I really enjoyed this book, actioned packed filled with adventure! I need to get onto book 2 straight away after book 1 cliffhanger. With so many twist and turns this book was so much fun!

Completely obsessed with this book. Alexandra Bracken is one of those authors that I will auto add to my list whenever she releases a new book, I absolutely love her writing.

Unfortunately I have had to DNF this book at around 26% in, I've tried so hard to get into it but it's not gripping me like the first book and I'm so over the characters which is a shame as I was really looking forwards to this book.

oh my god i loved this book SO SO MUCH! i love both of these so so so so much. an incredible series that im so grateful for being sent! 😍😍😍

THE MIRROR OF BEASTS is another fun reimagining of Arthurian legends in a desperate race to stop Lord Death.

This instalment once again focused more on objects and places than people from Arthuriana. We have multiple magical swords (with Excalibur being the main one) and a trip to Lyonesse (the kingdom Guinevere often comes from). The people focused on in this book from the myth are female figures often in the periphery, like the Lady of the Lake, but these are still minor roles compared with the original characters.

I liked the addition of Caitriona and Olwen to the main cast of the book. It meant that the core team trying to take down Lord Death are four girls. There were some fun tensions between them - and some wild decisions made in the throes of grief and guilt, which shook things up a bit!

While most of the book is once more narrated by Tamsin, there are several interludes from Cabdell's perspective. It was nice to get a glimpse into his inner turmoil as he struggles with his new position alongside the villain, with all his resentment but also connection to his sister fighting for space. It also gave a look into the actions of the villains.

I really liked the ending, particularly decisions made by some of the characters. There were several unexpected ones that made a lot of sense once I thought about it - and meant that I couldn't simply predict how it would all fall out.

This is another book where the second part of the duology ends up being better than the first!
Arthurian legend is always a great base for a story and this duology is a really good one to get lost in.
I highly recommend reading them back to back if you can!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I'm a sucker for Arthurian stories, so was always going to enjoy a fantasy retelling that also crossed with Celtic mythology. Overall it's a pretty satisfying duology - even if Bracken's redirect away from Tamsin was a bit halfhearted! Found family is one of my favourite tropes so I always love to see it done well, and my only complaint was that I would have liked to delve a bit further into Caleb's mentality - I felt his reasoning for joining the baddies was a bit shaky. But overall, strong.

This was such a fantastic sequel to Silver in the Bone, and a great following on with the basis from Arthurian legend. Bracken’s work is something I found within the last 18 months, through he YA series the Darkest Minds, but with having such an interest in myth, legend, and folklore retellings this series was right up my street! I loved the first instalment, so was eager to explore the expansion, and it didn’t disappoint.
The book balances magic and mayhem aspects of the story, alongside some unsettling and mysterious environments, and it is a true marvel to follow along with! The characters from the previous instalment continued to be brilliant, but the newly introduced characters were just as captivating, and thanks to the faster pacing of the book, their stories are portrayed with justice, not rushed at all but not simply as filler, each one matters.
I have hand sold the first book of the duology thus far on many occasions so I’m hoping to remind everyone that this also exists I too to continue the adventures!

What can I say apart from WOW!

I was immediately attracted to this book after reading Alexandra Brackens other book Silver in the Bone and I knew that I was going to enjoy this one a lot!

I went into this book with a good vibe and came out of it excited by the conclusion of this duology.
The plot twists one after another and usually this would be way too much for me but in this instant it was such a thrill!

Really kept me on my toes and made me want to explore more from this amazing talented author.

I really enjoyed this conclusion to this new duology! I felt this was an interesting take on the retelling of the knights of the round table with a death magic twist. The Mirror of Beasts answered all of my burning questions from the first book and it was such fun to return to the real world. I do wish we could have had more on the impact of Avalons return, but hope that will be explored in future.

