The tension in this series is something else

The latest entry added more to the world but with more world, comes more chaos, maybe one day Paige will get a break. When things are good you just know it’s not going to last long with some dramatic twist pending and this is what keeps me hooked with these books

There were some revelations made and relationships were developed but as this is the 5th book in the series I felt like it did suffer from middle series syndrome slightly with everything still feeling like it’s up in the air. However, what was happening did keep me invested with an ending that set up Paige’s next steps.

If ever there was a fantasy series that just keeps ascending, this is it. The Dark Mirror, the long-awaited fifth volume in The Bone Season saga, is everything I wanted - and then some.

Stepping back into Paige Mahoney’s story felt effortless. For the reader, it was like flipping open a familiar book, picking up exactly where you left off and instantly being sucked in again with no friction. The world of voyants, Rephaim, revolution, and rebellion is alive and pulsing - rich in detail and intimate in emotion.

Samantha Shannon doesn’t just revisit her world - she expands it. This instalment transports Paige (and us) into the Free World, whisking us through evocative cities - Venice, Prague, Rome, Orvieto - with a cinematic flair. Shannon’s prose makes the canals, ancient streets, and ornate architecture come alive. It deepens the stakes, grounding the epic conflict in vividly-realized locales and broadening the scope of the revolution.

This series has always been about complexity - and here that complexity is dialled up beautifully. Paige is navigating loss, regained fragments of memory, and the relentless pull of the revolution. Her relationships - especially with Arcturus, Maria, Nick, and even the volatile Jaxon - are more textured, more human than ever. Jaxon is both maddening and magnetic; Maria reveals hidden vulnerabilities that make her shine; Arcturus is both anchor and question mark. Shannon’s ability to bend your emotions - frustration, empathy, heartache - is uncanny

If you’re waiting for the tension to drop, you’ll wait in vain. The Dark Mirror is a pedal-to-the-metal thrill ride. There are conspiracies (hello, Operation Ventriloquist), memory puzzles, shifting alliances, and a revolution that’s growing more complex by the minute. Even as the Free World offers brief reprieves, it also intensifies danger. And it’s not just action scenes; the emotional core is relentless - Shannon packs heartbreak and hope into every chapter.

With every book, Shannon seems to elevate her craft - and The Dark Mirror is the apex so far. World building, suspense, character arcs, emotional resonance - all are superbly executed. There’s no flab, no unnecessary diversion - just relentless storytelling that grips, surprises, and devastates - in the best way.

If you've ever wished a series could keep getting better as it goes - The Dark Mirror is that rare gem. It welcomes you back like a reunion with old friends, and then doesn’t let go. It's intelligent, cinematic, and devastating in precisely the right measures. This isn’t just a continuation - it’s a refinement, a deepening, a soaring chapter in an already phenomenal story.

The Mask Falling ended on an insane cliffhanger and Samantha Shannon has built on that to create another spectacular entry in her Bone Season series.

The Dark Mirror is Shannon on top form. She writes with clarity, eloquence and beauty that most authors could only dream of. Every element of world building, plot and character is effortlessly woven into her prose. No clunky dialogue, no exposition. Just a living, breathing world that feels wholly transportive filled with three dimensional characters.

The stakes have been ramped up to the max as Paige deepens her volatile alliance with the shadowy spy network, Domino, in her bid to take down the oppressive empire of Scion, all while dealing with the traumatic aftermath of the last few months. Paige is so easy to root for and where the heart of this series lives. After twelve years reading (and re-reading) the previous books, she has become such a special character to read about.

The scope of the world continues to widen as we leave the streets of London and Paris for the inimitable charm of Venice. Not only are we introduced to a new setting, but new characters and organisations that are all tangled up in the fight against Scion.

The Dark Mirror is the most action-orientated of the series to date and I was here for every nail-biting second of it. Shannon famously talks about how much she struggles with writing action scenes, but you would never know it given how thrilling and cinematically they are written.

The wait for the next book will be excruciating, but I already know it will be worth it.

