𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 & 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬: dystopian fantasy, queer cast, healing from trauma, memory loss, learning to love again, secret organisations and institutions, criminal underworld, set in Italy, Poland, Czech, slow burn romance, betrayal, influences of Greek mythology, fifth book in a series

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Dark Mirror was a novel of webs and lies, threads and spies, that had you captivated from the very first pages down to the last word on the very last page.

With The Mask Falling leaving the reader hanging off a brutal cliff, The Dark Mirror wasted no time throwing the reader right back into the world of The Bone Season. By fully diving into the espionage plotline this book was steeped in suspense right from the beginning with brilliantly crafted action scenes set in swindling heights or deep underground as well as a rescue mission for the history books.
Whilst taking over a new battle ground in the free world, the novel still felt incredibly familiar at the same time. Be it because flashbacks that intertwined this instalment with the previous ones, revelations of past events or with reunions of old friends and foes. Or because the great sense of humour of our protagonist Paige (and Maria).
Nevertheless, it also had its own unique character due to its setting in the free world, which was a joy to discover in all its details or due to first meetings of new characters and institutions. But of course, in true the Bone Season fashion, these new faces and places also had you constantly questioning what you’ve read and, in a way, felt since you genuinely could trust no one and no one can be trusted.

Speaking of the free world, something that I personally found incredibly interesting was to be a part of how Paige was introduced to things like a *latte* or a *pair of jeans* for the first time in the free world. It truly made you realise how much power and control Scion has as an invading nation. But the reason why I found little element this so interesting was because even though I am just “the reader” and not the actual character living in and with this nation, I was strangely just as surprised to discover these things as Paige was. This just showed what an incredibly captivating writer Samantha is, making even the reader forget the existence of things that are part of *our* daily lives.

But it did not only had you captivated on a story level but also on an emotional one, since this was an incredibly emotional, raw and vulnerable book. Much of this novel was about Paige slowly finding back to herself and her strength. And after having spent the past few novels intricately getting to know her this was an incredibly emotional and delicate experience to share. Bu it was not only that. The Dark Mirror was also a journey of two lovers learning to love again by finding their way back to each other, both physically and emotionally, whilst collectively healing from trauma.
There was also one particular passage about a memory from Paige´s childhood in this novel, that spoke about the impact and the legacy of people that have already left us in this life but how they are never truly gone, which genuinely touched my quietly grieving heart.

Along with that, this novel challenged your own intelligence and cleverness just as Paige´s was challenged by her enemies. In particular, because The Dark Mirror was speckled with references and easter eggs connected not only to the previous books but also to the Greek myths this series is inspired by, therefore making you develop one theory after the other. It ultimately made reading this novel an incredibly immersive reading experience since you paid attention to every fine detail no matter if it was a single word, a reaction, a smell or even just the quietest of sounds. Each of these details were then individual and unique to whichever character it was that one decided to pay special attention to. In the end, this made you develop and even deeper connection with the characters and in a way, making their emotions your own in some moments.

In addition to that and as mentioned a few lines ago, The Dark Mirror truly deep dived into the world of The Greek myths. You genuinely could see and grasp the glowing threads that link Paige, Arcturus and Jaxon to Persephone and Hades, Orpheus and Eurydice as well as the symbolism of the narcissus flower and the pomegranate seed. With these threads in your own hands, you were once and even more able, to see and further reveal how the character trades of these ancient figures shape this cast of characters. Which inevitably meant that, Jaxon once again twisted you mind against your will. No matter how strong you thought you were.

In its entirety, The Dark Mirror was a masterpiece and without a doubt worth the wait. It touched the reader right in the heart and had one yearning for more at the end. Lastly, no matter if regarding the setting, the storylines, the plot twists or the character arcs or just the writing itself, Samanatha Shannon truly outdid herself with this instalment.

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury UK for an early copy of this novel, it’s now my favourite one of The Bone Season series.

An easy five stars from me! Samantha Shannon perfectly balanced some killer action scenes with some heartbreaking character moments. After waiting on that cliffhanger for several years I was perfectly satisfied with the direction she took the series. This book made me cry, and I rushed through to the end in almost one go because I was so compelled to finish it. Fans of the series are going to love it. I have no notes for improvement. Perfection!

An utterly enthralling fifth instalment to this epic dystopian series. The world is further expanded and a whole slew of new characters are introduced along with some old favourites making an appearance.

I’ve been reading this series for over 10 years and can honestly say every book is better than the last.

Paige & Arcturus just have my heart - even though it was very nearly crushed in this book! And I just cannot wait to see how Shannon wraps the series up over the next 2 books.