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Greek Mythology Fantasy Series #2
Mylee In The Mirror
Freshman year is just starting, and already Mylee fears her family is falling apart. She’s not interested in dating or any of the high-school drama it brings, but that’s just what she gets when Sam, the most popular guy at school, invites her to the Homecoming dance. Mylee needs advice, so she summons Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty, her secret confidant.
Tyler is worried about Mylee, his best friend and teammate. Already sad about her family woes, he’s livid that Slimeball Sam is trying to ooze his way into her life. And she seems to be falling for Sam’s act! Worse, Ty is worried all this attention from such a popular guy will place Mylee officially out of his league.
What does an ancient Greek goddess know about modern teenage romance? Can My and Ty save their friendship and discover what matters most?
Tyler is worried about Mylee, his best friend and teammate. Already sad about her family woes, he’s livid that Slimeball Sam is trying to ooze his way into her life. And she seems to be falling for Sam’s act! Worse, Ty is worried all this attention from such a popular guy will place Mylee officially out of his league.
What does an ancient Greek goddess know about modern teenage romance? Can My and Ty save their friendship and discover what matters most?
180 pages, Hardcover
Published November 2, 2018
7 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Collins
3 books16 followersEllie Collins wrote this debut novel when she was turning eleven and just beginning sixth grade. She wrote amid a very busy extracurricular schedule, including a spot on both a gymnastics team and a trampoline and tumbling team, as well as taking weekly piano lessons. She's an avid gamer who loves hanging out with friends. Her love of Greek mythology inspires her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 30, 2020
Mylee in the mirror is the second book in the series. I read Daisy bold and beautiful and absolutely loved it. So I had high hopes from this one.
Like first book here also a Greek goddess makes an appearance. This time it's Aphrodite goddess of love. Story is narrated through the point of view of Mylee and her friend Ty. Story focus on Mylee and her struggles to fit in high school while dealing with family drama at home.
Story is a quick read. Mylee's sometimes acts like a foolish person and Mylee is also clueless most of the time but in the end she catches up with everything and stands up for herself.
Overall story is good and engrossing.
#BookwithApurva
Like first book here also a Greek goddess makes an appearance. This time it's Aphrodite goddess of love. Story is narrated through the point of view of Mylee and her friend Ty. Story focus on Mylee and her struggles to fit in high school while dealing with family drama at home.
Story is a quick read. Mylee's sometimes acts like a foolish person and Mylee is also clueless most of the time but in the end she catches up with everything and stands up for herself.
Overall story is good and engrossing.
#BookwithApurva
May 27, 2020
"Beautiful? What's to be proud of when it comes to physical appearance? It's not something Mylee was working on. Besides, did that mean that mom wouldn't be proud of her is she had happened to suffer some tragic accident that left her scarred or disabled or unattractive in any other way? Mom looked on expectantly. Mylee knew she was looking for thanks to her compliment, but she just couldn't muster gratitude."
I give this book a 5/5 bookmarks! Honestly thought this book was going on a different route but it surprised me. The lesson on how beauty & status isn't everything is powerful in here. Love the use of modern references so I could tell what generation I was reading about.
But most of all I love the character development in this story. Mylee Mylee standing up for herself more & trying to help her family any way she can. (Plus with advice advice from a Goddess who thought she would take what she said differently.) Then there's Ty. This kid is a total sweetheart. He might be nerdy & be a goofyball but at least he has a good head on his shoulders an see's Mylee for who she truly is. Plus he respects her.
"By the end of class, he decided he had to give Mylee a chance to tell him about the Homecoming dance herself. He alsohad to have faith in her--in her decisions & her strength. He had to be gentle with whatever he did or said, though, knowing she was currently feeling rather fragile. He had to be patient with her, too. Pushing her about anything wouldn't be helpful, & helping her was all all he wanted to do."
Also, we can't forget about Grammy! She was s calm & understanding everytime she showed up in the story. Ready to give advice to Mylee to help ease her worries or just make her feel happy in general when Mylee would visit her. She's the greatest. :)
P.S. I recieved this book from the author for an honest review; I could've finished this the day that I actually started it for it was a short read (less than 150 pages) but my reading habits were in a slum. And I had some things going on to I took a pause from it but glad I did because I was able to come back to it. And fully enjoy the story more. :)
(Reading Time(s) & Date(s): 2:02pm to 2:34pm on 29th April 2020; 2:44am to 4:44am on 27th May 2020.)
I give this book a 5/5 bookmarks! Honestly thought this book was going on a different route but it surprised me. The lesson on how beauty & status isn't everything is powerful in here. Love the use of modern references so I could tell what generation I was reading about.
But most of all I love the character development in this story. Mylee Mylee standing up for herself more & trying to help her family any way she can. (Plus with advice advice from a Goddess who thought she would take what she said differently.) Then there's Ty. This kid is a total sweetheart. He might be nerdy & be a goofyball but at least he has a good head on his shoulders an see's Mylee for who she truly is. Plus he respects her.
"By the end of class, he decided he had to give Mylee a chance to tell him about the Homecoming dance herself. He alsohad to have faith in her--in her decisions & her strength. He had to be gentle with whatever he did or said, though, knowing she was currently feeling rather fragile. He had to be patient with her, too. Pushing her about anything wouldn't be helpful, & helping her was all all he wanted to do."