Good book. A sequel that was needed I think. I had some problems cause I did not read the previous ones but still a good reading

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The Bone Season is one of my favourite series and Samantha Shannon is a must-read author for me, so I was really looking forward to this latest installment - and it didn't disappoint. While some might criticise Shannon for country-hopping with her characters in the last couple of books, it helps to expand the universe and I trust her to make it pay off in the end. I also really like how Shannon balances the romance element of her narrative so well with the other parts of the plot so it never feels overpowering, and she gives her characters room to actually feel their trauma. Plus the supporting characters are great in their own right. Go and read it!

I have been reading this series for over 10 years and can honestly say I’m still so obsessed. Every time I think I know where it’s going, The Bone Season throws another twist at me. The action and plot twists feel endless—and I’m living for it.

Usually, it’s the protagonists that keep me reading, and don’t get me wrong—I adore Paige and her journey. But in this series? It’s the villains that have completely stolen my attention. Jaxon, oh Jaxon. He’s like a toxic father figure, the friend you just can’t walk away from, and the perfect nemesis to our perfectly broken yet heroic Paige. I absolutely love to hate him. He’s still up to something, I’m sure of it—and I cannot wait to see what it is.

This book was a bit slower than the others, especially in the first half, but the last 200 pages absolutely made up for it. It was intense, cute, emotional, and even fun in parts. What I love about this series is how Paige starts in the notorious criminal underworld, gets swept into a revolution she never saw coming, becomes the face of that movement, and ends up a spy navigating a world of morally grey factions—none of whom can really be trusted. It’s such a wild, satisfying journey.

And as a bonus point, can we just admit that Paige and Arcturus are just the best. They are the definition of slow burn and I’ve loved every second of it, and I just love Arcturus. His gentle soul and emotional intelligence is a welcome contrast to the possessive and arrogant male leads we’re all used to.

I cannot wait to read the next book. I’m dying to learn more about the Rephaim, what truly caused the emergence of voyants, and—of course—I’m eagerly awaiting the next encounter with Cade. I will be waiting impatiently for the next instalment!

Another absolutely stunning book from Samantha Shannon. The writing in this book is gorgeous.

I loved that this book involved Paige travelling and trying to piece together what had happened to her. Loved getting to see her and Warden finally get a little bit of happiness although there are some real shocks in there for the couple. There were parts of this book that had my heart in my mouth.

It is nice seeing different countries under and outside of Scion, but that also means, we have introductions to those countries at the beginning of every book. In comparison to earlier books, 'The Dark Mirror' took a while (over 100 pages) for the story to get going.
Other than that this novel was quite action/spy heavy, outside of Scion we focus less on the underworld and its supernatural themes. I like the cast of side characters, that are also able to challenge the main character and her decisions. And for someone who doesn't like romance, I think Paige and Arcturus' relationship is one of the strongest points in the recent novels.
Overall though I thought the plot was a bit messy and Paige was more of a passive part of it. I wish for the author to amp it up in the last two installments. 3,5 stars.

It was wonderful to return to the world that Samantha Shannon has created. I loved that we got to spend more time with old friends of Paige's too. The author's pre-planning is astounding, occurrences in book one are only now beginning to bear fruit, it is fascinating to see all these separate elements being slowly stitched together.

My only disappointment was that the relationship between Paige and Arcturus didn't seem to move anywhere, and some elements felt repetitious from previous books. That said I'm still hugely invested in the series and can't wait for the next book.

Samantha Shannon just keeps getting better and better! The Dark Mirror immediately throws you back into the world of Scion (and outside of it...) and it's a privilege to be back with Paige.
This was without a doubt the best installment of the series so far - Shannon masterfully gives you answers to long asked questions, whilst still leaving you desperate to learn more.
I need book 6 now!

Urgh this series is killing me! I just binged the whole thing and it's huge... but the story isn't complete and it feels far from it.

Paige wakes realising she has been captured but with no memories from the past six months and makes her escape. She grieves Acturus's capture and feels for the golden cord with no reaction. Paige has to rebuild herself, heal and find her place as Underqueen outwith London. Would it even be The Bone Season if there was not shock betrayals, extensive plots, poetic reunions, and gut-wrenching fear?

'Now to be the clever mouse that sprang the trap and lived.'

Honourable mention must go to Maria, the best fire starter and all round hilarious character kept me laughing whenever she popped up.

