What do you think?
Dark Mirror #3
Dark Destiny
Tory and her friends are celebrating the success of a second mission to aid WWII Britain when an urgent summons calls them back to their own time: Napoleon is on the brink of invading England. Can a handful of young mages stop an army?
In desperation, Merlin’s Irregulars ask Rebecca Weiss, an untrained telepath from 1940, to come back to 1804 and change Napoleon’s mind before it’s too late. As Tory and Allarde make a commitment that will cost him his inheritance, Rebecca promises to do what she can to stop Napoleon even though she is unsure of her magical abilities.
But Tory and her friends saved the Weiss family from Nazi imprisonment, and Rebecca will risk anything, even her life and her budding relationship with Nick Rainford, to repay them. A daring mission takes Tory
and Rebecca and their friends into the heart of the Army of Boulogne, where Napoleon is plotting invasion.
But while their success may save England, they must still face the bittersweet consequences of their decisions when they return home.
In desperation, Merlin’s Irregulars ask Rebecca Weiss, an untrained telepath from 1940, to come back to 1804 and change Napoleon’s mind before it’s too late. As Tory and Allarde make a commitment that will cost him his inheritance, Rebecca promises to do what she can to stop Napoleon even though she is unsure of her magical abilities.
But Tory and her friends saved the Weiss family from Nazi imprisonment, and Rebecca will risk anything, even her life and her budding relationship with Nick Rainford, to repay them. A daring mission takes Tory
and Rebecca and their friends into the heart of the Army of Boulogne, where Napoleon is plotting invasion.
But while their success may save England, they must still face the bittersweet consequences of their decisions when they return home.
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First published July 3, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
February 19, 2015
The third and last book in this trilogy again contained more depth with respect to the secondary characters than the female protagonist, whom I have given up believing to be capable of developing at all.
As I have said it is much more enjoyable to follow the secondary characters as they embark on their adventure, although I found the challenges that they had to face in this installment, and the solutions they found to those challenges, to be rather mediocre, compared to the challenges they had to overcome in the last two books.
I also found the romance between the protagonist and her male counterpart to contain a cheesy element that diminished my interest in their relationship instead of hoping for a happy ending.
All in all, this was still a very decent trilogy, the conclusion to which could have been slightly stronger, but it still worked for the most part.
I would recommend this book and the entire trilogy to anyone, who enjoys lighthearted young adult fiction of the regency period with clean romance and a fair amount of magic.
ElliotScribbles
As I have said it is much more enjoyable to follow the secondary characters as they embark on their adventure, although I found the challenges that they had to face in this installment, and the solutions they found to those challenges, to be rather mediocre, compared to the challenges they had to overcome in the last two books.
I also found the romance between the protagonist and her male counterpart to contain a cheesy element that diminished my interest in their relationship instead of hoping for a happy ending.
All in all, this was still a very decent trilogy, the conclusion to which could have been slightly stronger, but it still worked for the most part.
I would recommend this book and the entire trilogy to anyone, who enjoys lighthearted young adult fiction of the regency period with clean romance and a fair amount of magic.
ElliotScribbles
September 14, 2016
Tory, Allarde, Rebecca, Nick, Cynthia, Jack and Elspeth are going up against their toughest target yet...Napoleon as he invades England in 1804. And since they are fighting in their own time, their powers are going to be tested by other mages (French ones to be exact).
This is an exciting book and I enjoyed seeing how they all came together as even Nick and Rebecca come back in time (from 1940) to provide much needed psychic abilities that the others don't have.
All in all, a terrific series which showed growth and maturity for all the gang and of course, success in their endeavors.
This is an exciting book and I enjoyed seeing how they all came together as even Nick and Rebecca come back in time (from 1940) to provide much needed psychic abilities that the others don't have.
All in all, a terrific series which showed growth and maturity for all the gang and of course, success in their endeavors.
December 13, 2021
A fast paced conclusion for Tory and her Irregulars. This one is a 3.5 star for me. I didn't quite enjoy it as much as the 1st book, but it still is a great read. I whipped through this story as I wanted to see what happens. Some of the "gifts" that have come through with new magelings is a little to "pat" for me.
I do like to see that England isn't the only one with magelings and to see the French use them against these Tory and the Irregulars is great. I like how they aren't able to escape without injury. It makes it more realistic. I also see a possible way for the aristocrats to start turning the tide back to accepting magic.
I found this ending left open in the case Ms. Putney ever wants to come back to this world. This is a lovely young-adult trilogy I recommend for teens. It isn't contrived drama and the character growth is wonderful to see.
I do like to see that England isn't the only one with magelings and to see the French use them against these Tory and the Irregulars is great. I like how they aren't able to escape without injury. It makes it more realistic. I also see a possible way for the aristocrats to start turning the tide back to accepting magic.