Also, we can't forget about Grammy! She was s calm & understanding everytime she showed up in the story. Ready to give advice to Mylee to help ease her worries or just make her feel happy in general when Mylee would visit her. She's the greatest. :)
P.S. I recieved this book from the author for an honest review; I could've finished this the day that I actually started it for it was a short read (less than 150 pages) but my reading habits were in a slum. And I had some things going on to I took a pause from it but glad I did because I was able to come back to it. And fully enjoy the story more. :)
(Reading Time(s) & Date(s): 2:02pm to 2:34pm on 29th April 2020; 2:44am to 4:44am on 27th May 2020.)
October 4, 2019
Title: Mylee in the Mirror
Author: Ellie Collins
Length: 180 pages
Publisher: Fresh Ink Group
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction
My rating: 4.5/5
Summary:
The story is about a high school girl named Mylee and her friend Ty. The problems Mylee faces and how she overcomes them with guidance from an ancient mirror she found in a stack.
My Take:
I would like to Thank Booktasters and the author for providing me with a copy of book for reading and reviewing. All the views mentioned in the blog are my own.
I wanted to pick up a light read and decided to pick this book from various books on the shelf of booktasters. What a brilliant decision it was! Ellie Collins, the author is merely aged 12 when she penned this book. It simply doesn’t seem like the work of a 12 year old, such is the maturity in writing.
The problems Mylee faces are very relatable which generally the kids in high school go through. The Characterizations of protagonists Mylee and Ty is very vivid and has adequate depth to them. Chapters are narrated from the perspectives of Mylee and Ty beautifully divided in chapters.
The transition of scenes between Mylee and Ty’s chapters is seamless and flawless. No gaps are found between the transition. The pace is fast and a relatable context. Loved the portrayal of Mylee’s mother where she tries to force her dreams on her daughter.
A great read except for the fact that name of the book could be Mylee and the mirror instead of Mylee in the mirror. The ending is perfect and leaves a feeling of contentment.
I loved this read by a very young author.
Author: Ellie Collins
Length: 180 pages
Publisher: Fresh Ink Group
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction
My rating: 4.5/5
Summary:
The story is about a high school girl named Mylee and her friend Ty. The problems Mylee faces and how she overcomes them with guidance from an ancient mirror she found in a stack.
My Take:
I would like to Thank Booktasters and the author for providing me with a copy of book for reading and reviewing. All the views mentioned in the blog are my own.
I wanted to pick up a light read and decided to pick this book from various books on the shelf of booktasters. What a brilliant decision it was! Ellie Collins, the author is merely aged 12 when she penned this book. It simply doesn’t seem like the work of a 12 year old, such is the maturity in writing.
The problems Mylee faces are very relatable which generally the kids in high school go through. The Characterizations of protagonists Mylee and Ty is very vivid and has adequate depth to them. Chapters are narrated from the perspectives of Mylee and Ty beautifully divided in chapters.
The transition of scenes between Mylee and Ty’s chapters is seamless and flawless. No gaps are found between the transition. The pace is fast and a relatable context. Loved the portrayal of Mylee’s mother where she tries to force her dreams on her daughter.
A great read except for the fact that name of the book could be Mylee and the mirror instead of Mylee in the mirror. The ending is perfect and leaves a feeling of contentment.
I loved this read by a very young author.
November 8, 2020
Thank you so much to booktasters and to Stephanie and Ellie Collins for the ebook to read and review.
Mylee is a freshmen at high school, her life suddenly changes her grandma moves to a home, her mom won’t stop nagging her to join cheer, a popular boy at school won’t stop asking her out and worst yet her parents won’t stop fighting.
I really loved the creative idea of the hand mirror she finds in her grans collection and that it took you to Aphrodite who wanted her mirror back. It goes to Mylee then having to help her deal with her issues and in return Mylee finds ways to solve her own.
I really loved Ty and it’s great that this got written with his perspective too, he was probably my favourite character he really loved and adored Mylee and wanted to check on her at all times. Mylee herself was okay there were times I didn’t like her much, but generally she was a really good character. Though I didn’t like some characters (kind of the point of them) they all worked incredibly well in the story.
This was an another incredible book in this series, I also loved that it connected to the first book and we got a little bit of DJ again that was so awesome. I really love how creative Author Ellie Collins is with these books. She is great at finding creative ways to incorporate the Greek mythological characters into a very modern setting and still having it work. She crafts these stories so perfectly.
If you haven’t read this series yet, I honestly recommend that you do they are easy to read, written so well, fun, funny and creative.
Mylee is a freshmen at high school, her life suddenly changes her grandma moves to a home, her mom won’t stop nagging her to join cheer, a popular boy at school won’t stop asking her out and worst yet her parents won’t stop fighting.
I really loved the creative idea of the hand mirror she finds in her grans collection and that it took you to Aphrodite who wanted her mirror back. It goes to Mylee then having to help her deal with her issues and in return Mylee finds ways to solve her own.
I really loved Ty and it’s great that this got written with his perspective too, he was probably my favourite character he really loved and adored Mylee and wanted to check on her at all times. Mylee herself was okay there were times I didn’t like her much, but generally she was a really good character. Though I didn’t like some characters (kind of the point of them) they all worked incredibly well in the story.
This was an another incredible book in this series, I also loved that it connected to the first book and we got a little bit of DJ again that was so awesome. I really love how creative Author Ellie Collins is with these books. She is great at finding creative ways to incorporate the Greek mythological characters into a very modern setting and still having it work. She crafts these stories so perfectly.
If you haven’t read this series yet, I honestly recommend that you do they are easy to read, written so well, fun, funny and creative.
