Title: Palace of Mirrors
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
First published September 30, 2008
297 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781416939153 (ISBN10: 1416939156)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
In Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Haddix, Cecilia has always known she is not just an ordinary girl. She is the true princess, forced to hide until the people who killed her parents are defeated.
Despite her disguise as a peasant girl, she has been secretly studying statesmanship and palace protocol, waiting for the right time to reveal her true identity. Along with her best friend, Harper, Cecilia decides it’s time to take charge and reclaim her throne.
But complications arise when they arrive at the Palace of Mirrors and Princess Desmia has a different version of events. Join Cecilia and Harper on their quest for justice and the truth in this thrilling tale of deception and danger.
About the Author
Margaret Peterson Haddix spent her early years on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She attended Miami University in Ohio, where she earned degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing, and history.
Haddix worked in various roles before her debut book was published. She served as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis, and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.
Throughout her career, Haddix has authored over 25 books for children and teenagers. Her notable works include the “Shadow Children” series, “The Missing” series, “Running Out of Time,” and “Double Identity.” She also wrote the tenth book in the “39 Clues” series.
Her books have been recognized with bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award, American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, and over a dozen state reader’s choice awards.
Haddix currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband, Doug, and their two children.
Editoral Review
Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Haddix is a thrilling young adult novel that was first published on September 30, 2008. The author is known for her captivating storytelling and has written several other popular books for young adults.
The book is set in a fictional kingdom called Sarnia where the young protagonist, Cecilia, lives a sheltered life in a convent. She is suddenly made aware of her true identity as the missing princess of Sarnia and is thrust into a world of politics and danger.
Along with her loyal friend, Harper, she sets out to reclaim her throne and expose the dark secrets of the kingdom.
The plot is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The setting is vividly described, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of Sarnia.
The characters are well-developed, with Cecilia and Harper in particular standing out as strong and likable protagonists.
Haddix tackles themes of identity, power, and corruption in Palace of Mirrors, making the story both thought-provoking and entertaining. The book also has historical significance, as it draws inspiration from the story of Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of the last Russian Tsar.
The writing is of a high standard, with Haddix’s prose flowing smoothly and her descriptions painting a vivid picture of the world she has created. The pacing is well-balanced, with the plot progressing at a steady pace and the action scenes being particularly well-executed.
While Palace of Mirrors is a strong entry in the young adult genre, it is not without its flaws. Some of the plot twists feel predictable, and the ending may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.
However, these are minor issues that do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, Palace of Mirrors is an excellent young adult novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. It is well-written, engaging, and tackles important themes in a thoughtful manner.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
