The Dark Mirror [Paperback]

Juliet Marillier (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Tor (2005)
• ISBN-10: 0330421700
• ISBN-13: 978-0330421706
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as her others, but far, far better than most, November 4, 2005

By 

Susan "snewsat11" (the Boondocks of PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dark Mirror (The Bridei Chronicles, Book 1) (Hardcover)

Marillier, as usual, presents an interesting view of life in the dark ages, ranged side by side with magic tied closely to the earth. Book has alot of ambiance, and her hero is engaging. Somehow, tho, I'm not as riveted as I was in her first several books. I'm a little worried that her talents are becoming diluted with publishing contracts and schedules. Her hero is maybe a little too perfect. Her heroine is a cipher, and THAT I never thought I'd see. There's some meddling by supernatural forces which is downright annoying! The romance in this one is hardly developed at all, and that's very disappointing. In each of her other books, even the ones I don't consider my favorites, you can see love and affection grow between the main protagonists. In this one, it seems only proximity is required. Compared to 99.9% of the books out there, of course, this is a masterpiece. Compared to the author's own works, it's a little weak. Hope she does better on the next.

32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, October 28, 2005

By 

guitarchick24 (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Dark Mirror (The Bridei Chronicles, Book 1) (Hardcover)

I don't often read Juliet Marillier, but this one looked intriguing so picked it up. I'm glad I did. It's just a gorgeous book.

"The Dark Mirror" follows Bridei's life as he grows up from an adopted druid's son to the hope and future of their country. Everything that happens to him and his foster sister Tuala serves a purpose in shaping who they are, how they view the world, and who they will become. The characters all have their reasons for their actions, and even with the best and noblest intentions, things don't always proceed the way they should. Every character in "The Dark Mirror" is three-dimensional and well-developed. There's good and bad in them and they all have to make hard choices and deal with what happens as a result.

I can often get through books quickly, but this one makes you want to slow down, take your time and just get lost in the novel.... An excellent book to pick up and savor.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely incredible, August 15, 2005

By 

Jessica G. "lilac_jive" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dark Mirror (The Bridei Chronicles, Book 1) (Hardcover)

Juliet Marillier begins what seems to be a promising new series with "The Dark Mirror." For fans of the Sevenwaters trilogy, the only aspect that you might not have liked with those is not going to happen here (can't say for those who haven't read it).

This story was so deftly told, I kept forgetting that this was based on a true story. Marillier weaves fact and fiction so well that she'd make Dan Brown shake in his boots. The description is vivid and lush, and the plot is exciting and moving.

The best feature by far are the two main characters: Tuala and Bridei. Bridei at first may seem one sided, so devoted to his studies as well as stoic in his behavior. But he is well balanced with Tuala, who is more wild and ethereal. I found it perfectly reasonable that this pair were two halves of a whole.

From the popularity of her previous books and the amazing manner this book was written in, I think its safe to assume that this whole series will captivate and entrance readers. But since there's a while til "Blade of Fortrui" will be released, I'll settle with everyone giving this first book a read.