February 16, 2020
I absolutely love this young authors imagination! I will be a loyal fan of Ellie’s for as long as she writes. Her books are a wonderful adventure, filled with life lessons ✨🧚♀️ Magical ✨
February 13, 2021
Spoilers: I am impressed by the work of young authors. I am even more impressed when authors are barely in and out of their teens.
Take Ellie Collins for example. Her debut novel Daisy, Bold & Beautiful, was written in 2018 when she was 11. Her second book, Mylee in the Mirror, was published later that year before Collins entered 7th grade and turned twelve. Last year, she published her third book, Mad Max and Sarah, at the age of fourteen.
Despite her youth, Collins has a gift for mixing modern characters and conflicts with Greek mythology. Each of her books feature a modern girl having problems with parents, friends, potential love interests, and siblings with the help and sometimes hindrance of a specific Greek goddess that uses their connections and abilities to help the young girl with her problems.
In Daisy Bold & Beautiful, Persephone, Queen of the Underworld and daughter of Demeter, Goddess of Nature and Harvesting, help D.J. who is struggling in her relocation to a new place and using her gardening talents to relate to other kids, who are too fascinated with the latest gadgets. In Mad Max & Sarah, Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, uses her personal struggles with her numerous siblings to help Sarah who is arguing with her troubled older brother, Max.
Now we come to Collins's second book, Mylee in the Mirror. In this one, the Goddess Du Jour is Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love & Beauty. In this sweet YA novel, Aphrodite helps Mylee, a teen who has problems with love both at home and at school.
Mylee encounters Aphrodite as her grandmother gets sent to a retirement community, a move which Mylee is against but can do little about. She's also tired of her pushy mother forcing things, like cheerleading, on her when she would rather be on the trampoline and tumbling team. Her mother tries to set Mylee up with Sam, football captain and the most popular boy in school. Mylee is confused and uncertain about her feelings towards Sam, especially when her friend Lilith also likes him and her male friend, Ty, is starting to imply that he wants to be more than friends with Mylee. On top of this love confusion at school, Mylee has more trouble at home when her mother announces that she and her father are getting separated.
This time of anguish over love is the perfect environment for a certain Greek Goddess to make an appearance and appears she does. Aphrodite is seen inside one of the mirrors in Grammy's antique hand mirror collection. Grammy accidentally ended up with Aphrodite's mirror after it was stolen by the Trickster Messenger God, Hermes. Aphrodite wants her mirror back and she wants Mylee's help. In the meantime, she will listen to Mylee's problems.
This is one of those fantasies where a modern person seeks advice from a unique spiritual advisor, like a ghost, a fairy, or in this case a Greek Goddess. Aphrodite is written the way that she usually is in most stories, vain, aware of her looks, sometimes superficial, and practically gushing over the thought of love and romance. She has a more formal elevated way of speaking that sets her apart from the modern characters. ("You've also weeded out an imposter friend because she would have said hurtful things about you...On top of that, you managed to make your mother happy.") Then suddenly, Aphrodite throws out a sudden slang term, revealing a childlike nature and an adaptability to keep up with a world around her that no longer reveres her. ("Umm...win, win, and win!")
Aphrodite helps Mylee by telling her details of her own life. Even though she, like Mylee's mother, wants Mylee to date "the handsome" Sam, the Goddess tells the mortal teen of her own love life, such as her unhappy marriage to Hephaestus, the Blacksmith God, and her affair with Ares, God of War. Mylee uses these examples from Aphrodite's experiences to solve her own problems. Perhaps Aphrodite is subtly telling Mylee what not to do.
Usually these type of books share the same problem, the spiritual advisor is such a large presence to the book that the Reader wants to see more of them. The chapters without them seem like filler. That is true to some degree in Mylee in the Mirror. It would be nice to see more conversations between Mylee and Aphrodite. Maybe the Goddess could play a more prominent active role than sharing details of her marriage and affairs so Mylee can learn from them.
Usually, the desire to see more of the spiritual advisor is because the modern characters are lacking in comparison. Thankfully, Collins pulled a surprising trick by making both leads interesting.
Mylee is a confused emotional young girl navigating her way through her first love while dealing with the end of her parents' love for each other. The plot falls sometimes to the typical teen angst of crushes, gossip, and what happens when suddenly you see that your close friend is actually very attractive. Some of it causes Mylee to be overwhelmed with angst and sarcasm (She refers to her and Sam's date as "The Date Heard Round The World", because of her mother's endless chattering about it).
There are some sweet cute moments, particularly that concern Ty's crush on her and Mylee trying to process her friends growing affection for her. The subplot concerning Mylee's parents's separation keeps the book from being too overtly sweet, fluffy, and teenagerish There are genuine moments of heartbreak and sadness that are the results of their separation. In one chapter, Mylee is left stranded in the rain waiting for her father who forgets to come and get her.
Mylee doesn't always handle her problems in a mature manner and no one expects her to. She is processing all of these emotions, just at the time when her body is going through various changes. On top of that is the added stress of the decline of her parents' marriage and her mother's overbearing nature. Mylee doesn't always know how to deal with her problems and exhibits sadness, rage, irritation, embarrassment, and nervousness, sometimes all at once. It's easy for Collins to capture those feelings when she is no doubt going through them herself.
