Title: Shattered Mirror
Author: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
First published September 11, 2001
240 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780385729901 (ISBN10: 0385729901)
Rating: 4.03
Overview
Ravena twins have always been a mystery to Sarah Vida, a witch and a vampire hunter. When Christopher Ravena, a vampire trying to blend in with high school students, approaches her, she knows better than to trust him.
However, as she gets to know him, Sarah realizes that he is not like any other vampire she has met before. Soon after, she meets Nikolas, Christopher’s twin, and one of the most dangerous vampires in history.
Sarah finds herself in a dilemma, as she is drawn to both brothers, and her beliefs about good versus evil are put to the test. Will she choose to follow her heart or stick to her beliefs?
Editoral Review
Shattered Mirror by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes is a young adult supernatural novel first published in 2001. Atwater-Rhodes, who began writing this book at the age of thirteen, is known for her stories of vampires, shapeshifters, and other fantastical creatures.
The novel unfolds in the fictional town of New Mayhem and revolves around a teenage vampire named Sarah Vida. Sarah is struggling with a sense of identity and the burden of her past.
When she meets a human boy named Christopher, she finds herself drawn to him, forcing her to confront the challenges of balancing her vampire nature with her human desires. However, Sarah discovers that Christopher harbors secrets of his own, and together, they unearth a deeper mystery that threatens both their lives.
Shattered Mirror blends elements of horror, romance, and suspense, and is targeted at young adult readers. The plot moves at a fast pace, keeping the reader engaged with its twists and turns.
Atwater-Rhodes creates a vivid setting with real-world issues such as social exclusion, stereotypes, and bullying intertwined with the supernatural elements. One of the strengths of the novel lies in its plot structure.
Set against the backdrop of a war between two vampire clans, the plot is well-constructed, with each chapter revealing a new layer to the story without any jarring breaks. Atwater-Rhodes also makes excellent use of foreshadowing and plot devices, building the suspense meter until the novel’s climactic ending.
Another strength of Shattered Mirror is its character development. Atwater-Rhodes paints a complex picture of Sarah, a teenage girl struggling to come to terms with her supernatural powers and the weight of her family history.
Likewise, the supporting characters come across as authentic and multi-dimensional. However, Shattered Mirror is not without its flaws.
Some readers may find the writing style overly descriptive, leading to slow pacing in certain sections. Moreover, while Atwater-Rhodes attempts to address social concerns, the novel doesn’t delve deep enough into them, making it feel superficial at times.
Despite the limitations, Shattered Mirror is a compelling read that will captivate audiences interested in the supernatural. Fans of Atwater-Rhodes’ work will appreciate how the novel connects to her other vampire series, while readers new to her writing will enjoy a fresh take on the familiar genre.
Overall, Shattered Mirror earns a rating of 4 out of 5 for its intriguing storyline and well-drawn characters.
