Fairytale retellings are kind of hit and miss for me but this one was intriguing. Unfortunately I couldn't quite get into the writing style. I also felt this book didn't use the New Orleans or 20s backdrop the way it could've been used.

I enjoy this series so much. The first book in the series left me speechless, in tears, angry, and ultimately satisfied with the ending. This book delivers that and even more!

I liked that this portion of the series jumps to a different time and place. It made the family I grew to love in the first book have more depth and interest, I thought this book explored issues of family, biracial relationships, and being a person of color in the south (albeit during a different time) very well. Even though I would consider this a YA fantasy book, it made me think and question, and I liked that.

This book is quite different from the first book in the series, and I enjoyed that contrast as well. I’m looking forward to what the other authors do with the remaining two books!

I'm not too surprised that I really enjoyed reading Shattered Midnight, first because I love fairy tales and loved the first book in this series, and also because I'm a huge fan of Dhonielle Clayton. This story takes place a few decades after the first book and is set in a completely different setting, but the stories are still very much connected through looking at the curse that following the same family. One of the things I love about this book is that the story definitely feels connected to the one before it, but it's also a really strong story on it's own. It's told from the point of view of Zora, a young Black woman living in New Orleans in the 1920s, and music is her life. Unfortunately, her music and magic are tied up in one another, and magic has caused more than a few problems for Zora. Zora's dealing with the internal struggle this causes, while also facing many external struggles that come along with being a Black woman in the American South in the early twentieth century.

While the first book in this series felt like an original fairytale that could have fit into Grimms' collection, this has more of a historical fantasy feel, which was really cool and felt very unique. The book presents a great look at Southern Black culture, interracial relationships, the culture of jazz music, and racism during this time period. I love how well the historical element blended with the magic, and as we learn more about Zora's magic, I love that there's even a cultural element to her magic and where it comes from. The story as a whole is great. It's not an overly complicated plot, but the love story is easy to get invested in, and the ending did catch me by surprise. Be prepared for much romance, secrets, sweet family moments, betrayal, and a little bit of heartbreak.

I think the reason I loved this story as much as I did is because Zora is such a great protagonist. She's got a lot of pain and secrets, but she is strong and passionate and lets herself dream, even when it's difficult. Her greatest dream is to make music, and it's a dream she fights for, risks a lot for. It's encouraging to see. I also love how proud she is of her Blackness, and how clear she makes that to those around her. She's not a person without doubts and fears, but she has confidence where it matters, and I think that's what makes her so likable. I also love her romance with Phillip. It's not without its issues and obstacles, but the sweet things that boy says to her...well what's a girl to do but swoon? Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's a great sequel, and I'm hoping that I'll still get to know a little more about Zora's story in the next book, because I don't want to be done with her! This entire series is enjoyable so far, a really easy read and a worthwhile one for anyone who loves fairytales. I only wish I could have actually heard Zora's wonderful singing in real life!

Dhonielle Clayton absolutely never misses, and this book is just further proof of this. I’ve been interested in the concept of this series since I first heard of it, and Clayton’s addition just brings it all to new heights that I didn’t even expect, and making me wish that the third book was already out. This book takes a great premise and develops it in a new and amazing environment, drawing you in with tension, drama, and great main characters.

SHATTERED MIDNIGHT is a continuance of THE MIRROR series, this time following the story of Zora Broussard as she escapes to New Orleans after her magic causes too much trouble to stay in the city of New York. Faced with the expectations of her mother who doesn’t want her to use magic, her aunt who wants her to be another perfect debutante, and a white society that doesn’t care for Black girls, it might seem like she’d be crushed under the pressure. But holding her afloat is her music, as intwined with her blood as her magic, two things that will take her to places, and people, she never thought she’d get to.

So often when multiple authors write a series in which each author writes their own book, the parts can feel disjointed. Clayton works with this masterfully, subtly weaving in Julie C. Dao’s BROKEN WISH and the characters that set this story in motion. Multiple times, I genuinely was shocked at all the little details coming together, and I absolutely loved how the connections weren’t the exact ones that you would guess going in, but still kept that entanglement. Even further, she furthered the premise beautifully, but gave it a breath of fresh air in the New Orleans setting instead of rural Germany. Not to mention the genuine delving into the multi faceted parts of Zora’s identity and how they interact with the various situations that she was placed in.