In some ways, Mylee and Aphrodite fill a need for each other. Mylee needs an adult figure that understands her, listens to her, and accepts her as she is including her interests, friendships, and potential for love. Aphrodite also wants acceptance and understanding, maybe a daughter figure who looks beyond her glamorous facade and sees a figure who had been hurt, had flaws, and needed to learn a few lessons. Together, they fill that need and change for the better. Mylee finds ways to improve her relationships with her friends and parents. Aphrodite finds someone who still believes in and appreciates her.
In only her second book, Ellie Collins, has shown a true understanding of character development, literary allusion, plot, and theme. At 14, she can write as well as authors twice her age. It would be amazing to see how her writing talent will evolve and adapt as she grows.
Take Ellie Collins for example. Her debut novel Daisy, Bold & Beautiful, was written in 2018 when she was 11. Her second book, Mylee in the Mirror, was published later that year before Collins entered 7th grade and turned twelve. Last year, she published her third book, Mad Max and Sarah, at the age of fourteen.
Despite her youth, Collins has a gift for mixing modern characters and conflicts with Greek mythology. Each of her books feature a modern girl having problems with parents, friends, potential love interests, and siblings with the help and sometimes hindrance of a specific Greek goddess that uses their connections and abilities to help the young girl with her problems.
In Daisy Bold & Beautiful, Persephone, Queen of the Underworld and daughter of Demeter, Goddess of Nature and Harvesting, help D.J. who is struggling in her relocation to a new place and using her gardening talents to relate to other kids, who are too fascinated with the latest gadgets. In Mad Max & Sarah, Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, uses her personal struggles with her numerous siblings to help Sarah who is arguing with her troubled older brother, Max.
Now we come to Collins's second book, Mylee in the Mirror. In this one, the Goddess Du Jour is Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love & Beauty. In this sweet YA novel, Aphrodite helps Mylee, a teen who has problems with love both at home and at school.
Mylee encounters Aphrodite as her grandmother gets sent to a retirement community, a move which Mylee is against but can do little about. She's also tired of her pushy mother forcing things, like cheerleading, on her when she would rather be on the trampoline and tumbling team. Her mother tries to set Mylee up with Sam, football captain and the most popular boy in school. Mylee is confused and uncertain about her feelings towards Sam, especially when her friend Lilith also likes him and her male friend, Ty, is starting to imply that he wants to be more than friends with Mylee. On top of this love confusion at school, Mylee has more trouble at home when her mother announces that she and her father are getting separated.
This time of anguish over love is the perfect environment for a certain Greek Goddess to make an appearance and appears she does. Aphrodite is seen inside one of the mirrors in Grammy's antique hand mirror collection. Grammy accidentally ended up with Aphrodite's mirror after it was stolen by the Trickster Messenger God, Hermes. Aphrodite wants her mirror back and she wants Mylee's help. In the meantime, she will listen to Mylee's problems.
This is one of those fantasies where a modern person seeks advice from a unique spiritual advisor, like a ghost, a fairy, or in this case a Greek Goddess. Aphrodite is written the way that she usually is in most stories, vain, aware of her looks, sometimes superficial, and practically gushing over the thought of love and romance. She has a more formal elevated way of speaking that sets her apart from the modern characters. ("You've also weeded out an imposter friend because she would have said hurtful things about you...On top of that, you managed to make your mother happy.") Then suddenly, Aphrodite throws out a sudden slang term, revealing a childlike nature and an adaptability to keep up with a world around her that no longer reveres her. ("Umm...win, win, and win!")
Aphrodite helps Mylee by telling her details of her own life. Even though she, like Mylee's mother, wants Mylee to date "the handsome" Sam, the Goddess tells the mortal teen of her own love life, such as her unhappy marriage to Hephaestus, the Blacksmith God, and her affair with Ares, God of War. Mylee uses these examples from Aphrodite's experiences to solve her own problems. Perhaps Aphrodite is subtly telling Mylee what not to do.
Usually these type of books share the same problem, the spiritual advisor is such a large presence to the book that the Reader wants to see more of them. The chapters without them seem like filler. That is true to some degree in Mylee in the Mirror. It would be nice to see more conversations between Mylee and Aphrodite. Maybe the Goddess could play a more prominent active role than sharing details of her marriage and affairs so Mylee can learn from them.
Usually, the desire to see more of the spiritual advisor is because the modern characters are lacking in comparison. Thankfully, Collins pulled a surprising trick by making both leads interesting.
Mylee is a confused emotional young girl navigating her way through her first love while dealing with the end of her parents' love for each other. The plot falls sometimes to the typical teen angst of crushes, gossip, and what happens when suddenly you see that your close friend is actually very attractive. Some of it causes Mylee to be overwhelmed with angst and sarcasm (She refers to her and Sam's date as "The Date Heard Round The World", because of her mother's endless chattering about it).
There are some sweet cute moments, particularly that concern Ty's crush on her and Mylee trying to process her friends growing affection for her. The subplot concerning Mylee's parents's separation keeps the book from being too overtly sweet, fluffy, and teenagerish There are genuine moments of heartbreak and sadness that are the results of their separation. In one chapter, Mylee is left stranded in the rain waiting for her father who forgets to come and get her.
Mylee doesn't always handle her problems in a mature manner and no one expects her to. She is processing all of these emotions, just at the time when her body is going through various changes. On top of that is the added stress of the decline of her parents' marriage and her mother's overbearing nature. Mylee doesn't always know how to deal with her problems and exhibits sadness, rage, irritation, embarrassment, and nervousness, sometimes all at once. It's easy for Collins to capture those feelings when she is no doubt going through them herself.
