The Mirror King (The Orphan Queen #2) by Jodi MeadowsPublisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Goodreads Summary: Wilhelmina has a hundred enemies.
HER FRIENDS HAVE TURNED. After her identity is revealed during the Inundation, Princess Wilhelmina is kept prisoner by the Indigo Kingdom, with the Ospreys lost somewhere in the devastated city. When the Ospreys’ leader emerges at the worst possible moment, leaving Wil’s biggest ally on his deathbed, she must become Black Knife to set things right.
HER MAGIC IS UNCONTROLLABLE. Wil’s power is to animate, not to give true life, but in the wraithland she commanded a cloud of wraith mist to save herself, and later ordered it solid. Now there is a living boy made of wraith—destructive and deadly, and willing to do anything for her.
HER HEART IS TORN. Though she’s ready for her crown, declaring herself queen means war. Caught between what she wants and what is right, Wilhelmina realizes the throne might not even matter. Everyone thought the wraith was years off, but already it’s destroying Indigo Kingdom villages. If she can’t protect both kingdoms, soon there won’t be a land to rule.
In this stunning conclusion to THE ORPHAN QUEEN, Jodi Meadows follows Wilhelmina’s breathtaking and brave journey from orphaned criminal on the streets to magic-wielding queen.
Rating: 5 Stars
Review: Wilhelmina Korte is no longer just a girl. With her identity revealed to all during the Inundation, many are distrustful of her presence in the Indigo Kingdom and some even proceed to call her the Wraith Queen. Tobiah Pierce is no longer just a prince; after his father's assassination, he must prepare for his coronation and arranged marriage. But the choices Wil and Tobiah make aren't always the right ones...
The first part of this novel contains a lot of unhappiness. Wil must be diplomatic or risk the fallout, yet she longs for her daggers and secret identity. Her best friend Melanie is still with Patrick Lien, Wil's former friend and commander turned foe. There are many forces working against the princess and Tobiah as they bargain for Wil's right to the Vermillion Throne. The details of this fantasy world aren't mentioned as much as in The Orphan Queen but landscapes, terrain and never-seen-before areas are described frequently.
Tobiah treats Wil as a stranger to a certain extent. She wishes that Black Knife and the Sullen Prince were two different people. There isn't much in the form of relationships but love is a huge part of the book, including misguided devotion and doing things with their best interests at heart. There is a constant uphill battle, with no shortage of antagonists. Many rise against Wilhelmina as well as there always being the impending threat of the Wraith.
Magic use becomes a desperate last resort as the Wraith arrives at a speed much faster than predicted. I love how there are constant complications and nothing is too easy for the protagonists. Wil and Tobiah both had to overcome many things in order to get the end result desired. Chrysalis's character amused me very much and I appreciated his presence as a loyal, confused boy with very little intelligence other than to protect and please his queen. Jodi Meadows has created a vivid world filled with miracles and conflict. The Mirror King concludes this duology with the much deserved ending these characters need.
Purchase Location: Borrowed From Library
Edition: Hardcover
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fans of high fantasy, conflicted tales and magical problems.