Truly, Zora in herself is one of this book’s most ultimate triumphs. Her character has so much nuance and is absolutely beautiful in her imperfections. She’s resolute in her love of music, family, and resolute in her own thoughts and ideas. But she’s still only eighteen and that comes to light in the fact that she’s still learning to control her magic, and her emotions, especially since both have been forcibly repressed. She has real feelings and thoughts that exist in and off the page. Probably the best moments with Zora are when she’s in tune with her music or her magic, when it’s clear that both flow through her veins as easily as blood. And both clearly influence the path she ends up on. At the price of staying spoiler free, I won’t get too deeply into the specifics of her relationships, but her views on Phillip and Christophe show the true nuance and complexity of what a character she is.

The second thing I just have to rave about is the world. Obviously this exists as both historical fiction and magical realism intertwined, and I think that Clayton does such a good job of working with these two journeys. The experiences of being a Black girl in the 1920s in America comes alive on the page, for better and worse, but also the intricacies of society. Even further is the undercurrent of magic throughout all of this, with real magic showing up in tricks and trades where those who aren’t aware wouldn’t truly notice it. All of these come together to craft such a rich and beautiful story that’s difficult to put down.

However, as rich as Zora’s character is, it feels as if so many of the other characters are flat in comparison. We only get glimpses into the lives of Jo, Evelyn, Christophe, and even seemingly sometimes Phillip. While I could argue that Evelyn, Christophe, and Phillip would be less detailed because of the story being told through Zora’s perspective only, it seems like Jo just fell victim to a lack of real character work, becoming a body in the work that it’s possible could be removed or replaced with someone else.

Additionally, some of the pacing was a little bit off for me. Though it’s harder to measure without a physical copy, a good chunk of the book felt like setup with little real hint toward the tension that closed out the last 15-20% of the book. Some things flowed together well, while others felt as if they had been introduced at the last moment as a means to an end, without any other real importance.

Ultimately, I really did like this book. It had some great depth and worldbuilding while also being light and easy enough to read without feeling bogged down. I truly loved the character of Zora and the general premise of generations passing down magic is just so good, along with what Dhonielle Clayton did with this premise. I would definitely recommend and I absolutely cannot wait to see what the next two books bring to this series.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. I didn't find the setting as compelling, and while I liked the main character I didn't find the supporting characters as interesting and engaging. The writing was good, but I just struggled with staying invested in anything that was going on.

I enjoyed reading Shattered Midnight, and now need to go back and find book 1 in this series!

Zora has magic in her family. Her mother's magic comes out through her cooking, and Zora's comes out through music notes. Something tragic happens in New York, when her anger at a client's treatment of her mother caused her to lose control. She is sent to live with her aunt and cousins in New Orleans. Her aunt vows to end this magic nonsense, and make Zora into the most eligible debutante of 1929.

Zora has other plans. She meets another singer/musician, Jo, and they perform at a jazz club regularly, sneaking out of the house to do so. One night, she meets Phillip, a white man who shares her love of jazz music and performing. He plays with her and Jo, and, despite the overwhelming odds against them, Zora and Phillip fall in love. But her aunt still continues in her plans for Zora to make her debut along with her cousins, and for Zora to marry eligible bachelor Christophe.

Zora and Phillip have another bond other than music - magic. Zora has magic shoes that allow her to walk noiselessly, and Phillip has a mirror that shows the future (or a potential future). Both of their families have roots in Germany, and their shared heritage involves magic. They have to decide if it is worth keeping these artifacts and their magic, or if it is better to sell or give them away, and have a chance for a "normal" life.

I really love how Clayton writes books that address racism, class and privilege, but integrate those topics into thoroughly entertaining stories with fantasy, magic and supernatural elements. Teenagers (and adults) will appreciate how authentic her characters and the world she has created for them feel.