In some ways, Mylee and Aphrodite fill a need for each other. Mylee needs an adult figure that understands her, listens to her, and accepts her as she is including her interests, friendships, and potential for love. Aphrodite also wants acceptance and understanding, maybe a daughter figure who looks beyond her glamorous facade and sees a figure who had been hurt, had flaws, and needed to learn a few lessons. Together, they fill that need and change for the better. Mylee finds ways to improve her relationships with her friends and parents. Aphrodite finds someone who still believes in and appreciates her.
In only her second book, Ellie Collins, has shown a true understanding of character development, literary allusion, plot, and theme. At 14, she can write as well as authors twice her age. It would be amazing to see how her writing talent will evolve and adapt as she grows.
August 8, 2019
Lovely book. I loved reading this one. Frankly, this book explained to me how a relationship is built and how things should be in a clear manner. Simple and straightforward. Smart writing by this young author.
Thanks for giving me a chance to read it.
Thanks for giving me a chance to read it.
August 7, 2019
Mylee in the Mirror is the second book by young author Ellie Collins. It also incorporates Greek Mythology in it (like in her first book Daisy Bold & Beautiful). In this story she includes the Goddess of Love and Beauty, Aphrodite.
🦄🦄🦄
Mylee is a freshman in High School along with her three best friends Ty, Serena and Lilith. Her life takes a sad turn when her grandmother moves further away from home to a retirement home and also her parents marriage is on the rocks, her mother wants her to be a cheerleader even though she is not interested and her best friend (Lilith) stops talking to her because the boy she has a crush on likes Mylee and wants to take her for the Homecoming dance.
While cleaning her grandmother's attic she finds a box of beautiful hand mirrors which her grandmother let's her keep. One particular mirror catches her eye and its through this mirror she meets Aphrodite. She finds out that the mirror belongs to Aphrodite and Hermes had hidden it from her. Mylee asks for Aphrodite's advice on all her problems while Mylee helps her with a plan to get revenge on Hermes in return (and certain other issues).
How will Mylee solve her problems before the Homecoming dance?
🦄🦄🦄
Even though Mylee in the Mirror is a children's book it offers us a look at how we do not need to do what makes everyone else happy but fo what makes us happy. In her second book Ellie Collins has proved that she is wise beyond her years and her writing style has improved a lot between her first and second book. She has also included her love for gymnastics in this book along with Greek Mythology. 🦄🦄🦄
You can find my review on the first book on my blog.
Mylee in the Mirror also includes a small feature by D.J. from her first book.
🦄🦄🦄
Mylee is a freshman in High School along with her three best friends Ty, Serena and Lilith. Her life takes a sad turn when her grandmother moves further away from home to a retirement home and also her parents marriage is on the rocks, her mother wants her to be a cheerleader even though she is not interested and her best friend (Lilith) stops talking to her because the boy she has a crush on likes Mylee and wants to take her for the Homecoming dance.
While cleaning her grandmother's attic she finds a box of beautiful hand mirrors which her grandmother let's her keep. One particular mirror catches her eye and its through this mirror she meets Aphrodite. She finds out that the mirror belongs to Aphrodite and Hermes had hidden it from her. Mylee asks for Aphrodite's advice on all her problems while Mylee helps her with a plan to get revenge on Hermes in return (and certain other issues).
How will Mylee solve her problems before the Homecoming dance?
🦄🦄🦄
Even though Mylee in the Mirror is a children's book it offers us a look at how we do not need to do what makes everyone else happy but fo what makes us happy. In her second book Ellie Collins has proved that she is wise beyond her years and her writing style has improved a lot between her first and second book. She has also included her love for gymnastics in this book along with Greek Mythology. 🦄🦄🦄
You can find my review on the first book on my blog.
Mylee in the Mirror also includes a small feature by D.J. from her first book.
August 14, 2019
We are proud to announce that MYLEE IN THE MIRROR by Ellie G. Collins is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
January 19, 2020
When Mylee enters high school, she's consumed with friends, homework, gymnastics, and boys...until her parents' marriage seems to be dissolving, and everything else starts to take a back burner. The fights escalate until her father moves out and takes his own apartment, leaving her mom at loose ends, obsessing over Mylee's school activities, dating life, and relationships with her friends. Would her mom and dad even notice that Mylee kept her straight A report card, despite the stressful transition from middle school to high school, or were her parents too preoccupied with their own problems to appreciate her efforts?
During her first semester of high school, Mylee's grandmother loses her independence and downsizes into a retirement home, giving Mylee her precious box of antique mirrors. The last one in the box made Mylee "feel like she had, indeed, stepped into a gorgeous garden, surrounded by fragrant blooms and dancing butterflies were jewels that the queen of England would envy." Then Mylee is stunned when she looks into the mirror, and instead of seeing her reflection or the beautiful garden, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love appears, and offers Mylee sage advice on everything from boys to friends to her relationship with her parents.
Perfect for late elementary schoolers to early middle school 'tweens, Mylee in the Mirror will get your kids interested in Greek mythology while delighting them with an honest glimpse into the high school world of popular jocks, cheerleaders, and gymnasts, hotties and notties, dating, true friends, and frenemies. Characters from Collins's first book, Daisy, Bold and Beautiful, make an appearance in this book, and I hope that the relationship between Mylee and Ty will develop further in her next work.
