Overview

Mirror transport is not all it’s cracked up to be. Through the Glass is a fantasy novel about an unlikely group of victims stranded on a foreign planet. Part of this group is a royal family from the planet Adrei, kidnapped and shoved through a magical mirror just before the crown prince’s coronation. Unexpectedly, two teenage sisters from Earth join them in their banishment. Together, this diverse group of characters must work together to discover why they have been sent to this planet and how they can return Prince Irik to his throne before it is too late.

Plot

Through the Glass had a very unique plot and writing style. In a typical fantasy novel, it is very action-driven. Generally, characters travel on a perilous adventure, with new dangers at every turn. This novel was much more character-centered. I found this to be unique and refreshing. Rather than basing plot points on events that occurred, they are based on revelations, struggles, and lessons learned by the characters themselves. While one might initially assume that this would become slow or cumbersome, giving so much of the plot over to the characters allows the reader to become truly invented in who they are. I found myself rooting for each one of the poor, unintentional world-hoppers, though I will speak more on this in the “characters” section. Though this story may not be action-packed, it does have many moments of tension and suspense, all growing stronger and stronger until the final twist at the end. (A twist I most certainly did not see coming!) All in all, it was a well-organized plot, especially considering all the characters, backstories, and motives that the author had to juggle.

Writing Style

Hayes’ writing style is a bit slower-paced and detail oriented. For the majority of the book, it is more of an interesting stroll through a beautiful garden than a terrifying race through a forest. Her attention to detail allows for solid world-building and an in-depth view of the characters. I am obsessed with character quirks and nuances, and this book had quirks and nuances galore. As I stated earlier, it was very unique, and I found that refreshing.

Characters

My favorite part of every critique! I may have stated this once or twice, but to me, characters are EVERYTHING to creating a story worth reading. Get me invested in the characters, and I don’t even care about the plot. Boy, was I invested in these characters. (And shipping them like a fangirl!) I loved how fleshed out and different each character was. Their interactions and relationships were realistic, interesting, and compelling. They clash in predictable ways, and then bond in surprising ways. I especially enjoyed Nivohn’s journey as he struggles though debilitating anxiety that sometimes gets in the way of others seeing his heart of gold. While I may have had a favorite or two, I felt for each of these characters and loved getting to know them.

Overall

I had already read this book once before I decided to write a critique, but I decided to read it again as a refresher. I intended to simply skim though the chapters, but I was so sucked in by those genuine characters that I ended up rereading the entire thing! Obviously, it was a story I enjoyed enough to read again! If you are looking for something new and different I would recommend this book. It is not your typical fantasy/scifi, but I think that’s what makes it worth reading. The slower pace allows you to truly take it all in and enjoy the ride, while still having well-paced spikes of intensity sprinkled throughout to keep you on your toes. All in all, great book and fabulous author!