Even though this is the second book in the series, it reads well as a stand-alone. I look forward to tracking down book 1, and look forward to reading book 3 in the future! Thanks to Netgalley for this advanced copy of a wonderful book.

Unfortunately, this book disappointed me a little. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and have really been looking forward to seeing where the series goes. It was full of mystery. However, I was just expecting this book to have a stronger tie in throughout the story. Don’t get me wrong, it was still entertaining. It felt very similar to the Diviners. It did tie into the previous book at the very end.

I will continue to read the series but I do hope the thread tying them all together is a little more pronounced.

Zora is a great character that readers can easily root for. I did not read the Broken Wish, but I was able to follow and love this book anyways. The elements of forbidden love, New Orleans culture, and magic makes this the perfect series. I can’t wait to complete it.

As I began reading I thought I wouldn't love it. The first book stole my attention and had me hooked, reeling me in from the beginning. This time not so much. I ended up being thrown out of a cloud of magic only to be sucked back in with a new want. Wanting to know what happens to Zora

Spoiler Free

Zora is sent to new Orleans to be with her Aunt Celine after a terrible accident in New York her mother sent her away for her own protection. Living in the 1920s, segregation is at it's peak and Zora knows at any moment her skin color can get her killed. Forced to live a life her aunt wants for her Zora finds herself drawn to the new Orleans jazz clubs. She speaks out at night to sing and play becoming well known as Sweet Willow. That is where she meets Phillip.

It is illegal for Zora and Phillip to even be seen with each other but that doesn't stop her, nor her magic. Being a descendant if the characters from A Broken Wish means Zora is also running from people who fear her so much they'll do anything to see her hang.

Together Zora and Phillip go on a wild magic carpet ride. Zora's magic yet again finds her making promises she has to choose to keep or break. The consequences are still the same. A promise is a promise. A broken promise is a life sentence of unexplained happenings.

Trying to navigate segregation and her growing love for a man society will not let her have Zora has to quickly decide what to do about her magic. Out of control and deadly it is only a matter of time before someone finds out about her. Is she destined to end up like Mathilda? Isolated, feared, hunted?

This book has all the frog and the princess vibes with such a musically magical horror story I couldn't stop reading. The first half if the book seemed to lack that exhilarating action I loved so much in A Broken Wish but once I got past that I couldn't put it down. It is not necessary yo read the first book but highly recommended. Zora is a direct descendant of the characters and what they endured and survived through matters more than she realizes. I am longing for the next book too so much that this time I cannot wait for the stroke of midnight.

Zora Broussard has arrived in New Orleans with not much more than a bag of clothes, a beautiful voice, and a pair of enchanted red shoes. Running from a tragic accident caused by her magic, Zora wants nothing more than to blend in, as well as to avoid her overbearing aunt and mean-spirited cousins. Music becomes Zora’s only means of escape, yet she wonders if she should give it all up to remove the powers that make her a target, especially as a Black woman in the South.

But when Zora gets the chance to perform in a prominent jazz club, she meets a sweet white pianist named Phillip with magic of his own, including a strange mirror that foretells their future together. Falling into a forbidden love, Zora and Phillip must keep their relationship a secret. And soon the two discover the complicated connection between their respective families, a connection that could lead to catastrophe for them both. In the era of segregation and speakeasies, Zora must change her destiny and fight for the one she loves . . . or risk losing everything.- Goodreads

Unfortunately, I dnf this book. The book is well written. But I couldn't get into the read. Zora was an okay character and the romance (although mentioned in the summary) was predictable and didn't provide any form of chemistry.

I don't think this is a bad book but just nothing that I am interested in which is unfortunate because I was looking forward to this read.

So I seriously had to take about two weeks to let this one sit. Don’t get me wrong, it was good. I really enjoyed it… but I absolutely adored the first one in this series. Like fell in love, head over heels, with the first one, Broken Wish (The Mirror, #1) by Julie C. Dao
And I didn’t get the same magical feeling this time.

Zora is such a sweet character and I adore her very much, and the beginning has such a strong start. You’re vaulted straight into the story and learn something bad happened and no one is talking about it. As the book continues, you meet such lovely supporting characters. I really love Jo, she’s just super fun and sweet. Zora is still my favorite, but Jo is a close second. Then Phillip, phew, love, love, love!!!