During her first semester of high school, Mylee's grandmother loses her independence and downsizes into a retirement home, giving Mylee her precious box of antique mirrors. The last one in the box made Mylee "feel like she had, indeed, stepped into a gorgeous garden, surrounded by fragrant blooms and dancing butterflies were jewels that the queen of England would envy." Then Mylee is stunned when she looks into the mirror, and instead of seeing her reflection or the beautiful garden, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love appears, and offers Mylee sage advice on everything from boys to friends to her relationship with her parents.
Perfect for late elementary schoolers to early middle school 'tweens, Mylee in the Mirror will get your kids interested in Greek mythology while delighting them with an honest glimpse into the high school world of popular jocks, cheerleaders, and gymnasts, hotties and notties, dating, true friends, and frenemies. Characters from Collins's first book, Daisy, Bold and Beautiful, make an appearance in this book, and I hope that the relationship between Mylee and Ty will develop further in her next work.
January 8, 2021
Ellie Collins has been writing books since sixth grade and has a thing for Greek Mythology Fantasy. Reading Mylee in the Mirror is like stepping back into the early teen years when good friends were the kind that had your back no matter your situation. It grasps the reality of how adult family situations affect all generations of family members. It shows how a young lady dealt with her family’s marital problems while maintaining a rounded A grade level in school. She excels in her favored extra-curricula activities of Tramp and Tumbling when also tackles piano lessons while sidestepping her mom’s preference for cheerleading. It feels like mom is trying to live out her own active high school life of yesteryear vicariously through her daughter’s life. I think this author wanted to show how one should learn to live and enjoy their own life rather than living for others, even if that other is a parent. Grandma, the voice of reason, evidently had to move into a retirement home but luckily it was a convenient walk or bus ride away so Mylee had that loving constant support whenever she needed it. I like how Greek Mythology was also a part of this story just enough for a young mind to get a sense of mythology and awe. It helped her handle the ego of a possible bully and people user without throwing a single punch. I do believe one day she and her one male in the friend zone can come to be more than friends in the future.
Ellie Collins also wrote: Daisy, Bold and Beautiful, and Mad Max and Sweet Sarah. This young lady has quite a collection of literary awards to date. I very much enjoyed reading Mylee in the Mirror
Ellie Collins also wrote: Daisy, Bold and Beautiful, and Mad Max and Sweet Sarah. This young lady has quite a collection of literary awards to date. I very much enjoyed reading Mylee in the Mirror
March 12, 2021
Rating: 3.5
*Thank you Ellie Collins and BookTasters for the free review copy. My review consists of my original thoughts and has not been influenced by anyone.*
We meet Mylee as she is entering high school. Her goal: Just to get through the next four years. Mylee doesn't have time for boys or drama; she has enough going on at home. But then Ben asks her to the Homecoming dance and 'this changes everything. With the help of a certain Goddess Mylee must make a big decision. What ill he do?
This book surprised me in the most pleasant way. It was a well paced, quick and delightful read. It was parts feel good read and parts a book with a great message. It takes us on a journey on how beauty doesn't always make you more powerful. It also shows how when you look beyond the appearances, there is so much more you learn about a person. Speaking of people, I really loved Ty [Mylee's best friend]. He's such a sweetheart and wants the best for Mylee. Yes, he also had a bit of an agenda because he liked her, but I think his driving motivation was to make sure his friend doesn't get hurt by someone like Sam [the popular guy]. Mylee, the main character, had a good overall character development. She was a bit distracted in the beginning but soon became a force to be reckon with as she began to stand up for herself.
I enjoyed how Ellie Collins added another Greek Goddess into her story. She manages to make the Goddess play a pivotal role without making the Goddess the main focal plot point.
*Thank you Ellie Collins and BookTasters for the free review copy. My review consists of my original thoughts and has not been influenced by anyone.*
We meet Mylee as she is entering high school. Her goal: Just to get through the next four years. Mylee doesn't have time for boys or drama; she has enough going on at home. But then Ben asks her to the Homecoming dance and 'this changes everything. With the help of a certain Goddess Mylee must make a big decision. What ill he do?
This book surprised me in the most pleasant way. It was a well paced, quick and delightful read. It was parts feel good read and parts a book with a great message. It takes us on a journey on how beauty doesn't always make you more powerful. It also shows how when you look beyond the appearances, there is so much more you learn about a person. Speaking of people, I really loved Ty [Mylee's best friend]. He's such a sweetheart and wants the best for Mylee. Yes, he also had a bit of an agenda because he liked her, but I think his driving motivation was to make sure his friend doesn't get hurt by someone like Sam [the popular guy]. Mylee, the main character, had a good overall character development. She was a bit distracted in the beginning but soon became a force to be reckon with as she began to stand up for herself.
I enjoyed how Ellie Collins added another Greek Goddess into her story. She manages to make the Goddess play a pivotal role without making the Goddess the main focal plot point.
February 22, 2021
I had so much fun reading this book!
It was very entertaining from beginning to end. The characters in the book were extremely likeable and relatable. I think Aphrodite was perfectly portrayed in this book. The story was amusing but not overly serious or dramatic as some high-school books tend out to be.
It all starts with Mylee helping her grandmother move to her new apartment. Moving the last boxes, she finds out a collection of hand mirrors. Her grandma tells her she can keep one if she likes, and finds a beautifully crafted mirror that seems almost godlike. Well, godlike it is because this particular mirror is actually Aphrodite's that was stolen by Hermes for a prank a while back.
If this was not enough on her plate, the most popular guy in school, Sam, asks her out for a football game out of the blue. Or was this planned?
I kind of wish I would have seen more of whatever happened to some of the problems that we encounter on the book, such as Mylee's parents marriage or Aphrodite's revenge. I want to know!