Tamsin, Olwen, Catriona and Neve released the Lord of Death and returned Avalon to the human realm. Working with Emrys, unsure if they can trust him after his betrayal in the last book and they embark on a new adventure. I adored the friendship between the girls and watching their bonds be continually tested and strengthen was excellently written. This is action packed with various twists and turns that kept me coming back for more. I wasn’t ready to leave this story and hope Alexandra Bracken will continue with Neve and Cait’s tale!

Overall, this was an interesting fantasy that will appeal to many low fantasy and romantasy readers!

This book was just as good as the first, if not better. The action picked up right where it left off in Silver in the Bone and I was ready to follow Tamsin and the rest of the crew as they worked together to correct the mess they made and defeat Lord Death.

As I'd mentioned previously in my review of Silver in the Bone, I'm no history or mythology major, but I loved the storyline and the inspiration taken from Celtic mythology. We get so much more action and more information and references in this book, and the plot twists and revelations had me shocked and amazed. I kept getting sucked in, and I loved every second of it.

What Emry's did at the end of Silver in the Bone was wrong, and although I forgave him after finding out why he did it, I still supported my girl Tamsin's choice to hate him for a bit. Tamsin needed to get closure and recover from Emry's betrayal. He did what everyone else had done to her, so I don't blame her response and actions either. I was just happy to see Tamsin slowly open up to Emry's and build their trust again.

The final boss scene at the end was so satisfying to read. Everything about it had me smiling, cheering, and gasping, which is what you want from a book. You want to feel all of the emotions! I also felt there was a possibility of a spin-off with Neve and Cait as their story felt open-ended and could definitely be explored more.

Honourable mentioned to Nash. He went from being a character that I didn't care much about, to being one of my favourites. He did everything he could for Cabell and Tamsin till the very end, and as a parent, I respect that. Oh, and the Bonecutter was a side character I loved bumping into throughout the book. She became an unlikely ally to the team, and they definitely needed all the help they could get.

Thank you to Netgalley and Alexandra Bracken for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was a refreshing and exciting break from reality and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.

The ending to this duology really worked. As with the first one, I struggled to get really into it to begin with but once it gripped me, I was hooked and flew through it. Loved the weaving of the legends and finding out new ones I had never heard of, really liked the pace and writing… but I still struggled to get fully behind the characters (the baddie was a bit meh in this instalment and the goodies needed to learn from their mistakes a bit quicker)
Still, really enjoyed it and would recommend to someone looking for Arthurian inspired books.

This has become my favourite book ever. It had me smiling, crying, confused, not being able to sit still... I cannot get over it, nor am I able to start another book just yet. I am in love with every part of it. As this jumped right into it, there isn't much I can say without spoiling it. I felt the same about the first book, reading this knowing nothing will have your thoughts and emotions reach places they probably haven't before.

The plot was insane. There wasn't a dull moment whilst reading, this was more fast paced than the first one as we jumped into it straight away. The way everything played out couldn't have been any better. I had no guesses as to what could or would happen, so nothing felt spoiled, i was fully engrossed throughout. There was so much detail within the magic, the curses, the people. I loved the addition of chapters that gave a third person sort of view of a few characters, we didn't get that in the first book. It added depth to Emrys & Cabell especially and I think it really benefited us as the readers.

These characters, honestly. I cant even pick out a specific favourite because each of them were so different and so necessary to the story. The relationships only grew stronger and I absolutely loved Neve & Tamin's friendship. Catriona will forever have a hold on my soul. The sisterhood that became of the group was incredibly beautiful to read about.

The ending of this had me uncharacteristically crying my eyes out. As an aspiring writer, I hope to be able to make people feel in the way Alexandra made me feel with this book. As far as sequels go, this was a perfect one, I have absolutely no faults or grievances.

For the love of the romantasy & fantasy gods, please read these books!!

Being a duology it is essential to have read the first, as it picks up from where Silver in the Bone left off. As a fan of Arthurian legend I am always intrigued by reworkings and this did a decent job of bringing it into the real world and redefining the standard characters of legend.
In many ways I loved this book but also found it frustrating at times. The characterisation is as strong as always with this author, but I would have liked some of the relationships to be explored a little more. Similarly the plot development and many many twists thunder along at an inexorable pace, but there are also many "samey" elements that become a little repetitive.
But I am being picky. I enjoy this author's writing, and although released on Teen lists they appeal just as well to adult readers.