'She possesses the loyalty of a beagle and the chaotic abandon of a headless chicken,' Maria said, 'It's a dangerous marriage.'
'Simmer down, chrome dome.'

Like every book in the Bone Season this one is full of non-stop action, unsurmountable heaps of stress and a huge amount of World building... if Paige was told one more time to not jump into things ... and then did exactly that i was going to scream. She wouldn't be Paige if she didn't I suppose!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. I am looking forward to the next in the series!

Thank you for giving me a chance to review this title! I have been reading this serious for many years, and each new release I must get my hands on it as fast as I can!

Rich, luscious and muscular super-sequel
—
Trying to review the fifth book in a series with such dense and lush world-building is almost impossible. To keep things spoiler free, Paige Mahoney again faces the might of her enemies from the Republic of Scion, as well as trials and tribulations in the free world. The expected magnificent world-building aside, the author’s adept skills of description and place-making, alongside rich and multi-faceted characters that are human in their flaws, excesses and triumphs, eases you into another immersive tome from Shannon. And a tome it is, as we expect from this brilliant author. if I could say more, it would be so much more, so all I need say is:

Another rousing five stars.

3.5 ⭐️

I need to start by saying I adore this series... but this one just wasn't for me & that makes me so sad. It took me forever to read & I normally smash through these in a couple of days. The last third was fantastic & exactly what I'd expect from this series & if I'd read that alone, this would have been an easy 5 stars from me. However, the beginning was too slow for me. I felt there was a lot of setup & miscommunication (which I hate) between some of my favourite characters.

I will continue to rave about this series as I do love the characters & I'll definitely be picking up the next book when it comes out.

An absolutely amazing continuation of one of my favourite series. I highly recommend this series to older students looking for a dystopian fantasy.
The way the series delves into such huge themes of subjugation and prejudice in a fictional setting which is easy to apply to our own world and starts thoughts and conversations about equality and justice.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

This book was everything I wanted and needed it to be. I can't wait for the rest of this series.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am very behind, but if you haven’t read this book by now and you’re doubting to do so because of the sheer size? Wrong. Read it. If you’ve come all this way in the series this book will not disappoint. And if you’re afraid of starting the series? I get it, they’re chonky but my dear lord, don’t starve on this. I nEED more!!!

The dark mirror is one of my most anticipated reads of 2025. After THAT ending, I was desperate to know what would happen to Paige and Arcturus and I was over the moon when I got the chance to read this arc. I screamed so loud I freaked out my neighbors!

The dark mirror starts six months after the ending of The Mask Falling and, for the first time in years, Paige fimds herself in the free world...but without any clue of why, how and what, after being dosed with white aster. And what about Arcturus? What happened to him and how to get it back?
Scion in continuing its expansion, with a new operation called Ventriloquist. Paige will have to do anything necessary to protect her loved ones.
This book expands the world we got to know, bringing us to the Alps, Czechia and in Italy, where it's mainly based. It was such a pleasure seeing the free world and learn more about the organization against Scion (Hi, Ducos!). Mostly, I was over the moon to see both Maria and Nick and to see finally Paige leaning on someone. She still our reckless leader, but she's learning to trust, give herself space and time to recover, without throwing herself into danger. I found her really grown up and I'm proud of her. I love her relationship with Nick and Maria. I love how they support and love each other. Veronica was also a wonderful addition to the gang and I adored learning more about Domino and its power.

The dark mirror introduces new and old characters, with their plans and lies, city to explores, new languages (I was laughing so hard when I read the part in Neapolitan!) and everything is so fleshed out, alive and brimming with life.
I loved that Samantha Shannon did, and does, research trip and it was so beautiful imagining her in my city. She is grown up as writer, plotting and revealing, surprising us at every turn with revelations and plans!
Venice and Prague stand out as cities and I fell in love with them like Paige did. The characterizations, the descriptions, everything is perfect and this book is OUTSTANDING.
IT'S A MASTERPIECE AND WAITING HAS BEEN WORTH IT. SO WORTH IT!