The ending was perfect. While I am certainly rooting Ty from my corner over here, that it ended up the way it did was satisfying and fitting. Life doesn't have to be a rom-com all the time, and they got time to enjoy life the way it is.
Overall, this book was a delight to read.
It was very entertaining from beginning to end. The characters in the book were extremely likeable and relatable. I think Aphrodite was perfectly portrayed in this book. The story was amusing but not overly serious or dramatic as some high-school books tend out to be.
It all starts with Mylee helping her grandmother move to her new apartment. Moving the last boxes, she finds out a collection of hand mirrors. Her grandma tells her she can keep one if she likes, and finds a beautifully crafted mirror that seems almost godlike. Well, godlike it is because this particular mirror is actually Aphrodite's that was stolen by Hermes for a prank a while back.
If this was not enough on her plate, the most popular guy in school, Sam, asks her out for a football game out of the blue. Or was this planned?
I kind of wish I would have seen more of whatever happened to some of the problems that we encounter on the book, such as Mylee's parents marriage or Aphrodite's revenge. I want to know!
The ending was perfect. While I am certainly rooting Ty from my corner over here, that it ended up the way it did was satisfying and fitting. Life doesn't have to be a rom-com all the time, and they got time to enjoy life the way it is.
Overall, this book was a delight to read.
May 18, 2021
Lovely Middle-Grade Drama with a Touch of Greek Mythology
There are moments in Mylee in the Mirror that you think to yourself, ah yes, preteen drama. And it makes perfect sense that its author and target audience are in middle grade.
But there are moments that stopped me in my tracks. The emotional maturity was high and I sat there thinking, “No way this was written by a twelve-year-old!”
For its intended audience, Mylee in the Mirror is the PERFECT mix of heartfelt and mature blended with silly and childlike. It reminds me of the Mary Kate and Ashley books and Sweet Valley Jr. High books that I devoured at that age. Boy drama, a touch of potential danger, and everyday problems that the readers may be going through themselves.
My only criticism of this story is that I expected the role of Aphrodite to be much larger. After all, a Greek goddess appears in a mirror to give advice to a high school student today?! So much could have happened!!
Regardless, Mylee in the Mirror is excellent for its age group and astounding for the author’s writing level. I truly hope Ellie continues writing and I can’t wait to see where she is as an author over the coming decades.
There are moments in Mylee in the Mirror that you think to yourself, ah yes, preteen drama. And it makes perfect sense that its author and target audience are in middle grade.
But there are moments that stopped me in my tracks. The emotional maturity was high and I sat there thinking, “No way this was written by a twelve-year-old!”
For its intended audience, Mylee in the Mirror is the PERFECT mix of heartfelt and mature blended with silly and childlike. It reminds me of the Mary Kate and Ashley books and Sweet Valley Jr. High books that I devoured at that age. Boy drama, a touch of potential danger, and everyday problems that the readers may be going through themselves.
My only criticism of this story is that I expected the role of Aphrodite to be much larger. After all, a Greek goddess appears in a mirror to give advice to a high school student today?! So much could have happened!!
Regardless, Mylee in the Mirror is excellent for its age group and astounding for the author’s writing level. I truly hope Ellie continues writing and I can’t wait to see where she is as an author over the coming decades.
December 10, 2018
This is another great children's book in the Greek Mythology Fantasy Series. While the first book dealt with sixth grader D.J., Persephone and a move, including a new school, “Mylee in the Mirror” takes on high school, Aphrodite, dating, change and expectations. The opening of the book drew me right in with a surprise and I was hooked. Mylee is moving her beloved grandmother into assisted living; her parents are fighting, and the most popular guy in school asks her out--making life confusing for her. But even with all that was going on at least Mylee had her best friends and trampoline and tumbling. The characters are well-written and the relationships realistic. Mylee’s home life felt genuine, and the connection between her and her grammy was sweet. I loved the life lessons about being true to yourself, that applied to the adults in the story, too. Adding in the magic of a Greek Goddess and her interactions with Mylee made this story a lot of fun and exciting to read. I’m looking forward to the next book and highly recommend this imaginative book and amazing young author.
January 11, 2019
What would you do if you peered into a mirror and saw something other than your reflection looking back at you?
What would you do if the captain of the football team invited you to watch him play in an upcoming game?
Then what would you do if both your mom and the goddess of love and beauty were beyond excited at your good fortune?
With help from Grammy Jean and Ty, Mylee does her best to wade through the fog of confusion. She wants her mom to be happy, but she wants to be happy, too. By finding a solution for her own problem, Mylee is able to offer a bit of helpful advice to her new friend on the other side of the mirror.
I love Ellie’s writing style - the first page alone is a work of terror. I love being able to feel her energy flowing over the pages. I love the steadfast morals expressed in each situation. And I love the appearance of D.J. and her gardening club from the first book.
I cannot wait to see what Ellie comes up with in book 3.
What would you do if the captain of the football team invited you to watch him play in an upcoming game?
Then what would you do if both your mom and the goddess of love and beauty were beyond excited at your good fortune?
With help from Grammy Jean and Ty, Mylee does her best to wade through the fog of confusion. She wants her mom to be happy, but she wants to be happy, too. By finding a solution for her own problem, Mylee is able to offer a bit of helpful advice to her new friend on the other side of the mirror.
I love Ellie’s writing style - the first page alone is a work of terror. I love being able to feel her energy flowing over the pages. I love the steadfast morals expressed in each situation. And I love the appearance of D.J. and her gardening club from the first book.