I found this ending left open in the case Ms. Putney ever wants to come back to this world. This is a lovely young-adult trilogy I recommend for teens. It isn't contrived drama and the character growth is wonderful to see.
December 4, 2024
The French are invading!!! It was absolute INSANITY from start to finish. One thing I loved about this was that the Frnch had pages too. That there was actual battle and not just the Irregulars wiping the floor with everyone. They got hurt. They lost. And they battled. It hurt reading, but the development of Tory, Justin, and the other side characters was amazing. I kept hoping that they would all pull through. Honestly, by the middle, I didn't think they'd win. There was so much stacked against the Irregulars. My biggest issue is that the whole nobility against magic wasn't resolved. Yes Justin got to keep his title, but nothing else went forward. Maybe some day they'll be another book. Elspeth story still needs to be told too.
May 24, 2022
2022 bk 152 Now it is time for the teens of the 1940's to come to the aid of the group from 1803/1804. Using the portal mirrors, the group must work together to halt an invasion of England by the French. It takes all of the young magicians powers - weather, flight, melding, psychology, hearth, and earth to win the day. I only wish there were more in this series - or that Putney would have continued their stories as adults - but maybe she did? Now I'll have to go read the adult fantasy/magic series again.
September 27, 2017
I'm a big fan of romance author Mary Jo Putney and, as I have a teenage daughter, I was excited to read this YA trilogy by her. It was very good and I loved that after the first book we started exploring some of the secondary character's stories as well. I do wish that there had been an epilogue set a few years ahead to when they would all be out of Lackland Abbey school and marrying etc but that's probably just the adult in me. And perhaps M.J. Putney didn't write an epilogue in case she choose to continue the series since Elspeth hinted at a story for herself etc that I thought was going to be revealed at least a bit more in this 3rd book - I honestly thought (just the way she phrased what she felt about her own future I guess) she was going to be the one to choose to live in the future because she was going to meet Nick's older brother Joe and they were going to fall for each other but they never even met! My own daughter tried reading them but she couldn't get into them, I think it was just because the story is a bit slower paced than she's used to in YA fiction.
My main wish/disappointment was that the aristocratic view on magic (magic=tainted etc) would be altered by the end of this book, which is the usual point of anything dystopian is that change in the status quo occurs. Unfortunately, while all the major missions the characters took on in each book were successful and Allarde's father did not disinherit him all that they did remained hidden from the world and so there wasn't even a suggestion that things would start changing. Either the main direction of a dystopian plot was missed by the author or she really did/does have plans to continue the series.
My main wish/disappointment was that the aristocratic view on magic (magic=tainted etc) would be altered by the end of this book, which is the usual point of anything dystopian is that change in the status quo occurs. Unfortunately, while all the major missions the characters took on in each book were successful and Allarde's father did not disinherit him all that they did remained hidden from the world and so there wasn't even a suggestion that things would start changing. Either the main direction of a dystopian plot was missed by the author or she really did/does have plans to continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2012
This was a very good, action-packed conclusion to the series. I just wish there was more on the fate of the other couples, not just Tory and Allarde. We know they are all together but I would have loved to see it, especially Jack and Cynthia. They were my favourite.
November 8, 2021
This was such a good series. I'm really sorry to see it end. Of course, it's a happy ending so I like that. I can also see that Mary Jo left it open ended so more stories could be added. Please?
September 14, 2023
Fitting if Slightly Rushed Conclusion (Minor spoilers)
This was a fitting wrap up to a decent trilogy. I could've used a little more on each of the romances, but as always I love the way Mary Jo Putney has worked real history into this book. My complaints remain the same as I have had with the previous two books in this set. The first of which is that I felt the characters were not as well developed & three dimensional as usual. I have read a great number of MJP's adult historical romance & historical fantasy romances, & normally her characters are so well constructed as to be almost real. In this series, that wasn't quite true. While they were interesting characters, they simply weren't as fleshed out as I would have liked to see. The same is true of the romances, which I assume we're toned down because these books are marketed as YA. In my opinion, good YA is no different from adult, except for the age of the MCs. But in this series, I did feel a bit like MJP was deliberately writing in a simpler fashion that usual, almost like it was dumbed down for the younger audience it was intended for. I would've loved to see how this story might've turned out if she had written it for adults, because it was such an interesting idea with the time travel, & the characters, too, were full of untapped potential. My only other complaint is that I felt the end was extremely rushed. The book could've used an epilogue at least to let us see Rebecca & Nick tell the Irregulars goodbye & return home. It took me out of the story when they all returned from their mission in France & Tory & Allarde immediately left with no other mention of the supporting cast. I felt like she just got tired of the book & so ended it as quickly as possible. One thing I would love to see is a set of follow up books, when all of the characters are young adults instead of teens. We could see Tory & Allarde's lives as the first openly magical & proud peers of the realm, & see if they are able to change the minds of their fellow nobility. We could see how thinks turn out for Jack & Cynthia, because with their weather talents & Cynthia's illusion & hearth witchery, I could see them starting a business based upon their skills. And I'd also like to know how things end up for Nick & Rebecca once they return to 1940. Do Rebecca's parents accept her romance with Nick despite him not being Jewish? And where do Elspeth, Rachel, Polly, etc. go from here? I think it would be so neat to have a book answering all of these questions as well as some sort of new problem requiring them to travel through time again. It would also be really interesting to learn more about the origins of the mirrors & how they came to be. Despite the disappointing elements of the lack of character development & the often rushed feeling that pervades the book, I still chose to give 4 stars, simply because I was engaged enough to want the adult conclusions of the series! I would recommend, though this is one YA series that might be more enjoyable to younger audience. Though if you are an MJP fan, you will likely enjoy it even if it isn't quite up to her usual impeccable standards!
