Reflecting on The Mirror: An Engaging Yet Uneven Journey in The Lost Bride Trilogy
When I first picked up The Mirror, the second installment in the Lost Bride Trilogy by the talented Kelly L. Smith, I was filled with anticipation. Having devoured Inheritance just ten months prior, I was eager to dive back into the eerie world of haunted mansions, cryptic curses, and a hint of romance. That cliffhanger had left me breathless, and I was hopeful that The Mirror would deliver the same suspenseful thrill. Unfortunately, the experience was more of a slow wade through the waters of filler rather than a riveting plunge into a deep tale of mystery.
In Inheritance, we were introduced to Sonya and her friend Cleo as they navigated the spooky halls of a mansion perched perilously on the cliffs of Maine. The atmosphere was rich with tension, with ominous histories lurking behind every corner. However, The Mirror meanders through mundane daily routines—cooking, eating, party planning—much of which felt like unnecessary filler. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the depth that character development can bring, but here it too often overshadowed the edge-of-the-seat suspense I craved.
One of the highlights of this sequel was the deeper exploration of Sonya’s extended family—both alive and deceased. While this added layers to the storyline, it would have been helpful to have a list of characters to keep track of them all. The narrative was engagingly written, though it sometimes felt like I was reading a slice-of-life story, rather than a gripping mystery. There were delightful interludes with a kindly ghost, who humorously played fashion consultant and playlist curator, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that these were more whimsical tangents than essential plot points.
Amidst this lighter tone, the sinister presence of Hester Dobbs, the menacing ghost responsible for the curse, still cast a long shadow. I found these moments to be far more engaging, particularly as Sonya and her crew defiantly faced Hester’s nightly hauntings. However, I wished for more stakes and urgency. The narrative occasionally got bogged down by romantic escapades, with steamy moments between Sonya and her love interest, Trey, and budding chemistry between Cleo and Owen—even those became predictable rather than thrilling.
Ultimately, I’m left with a sense of longing. I want to know how the trilogy wraps up in the final book, and I truly hope for a return to the high-stakes suspense that graced Inheritance. It’s evident that Kelly L. Smith has a unique voice and engaging prose, yet I wish she had focused more on the mystery and tension this time around.
Though The Mirror may not satisfy all readers looking for a quickened pulse, I do believe it will resonate with those who enjoy character-driven stories peppered with supernatural elements and a touch of light-heartedness. If you’re someone who savors the build-up—both romantically and narratively—I’d say give it a read. However, make sure to start with Inheritance to catch the ghostly vibe from the beginning.
In conclusion, my journey through The Mirror was enjoyable but felt like cruising through calm waters when I yearned for stormy seas. I’m left hopeful that the concluding book will not only tie loose ends but reignite the spark of suspense that captivated my heart in the first round. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to explore this sequel—it has certainly left me pondering and questioning what lies ahead in this spellbinding tale!
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