My first thought upon finishing this book - "Boy was that convoluted!" In this work of maybe fantasy/maybe science fiction, tons of different storylines converge around a black mirror and a creepy manor house. If you enjoy quick reads or straightforward plots, this is not for you - but if you enjoy very complicated, intertwining, mysterious stories with lots of atmosphere you will love this.The good:*There is a real sense of atmosphere in this work, which is why this book is on the "gothic" shelf. From the creepy, fae Wood (yes, capital "W") to the decaying house with the mirror at its black heart, Fisher makes a very interesting world.The bad:*There is less focus and direction to this story than to Fisher's other works, like "Incarceron" or "Relic Master," and I think the multiple storylines and lots and lots of characters in this book make it harder to empathize with or care about any one individual person.*There are LOTS of elements to this book - the Shee, time travel, missing parents, lost loves, dystopian futures, magic, etc., etc....If they don't come together really well in future volumes, the whole story will just come apart like Howl's castle at the end of...."Howl's Moving Castle."Recommended for fans of:The Wolves of Willoughby ChaseThe Books of ElsewhereOver Sea, Under StoneThe works of Patricia McKillip, especially "Alphabet of Thorn" and "Winter Rose" At first, I thought this one would probably be one I would not finish. It started out slow and to be honest, I didn't expect a whole lot out of this one, but I was pleasantly surprised!First off, Fisher's writing is wonderful. Some people just know how to weave a story and she definitely falls into that category. It was easy to get lost in this world of hers. The settings were richly described and historically pleasing.The characters are what drew me in finally. They all find themselves in a tangled web by the end, and face such complicated decisions.I will definitely be recommending it to some of my teens!
What do You think about Obsidian Mirror (2013)?
Im so glad back in 2012 I got to get this book and meet her because now I love fantasy novels.
—Zach
I liked that at the end you learn tat Sara is Venn's grand daughter.
—bookaholic123
Interesting realistic fantasy time travel novel with a twist.
—Qwerty
Please, for all our sakes, use a thesaurus, she shrugged.
—Swias10