This was a fitting wrap up to a decent trilogy. I could've used a little more on each of the romances, but as always I love the way Mary Jo Putney has worked real history into this book. My complaints remain the same as I have had with the previous two books in this set. The first of which is that I felt the characters were not as well developed & three dimensional as usual. I have read a great number of MJP's adult historical romance & historical fantasy romances, & normally her characters are so well constructed as to be almost real. In this series, that wasn't quite true. While they were interesting characters, they simply weren't as fleshed out as I would have liked to see. The same is true of the romances, which I assume we're toned down because these books are marketed as YA. In my opinion, good YA is no different from adult, except for the age of the MCs. But in this series, I did feel a bit like MJP was deliberately writing in a simpler fashion that usual, almost like it was dumbed down for the younger audience it was intended for. I would've loved to see how this story might've turned out if she had written it for adults, because it was such an interesting idea with the time travel, & the characters, too, were full of untapped potential. My only other complaint is that I felt the end was extremely rushed. The book could've used an epilogue at least to let us see Rebecca & Nick tell the Irregulars goodbye & return home. It took me out of the story when they all returned from their mission in France & Tory & Allarde immediately left with no other mention of the supporting cast. I felt like she just got tired of the book & so ended it as quickly as possible. One thing I would love to see is a set of follow up books, when all of the characters are young adults instead of teens. We could see Tory & Allarde's lives as the first openly magical & proud peers of the realm, & see if they are able to change the minds of their fellow nobility. We could see how thinks turn out for Jack & Cynthia, because with their weather talents & Cynthia's illusion & hearth witchery, I could see them starting a business based upon their skills. And I'd also like to know how things end up for Nick & Rebecca once they return to 1940. Do Rebecca's parents accept her romance with Nick despite him not being Jewish? And where do Elspeth, Rachel, Polly, etc. go from here? I think it would be so neat to have a book answering all of these questions as well as some sort of new problem requiring them to travel through time again. It would also be really interesting to learn more about the origins of the mirrors & how they came to be. Despite the disappointing elements of the lack of character development & the often rushed feeling that pervades the book, I still chose to give 4 stars, simply because I was engaged enough to want the adult conclusions of the series! I would recommend, though this is one YA series that might be more enjoyable to younger audience. Though if you are an MJP fan, you will likely enjoy it even if it isn't quite up to her usual impeccable standards!
March 1, 2025
Time-traveling teenage mages fighting Napoleon.
That was what made me grab this title from the secondhand bookstore, only finding out later that it's the third in a trilogy.
It's a wild ride, with a magical time portal between WWII England and Napoleonic Wars England. Having apparently rescued refugees from the Nazis in the previous title, now our protagonists are fighting off a Napoleonic invasion with its own mage support.
Unfortunately, more time is taken up by interpersonal drama and teen romance. Even more unfortunately, all the major characters have unaccountably-modern attitudes. I couldn't help scoffing as one character and his mother in WWII both reveal their modern multiculturalist attitudes... without the author even appearing to notice how out of place they are!
Someone should do this premise better. But this is not the book for it.
That was what made me grab this title from the secondhand bookstore, only finding out later that it's the third in a trilogy.
It's a wild ride, with a magical time portal between WWII England and Napoleonic Wars England. Having apparently rescued refugees from the Nazis in the previous title, now our protagonists are fighting off a Napoleonic invasion with its own mage support.
Unfortunately, more time is taken up by interpersonal drama and teen romance. Even more unfortunately, all the major characters have unaccountably-modern attitudes. I couldn't help scoffing as one character and his mother in WWII both reveal their modern multiculturalist attitudes... without the author even appearing to notice how out of place they are!