I can't not to talk about Paige and Arctururs, because they are my heart and the heart of this book. After the revelation of the last book, they have to face some small incomprensions before finally talk to each other. This is one of the thing I love the most about the saga. There could be misunderstandings, but they are not use to prolong sufferings. The characters here TALK. I love how they talk.
I've always love the relationship between Paige and Arcturus and how, in this book, is more strong and certain than ever. They love each other, they are together, s*** the rest. They are perfect together, I love their complicitiy. I love them so much, how they respect each other's space, how they talk and protect one other. I've read some romantic chapter that will stay Forever in my Heart.
I never though I would have cried and squealed and smiled so much for a book, but here I am.
A MASTERPIECE. AND I CAN'T WAIT TO KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT!

Let me preface this review by saying that I am a huge huge huge Samantha Shannon fan. So much so that I was co-captain of a Samantha Shannon themed team in the Battle of the Five Worlds readathon for Fantasy Fellowship a few years ago. The first time I read The Bone Season, I read it in one sitting and then almost immediately started it again - I am hooked to this series.

I cannot believe that this is the fifth instalment of this series. It really once more feels like the story is just beginning as the stakes continue to grow for the revolution and all those in the free world through this book. Shannon is so good at pacing within this series as throughout all the books, including this one, I never really feel like it drags at all even when there’s not a huge amount of action going on. Even whilst Paige is peacefully (finally!) having coffee or dinner with other members of The Mime Order, the stakes of Scion loom overhead and it feels like danger is never far away.

Samantha Shannon’s writing style feels quiet in a sense, but oh so powerful with themes of mythology running through. The Greek mythology becomes overt in this book with Paige discussing the story of Persephone outwardly. I enjoyed these themes and also the references back to the tarot card reading of the first book which continue to be important to Paige - I love that this is weaved through and the reader finds out reveals as Paige realises what this reading means.

The cast of characters continues to shine in The Dark Mirror, with familiar faces returning and new ones to enjoy. Particular highlights for me were the returns of Nick and Maria who continue to be Paige’s absolute rocks. Paige herself finally gets some downtime despite the high stakes of the story and it’s refreshing to see her learning to live with some freedom.

I just cannot wait for book 6 and can’t quite believe there’s only going to be two more in this story. 5 out of 5 stars.

THE DARK MIRROR is the fifth instalment in The Bone Season series (plus novellas), and it's no mean feat that Samantha Shannon not only managed to keep the series engaging at this point, but increased the stakes even more. This was fantastic, and it's left me desperate for the next book.

There's some major character development --and character tragedy -- in this book, alongside some huge reveals that, in hindsight, have been seeded since the very beginning. The plotting is masterful, with Shannon keeping the heart of the book (Paige and Arcturus, but mostly Paige) balanced alongside the increasing physical scope and stakes (the US and Canada are now involved, and Paige escapes to the free world for the first time in twelve years and we get to experience what life is like outside the anchor, but still within the looming threat of Scion's shadow).

The escalating rebellion Paige started against Scion is now turning into a global revolution, and it's fascinating to see how far she's come since the first book and how much has changed for her. There's now several factions involved and they're all not only aware of her but also want her on side, and people within those factions also have their own ambitions and motivations. Everything has become so much MORE, and part of me is sad that there's only two more books to go.

The relationship between Paige and Arcturus has been the push and pull of the series, and the development and changes in their dynamic in this instalment were a joy to read. Arcturus continues to be a compelling character who is just so kind and thoughtful, and I adore him. I also loved Terebell in this book and really appreciate the new depths revealed in her character (alongside a few funny moments). and I also want to give a shout out to Eliza's brief cameo, who has been my favourite of the Seven Seals since I read the original Bone Season back in 2013. I also love that Ducos returned from THE MASK FALLING, and that she looks set to also be part of the next book: I love a briskly competent character with a dry sense of humour with an outside perspective of Paige shared by few others: that she's absolutely chaotic but somehow always gets the job done.

Also: Maria!! MARIA, my absolute QUEEN. What a gift you are, and your sense of humour is the only thing keeping everyone going in the grimmest of times, including the reader.

To sum up, this was incredible, and I devoured it. If Shannon has managed to pull off something of this magnitude in book five of seven, I genuinely can't wait to see what the final two books have in store.