Mirrors and Magic

Grimm Academy #7

by Laura Greenwood

Librarian Note: Alternative cover of B088FDP2TY.

Snow has been waiting for her fairy tale to begin... 

Welcome to Grimm Academy, where fairy tale characters go to escape their foretold fate.

 -
Mirrors And Magic is the fourth book of the Grimm Academy series and is based on the fairy tale of Snow White.   

Please note: this is an m/f NON-bully academy series.

Genres: Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Retellings, Fairy Tale Retellings, Ebooks

176 pages, ebook

First published August 6, 2020

About the author

Laura is a romantasy author who writes epic romantasy, cozy fantasy romance, and modern romantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cuisine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads with healthy relationships, consent-positive moments, and often with ace main characters.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:

- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology-inspired modern romantasy)

- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)

- Scales of Justice (mythology-inspired modern romantasy)

- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology-inspired paranormal rom-com)

- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)

- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)

- Fated Mates and Monster Dates (cozy monster romance)

- The Dragonflame Heir (dragon romantasy)

- City of Masked Mermaids (mermaid romantasy)

Laura has been publishing since 2016 and writing for a lot longer than that. She specialises in quick reads that are perfect for an afternoon, a day at the beach, or a commute. She writes all of her own books.

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Laura Greenwood]

Grimm Academy:
1. Tower Of Thorns: books2read.com/towerofthorns
2. Spindles And Spells: books2read.com/spindlesandspells
3. Pumpkins And Proms: books2read.com/pumpkinsandproms
4. Lilies of Loss: books2read.com/liliesofloss
5. Huntsmen And Hoods: books2read.com/huntsmenandhoods
6. Glints Of Gold: books2read.com/glintsofgold
7. Mirrors And Magic: books2read.com/mirrorsandmagic
8. Lamps and Lies: books2read.com/lampsandlies
9. Feathers Of Fate: books2read.com/feathersoffate
10. The Almost Queen: books2read.com/thealmostqueen
11. The Rightful King: books2read.com/therightfulking
12. Frosts And Fears: books2read.com/frostsandfears
13. Song Of Seas: books2read.com/songofseas
14. Roses Of Regret: books2read.com/rosesofregret
15. Princess Of Petals: books2read.com/princessofpetals
16. Princess Of Feathers: books2read.com/princessoffeathers
17. Princess Of Peas: books2read.com/princessofpeas
18. The Winter Ball: books2read.com/thewinterball
19. Dance Of Daggers: books2read.com/danceofdaggers
20. Coming soon!

- Teller Of Tales: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This version of Snow White was particularly realistic to me. This is the one of the few retellings of any fairy tale where the author gives the princess a significant case of anxiety. That makes so much sense - how would you feel if you knew you were subject to a prophecy that could turn into a curse if any one of several triggers trigger? I applaud the mental strength the author gives poor Snow to be able to move past the fear and re-claim her future despite the attempts to activate the curse. This is not as frothy as some of other novels in this series - this one has depth and well worth the reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 5 out of 5]

FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH ONE OF A VARIETY OF SOURCES. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

Like all young girls, I grew up on fairy tales. Those stories were the bright spots in my childhood, to the point where I often like to revisit them in adulthood. How I wish that I'd had this story back then!

First of all, I loved how realistic Snow White was! It depicted her not as a strong heroine, but a flawed one, one that suffered as many young girls suffer: with an anxiety disorder. This spoke near and dear to my heart, as I suffered with a mental health disorder for many years in my childhood. I loved the way Snow learned to be brave and work toward her happiness, in spite of the hold that her disorder had on her life. This is one story I wish I would have had when raising my own daughter!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! Another fairytale by Laura Greenwood! I love my Laura Greenwood books! They're short, one could say that at times they are a little too short because there is more in the story, but that also makes them quick and easy reads. The kinda reads you can read when you have not that much time, when you're tired or not feeling too well. Today I came from the doctor, who got my stitches out, and I needed a comfort read.

