The Mirror King (The Orphan Queen #2) by Jodi Meadows - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Katherine Tegen Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: The Mirror King (The Orphan Queen #2)
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Review of THE ORPHAN QUEEN

Recent Release Date: April 5, 2016


Synopsis: Wilhelmina has a hundred enemies.

HER FRIENDS HAVE TURNED. After her identity is revealed during the Inundation, Princess Wilhelmina is kept prisoner by the Indigo Kingdom, with the Ospreys lost somewhere in the devastated city. When the Ospreys’ leader emerges at the worst possible moment, leaving Wil’s biggest ally on his deathbed, she must become Black Knife to set things right. 

HER MAGIC IS UNCONTROLLABLE. Wil’s power is to animate, not to give true life, but in the wraithland she commanded a cloud of wraith mist to save herself, and later ordered it solid. Now there is a living boy made of wraith—destructive and deadly, and willing to do anything for her.

HER HEART IS TORN. Though she’s ready for her crown, declaring herself queen means war. Caught between what she wants and what is right, Wilhelmina realizes the throne might not even matter. Everyone thought the wraith was years off, but already it’s destroying Indigo Kingdom villages. If she can’t protect both kingdoms, soon there won’t be a land to rule.

In this stunning conclusion to THE ORPHAN QUEEN, Jodi Meadows follows Wilhelmina’s breathtaking and brave journey from orphaned criminal on the streets to magic-wielding queen.

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Review: This book is so much more complex than its processor, The Orphan Queen. The first book in this duology is a fun fantasy. There are plenty of disguises, an interesting magical world, and royal intrigue. The Mirror King bring up deeper questions of humanity. It addresses the consequences of actions. Privilege is shown in Prince Colin's life versus Wil's orphan upbringing. The book deals with assault and its lasting effects. The book deals with the effects of so many things and how they must be considered from the start. 

Magic can be seen as a metaphor for technology in this book. It can solve problems and progress society forward, but there is also negative lasting impact on the world if not used properly. 

Self hatred is another topic addressed in this book. Hating others for something you are as well. 

The power of making choices and what it means to be alive. Being able to change your future, no matter where you come from. Or what you are.

I feel like I could go on and on about how this book is addressing real life situations and problems in the current world, but I'll just move on to the fun stuff. There are enchanted notebooks in this book that act as magic texting! I love how handwriting becomes such a big symbol.

After reading the novellas, it was nice to be back in Wilhelmina's head. There are so many great twists in this book. I loved them all! This book is definitely more complex than the first, but in a wonderful way. This was a strong end to this short series. I give it a 5/5 and highly recommend this duology(plus the novellas)! I can't wait to see what Jodi Meadows comes up with next. Her brain is full of such fantastical things. 


--PAUL