Someone should do this premise better. But this is not the book for it.
March 12, 2022
Definitely my least favorite book in the trilogy. The writing was terribly stilted and the plot was not developed well at all. Characters were flat and boring. I was not emotionally engaged in the characters and really couldn't care less about what happened to them. The whole scene with Napoleon was just dumb.
Oh, and I got so tired of hearing about how hungry everyone was after going through the mirror, and how awful the journey through the mirror was ... I thought there would be a reason for this, but nothing was ever revealed.
The ending was less than satisfying.
Disappointing.
Oh, and I got so tired of hearing about how hungry everyone was after going through the mirror, and how awful the journey through the mirror was ... I thought there would be a reason for this, but nothing was ever revealed.
The ending was less than satisfying.
Disappointing.
August 13, 2019
The YA Georgian Fantasy saga continues... This time, Napoleon invades Wales and may yet change English history. If England uses mages in war (albeit secretly especially if it involves aristocrats given the prohibition), so does Napoleon... in which case there are two wars being fought here ~ those involving magic and the military. This will also see the resolution to Allerde's inheritance as well as Tory's future with Justin.
April 2, 2022
I was sufficiently engaged in the larger storyline that I listened to all three books close together. I enjoyed Tory's character and the sweet relationship that she had with Allard (Justin). It was especially beautiful seeing that it grew as a result of them working so well together which has its own reward. The plot was fanciful, but it is a fantasy book after all. All the Irregulars tended to pair off, but that is what often happens in real life. I also liked that each character came into their power gradually through the 3 books and came up with resourceful ways to use their powers to meet the end goal. It gave the story that Happily Ever After feeling.
July 10, 2017
Further adventures of Merlin's Irregulars, a group of time-travelling teenage magelings, some from 1940 and some from 1804. While I found the Napoleonic invasion of Wales interesting, this one didn't pull me as strongly as book two. Things that went wrong, either plot-wise or character conflict-wise, were resolved too easily.
November 10, 2017
I felt like the book was all too predictable. It followed the same sort of patterns as the first two books. I realize it's YA, but no one dies, no one is seriously injured and they all, presumably, live happily ever after. I'm glad they managed to foil Napoleon's plans of invasion, but then there really wasn't much of a doubt that they would succeed.
February 13, 2019
That was a great ending to a good series. I especially loved the end. It was fabulous. But I really liked how they solved the problem. It was really fun and creative. I really liked how Cynthia and Back had a little bump in their relationship and became stronger for it. I loved how Rebecca developed her talent and used it. It was the best part of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2017
I love it! One of the best books I have ever read I recommend to all ages
February 10, 2018
A wonderful space/time trilogy. Highly recommended!
April 5, 2020
Приятна за четене фантастична тинейджърска поредица.
July 8, 2021
While the plots are compelling, the pacing felt too fast and the ending was abrupt. I wish some characters were followed more closely.
October 8, 2022
nice end to the series
October 19, 2023
A decidedly valiant ending to the series.
May 17, 2017
Link: https://holedupinabook.blogspot.com/2...
I’m not sure why I didn’t simply finish the entire series when I read the first book two years ago – they were all out by that point but somehow I completely missed it? I have no idea. Regardless, I am glad I finally got the chance to finish this series because I really adored it. The characters were engaging and though not completely well-developed, they had a lot personality and spunk to them. The plot was also very entertaining and was a joy to read.
Even though I read the first book years ago, it was very easy for me to pick up the second book and re-immerse myself with the life of Tory and the rest of the Irregulars. It wasn’t at all difficult for me to remind myself of what happened in the first book. Within a few chapters, I had reacquainted myself to all of the characters and was interested to see what happened next with the whole “we must save England from France” deal.
The one thing I really enjoyed was that even though the main characters was supposedly Tory, all of the other secondary characters took a turn to shine in the light as well. For example, in the second book, the author delved into Tory and Allarde’s relationship a little deeper as well as give some more insight on another budding pair. The same thing happened with the third book. Not only did Tory and Allarde have a happy ending, the other characters all got something as well and that was something I really enjoyed to read about.
However, that being said, I did find the characters to be a little under-developed. Don’t get me wrong – I still really liked them all but I found them to be a little immature and rash at times especially because all of the books discussed about a war of some sort. When they were in the future with Nick and his family, it was all about WWII. When they were back at home, it was all about saving Britain from France’s potential invasion. With all of these wars and fighting going on, I was a little surprised to see them all very reckless. It was as if they had no fear. On one hand, it was quite brave of them but on the other hand, it was a little strange for me to envision these 1800s relatively rich kids (just a reminder, these are all kids of dukes, earls, etc.) be that irresponsible. It just didn’t really match their persona. Maybe it was something to do with their magic capabilities that made them feel as if they were all-powerful so they had no real sense of danger.
