Read this book if you’re in the mood for a quick romantasy story, complete with friends to lovers, forbidden love, and fated mates. And man, Dana Evyn writes a meeeaan villain. I enjoyed the banter and the secret means of communicating! Bash gives Chaol vibes (from tog) so if he’s your book bf, this is the story for you. I do think that the book could’ve been a little longer to include more tension and struggle. Ultimately, I gave this read 4 out of 5 stars as there were moments where I did lose interest (being a mood reader), however each time I started reading again it would capture my attention once more.

This book is a beautifully written fantasy (plot driven spicy Romantasy) with so many favorite tropes. The story sucked me right in from the beginning and it was incredibly hard to put down! I definitely stayed up until the early hours of morning reading. A strong FMC thrown into a magical fae realm, with beautifully described worlds, beautiful hearts, and trials that test her resolve. Oh the mystery, the adventure, the love, the betrayal, the fates, and the found family. If you love elemental and celestial powers, fighting evil to save a realm, and treasure magical nights spent star gazing, you will love it. Also, if you’re looking for your next cinnamon roll shadow daddy, I’ve found him here.
That ending though 😭 I need book two immediately!!

This book exceeded my expectations; to me it felt like a bit of a cross between The Mortal Instruments x A Court of Thorns and Roses. Although the 2nd quarter of the book felt a bit slow to me, it was essential for the world building and the last half of the book was totally worth the wait.

This book has: a fantasy world (on the other side of the mirror), found family, fated mates, spice, danger, betrayal, twists & turns, lies, kingdoms, magic, war, romance and so much more!

Be warned though when reading this book you will be highly addicted and then it ends on a cliffhanger! I will definitely be looking to read the second book in this series as I need to know how the story develops.

Succumb to a world ending curse or meet her soulmate? Things are not as they seem however.

Thins book included lots of the things I enjoy, such as: fated mates, 'touch her and you die', independent female character, and of course, forced proximity.

This was really well written and just sucks you in.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc

i almost didn’t read this and i’m soooo glad i did!

i loved how eva was basically her own shadow daddy (while also having a shadow daddy for a soulmate). i also feel like mort authors would have made her power light to be the opposite of bash’s shadows so it was refreshing that her power was complementary/night.

also was a big fan of the soulmate bond being called ‘anima’ and soul-bonded instead of just calling them mates. it was a nice change.

i do think it was a little predictable but that didn’t take away from the enjoyability of the book for me.
as well, the first part was a little slow and then by the time things got exciting the book was basically over which was a bit disappointing. i was so intensely into it and then it was the end of the book.

the author’s writing style felt polished and there were no spelling mistakes, both of which seem to be rare in arc books so that made me like it even more!

a little sad there wasn’t more smut because the author did such a good job with it! it felt like it wasn’t enough 😭 (not a flaw of the book at all, i’m just a degenerate)

will be waiting very impatiently for the next one!


thank you to netgalley and the author for the arc copy!

2.5 ⭐️

This book was okay. But if you love a book full of romance, this will be your jam!!

(+)
- I liked the whole idea of the portals and I liked Eva as a main character;
- I loved the relationship between the friends and between siblings;

I didn't dislike anything in specific, although I do wish that the story moved at a slower pace. As an active fantasy reader, I predicted every outcome of this novel and I didn't love that... Although this is a debut and honestly great work at making me love the characters.

I will be reading more from this author in the future, but I probably won't be continuing the series.

This was a great debut!

The Other Side of the Mirror was fast paced and super entertaining, I couldn't stop reading.
Make it fairytale but darker, the plot definitely reminded me of other books I've read, filled with tropes galore, it was super enjoyable and a quick read.
Honestly, at times I felt like things were happening a little too fast—from the things the fmc Eva was accepting to the romance, and if it was a standalone I'd have understood the rush but being a trilogy, even after the cliffhanger, I'm a little surprised by the pacing. I wouldn't have minded if the book was longer and there was a better build-up.

The world was very interesting and I hope we'll explore more in the next book, especially after finding out where Eva is from. The magic system was cool, always appreciate shadow/dark magic.
The characters and banter were fantastic, the found family was one of my fav parts of this book.
I loved everyone, well except for the villain who was truly loathsome, but especially Bash and Eva and their romance. Bash was one of the best things in this story.
The romance was a bit insta-lovey even if there's a pretty good reason for it again things were happening too quickly but the smut was great.

The ending didn't surprise me, I fully expected that exact cliffhanger (it was still messed up regardless) and there were other things I was able to guess early on but there were a few reveals at the end I wasn't expecting.

I'm excited for book 2!!

Tropes + what to expect:
✨ Fated mates
✨ One horse
✨ “Who did this to you!?”
✨ Shadow daddy
✨ Fae
✨ Elemental magic
✨ Celestial magic
✨ Hidden identity
✨ Found family
✨ Burn the world for her
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Dreamwalking
✨ Strong FMC
✨ Dagger against the throat
✨ Training scenes
✨ “Eyes on me”
✨ He bathes her after she’s injured
✨ Dual POV

Holy heckkkkkkk. I haven’t been this hooked on a fantasy romance like this in a hot second! 👏🏼 Please go read this immediately!