I cannot wait to see what Ellie comes up with in book 3.
February 5, 2021
If you like Greek Mythology-inspired stories, then this would definitely tickle your fancy. With its whimsically engaging plot, well-developed relatable characters and impeccably fluid writing, young adults and the young at heart alike would surely enjoy this book. I liked how the author used the mirror as a tool for reflection, both literally and figuratively. Oftentimes, all we needed to do to solve our problems is to detach ourselves from our predicament and review everything from an outsider’s point of view for a more objective and unbiased analysis.
May 23, 2019
It was AMAZING! 😍😍 I love the character development and the way every character learns something.
July 29, 2019
A great book for young adults. The story is very interesting and the characters unique.
February 28, 2021
I had already started reading this when I stumbled across the information that the author is really, really young. I'm floored. And going to give this brilliant rising literay star the biggest compliment I can- to review her book without any 'for a writer this age' caveats.
Because someone who can produce a book like this when just barely into her teens has a lifetime of success ahead of her and needs no coddling.
Mylee is a sweet, fun YA book. I love the title, love Mylee (and her name!) and Ty. The tone is bright, breezy and bouncy, it doesn't take itself too seriously and it moves along at just the right pace. Really brilliantly done.
Some stuff doesn't work so well for me. I don't much like anyone in the book except Mylee and Ty. The other characters are very flat. Even Aphrodite, and I'm kind of over her being endlessly portrayed as vain and silly. Paradoxically, one of my other complaints is that she has a very small role in the book, and Mylee is puzzlingly chill about having a cozy friendship with an Olympic deity. I'd like to have seen a bit more wonder, and a lot more goddess.
There are some places where there's more telling than showing. But not all that many. I'm confident this adept writer will smooth that out with subsequent works.
My overall enjoyment of this is 3.5, bumping it up to 4 because of the promise this delightful little volume contains.
Because someone who can produce a book like this when just barely into her teens has a lifetime of success ahead of her and needs no coddling.
Mylee is a sweet, fun YA book. I love the title, love Mylee (and her name!) and Ty. The tone is bright, breezy and bouncy, it doesn't take itself too seriously and it moves along at just the right pace. Really brilliantly done.
Some stuff doesn't work so well for me. I don't much like anyone in the book except Mylee and Ty. The other characters are very flat. Even Aphrodite, and I'm kind of over her being endlessly portrayed as vain and silly. Paradoxically, one of my other complaints is that she has a very small role in the book, and Mylee is puzzlingly chill about having a cozy friendship with an Olympic deity. I'd like to have seen a bit more wonder, and a lot more goddess.
There are some places where there's more telling than showing. But not all that many. I'm confident this adept writer will smooth that out with subsequent works.
My overall enjoyment of this is 3.5, bumping it up to 4 because of the promise this delightful little volume contains.
May 25, 2020
The beginning was a little confusing but soon things get a little clearer.
The book is apt for teens as it is filled with ups and downs a teenager faces and lots of things to learn about. I like how the author has very smartly added in the greek mythology and related facts without seeming boring or factual.
Everytime Mylee did something foolish and I would like to shout some sense into her, the mirror did it for me.
Overall a decent read but the title is misleading.
The book is apt for teens as it is filled with ups and downs a teenager faces and lots of things to learn about. I like how the author has very smartly added in the greek mythology and related facts without seeming boring or factual.
Everytime Mylee did something foolish and I would like to shout some sense into her, the mirror did it for me.
Overall a decent read but the title is misleading.
February 8, 2021
"Mylee in the Mirror" by Ellie Collins is a YA drama filled with scenarios that many suburban tweens and teens will relate to. It has a dash of mythology in the form of Aphrodite, but most of the story involves a more realistic plot.
I did not find any of the characters to be particularly likable, and I wish there was more magic in the story. For a young author, it was a charming and well written tale that I am sure will appeal to a lot of people.
I did not find any of the characters to be particularly likable, and I wish there was more magic in the story. For a young author, it was a charming and well written tale that I am sure will appeal to a lot of people.
February 27, 2020
I just finished reading this young authors book. I came across her on Instagram, her stories sounded fascinating to me. I've always loved all types of genres of books. My now grown children, have always recommended books to me. And I was so happy to see this young author embrace who she is as a writer. Not only does author Ellie G. Collins take you on a beautiful adventure...she intertwines Greek Mythology and characters in her books in a very clever and captivating way. I have read her first book, Daisy, Bold & Beautiful. After reading her first book, I knew I must have her second! I really think all libraries and schools should have her books. Ellie G. Collins writing touches on subjects, such as relations in school, at home, with friends and always has a beautiful written message within. This will be the author to watch for, over the years! I can't wait to read her next book. I'm not going to lie, I even cried reading this one.
August 27, 2022
Thank you to Booktasters and the author for the complimentary copy of this book for review. The opinions expressed are my own. Considering that Ellie Collins was not yet 12 when she wrote this book, it is very maturely written. I’m impressed by how well she captured teenage emotions and ups and downs. The story wraps up on an optimistic and positive note, which is needed for preteen and teen readers. One small criticism is there isn’t an actual reason why Sam would pursue Mylee to begin with. We all know the parents wish for them to be together, but that isn’t quite enough to explain why he would agree to it. Aphrodite kept telling Mylee how bad she looked so it seems a little unbelievable Sam would pay attention to her. Other than that, it’s a great mixture of Greek mythology and fairy together as a nice, light read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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