Overall, I did find the series to be entertaining. Even though the kids were a bit reckless and immune to the whole scared-of-a-war thing, I did find that they worked really well together and utilized their every abilities to the very best. If you’re into fantasy/magical books and you’re more interested in the plot than the character development then definitely check this series out.
I’m not sure why I didn’t simply finish the entire series when I read the first book two years ago – they were all out by that point but somehow I completely missed it? I have no idea. Regardless, I am glad I finally got the chance to finish this series because I really adored it. The characters were engaging and though not completely well-developed, they had a lot personality and spunk to them. The plot was also very entertaining and was a joy to read.
Even though I read the first book years ago, it was very easy for me to pick up the second book and re-immerse myself with the life of Tory and the rest of the Irregulars. It wasn’t at all difficult for me to remind myself of what happened in the first book. Within a few chapters, I had reacquainted myself to all of the characters and was interested to see what happened next with the whole “we must save England from France” deal.
The one thing I really enjoyed was that even though the main characters was supposedly Tory, all of the other secondary characters took a turn to shine in the light as well. For example, in the second book, the author delved into Tory and Allarde’s relationship a little deeper as well as give some more insight on another budding pair. The same thing happened with the third book. Not only did Tory and Allarde have a happy ending, the other characters all got something as well and that was something I really enjoyed to read about.
However, that being said, I did find the characters to be a little under-developed. Don’t get me wrong – I still really liked them all but I found them to be a little immature and rash at times especially because all of the books discussed about a war of some sort. When they were in the future with Nick and his family, it was all about WWII. When they were back at home, it was all about saving Britain from France’s potential invasion. With all of these wars and fighting going on, I was a little surprised to see them all very reckless. It was as if they had no fear. On one hand, it was quite brave of them but on the other hand, it was a little strange for me to envision these 1800s relatively rich kids (just a reminder, these are all kids of dukes, earls, etc.) be that irresponsible. It just didn’t really match their persona. Maybe it was something to do with their magic capabilities that made them feel as if they were all-powerful so they had no real sense of danger.
Overall, I did find the series to be entertaining. Even though the kids were a bit reckless and immune to the whole scared-of-a-war thing, I did find that they worked really well together and utilized their every abilities to the very best. If you’re into fantasy/magical books and you’re more interested in the plot than the character development then definitely check this series out.
March 8, 2015
While recovering from their Dunkirk mission and preparing to return to the early 1800s, Allarde has a vision of Napoleon attacking England. Those from that time period quickly scramble to return and see what can be done. They return to discover that there is already a French fleet landing on the shores of Wales. The teachers must stay at Lackland and continue keeping up the wards that are supposed to protect the Channel from invasion. So Tory, Allarde, Elspeth, Cynthia, and Jack seek out a mirror close to the invasion and go there to see what can be done. They quickly find out that this will be different from Dunkirk because this time their enemy also has mages.
Meanwhile, Rebecca is adjusting to life in 1940s England and being a magician. She accidentally starts figuring out the full extents of her magic when she changes the attitude of a mean girl at school just by touching her. Nick is obviously smitten with Rebecca, but she is worried about the differences in their religions. Eager to see this work, he starts learning all he can about Judaism.
Eventually, those in the 1800s realize they need some extra help to keep the French of Britsh shores, and some of the 1940s Irregulars are recruited on a daring mission.
I've really liked this series so far and the way it connects two of my favorite historical time periods. This one was good, but didn't have me reading at quite the break-neck pace as the first two. Maybe it was because in past books there was always a chance of their missions going horribly wrong without significantly impacting history as we know it, whereas in this one if the Irregulars failed it would've changed a lot and therefore it was a pretty foregone conclusion they would succeed (unless the author wanted to significantly rewrite 1940s history). Still, it did bring up a little-known part of history for me. I had no idea before that the French really did manage to get a troop on UK land during the 1800s. A satisfying conclusion to the series.
Notes on content: A few uses of moderate to strong British swearing. No sex scenes. Some characters sleep near each other, but fully clothed and nothing happens. There's obviously some strong attractions and lots of kissing going on, but all couples are waiting for marriage for anything further. There are a few battle scenes, with some being seriously injured in the process. Thanks to magical healing nothing is very permanent. There's an explosion that is mentioned kills people, but no bleeding or anything on page.
Meanwhile, Rebecca is adjusting to life in 1940s England and being a magician. She accidentally starts figuring out the full extents of her magic when she changes the attitude of a mean girl at school just by touching her. Nick is obviously smitten with Rebecca, but she is worried about the differences in their religions. Eager to see this work, he starts learning all he can about Judaism.