And that was exactly what this book was! The writing style of the Grimm Academy books is quite easy and simple at times, but it always fits the characters so well! We are talking about cute and sweet princesses, the kind of princesses you imagine when someone asks you to describe a princess. Snow in this story is no different. She's kind, wanting the best for people despite her severe anxiety. She gives freely and she really takes her time to get to know people.

I love how Greenwood made Snow's anxiety part of the story, but how it's not about her anxiety. Edward is very supportive of her, doing the right things and not calling her weird or different. She herself is willing to confront her own fears at times. Watching Snow's journey, and especially reading how she eventually deals with all her fears coming true, feels therefore really empowering. Yes, she gets help from her prince, but she's not saved by him. She eventually totally saves herself.

On top of that Greenwood found a perfect way to write Snow's connection to animals, something I always found really important in the original tale, into the book. The moment Snow meets her little unicorn is so cute and I instantly loved them both a little more for it. I think that's the general feeling that I always seem to have after reading a fairytale by Laura Greenwood. Love. Warmth. And utter happiness.

I can't wait to dive into the next one!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a little torn by this story. It’s certainly not the Snow White I’m used to, but I think my biggest stumbling block was in the portrayal of Snow herself. I have a very different opinion of it after reading the author’s note than I did while reading and that’s where my confusion comes in. However, learning what the author’s intent was, may mean that this is all a “me” problem with how I viewed my own issues through the lens of Snow and not anything to do with the character or story at all. On a side note, I adored Edward and the way he jumped in to support her no matter what was happening.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Malischa Nijenhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

this is the 4th book in this series and its about snowwhite :P i so totally loved this book also. the way its writen is very lovely.

[Sarah Elyse | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mirrors and Magic” is Princess Snow’s story, and it follows her journey as she falls in love with a prince named Edward, and does her best to avoid her prophecy.

I think Snow is one of the Grimm Academy heroines I can relate to the most because of how crippling her anxiety was. That’s definitely something I can relate to, and I thought those scenes were very well-written.

But at the same time, I was really proud of Snow because she grew more confident over the course of the novel, and in the end, she was strong enough to take control of her destiny.

All in all, this was another adorable read from Laura Greenwood. I’m very much so enjoying the Grimm Academy series, and I would recommend to fans of unique fairytale retellings and an academy setting.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice enough story

This retelling of Snow White was interesting, though how the author skirted around some things was very annoying. She talked about a prophecy but sort of glossed over it. I did like the idea of Grimm Academy and that other students had prophecies too, but again, it was mentioned and not gone into. Same as with the unicorn.

This is the first book in the series I've read and it's the 7th one, so maybe you get a better feel for the prophecies Grimm Academy and the world the story is set in if you read all the books from the start.

[Ilona Nurmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet Snow White retelling, loved it!

Another brill story in the Grimm academy series. We get a jittery Snow - you’d be afraid of apples and mirrors and combs and corsets as well if you found out you were cursed at age 10. Luckily, she meets her prince who helps her, but doesn’t exactly save her and we’ve got another lovely HEA. Loved the characters, the classes interludes, the honourable prince’s attitude, the lot.

Recommended for lovers of clean and sweet YA fairytale retellings, especially Snow, especially in academy setting.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series of novellas with twists on classic fairytales. This version of Snow White offers some of the familiar elements from the Grimm fairytales, while adding a sweet romance. There’s also a truly adorable unicorn familiar that I wished could have featured more because she was simply so sweet.

Another fun, easy, and relaxing read. Definitely the perfect thing to lose oneself in for a short while.

[Linda (ellsky) Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow White's story was one of the best in this series. I love how complete Snow was as a character, including her imperfections. She had to deal with a lot of anxiety, and the writing showcased this in a very thoughtful and realistic way. I loved the way the mirrors worked in the tale, and how Snow was able to break her prophecy. A fantastic addition to the Grimm Academy series!

[Evelyn Goughnour · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book!

