Broken Wish (The Mirror, #1) – Julie C. Dao, Hyperion, (9781368046381), 2020
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 1- 5 (5 is excellent or a Starred review) 4
What did you like about the book? This magical fairytale kicks off a planned three book series revolving around a family curse through several generations. The novel, set in Hanau, Germany beginning in 1848, contains elements of the classic tales of Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White. The Grimm Brothers are even mentioned as being in town. Agnes and Oskar are new to town when she befriends their neighbor Mathilda. The townspeople call Mathilda a witch, but Agnes treasures the friendship despite Oskar’s warnings. When Mathilda promises to help Agnes become pregnant, all she asks in return is that Agnes remain her friend. But once her daughter Elva is born, Agnes bows down to the pressure of her husband and others and snubs Mathilda who takes off into the North Woods. Sixteen-year-old Elva is followed by two brothers, but the family seems cursed. For every two good things that happen, one bad will occur. Elva is also forced to hide her magical powers that allow her to see the future when she looks into water. When she accidentally sees a future disaster that will destroy her family, Elva is determined to find the Witch of the North Woods to help her stop it. The Witch is reluctant to help as she has been hurt too much in the past, but Elva wins her over. Soon a new friendship is formed, but the town is still on a witch hunt and both women are in danger. This is one that readers will not be able to put down and will have them eagerly awaiting the next installment. Filled with fairytales and magic, this novel is highly recommended.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? Hand this to readers who love fairytales and magic. For readers who enjoy fantasy authors including Holly Black and Kendare Blake.
Who should buy this book? Public libraries and high school libraries
Where would you shelve it? YA fiction
Should we (librarians/readers) put this at the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, MA
Date of review: 1/14 /21
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