Eventually, those in the 1800s realize they need some extra help to keep the French of Britsh shores, and some of the 1940s Irregulars are recruited on a daring mission.
I've really liked this series so far and the way it connects two of my favorite historical time periods. This one was good, but didn't have me reading at quite the break-neck pace as the first two. Maybe it was because in past books there was always a chance of their missions going horribly wrong without significantly impacting history as we know it, whereas in this one if the Irregulars failed it would've changed a lot and therefore it was a pretty foregone conclusion they would succeed (unless the author wanted to significantly rewrite 1940s history). Still, it did bring up a little-known part of history for me. I had no idea before that the French really did manage to get a troop on UK land during the 1800s. A satisfying conclusion to the series.
Notes on content: A few uses of moderate to strong British swearing. No sex scenes. Some characters sleep near each other, but fully clothed and nothing happens. There's obviously some strong attractions and lots of kissing going on, but all couples are waiting for marriage for anything further. There are a few battle scenes, with some being seriously injured in the process. Thanks to magical healing nothing is very permanent. There's an explosion that is mentioned kills people, but no bleeding or anything on page.
July 19, 2012
Dark Destiny: Dark Mirror #3
By M. J. Putney
In this third installment of the Dark Mirror series, we find Tory turning seventeen in 1940 where they are celebrating after their successful completion of a mission to save a couple scientists and their families. Justin sees a landing of Napoleon on English soil. Ms. Rainford tries to show them in the history books that Napoleon never landed on English soil… except the history books were being re-written as they looked at them. So, the Irregulars from 1804, Jack Rainford, Justin Falkirk, Lady Cynthia Staton, Lady Victoria Mansfield, and Elspeth (sorry never used her last name in this book), packed up and headed back to the mirror to go back to 1804; where the students discovered that Mr. Stephan and Miss Wheaton were secretly married.
Napoleon (well his armies with the help of the Irish) did land on the shores of Wales. Using magic and a good friend to two, the Irregulars were able to call for disarmament of the French troupes and get it, right before reinforcements showed up. But they still had war Mages to deal with over on the French shore, and Napoleon waiting to send all his ships packed with more troupes over. Could their new friend from 1940 help them? Rachael Weiss, who was teaching the Rainford’s about Jewish Sabbath, as feelings grew between Nick Rainford and her, had the talent of empathy and could affect people’s feelings and thoughts. Could she find a way to change Napoleon’s mind? Get him to redirect his armies and goals away from English soil? They had to try. Could Nick and Rachel bridge the divide between their religions? One that was being so persecuted around the world at the time?
I found this to be a very gripping tale of two alternate histories. I loved the way Ms. Putney used her love and knowledge of history to create these time lines and these wonderful stories. I wonder if there will be more? I don’t think so, Hitler has been dealt with in 1940 and is no more a threat to England, and Napoleon is no more a threat in 1804, but what a wonderful world she has created and I would love to come back and play in it at her direction some more. Another 5 star hit, that sweeps you up and won’t let you go until the last page.
By M. J. Putney
In this third installment of the Dark Mirror series, we find Tory turning seventeen in 1940 where they are celebrating after their successful completion of a mission to save a couple scientists and their families. Justin sees a landing of Napoleon on English soil. Ms. Rainford tries to show them in the history books that Napoleon never landed on English soil… except the history books were being re-written as they looked at them. So, the Irregulars from 1804, Jack Rainford, Justin Falkirk, Lady Cynthia Staton, Lady Victoria Mansfield, and Elspeth (sorry never used her last name in this book), packed up and headed back to the mirror to go back to 1804; where the students discovered that Mr. Stephan and Miss Wheaton were secretly married.
Napoleon (well his armies with the help of the Irish) did land on the shores of Wales. Using magic and a good friend to two, the Irregulars were able to call for disarmament of the French troupes and get it, right before reinforcements showed up. But they still had war Mages to deal with over on the French shore, and Napoleon waiting to send all his ships packed with more troupes over. Could their new friend from 1940 help them? Rachael Weiss, who was teaching the Rainford’s about Jewish Sabbath, as feelings grew between Nick Rainford and her, had the talent of empathy and could affect people’s feelings and thoughts. Could she find a way to change Napoleon’s mind? Get him to redirect his armies and goals away from English soil? They had to try. Could Nick and Rachel bridge the divide between their religions? One that was being so persecuted around the world at the time?
I found this to be a very gripping tale of two alternate histories. I loved the way Ms. Putney used her love and knowledge of history to create these time lines and these wonderful stories. I wonder if there will be more? I don’t think so, Hitler has been dealt with in 1940 and is no more a threat to England, and Napoleon is no more a threat in 1804, but what a wonderful world she has created and I would love to come back and play in it at her direction some more. Another 5 star hit, that sweeps you up and won’t let you go until the last page.