Give me Bash or give me DEATH!

THAT CLIFFHANGER UGHHHH. Give me book 2 immediately!

This was a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Once I actually sat down and read more than one chapter at a time, I was hooked.

I loved the characters so much. Eva was lovable and I couldn’t help but root for her. All the side characters were great and even the villain had dimension. The author did a great job with world building and explaining the magic system. The last 30% had me so invested and on the edge of my seat, I stayed up past 2 am to finish this. Now I’m extremely excited for book 2 in this series. I cannot wait to see more from Dana Evyn.


If you love fantasy romance with amazing characters and spice, check this out. Definitely five stars. :) Thank you Netgalley and City Owl Press for the ARC.

The Other Side of the Mirror by Dana Evyn is a must read for all Romantasy/fantasy readers.

So many great tropes:
Fated mates
Strong FMC
Shadow Daddy MMC
Magic
Fae
Secrets
Spice
Prophecies
And more

Dana weaved a story about a woman with a tragic past who discovers there is more to that past than she realizes.
Join her on her journey of self discovery, love and found secrets accompanied with a prophecy that will change everything.

You’ll be on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns and you’ll be gripping your armrests with all the delicious spice.

Be prepared because Dana leaves The Other Side of the Mirror on a HUGE cliffhanger! I am already dying for the rest of the trilogy to be released so I can see where this story takes us.

If you love far, magic, badass FMC, shadow daddies, etc then add this to your TBR immediately.

"The Other Side of the Mirror" by Dana Evyn is a promising debut novel that ventures into the realms of fantasy with a mix of intrigue, romance, and political maneuvering. While the book boasts an engaging rhythm and likable characters, it does stumble in some areas, particularly in the protagonist's swift acceptance of the fantastical elements introduced.

At around 20% into the story, I found myself grappling with the ease at which the main character navigates through the magical world. As someone whose only frame of reference is the human world, her quick acclimation to the intricacies of the magic system felt somewhat rushed. It left me yearning for more development in her adjustment process, a deeper exploration of her initial disbelief and gradual acceptance.

However, despite this hiccup, the characters in "The Other Side of the Mirror" shine brightly. Evyn crafts a cast that is not only likable but also incredibly relatable. Their dynamics add depth to the narrative, making it easy for readers to invest in their journeys and relationships.

Speaking of relationships, the tension between the love interests is undeniably one of the novel's strongest points. Evyn masterfully weaves a captivating romantic subplot that keeps readers eagerly turning pages, rooting for the characters to overcome their obstacles.

Moreover, the fantasy aspect of the book is a standout feature. Evyn demonstrates a commendable level of world-building, intricately weaving together magical elements and political intrigue. As a debut novelist, Evyn's ability to craft a complex and immersive fantasy world is impressive. The intricacies of the political landscape add depth to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

"The Other Side of the Mirror" is a captivating debut novel that successfully blends fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. While it may stumble in pacing at times, the strength of its characters, gripping romantic tension, and well-thought-out fantasy elements more than make up for any shortcomings. Evyn's debut leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment, craving more of the enchanting world she has created.

Thank you so much to City Owl Press, NetGalley and, of course, Dana for sending me the ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Another great romantasy book with the absolute best spice! I couldn’t put this down and it has quickly become a favorite of the year 🙌🏽

4.5 Stars: I can’t wait for the second book! This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance novels. It combines the best elements of both genres with a compelling fantasy world and a heartwarming love story at its core.

Description: Eva has always wondered why her parents were dead? This thought has plagued her well into adulthood. However, when a golem from the Fae realm attacks her, and she is saved by a handsome warrior named Bash and his friends, she is about to get the answers she seeks. Adventuring into this realm, Eva is about to find her true love and save two worlds from ultimate destruction. As she delves deeper, she begins to question everything she has been told, especially with her ever-growing attachment to Bash. As, what is fate to a Fae raised in the human world?

This book was excellent! I loved the storyline and liked how fast-paced it was, and it didn’t drag on. Though some instances in the story were a bit cliche, I did enjoy reading it. I also loved the main character; her conviction and drive were felt in the story, a skill that many authors lack. But what truly captivated me was the romance between Bash and Eva. It was not just a typical love story, but a journey of two souls from different worlds, navigating their feelings amidst the chaos of saving two realms. The banter and tension between them were excellently portrayed, making their love story a highlight of the book!

This is the first book in the Mirrored trilogy, a portal fantasy romance where no one is as they seem. Tropes include fated mates, forbidden love, one horse, found family, shadow daddy, hidden identities, banter, and my favorite micro-trope, a hair washing scene. There are dark elements to this story so please read the trigger warnings.

The Lovely: I loved, loved, loved the build of the romantic relationship (and the characters) as the story progressed. The tension, the angst/hurt/comfort, the genuine love - it all just did me in to the point I was feeling all the feels. Then the ending ripped out my heart and I’m still a bit weepy.

