Review of Mirrored Worlds
Posted: 17 Sep 2021, 00:14
[Following is a volunteer review of "Mirrored Worlds" by Tayma Tameem.]
Mirrored Worlds: Book 1 by Tayma Tameem is a sci-fi novel set in Reath, a world that mirrors our Earth in most ways except one, the Gift. Many years ago, the people of Reath were blessed with the gift of magic. The protagonist of this story is Lila, a recent graduate from the National Academy with untapped potential for magical combat. While working a desk job, Lila longs for adventure, purpose, and the opportunity to prove her worth. Lila’s life changes when the Director of the Bureau of Magical Affairs tasks her with a mission of saving Reath from mysterious natural disasters. Lila learns about the mirror that leads to magicless Earth and about the nonmagical being born in Opar, a secluded civilization in Reath, who is responsible for the imminent threat. Now it is up to her team, a sleazy smuggler and a broody warrior, to retrieve this being and send it to Earth through the mirror before it is too late.
I have come to know Tayma Tameem as a master of plot twists and foreshadowing, so I was excited to read another one of her books, and she did not disappoint. The way the author humanized the characters from Reath was my favorite element in this book. Lila complains about a deal at the grocery store being too good to be true, and she does paperwork sitting on her bead so she can spread out the files. Those are things I do. She is 100% human but at the same time magical. The deal she complains about is unicorn meat, and she prefers teletransportation to mechanical transport. Tameem is great at creating chemistry and balance between her characters, and this book was not the exception. Lila, Graute, and Battleaxe balance each other well and make a fearsome team. I found it impressive how the author always made Reath sound so much like Earth, and yet make it look different. For example, the office environment feels like any other office, but then a little detail about Lila putting her wand away is added. It does not let you forget this is a magical mirror of Earth.
I did not like the lack of people of color in this book. To be fair many people’s races are not specified, and it is a fantasy novel. However, the fact that the only character whose skin tone is specified is the violent, orphan soldier did not sit right with me.
I am giving this book a 4 out of 4 stars. The exposition, climax, and resolution followed a perfect pace. I was never bored or waiting for something to happen. The characters were well-rounded and had their own backstories. And, as always with Tayma Tameem, the plot twist was worth the wait.
For starters, I would recommend this book to people who have read other Tayma Tameem books because every book I read I like more than the last. Also, to teenagers +15 up who like high fantasy and enjoy following a strong female lead in her adventures. There is no vulgar language, but there is moderate violence. There is no sexual content.
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Mirrored Worlds
View: on Bookshelves
Mirrored Worlds: Book 1 by Tayma Tameem is a sci-fi novel set in Reath, a world that mirrors our Earth in most ways except one, the Gift. Many years ago, the people of Reath were blessed with the gift of magic. The protagonist of this story is Lila, a recent graduate from the National Academy with untapped potential for magical combat. While working a desk job, Lila longs for adventure, purpose, and the opportunity to prove her worth. Lila’s life changes when the Director of the Bureau of Magical Affairs tasks her with a mission of saving Reath from mysterious natural disasters. Lila learns about the mirror that leads to magicless Earth and about the nonmagical being born in Opar, a secluded civilization in Reath, who is responsible for the imminent threat. Now it is up to her team, a sleazy smuggler and a broody warrior, to retrieve this being and send it to Earth through the mirror before it is too late.
I have come to know Tayma Tameem as a master of plot twists and foreshadowing, so I was excited to read another one of her books, and she did not disappoint. The way the author humanized the characters from Reath was my favorite element in this book. Lila complains about a deal at the grocery store being too good to be true, and she does paperwork sitting on her bead so she can spread out the files. Those are things I do. She is 100% human but at the same time magical. The deal she complains about is unicorn meat, and she prefers teletransportation to mechanical transport. Tameem is great at creating chemistry and balance between her characters, and this book was not the exception. Lila, Graute, and Battleaxe balance each other well and make a fearsome team. I found it impressive how the author always made Reath sound so much like Earth, and yet make it look different. For example, the office environment feels like any other office, but then a little detail about Lila putting her wand away is added. It does not let you forget this is a magical mirror of Earth.
I did not like the lack of people of color in this book. To be fair many people’s races are not specified, and it is a fantasy novel. However, the fact that the only character whose skin tone is specified is the violent, orphan soldier did not sit right with me.
I am giving this book a 4 out of 4 stars. The exposition, climax, and resolution followed a perfect pace. I was never bored or waiting for something to happen. The characters were well-rounded and had their own backstories. And, as always with Tayma Tameem, the plot twist was worth the wait.
For starters, I would recommend this book to people who have read other Tayma Tameem books because every book I read I like more than the last. Also, to teenagers +15 up who like high fantasy and enjoy following a strong female lead in her adventures. There is no vulgar language, but there is moderate violence. There is no sexual content.
******
Mirrored Worlds
View: on Bookshelves