You might recognise Alexandra Bracken’s name from some of her past novels, such as her wildly popular Darkest Minds series, or "Lore" which was a modern take on the Greek gods and Greek mythology.

Bracken’s latest novel, "The Mirror of Beasts", is the incredibly satisfying conclusion to the Silver in the Bone duology. This high-stakes fantasy weaves together Arthurian legend with a contemporary edge, creating a world both familiar and utterly unique.

Bracken’s masterful storytelling shines as she continues to develop complex and compelling characters. Tamsin, our fierce and determined protagonist, is a force to be reckoned with. Her journey is one of growth, loss, and ultimately, redemption. The supporting cast add depth and intrigue to the narrative. Bracken excels at character development, allowing readers to deeply connect with the protagonists.

While romantasy (or even fantasy with heavy overtones of romance) is not normally my favourite genre, the relationships, to me at least, seemed to shift in a more satisfying direction throughout the book.

The world-building, as in the first book, is very well done. Bracken appears to seamlessly blends magic, myth, and history, creating a rich and immersive tapestry. The stakes are high, the action is relentless, and the emotional core of the story is deeply felt. The amount of explicit violence felt a little much at times, but didn’t detract too much from the story.

"The Mirror of Beasts" is a wonderful example of storytelling. It is a book that will stay with readers long after the final page. Bracken’s ability to balance epic adventure with intimate character moments is truly exceptional. This is a must-read for fans of fantasy and a testament to Bracken’s talent as a writer, and is perfect for fans of Sophie Keetch’s "Morgan Is My Name" or Lucy Holland’s "Song of the Huntress".

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! Thank you to Alexandra Bracken not only for writing it but for putting up with me in her inbox yelling at her with some of my reactions.

This was a fantastic, brutal sequel. Damn, I thought the first book was a gut punch with all the death and the murder…this one took it and doubled it. No one’s safe. Terrible things are happening everywhere. I truly did not expect this duology to be so dark!

Duology…I’m hoping that this is not a firm thing…there’s so much room at the end and I felt there were suggestions of more story to come…a certain spin off with a certain spin off…ALEX PLEASE. I BEG.

I truly love Brackens writing. The world building is fabulous. The descriptions wonderful. I was so engrossed in to this world and I didn’t want to leave and I feel like part of me is still here days later, living with these characters and mourning for some of the losses. God I really loved this. I also really need Bracken to write some more time travel or historical fic because this was giving me such Passenger vibes and I loved that dulogy too.

What else did I love about this? EVERYTHING!

The twists were TWISTING. Bracken tried to get me a few times but let it be known I would not be fooled!! Sometimes nearly but no!! Or sometimes she’d have me down a path but I’d be like okay but that seems wrong (*cough* Tamsy *cough*). God love her for keeping me on my toes!!

I will say a few things did confuse me and I’m not sure how somethings happened. Maybe I missed them in the chaos of all that was going on and all the emotions I was feeling. The duology probably deserves another reread where I sit and take my time with it all. But oh god. Can I put myself through some of this again?

Shout out to Emrys, my favourite plant boy, I love you

Also love the bone cutter lady!! (How have I forgotten her name. Bonecarver?)

DNF at 19%

At 92 pages in I feel like I should have a clearer understanding of a plot and what the characters are working towards. I found it difficult to get into and too simple. I wanted more complexity and use of the legend rather than unnamed Welsh towns and the protagonist scowling at Erys.

I can’t even begin to describe how excited I was to read The Mirror of Beasts! I have been a long time fan of Alexandra Bracken’s work (I’m especially fond of her stand-alone book Lore) and the first book in this duology was one of my favourite books of 2023. The focus on Arthurian lore, threat of curses, horrifying monsters and sweet romance made it a brilliant read.