I love Laura’s work and all her books! This is no different Snow goes to Grimm Academy and meets prince Edward. It’s love at 1st sight. Then she bonds with a baby unicorn! It’s such an unusual retelling of one of my favorite fairy tales!

[Lisa Rector · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy read for a cozy afternoon. This is an endearing tale. A quick read in a few hours. With lovable characters, and a cute premise. Can’t really complain about the book. Adorable for preteens and up.

[fred jones · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

An interesting take on the classic fairy tale. Good story with excellent characters and some nice touches. I am liking this series

[Morgan (youarethelibrarian) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though all the girls in the series seem to be very different, the way the writer narrates sounds the same for all of them.

These are usually pretty low stakes, which I like, and I still love the premise of an academy where you can go if you have a prophecy about you. Which I guess is the reason I keep reading them, even though they’re average in terms of storytelling.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book four of the Grimm Academy series and tells the story of Princess Snow, who is attending Grimm Academy due to a complex prophecy she has waited her whole life to begin. She has avoided lots of different things due to her prophecy, poisoned apples, mirrors and corsets being some of them. She lives a cautious life and hasn’t really gotten involved with the other students much due to her odd behaviour, until a young man starts talking to her and she finds out he is a Prince of a faraway land.

One of her classes is with magical creatures and they are all introduced to a newly born baby unicorn, which makes its way straight to Snow! It has imprinted on her and now she will need to help look after it forever. She is responsible for looking after it once it leaves its mothers side and must visit it regularly to work on their bond. It is a rare occurrence for a unicorn to be born and it will be sought after fro its magical powers. An end of term ball has been organised and Prince Edward asks to take her. Snow has to brave going into the nearby town to visit a dressmaker for a ballgown, but with very specific design conditions. She manages to find a different dressmaker than most of the other girls and finds her very sympathetic to her wishes and very helpful as well. She is even offered some tea which seems to help her with her frayed nerves.

Just before the ball starts, Snow and Eddie visit her unicorn, who they find crying. Snow wonders if something is wrong, but when they refer to the unicorn care manual she was given, they realise it is quite normal and Eddie tells her to collect them, having read that the tears of a unicorn are useful to stop poison, which is one of Snow’s worst fears. When she gets to her room, she finds an apple has been left on her bed. She presumes it must be a poisoned apple and the background of her helpful dressmaker comes out.

A nice retelling of Snow White and the wicked witch in the mirror, with the poisoned apple as well. A nicely told story with a few twists and unexpected additions to the tale. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow has known her prophecy for as long as she can remember and has always covered up mirrors, avoided corsets and anything to do with apples. The students at Grimm Academy basically leave her alone because of how fearful and jumpy she is. One day during one of her classes, a boy named, Edward begins talking to her and soon convinces her to go into town with him. Snow has a wonderful time until he suggests that they get some cider to drink after which she suffers a panic attack. Edward gently leads her back to the Academy and to her room and proceeds to watch over her until she recovers. Their friendship grows from there. During one of their classes the students are asked to meet at the stables where they are introduced to a mother Unicorn and her new foal. Everyone is surprised when the new foal leaves its mother's side and heads straight for Snow choosing her to bond with. Each day, Snow gets a little braver, but there is still her prophecy to deal with and the worry of when it will begin and how it will play out and end. Edward promises to do his best to help her defeat it anyway that he can, but will his help be enough? Is there a reason that the foal chose Snow? Will Snow recognize the start of her prophecy before it is too late? Read this enchanting story to find out the answer in this retelling of Snow White.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snow has spent her whole life avoiding apples, corsets, and combs. Now there is a Prince who makes her want to take the risk.

Snow is enrolled at the Grimm Academy where all who have prophecies are sent to be safe. She knows the prophecy and does everything she can to avoid it. Then a baby unicorn bonds to her and with it her magic. Snow starts to feel hope and conveniently a Prince enters the picture and there is a ball to attend.