March 12, 2022
Terrific audiobook narration of the thrilling conclusion to a YA, time-travel, historical-adventure trilogy
The three books in this trilogy are best read in order so that the reader can get the full dramatic effect of its action-adventure and romance plots. Most of all, the three books, taken together, allow fans of this fascinating, magical world to spend the maximum amount of time with a delightful cast of characters, most especially the main protagonist, teenaged Lady Victoria ("Tory") Mansfield, and her love interest, the Marquis of Allarde. These are the three books in this series:
Dark Mirror (Book 1 The Lackland Abbey Chronicles) by M.J. Putney
Dark Passage (Book 2 The Lackland Abbey Chronicles) by M.J. Putney
Dark Destiny (Book 3 The Lackland Abbey Chronicles) by M.J. Putney
This story begins immediately after the events at the close of Book 2. Allarde has a frightening vision that Napoleon is about to attack England! As desperate for assistance in their quest to save their beloved country as the mages from 1940 were to save England from the Nazis, the Merlin’s Irregulars ask Rebecca Weiss, a talented but untrained telepath from 1940, to come with them to 1804 and use her magical power to change Napoleon’s mind.
This novel provides a thrilling conclusion to this exciting, fantasy-adventure series. All plot threads are satisfyingly tied up, including several lovely, G-rated romances, most particularly that of Tory and Allarde.
I have previously read this book in paperback and Kindle format, and very recently have had the opportunity to revisit it as an audiobook. The narrator, Siobhan Waring, has done a terrific job acting out all of the different parts, providing distinct voices for male and female characters of all ages. She is also exceptional with different regional accents. All in all, this audiobook is a delightful way to experience this story.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Paranormal Action/Adventure Plot: 5 stars
Romantic Plots: 5 stars
Fantasy World-Building: 5 stars
Historical World-Building: 5 stars
Audiobook Narration: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
The three books in this trilogy are best read in order so that the reader can get the full dramatic effect of its action-adventure and romance plots. Most of all, the three books, taken together, allow fans of this fascinating, magical world to spend the maximum amount of time with a delightful cast of characters, most especially the main protagonist, teenaged Lady Victoria ("Tory") Mansfield, and her love interest, the Marquis of Allarde. These are the three books in this series:
Dark Mirror (Book 1 The Lackland Abbey Chronicles) by M.J. Putney
Dark Passage (Book 2 The Lackland Abbey Chronicles) by M.J. Putney
Dark Destiny (Book 3 The Lackland Abbey Chronicles) by M.J. Putney
This story begins immediately after the events at the close of Book 2. Allarde has a frightening vision that Napoleon is about to attack England! As desperate for assistance in their quest to save their beloved country as the mages from 1940 were to save England from the Nazis, the Merlin’s Irregulars ask Rebecca Weiss, a talented but untrained telepath from 1940, to come with them to 1804 and use her magical power to change Napoleon’s mind.
This novel provides a thrilling conclusion to this exciting, fantasy-adventure series. All plot threads are satisfyingly tied up, including several lovely, G-rated romances, most particularly that of Tory and Allarde.
I have previously read this book in paperback and Kindle format, and very recently have had the opportunity to revisit it as an audiobook. The narrator, Siobhan Waring, has done a terrific job acting out all of the different parts, providing distinct voices for male and female characters of all ages. She is also exceptional with different regional accents. All in all, this audiobook is a delightful way to experience this story.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Paranormal Action/Adventure Plot: 5 stars
Romantic Plots: 5 stars
Fantasy World-Building: 5 stars
Historical World-Building: 5 stars
Audiobook Narration: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
October 19, 2013
I enjoyed this series, but I have to admit that it was painfully hard to get through this last book in the series. It took me days to read, one chapter at a time, because none of the drama felt all that compelling.
I didn't like the time-travelling aspects of this book because no one, at any point, thinks about how any of their actions will impact history or how their role will help history unfold the way it is meant to. Yes, these novels are intended for a young readership, but they're not slow! This young and savvy audience knows time-travel is problematic, and it is curious that these questions are hardly alluded to, much less discussed outright.
I also found that it stretched credulity that nearly every major character was successfully paired off by the end of the series. Don't get me wrong, the couples are cute, but they are painfully innocent and sappy, and the intensely PG-13 feel is carefully maintained throughout all three books in this series. The story never overcomes it's saccharine sweet adorableness to truly touch on the prolonged horror England and much of Europe suffered during the Napoleonic era, and the characters from the WWII era England can't offer much there, either. These were times of great loss for England where hardly anyone was left unaffected, and this just doesn't come through in the narrative.