This sequel begins after the massive cliffhanger at the end of Silver in the Bone. Monsters have been unleashed on the world, multiple betrayals have occurred and our main character Tamsin seems to be suffering from a curse. Naturally, I had a lot of questions. But I appreciate that the author took her time revealing answers and uncovering secrets in this book. She managed to draw out the tension and build suspense effectively.

Whilst I preferred the setting of Avalon, I think that it was incredibly interesting to learn more about the world of Hollowers and sorceresses in this novel. Seeing the women of Avalon adjust to this new world just led to more intrigue.

As always, Tamsin was a clever and scrappy character. She didn’t expect to become the hero, but she and her found family are the best people to save the world. I loved reading more about these characters and I’m so sad that their story ends here. It was a great conclusion to the story though. I just wish we could stay in this world with these character for another ten books!

I would recommend this books to fans of Arthurian legends and shows like BBC Merlin. If you’ve ever read one of Alexandra Bracken’s books you’ll love this, and if you didn’t like one of her books before, give it another go. This series is her best work to date.

Can I start by saying that the past two days I have spent reading this masterpiece has had me feeling all types of emotions and I just don't know what to do now this story is over. I enjoyed the first book in the series, but there was something about this book that captivated me and I knew after I finished reading part two that this was going to be a five-star read for me.

I loved how easy to read the writing was despite the Arthurian mythology being weaved in and me not knowing what the most of it was. I felt that it was explained well that I soon enough understood certain references.

Tasmin Lark, you are perhaps one of the easiest characters for me to fall in love with. Her journey from SITB to the MOB was so beautiful to read about. I loved how in MOB we got to see her process and understand the emotions she has be suppressing for a while now. All the while new revelations and mysteries regarding her upbringing, Nash and her curse are bought to light. Also I have to mention Emrys now, because despite where the stance was on him after SILTB and at the beginning of MOB, she easily became such a lovely character. And after he reveals his truth to Tamsin, about what happened him to and the vlurneability they shared in that moment. I think that Tasmin and Emrys were just so perfectly written, so different from each other yet so perfect for one another.

The friendship and found family in this book was so beautiful and refreshing to read. It genuinely made me so happy that Neve, Tasmin, Cait and Olwen were there for each other not matter the others difference or opinion on the situation. Also the friendship bracelts Olwen made for them? ?? So freaking cute!!

After what happened at the end of part two to librarian, I was ready to fight for that automon. But seeing that the bonecutter at the end was already reminding him I was ready to forgive, but that scene I could not forget.

I genuieuely can't wait to see what the next story Alex writes will be!

Firstly a huge thank you to Hatchette and Netgalley for allowing me to review my first ARC. As a huge fan of Arthurian Literature, it was dream to be given this book as my first opportunity. Silver in the Bone was one of my favourite books of 2023 so I was incredibly excited to find out how the story would wrap up!

Bracken’s talent comes in weaving well known Arthurian characters and lore into her own new and creative world. It offers a sense of familiarity whilst still drawing me in as a reader with her unique twists and turns. And WOW, there were some unexpected twists and turns!

Like the first book, I found The Mirror of Beasts fast paced from the start. Whilst I enjoy a faster pace in books to drive the story forward, I felt there where some opportunities missed for greater detail or exploration in certain parts or towards certain characters. However, this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book - after all, as a reader, aren’t we always wanting more when it comes to a story we are invested in?!

I particularly enjoyed the different POVS. Whilst I love a first person point of view from a main character, something I feel modern texts are shying away from more, it was great to have moments from the perspective of others to not only bolster the plot but also my emotional attachment to these characters. Not usually a lover of the found family trope, Bracken incorporates it so flawlessly into the plot that this was arguably my favourite part of the whole book.

An emotional rollercoaster from start to end, I laughed, cried and shouted at the pages, a true sign that I am 100% invested in a book.

Alexandra Bracken has done it again and created a world and characters that every reader can fall in love with immediately. Any lover of fantasy should read this duology and immerse themselves in this world full of magic and wonder.