Also Lovely: This was a fairly quick read (one evening for me) and the story kept moving, even with most of the focus on the relationship. The plot was predictable but it worked for this short of a story. I’m glad to see this will be a trilogy so we can dive into the story and characters more.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames

Recommendation: I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Well, after that ending, I need book two now. This book, and the relationship, kept me hooked. The MMC actually *communicates* and is one hundred percent swoon-worthy, book boyfriend material. If you like a quick fae romantasy that hits all the feels and is a bit dark, I think you would like this book.

4⭐️
2.5 🌶️

“But I couldn’t listen to that voice telling me that this was wrong, not when being in his arms felt like everything was finally right”

Having lost everyone she loves, Eva finds herself pushed back into the mirror that has haunted her for years into a magical world that holds the secrets and answers to her traumatic past. Duty-bound, Bash accompanies Eva to her promised future with the intention of saving both realms.

Ughh I loved how sweet and forbidden this was! I immediately fell in love with the characters. I loved the emotional journey that both Eva and Bash go through on their own to ultimately come together!

Expect some sweeet tension and slow burn with the cutest banter.. but also umm, hi, hello, yummy shadow daddy!!

themes & tropes-

🪞dual POV
🪞One horse
🪞Found family
🪞Trauma/healing
🪞Sweet and spicy
🪞Forbidden love
🪞Fated mates
🪞Shadow daddy

This is book 1 of The Mirrored Trilogy, currently still in progress- but I CANNOT wait to jump back in the mirror and see what book 2 has in store for us.

TW: grief, death of a parent, trauma healing, SA

Thank you NetGalley and Dana Evyn for the eARC and the opportunity to read and review in exchange for my honest review!

WOW! This was an amazinggggg read! From the vast and detailed world building (both human and fae realms), detailed characters, rich history/background and politics, the character and plot development! It was just phenomenal. I loved the characters all from the jump and this book did amazing at continuing my love for them and building them up. I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds in the next books and I hope we get even more info about the side characters and parents history in the books to follow. I couldn’t put the book down once I started and I cried when I got to the acknowledgments bc I didn’t expect it to be over. There are some classic tropes and Dana does them perfectly!! She also took some elements that are common in fantasy novels and twisted them to her own in such a beautiful way. I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait for the next!! Bash and Eva are my new loves! Be wary there are some heavy topics in this book, but it’s handled so well and really tugs at your heart strings. Also the spice and romance are perfect and delicious! I was rooting for them the whole time!!

Right from the start I was captivated!

The Other Side of the Mirror follows Eva seven years after her family was brutally murdered on her 17th birthday. After an unexpected event she meets Bash. Right from the start they had this connection and familiarity. Fate essentially pulled them together.

I honestly loved the characters in this book. Eva is this strong badass woman who doesn’t want to be a damsel and wants to protect the ones she cares about. Bash is this unapologetic hero. He wants to do what he thinks is right for the greater good but that essentially comes back to bite him in the butt. The banter and sexual tension between them was the chef's kiss. I typically do not like slow burns but this one was done right.

In this slow burn romance we have fae, magic as well as fated mates, found family, one horse, forced proximity, who did this to you troupes and so much more!

I honestly had such a great time reading this book. The ending had me wanting so much more!!!

Thank you so much to Dana Evyn, City Owl Press & Netgalley for the gifted copy!


Please note this review has been posted on StoryGraph, Instagram, Goodreads and Amazon as of 4/14/24.

First of all Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and Dana Evyn for providing me with an ARC to read and review. For the Other side of the Mirror.

3.5 stars

I love the fact that this book has multiPOVs,
Is face Paced
Soulmates
And has a hint of something different ie the use of mirrors as gateways and the magic system is unique.

I did think it was a good start to the series, a romance that you can start with if you are wanting to get into romantasy books.
However I did find that the plot line even if it did have some good twists did leave me thinking I saw it coming.

I do have questions about what will happen in the next book but all in all thought this is a good start.

I loved this book! Very well written. I was invested in the characters and interested in the story and plot development. The world building wasn’t heavy or overwhelming.

I did feel like the FMC’s quick transition from the life she’d always known to a new life in a fae world she hadn’t known existed was a bit too easy of a transition for her, and therefore the tiniest bit unbelievable at times. Also, her best friend in the human world kind of just disappeared from the story with a couple of very brief teasers just left out there for us. I’m hoping that is fleshed out in the next book.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and I’ll definitely itself be buying a physical copy for myself.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and Dana Evyn for providing me with an ARC to read and review.

“Perhaps one couldn’t shut out one emotion without losing touch with all of them.”

“The Other Side of the Mirror,” by Dana Evyn

Seven years after her family is killed, Eva is kidnapped and taken to the faerie realm. Bash, a Fae, saves her life from the kidnappers and he must bring Eva to the royal palace to find her one true love and fated mate. As they travel to the palace, Eva also needs to unlock her memories about her past and her family.

This book was a good fated mates/ true love adventure story. I wasn’t surprised by a lot that happens in the story, but it was still good. I liked the tension between the two main characters. I can’t wait to read book 2 when it comes out so I can get answers and see what happens. 3 out of 5 stars.

-Multi POV
-Fae
-Magic
-Fated Mates/True Love
-Royalty

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.