Title: Dark Mirror
Author: Diane Duane
First published January 15, 1993
337 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780671793777 (ISBN10: 0671793772)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
The United Federation of Planets is a beacon of hope, a shining example of what humanity can achieve. For centuries, the Federation has brought together countless races under one banner, creating a galactic civilization that works for the betterment of all.
But what if that wasn’t the case? What if, instead of overcoming our darker impulses, humanity embraced them?
What if the Federation was nothing more than a brutal empire, built on the backs of the oppressed?
One hundred years ago, a group of Starfleet officers stumbled upon a parallel universe where these questions were answered in the worst way possible. They barely escaped with their lives, grateful that they could never return.
But now, that parallel universe has found a way into our own. And they have their sights set on destroying everything the Federation stands for.
The USS Enterprise-D is their target, and the crew must fight for their very survival against their twisted counterparts. In a battle that could determine the fate of the Federation, our heroes must confront the darkest parts of themselves and emerge victorious.
Will they be able to overcome the odds and save the galaxy from a fate worse than death? Only time will tell.
About the Author
For over four decades, Diane Duane has been a prolific writer in the realms of science fiction, fantasy, TV, and film. While she’s best known for creating the Young Wizards fantasy series in the 1980s, she’s also written the epic fantasy series Middle Kingdoms, as well as several stand-alone novels in the fantasy and science fiction genres.
Additionally, Duane has written extensively for the Star Trek TM universe, as well as produced scripts for live-action and animated TV shows on both sides of the Atlantic. She’s also contributed to comics and computer games.
Duane’s impressive career has landed her on the New York Times Bestseller List, and she’s earned recognition for her writing through various awards and nominations.
Duane lives in County Wicklow, Ireland, with her husband of over thirty years, Peter Morwood, who is also a screenwriter and novelist. In her personal life, Duane enjoys the color blue and a Swiss scrambled-potato dish called maluns.
She was born in the Year of the Dragon and identifies her sign as “Runway 24 Left, Hold for Clearance.”
Editoral Review
Dark Mirror, written by Diane Duane and published on January 15, 1993, is a compelling work of fiction that will surely grip readers with its imaginative plotline and well-crafted characters. Diane Duane is a renowned author in the speculative fiction genre, having written many popular books such as the Young Wizards series.
With Dark Mirror, Duane has created a story that explores the themes of power, corruption, and the nature of reality. The plot of Dark Mirror follows a young girl named Nita and her friend, Kit, who are two young wizards tasked with restoring order to the universe.
Throughout the book, the two characters are tasked with traveling to different worlds and battling dark entities that threaten the balance of the universe. As the story progresses, Nita and Kit begin to realize the true depth of the danger they face, and they are forced to confront their own limitations.
Duanes writing style in Dark Mirror is incredibly immersive and descriptive, creating a world that feels both unique and believable. The characters are well-developed, with Nita and Kit being particularly well-rounded and likable.
The pacing of the novel is also well executed, with the suspenseful scenes leading up to a satisfying climax. One of the interesting aspects of Dark Mirror is the way in which Duane explores the relationship between power and corruption.
She delves deep into the nature of power and how it can consume even the most well-intentioned individuals, providing a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition. Despite its strengths, Dark Mirror does have some limitations.
At times, the plot can feel a bit convoluted, with too many characters and worlds to keep track of. Additionally, some readers may find the focus on the two young wizards to be a bit too narrow.
Despite these limitations, Dark Mirror is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys speculative fiction. Its strong characters, immersive worldbuilding, and thought-provoking themes make it a book that is worth checking out.
For those who are fans of Diane Duanes previous works, this book is a must-read. Overall, I would give Dark Mirror a rating of 7 out of 10, as it is a well-written and imaginative work that will surely leave a lasting impression.