Which leads me to my next concern: Nothing truly bad really happens. Lackland students get hurt? Elspeth heals them in no time. Characters need extra power? Tory can blend everything like an amplifier in a snap. The students need to persuade evil characters to act against their inclinations? No worries, Rebecca conveniently develops that power in the future. The fate of the world rests in their hands? There's a power for that. The HEA is always a foregone conclusion despite cultural and socioeconomic concerns, and it's all very pat and tied with a bow.
So if you're looking for light, uncomplicated YA with lots of romance and a smattering of history, this book is for you!
I didn't like the time-travelling aspects of this book because no one, at any point, thinks about how any of their actions will impact history or how their role will help history unfold the way it is meant to. Yes, these novels are intended for a young readership, but they're not slow! This young and savvy audience knows time-travel is problematic, and it is curious that these questions are hardly alluded to, much less discussed outright.
I also found that it stretched credulity that nearly every major character was successfully paired off by the end of the series. Don't get me wrong, the couples are cute, but they are painfully innocent and sappy, and the intensely PG-13 feel is carefully maintained throughout all three books in this series. The story never overcomes it's saccharine sweet adorableness to truly touch on the prolonged horror England and much of Europe suffered during the Napoleonic era, and the characters from the WWII era England can't offer much there, either. These were times of great loss for England where hardly anyone was left unaffected, and this just doesn't come through in the narrative.
Which leads me to my next concern: Nothing truly bad really happens. Lackland students get hurt? Elspeth heals them in no time. Characters need extra power? Tory can blend everything like an amplifier in a snap. The students need to persuade evil characters to act against their inclinations? No worries, Rebecca conveniently develops that power in the future. The fate of the world rests in their hands? There's a power for that. The HEA is always a foregone conclusion despite cultural and socioeconomic concerns, and it's all very pat and tied with a bow.
So if you're looking for light, uncomplicated YA with lots of romance and a smattering of history, this book is for you!
December 14, 2021
I loved this trilogy and wasn't sure how it was going to end. It ends perfectly!!! I especially enjoyed the elements of the supernatural. The main characters are strong and determined and only use their powers for good to defeat evil. I absolutely loved the audiobook edition! I hope Mary Jo decides to write a few more stories involving supernatural forces. Brava!!
July 23, 2012
The third book in Putney's Dark Mirror trilogy was as exciting and adventurous as the first two and bring the series to a fitting conclusion. This time our young magelings are back in their own time and trying to prevent Napoleon from invading Britain. They need to use everyone's skills and strengths to defeat the powerful general especially since he is being supported by evil war mage Major Lavaux. Our 1804 team of Tory, Allarde, Cynthia, Jack and Elspeth need to call in their friends from 1940 - Nick and Rebecca - to help them defeat Napoleon's army.
This episode also firms up the romances that had begun in earlier stories. While Allarde and Tory love each other, their romance is threatened by society. If Allarde continues to be a practicing mage and marry another mage his father the Duke will be forced to disinherit him. Tory doesn't want Allarde to have to give up the land that is so much a part of him but Allarde knows Tory's love is more important than the land or the Dukedom. Jack and Cynthia's romance is also threatened by society. Cynthia is the daughter of a duke and Jack is a commoner. Jack worries that Cynthia will regret giving up her society life. And, finally, Nick and Rebecca's romance is also threatened. Rebecca is a Jew in 1940 and is concerned about loving a gentile. Because all of the mages are young, the romances are not explicit beyond some kissing but the love they feel for each other is clear and evident because the writing is so evocative.
I think readers will get caught up in the magic and the adventures in these stories and will painlessly learn a lot of history while reading too. I recommend the series to readers who like magic, time travel, and romance and can't imagine any reader being disappointed.
This episode also firms up the romances that had begun in earlier stories. While Allarde and Tory love each other, their romance is threatened by society. If Allarde continues to be a practicing mage and marry another mage his father the Duke will be forced to disinherit him. Tory doesn't want Allarde to have to give up the land that is so much a part of him but Allarde knows Tory's love is more important than the land or the Dukedom. Jack and Cynthia's romance is also threatened by society. Cynthia is the daughter of a duke and Jack is a commoner. Jack worries that Cynthia will regret giving up her society life. And, finally, Nick and Rebecca's romance is also threatened. Rebecca is a Jew in 1940 and is concerned about loving a gentile. Because all of the mages are young, the romances are not explicit beyond some kissing but the love they feel for each other is clear and evident because the writing is so evocative.
I think readers will get caught up in the magic and the adventures in these stories and will painlessly learn a lot of history while reading too. I recommend the series to readers who like magic, time travel, and romance and can't imagine any reader being disappointed.
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