Katherine

Wow. Well, if the first book started slow, this one started with G force speed. It picks up right where the first one left off, with rage and sorrow and grief leading the way.

I really liked how many different characters perspectives this book had - I think there were 5 or 6? Initially I was not sure how I would feel about it, but I ended up really liking it.

I really enjoyed reading through Dianna's pain and healing, and seeing everything Samkiel does to help. It was endearing (yes, even the killing certain betraying assholes is endearing to me and you can't change my mind).

It ends on the ultimate cliffhanger and I cannot wait until the third one comes out! If you like bad ass FMC, morally grey everyone, world building, gods, monsters, pain, despair, love, healing, stages of grief, this book is for you!

I will say this could be a difficult read for people who aren't seasoned readers. My reasoning for this is the different character perspectives, and also the timeline. Each chapter tells you where in time they are (2 weeks later, 1 day later, etc.) but it jumps around. So maybe it is 2 weeks later from Samkiels perspective, and then the next chapter is 6 months later from Dianna's perspective. I was able to stay on track but less seasoned readers could get confused.

Slow to start but once it gets going, whew! The banter in this book is great between the 2 main characters, and I loved the angle of them dealing with trauma and family sacrifices in different ways.

Diana is a hell of a relatable FMC for those who are older siblings and have had to make tough choices and decisions to keep their younger siblings safe and happy. Liam is relatable to anyone who suffers with PTSD, anxiety, depression, guilt, and a tendency to push others away when hurting.

I cannot deal with the ending oh my god I do not accept it and will be starting the second one as soon as I finish this review. I give it 4/5 stars only because I was about 25% of the way through the book before it really drew me in... it was too slow of a beginning burn for me. Once it picked up though, 5 stars!

“Across Both Sides of the Mirror" is a wonderful novel exploring the dichotomy of life experienced by all of us – the reality we live in and the potential life in the realm of our dreams through the use of the enchanted mirror Nova purchases at the beginning of the book. The author did a great job exploring self-improvement, self-realization, forgiveness, processing trauma, and the danger of giving up and using the pleasures of life (the mirror in this instance) as a means for avoidance and escape.

We follow Nova as she navigates life with her lackluster job, lonely home life, and hefty dose of unhappiness and lack of satisfaction with her current state. After purchasing a new mirror from the local thrift store, things get a little weird. The mirror is a portal to an alternate reality where you become the person you most desire to be.

“You must remember that life on that side of the mirror is not real. The mirror can be a useful tool to show you the way to become who you have wanted to be”

I really enjoyed the back and forth between reality and the magical realm of the mirror, it was interesting to read how each different world panned out in the same situations. I really identified with Nova’s internal struggles and lackluster feelings about her current state of life. Her introspection and character development by the end was great to follow throughout the novel, and I also really enjoyed the dialogue, both internal and external between the characters. There was a rawness and vulnerability to it that captured the conversations we have throughout everyday life when things aren’t always going as we want them to.

I couldn’t put this book down, and read it in 2 sittings! When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about what what going to happen next, and felt extremely invested in the character development of Nova. It left me with a fresh look at my own life and gave me the opportunity to have an alternate perspective on how I navigate life. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to other readers.

**This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review**