Anyway, the writing is really great. One scene moves quickly to the next without losing the reader. I was entertained the whole time and I just had to see who Zora is going to end up with and how her story ends!! But, yes, there is a but… This is definitely not Elva’s story of magic, love, and betrayal. There was so much drama and so many things that I love about Elva’s portion of this saga. The magic does play a large role here, but I wasn’t lifted away in a fairytale. Which I’ll admit happened in the first one.

That’s seriously my only complaint and I know it’s just me. This was so very good and I was completely into the book and what was happening to who, when and where… I was just really anticipating a Broken Wish type of tale, and this didn’t quite hit the mark for me. But I wholly recommend this to YA readers who enjoy drama, some crazy magic, falling in love, and some great Black representation. Zora and Jo are two amazing young women who are Black and trying to make it in the era of segregation. Watch out, there is some violence in this one.

My point is, I loved it, not quite as much as Broken Wish, but I’m still waiting eagerly for the next book in this amazing series!!

Thank you so very much to NetGalley, Disney Publishing, and Dhonielle Clayton for letting me read this for my honest and unbiased opinion. Very much appreciated!!!!

Amazon review to be posted once published.

This was a cute different spin on a fantasy. I did not read the first book in the series but didn’t feel like I was missing or not understanding anything.

Zora was hidden away with her aunt in New Orleans after an accident. She has a magical ability linked to music that she cannot control. Zora sneaks out at night to play jazz music on a club where she meets Phillip. Their love grows but is forbidden as he is white and she is black. Will Zora be able to control and use her magic? Will her and Phillip ever be able to live their HEA?

I think she did a fabulous job in showing the laws of segregation, especially for interracial couples, and racism in the 20s. She also showed that every decision has a price whether good or bad. While likable the characters felt a little one dimensional, just needed more development of characters. I also wish her magic were incorporated more as it wasn’t exactly clear what the purpose of it was: first destruction then transforming to new identities.

Thank you Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for this arc.

Not as good as the first in the series but a decent followup that sets up the other two books to be interesting although I'm curious if those fill the gaps or if we just keep jumping through time. Zora wasn't as well drawn a character as Elva, and I wish New Orleans had more to do with the story than just a convenient backdrop bc that feels like a lot of story missed out on. However, I do think that the understanding of the racial divisions, the allusions to the laws of intermixed couples and how much of it is recent history was woven in very well. But again, this series seems to remind you that at the moment magic has a very high price and there are very few happy endings. And can't anyone in these books keep a damn promise? Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC. 3 1/2 stars.

Absolutely loved it… Dhonielle Clayton is a fav of mine and I believe that anything she touches is gold.

As soon as I discovered this story takes place in New Orleans I was all in. And I believe Dhonielle truly captures the emotions and vibe of the New Orleans culture. I loved Zoe’s resilience, her boldness, her love for music and her family. Definitely a great book for music lovers, romance lovers, lovers of magic & survival. I definitely will be spending the word about this amazing 5 star read.

A delightful follow up to Broken Wish!

All throughout this story, I was trying to place exactly which fairytale this was a retelling of, but there were bits and pieces of a few. It had the New Orleans setting and Black protagonist like Princess and the Frog, the locking in a tower/room like Cinderella & Rapunzel, the aunt + two cousins that were reminiscent of stepmother/Drusilla/Anastasia from Cinderella, and the separation of lovers and mention of twins like the original Rapunzel tale. There was also a nod in here to Snow White with the coffin, but it seems that's not Zora's story.

Similar to the first, there's not one solitary fairytale that this is a retelling of, but kind of a compilation of familiar anecdotes if you know what to look for.

I thought the story itself was compelling and I tore right through it. These stories are fast, fun reads and I really like how they're connected through a family's passing down of the mirror instead of just one tale being continued from book to book. It makes the fairytale world seem cohesive and neverending. I like it.

