors and the messages left. Added with the mystery of Hannah's past and it's quite a page turner! The pacing is executed brilliantly; there's enough ongoing drama to prevent any dragging, balanced perfectly with answers, so it's not just an ending filled with all the answers we had.
Characters: I really liked that there weren't too many characters in this. They all held purpose and had distinct personalities and reasoning, that made them so realistic. I think I would've liked a teeny bit more of an insight into the beginning of Hannah's relationship with Cole, but then again, Hannah also missed out on most of that too! Hannah's mother is just awful, with absolute no emotional bond with her daughter, but yet even with her there is character development and attempted justification.
I thought I had figured out what was happening as we got a little bit more revealed, however the "twist" near the ending really got me (a positive). When the why is revealed, it's a bit like a punch to the stomach (in a good way) and there lies a great underlying message about forgiveness. Everything is finished off expertly, and it feels like the whole story is justified with solid reasoning rather than just being an unexplained event.
Overall:
This is an extremely original and captivating read with great twists. There is a thread of Fantasy genre intertwined with a solid, thought-provoking theme regarding growing up and forgiveness. A magical YA read. Tara St. Pierre has one of the best imaginations!
See more of my reviews here
October 3, 2017
I honestly have no idea how this book ended up in my mailbox & there was no letter or note giving me a clue as to how but regardless however it ended up in my possession I'm extremely grateful. I had been in a reading slump for quite some time & it hurt because reading means everything to me but this book FINALLY after so many months brought me back & I know it's because it was honestly that amazing of a book. It's like somehow somewhere the universe knew I needed that "one" book to help me & it worked. I feel like that being said alone should help people know that this is a book that is worth going & getting because they won't be disappointed. I understand everyone has their own taste & opinions so maybe it's not for everyone, but I feel like it should at least be given a chance cause you never know. I honestly didn't know anything about this book when I first opened it & started reading. I was expecting another "read a chapter & put it to the side when I get my reading mojo back" like I've been doing to countless amounts of books for months now, not because they were bad books but because it was like my mind just couldn't concentrate on anything, but I was shocked to realize that I had spent hours being sucked into this story & made it well pass the first chapter.
To whomever & however this book was brought into my life.. Thank You! =]
To whomever & however this book was brought into my life.. Thank You! =]
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