Devi Nair
š§ Listened in audio š¢ Narrated by: Amy Landon ā± Duration: 4 hours š·ļø Publisher: Macmillan Audio & Tordotcom š Published: June 14, 2022 š§ Genre: Fantasy
Zinnia Grey is back, still racing against a short lifespan, still desperately trying to outrun the endings written for her. In A Mirror Mended, Alix E. Harrow peels back the shiny surface of fairy tales to explore what happens when the villain isnāt all that bad, and the heroine doesnāt want to play her part anymore. Itās short, slick, and brimming with heart, a story that redefines what it means to be both savior and saved.
What really got me was how human the Evil Queen feels. She isnāt softened into something palatable or redeemed through convenience. Instead, Harrow gives her depth, fear, agency, and a heartbreaking awareness of her own fate. Her relationship with Zinnia becomes the emotional backbone of the story with her tentative, sharp, surprisingly tender mannerisms. For a novella, the emotional punch here is impressive. This book doesnāt rush its feelings, even when the plot moves quickly. Amy Landonās narration breathes fire and fragility into Zinniaās voice. You can feel her wit, her exhaustion, and that wild spark of hope pulsing through each scene. Her performance makes Zinnia more alive than any printed page could.
This really feels like the end of Zinniaās journey, and while Iām sad to see her go, itās the kind of ending that feels earned rather than abrupt. I closed this one feeling a little hollowed out and grateful. Fairy tales rarely give us closure, but A Mirror Mended finds a way.
Would I recommend it? This is a short book, but it lingers. If you enjoy morally complex characters, reclaimed villains, and stories that question who gets to be āsaved,ā A Mirror Mended is well worth your time. Listening to it only enhances the experience. Iām sad to close the door on Zinnia Grey, but Iāll follow Alix E. Harrow anywhere she takes fantasy next. if you love fairy-tale retellings with grit and heart, add this to your TBR.
š§ Listened in audio š¢ Narrated by: Amy Landon ā± Duration: 4 hours š·ļø Publisher: Macmillan Audio & Tordotcom š Published: June 14, 2022 š§ Genre: Fantasy
Zinnia Grey is back, still racing against a short lifespan, still desperately trying to outrun the endings written for her. In A Mirror Mended, Alix E. Harrow peels back the shiny surface of fairy tales to explore what happens when the villain isnāt all that bad, and the heroine doesnāt want to play her part anymore. Itās short, slick, and brimming with heart, a story that redefines what it means to be both savior and saved.
What really got me was how human the Evil Queen feels. She isnāt softened into something palatable or redeemed through convenience. Instead, Harrow gives her depth, fear, agency, and a heartbreaking awareness of her own fate. Her relationship with Zinnia becomes the emotional backbone of the story with her tentative, sharp, surprisingly tender mannerisms. For a novella, the emotional punch here is impressive. This book doesnāt rush its feelings, even when the plot moves quickly. Amy Landonās narration breathes fire and fragility into Zinniaās voice. You can feel her wit, her exhaustion, and that wild spark of hope pulsing through each scene. Her performance makes Zinnia more alive than any printed page could.
This really feels like the end of Zinniaās journey, and while Iām sad to see her go, itās the kind of ending that feels earned rather than abrupt. I closed this one feeling a little hollowed out and grateful. Fairy tales rarely give us closure, but A Mirror Mended finds a way.
Would I recommend it? This is a short book, but it lingers. If you enjoy morally complex characters, reclaimed villains, and stories that question who gets to be āsaved,ā A Mirror Mended is well worth your time. Listening to it only enhances the experience. Iām sad to close the door on Zinnia Grey, but Iāll follow Alix E. Harrow anywhere she takes fantasy next. if you love fairy-tale retellings with grit and heart, add this to your TBR.