The only bad thing is that I couldn't help but compare Shattered Midnight to Broken Wish and I remember being so excited and having tinglies from Broken Wish, and that same level of excitement just didn't happen with this one. However, this still was a win for me so I'm sticking with 4 stars.

Ugh I want the next one now.

Although this second book in the Mirror series took me longer to read, I don't think this was the fault of the plot or characters. The book made me anxious. I was constantly worried for Zora, how she would disappointed or betrayed by Phillip, her friend, or her cousins. And where that may not have been the case, I honestly had to push myself to keep reading. I take this as an excellent sign that the writer made me FEEL something. And I did. I felt the joy Zora felt, and the sorrow, and the constant stress. It was beautifully written, and I am eager for what comes next for these intertwined families.

Quick paced and easy to read about Zora and her magic escaping her past. She tries to let go of her magic but realizes it’s so much more. I thought it was a great paced book until the end, where it ended abruptly! I’m hoping her story line is continued in the next book in the series, as I want to find out what happens next to Zora (aka Sadie). Dhonielle Clayton is a wonderful writer and this one is no exception. #TheMirrorShatteredMidnight Thank you to #NetGalley for the eARC.

I am a big fan of retellings and The Mirror Shattered Midnight did not disappoint. I absolutely love Dahonielle Clayton's writing style and the story itself was so good. I found the plot interesting and I love the magical aspect throughout the book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Thanks again for the ARC!

Shattered Midnight is book 2 in the stunning and unconventional Mirror fantasy series. This series centers on a family as a curse follows it from generation to generation. In Shattered Midnight, Zora Broussard is the protagonist. Readers follow her as she arrives in New Orleans with her belongings, gorgeous voice, and magic red shoes. She arrives in NOLA running from her past and hoping to remain unnoticed. Her voice is one of her main means of survival and escape, but Zora toys with giving it up as it could help her blend in, despite being a Black woman in the South.

Zora gets the chance of a lifetime to perform in one of the most well-known jazz clubs, and in doing so, she meets Phillip, a kind (and magical) white pianist. Phillip possesses a mirror that can predict the future, and it predicts his relationship with Zora. Their relationship, while secret, quickly allows them to discover a potentially cataclysmic fact about their families. While trying to manage the struggles that accompany segregation and speakeasies Zora has to figure out how to fight for her relationship or lose everything.

I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as I saw it because I love Dhonielle Clayton's writing. This book did not disappoint. I think that the concept of the series is fascinating and can't wait to read book 3! It isn't necessary, but I definitely recommend that you read book 1 prior to reading Shattered Midnight, as there is some background that can aid in understanding the story. Zora was a super compelling protagonist and I wanted to continue reading her story long past the end of this book.

Overall rating: 4/5

Shattered Midnight will be available for purchase on October 5th. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads shelf and see where it's available to buy. Also, be sure to check out Dhonielle Clayton’s website!
I was lucky enough to be able to read this Advanced Reader's Copy through my partnership with NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A girl who is gifted with a magical ability that has the power to destroy everything if she isn’t careful. The story follows Zora Broussard as she has moved to New Orleans to live with her aunt while trying to lie low about the traumatic event that happened in New York. She dreams about having a career in music, but in a time where women, especially a woman of color is treated as nothing more than something to be pretty, silent, and obedient, chasing her dreams will be difficult as her aunt just wants to marry her off. Zora has a secret though, she plays music at a jazz club and one day meets a sweet pianist named Phillip. While Zora begins to fall in love with Phillip, their romance is forbidden as Phillip is White and Zora is black. On top of that her aunt has fixed in on a husband for Zora, whether she wants it or not, and Zora’s leash on her powers are straining as she finds herself continuously being tested. Zora and Phillip have to keep their relationship a secret, but soon find that their families have a connected and complicated past, that could endanger both of them. In an era of segregation and speakeasies, Zora will fight for her own destiny, even if it means losing everything. This was a really interesting story and even though it is the second book in a series, you do not have to read the first book to understand this one ( I didn’t read the first book and could follow this one just fine). The racism and struggles that Zora dealt with was difficult but accurate. She faced so many obstacles while still chasing after the things she wanted. Overall, a sad but good read.

*Thanks Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*