Laura Greenwood can take a simple tale and turn into such entertainment and a fresh one at that. Mirrors and Magic is a whimsical take on Snow. Greenwood takes a flat storyboard character and gives her strength even through her own fear. I love this as it shows a young adult that fear does not have to stop you. The Grimm Academy series and the fairytale retellings are keepers in the Greenwood library and in my own. You should make them part of your’s.

Mirrors and Magic is part of the Academy of Magic Anthology written by Bokerah Brumley, Laynie Bynum, M. Dalto, Laura Greenwood, Margo Ryerkerk, Holly Hook, Melanie Karsak, Tracy Korn, Chelli Larsen, Amanda Marin, Ashley McLeo, Anna Santos, Elle Scott, Kiesha Thomas, and Majanka Verstraete.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some students at Grimm know very little about their curse, or may have only learned of it at an older age. For some it is almost an afterthought to their other adventures and overcome with barely a hiccup. Not Snow. She has known about her curse for as long as she can remember and it dominates her life in a way that only those with anxiety can understand. Except her fears aren't irrational the curse is all too real. When the signs indicate that it might be coming to pass, will she be able to stand up to her fears?

Edward is a prince any girl would dream of - he is totally supportive, consent positive and not bad on the eyes. This is a guy who knows history is written by the winners and isn't afraid to set the record straight. He wants Snow to have her own voice and feel empowered and isn't looking for her to be anyone but who she is. Along with a baby unicorn, maybe they have what it takes to help Snow beat this curse once and for all!

This is a loose adaptation of a very familiar story. I loved the way so many details from the traditional story were wrapped into this retelling and re-imagined. This is book 4 in the Grimm Academy series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic & Mirrors brings Snow White’s story to Grimm Academy. Like many other students, Snow has a disastrous prophecy. Unlike them, she has developed an anxiety disorder due to it and is plagued by insecurities as well as panic attacks. She less concerned with falling in love and is merely surviving until she meets Edward. With his help and support, she may find the courage to face her prophecy.
As someone who struggles with an anxiety disorder as well as C-PTSD, I was particularly touched by how well Snow’s story was handled. Snow avoids her triggers as best she can and uses many positive self talk techniques to deal with her anxiety. Despite not knowing the cause of her panic attack, Edward helps her through it with kindness and compassion. He doesn’t think less of her for her struggles and vows to help however he can once she explains her prophecy. I particularly appreciated that breaking the curse doesn’t just magically cure her anxiety. Another fabulous fairy tale by Laura Greenwood.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow is afraid of apples, combs, corsets, and an almost endless list of things. She came to Grimm Academy for protection because this is where fairy tale characters go to escape their foretold fate. She has spent her whole life nervously waiting for her fairy tale to begin and is terrified of what will happen to her.

When she attracts Prince Edward, she begins to have hope that maybe her prophecy can be stopped from coming true after all. When people care and want to help, it makes all the difference. As Snow begins to start living her life, she is able to have better control over her fears.

This is another of the author’s wonderful twists on fairy tales, in this case “Snow White”! It is very well done, a good story line, well-drawn and likable characters, and enough intrigue to keep the reader’s attention. Grab your copy and enjoy Snow’s story!

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! It was a fun read and retelling of Snow White. This book stands by itself, though it is the fourth book in the series. Snow is scared of a lot of things and has been deemed eccentric or weird by most of her peers at the academy and so she is more of a loner. She attracts the genuine attention of Prince Edward. I loved the way that things developed between Edward and Snow. Snow suffers from anxiety in the story and I loved how Edward reacted to it. I also loved how Snow started to deal with her anxiety and stopped letting it control every aspect of her life. She started to do what she wanted to do and to live her life. I found the story very entertaining and really enjoyed reading it.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unicorn tear can do what?
Mirror, mirror on the wall will Snow escape her curse? If you have read any of this series Ms. Greenwood has taken some beloved fairy tales and made them fresh and new. Snow is at the Grimm Academy where her handsome prince will be along with some other magical critters. The author has written Snow as just an average teenager a bit shy and afraid along with being thought of as being a bit strange and weird. Any geek or nerd (I use those terms with love) will understand. It also is a piece that shows the growth Snow goes through and the fact that friends on your side really do make the difference. I loved the book and I am looking forward to reading more work by Ms. Greenwood. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've been keeping up with Laura Greenwood's "Grimm Academy" series, then you know Grimm Academy is where all fairy tale characters go to avoid or stop their prophecy, the original fairy tale, from happening. In 'Mirrors and Magic, the fourth book of the series introduces us to Snow, the re-telling of Snow White. In this version, Snow is a bit geeky, a bit of a nerd, extremely shy, and filled with anxiety. That is until she meets Prince Edward in class. It was great seeing how Snow grew in confidence afterward and came into herself. The story was enchanting with just enough drama, angst, and chemistry to keep the storyline flowing seamlessly. This was such a fun, easy read and was a great escape for a rainy day.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I should face my fears more often."

Snow knows the warning signs of her prophecy by heart, and has used them to make a !just of things to avoid. If she doesn't eat apples, or any byproducts of apples, she can't be poisoned by one... simple.

But when you live your life constantly on guard, perpetually trying to avoid things, it can wear on you, in ways yo do and don't realize.

This done in one quick read has some beautiful moments of unconditional friendship and love (of, and she meets a guy too), reminds us we can dress for our own comfort and still loom dazzling, and has some interesting classroom moments.

I was gifted with a copy of Magic and Mirrors and chose to share my thoughts.

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when it came out in Academy of Magic, I grabbed it in KU and read the entire collection in one sitting and had issues with the powers above because they didnt believe that a person could read as fast as some of us could *snarky grin* I guess they really need to find some authors they really enjoy then maybe they will start reading as fast as some of my friends and I do. Now onto the book.

I loved this retelling of Snow White as well as ever aspect that the author put into the story line, plot and characters. While at Grimm Academy, Snow finds out students are there to be safe from destructive prophecies on each one of them.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow is afraid of a lot of things due to her prophecy. She spends more time avoiding things and people because of it. She meets a nice boy in her class. Snow decides to go to the market with him, she has an episode. She is slowly getting closer to him. She also notices things about her prophecy. She believes it is starting to come true. Snow gets an unexpected surprise at class. Snow and Edward believe they might have the key to stop it.

This was a good story to get lose in for awhile. You will enjoy the telling of Snow and what happens to her. I recommend reading this light hearted read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Dohring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grimm’s Academy is where someone attends if they have a prophecy they need help with. Snow’s family sent her here for help. Snow has always been afraid. She avoids everything that has to do with her prophecy. She avoids apples, corsets, hair combs, and mirrors. Until one day Prince Edward wants to be friends and Snow relaxes with him. Edward invited Snow to a the Academy ball. Snow is excited but hesitant. Snow goes into town and meets Hazel a dressmaker. She is odd but surely she only wants to help Snow. This was a sweet twist on the tale about Snow White. Edward and Snow are good together. Hopefully he can help Snow beat her prophecy so she can live happily ever after.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow is terrified of her prophecy coming to pass so she just avoids things. Unfortunately, that means that she is all by herself in the academy. Then she meets Edward and suddenly, she no longer wants to be by herself anymore. With mysterious events happening, it is plain to see that her prophecy is coming true. Even if she is avoiding corsets, combs, mirrors, and apples at all costs, there is no way to stop destiny. Or is there?

This one was really cute, I loved the romance between the main, how supportive he was and understanding. Plus Luna and the twist, I did not really see coming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story really struck a cord with me, as my mother suffers from anxiety, making it easy to relate to Snow. Here, Snow has permitted her prophecy to become a curse, turning into anxiety and fear that rules her life, causing her to avoid anything and everything related to her prophecy. The fear and anxiety are the true curse, not anything the prophecy might bring. I liked Edward, and the way he championed self-determination and creating one's own fate. Can he help Snow master her prophecy and find a HEA? This is an enjoyable read and can be read as a standalone or as part of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.