I want to say that I really liked the book, but there were some things that didn't sit right with me.

The characters are easy to like, the pacing is good, and there are no heavy info dumps. A nice book with fae, magical abilities and a world that needs saving. However, I guessed most plot twists, but the book still was unexpected at times.

I love the trio of friends, and there are some tropes I like: fated mates, one horse, royals and I also like the dual POV, but we mostly get Eva's POV.

Now I'll talk about what I didn't like and as a warning SPOILERS are following: After she escapes and she was brutalized and almost raped multiple times, we get a sex scene with her and her anima. And it just felt weird, I get that the bound makes people really attracted to each other and that he asked if she's sure she wants that, but even tying her hands?! What was he thinking? I know that some people love spice, but sometimes, it's just too much or not a good moment.

I loved the synopsis, it was enough to convince me to read this, and since I read the book, I did like it, but I feel like it all happened SO fast.
Enjoy it? Yes, the truth is that the plot is very light and not at all complicated, everything was very entertaining, especially the characters, the truth is that I really liked them and not only the protagonists, I loved the secondary characters.
I also felt the romance between the protagonists was very fast, I liked the chemistry they have but I still would have liked it to be slower.
I liked the story and I want to read the next books!

I recommend it if you want something quick to read.

- fated mates
- only one horse
- dual pov
- dreamwalking
- forced proximity
- found family
- hurt/comfort

Thanks Netgalley for the arc

Ends on a cliffhanger! Even though this book is quite predictable, I still found it enjoyable. There wasn't any part that was boring or felt too slow. I liked the development of the relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley and City Owl Press Books for allowing me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Other Side of the Mirror is the debut novel for author, Dana Evyn and is Book One of The Mirrored Trilogy. It is a romantasy novel which is mixed with romance, intrigue and fantasy realms.

The novel follows the story of Eva, who’s family died in a fire on her seventeenth Birthday (seven years ago). When Eva is attacked by a magical creature in her home after a night out, a handsome fae called Bash saves her. Taking Eva back to Bash’s realm, she is told that she is betrothed to Avriel (her anima). But Eva soon begins to realise that not everything is at it seems.

In the first half of the book, I found myself questioning the ease of which Eva believed Bash and the way in which she adjusted to the fae world. Considering she had only ever lived in the mortal world, her acceptance to her new life happened a little too quickly maybe?

Despite this, I really liked the characters in the book. Evyn has created a likeable cast of characters which makes it easy for the reader to relate to and invest in their story. I particularly liked the character of Eva. Despite her tragic backstory, she is a strong, female character who grows in strength as the book progresses.

I enjoyed the much-loved forced proximity trope and the romance was just right. Not too much smut but enough to make the relationships believable and keep the reader wanting more. The only criticism I have is that I felt that the romance between Eva and Bash was a little too rushed. I would have liked to see a little more of a slow burn between them to allow their relationship to develop and grow.

The Other Side of the Mirror is a fascinating debut novel. Evyn has created a magical fantasy world and the use of mirrors as portals was a nice original touch. I particularly liked the different POV’s between Eva and Bash throughout the book. Unlike some other reviews that I have read, I didn’t find the plot predictable at all. The story kept me on edge and the cliff-hanger at the end has made me wish that the next instalment was written and ready to read!

Thank you NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review. READ THIS BOOK!! I cannot stress enough how much I liked this book. If you’re looking for a hangover cure for acotar or fourth wing, this is the one. Fae romance, mates, shadow daddy, “who did this to you”, found family, etc.
This story follows Eva whose family was murdered 7 years ago. Recently attacked by a magical creature, saved by bash who takes her into the faerie realm where she finds her new destiny and learns about the past her family hid from her.

Really exciting, fast paced novel! I did feel like Eva was a little too quick to accept that there was a magical world out there, after spending your whole life in the human world never knowing there's more out there I just feel like there should have been more shock and a learning curve with the magic system. That being said I did love her and all the characters, the tension between Eva and Bash was phenomenal. The fantasy world was impressive for a debut, it was complex and and the politics were very intriguing

Thank you NetGalley and City Owl Press for this eCopy to review

The Other Side of the Mirror is a Steamy romantsy following Eva as she travels through the Fae realm with Bash, who is taking her to her soulmate after rescuing her from an attack.

Told through Eva's and Bash's points of view help give the story depth which is full of magic, secrets and romance. The plot carries along nicely, and I enjoyed the characters. The world building is engaging and the magic system is easy to follow.

An action packed series opener

Thank you NetGalley for this book! Dana Evyn thank you for this writing this book!

Seven years after Eva’s family is murdered she is attacked by a magical creature and saved by a handsome fae, Bash. Eva is thrust into a world she never knew existed, Bash reveals that he must bring her to her soulmate to stop a Curse from ending their world. As their journey starts Eva is determined to find answers about her parents and learn about her powers that were hidden from her. Bash and Eva steadily grow closer in their journey to her soulmate. But when Eva finally meets her prince, nothing is as it seems. While mystery, lies and deceit surrounds her, Eva must take matters into her own hands and uncover the truth. What if the fairytale they were all told was a lie?

Let me start off by saying that I love the magical elements in this. I feel as if there is more to this magic, something more powerful. The romance and magic pulled me in right away!

After Eva lost her family her best friend’s parents took her in. Eva has had Quinn to help her cope through her pain and loneliness. But once Quinn loses her parents shortly after, they lean on each other to get through the pain and loses. Eva lives her life as normal as possible, tying to move on and make a life for herself. I was not expecting Eva to come out as a complete badass the moment the first magical creature appeared. She gave off normal human girl for a couple chapters and that quickly changed. I was routing for her all the way through and her growth was absolutely spectacular to see! She has a sharp tongue and refuses to give up every step of the way. Eva has so much fight in her, I just know when given the chance to finally get revenge it will be sweet.

Bash has this calm, cool, flirty personality to him that I love! He doesn’t have an overbearing presence, which is a relief. Bash is powerful and he knows it, but down plays it. He’s strong and serious when he needs to be. But this man KNOWS how to second guess himself! I was BEGGING him to fight for Eva, I wanted to see him give in to what he wanted! But of course everything happens for a reason.

Bash has an incredible inner circle of friends and family that take Eva in right away. Every character written was given depth, they weren’t just there. Eva’s best friend, Quinn, kind of became a mystery I hope is solved in book 2. I need an OMG moment when it comes to Quinn, she’s gotta have an incredible backstory. There are connections that need to be told.

The villain of course is absolutely horrible, but Dana Evyn definitely did her job in making me hate him right off the bat! The creepy presence and cringe he gave off was red flag enough.

Read this book! The cliffhanger is heart wrenching but worth the read! The magic, flirty, romantic, shocking aspect will hold you captive until the very end. ✨

Read this book if you’re in the mood for a quick romantasy story, complete with friends to lovers, forbidden love, and fated mates. And man, Dana Evyn writes a meeeaan villain. I enjoyed the banter and the secret means of communicating! Bash gives Chaol vibes (from tog) so if he’s your book bf, this is the story for you. I do think that the book could’ve been a little longer to include more tension and struggle. Ultimately, I gave this read 4 out of 5 stars as there were moments where I did lose interest (being a mood reader), however each time I started reading again it would capture my attention once more.

This book is a beautifully written fantasy (plot driven spicy Romantasy) with so many favorite tropes. The story sucked me right in from the beginning and it was incredibly hard to put down! I definitely stayed up until the early hours of morning reading. A strong FMC thrown into a magical fae realm, with beautifully described worlds, beautiful hearts, and trials that test her resolve. Oh the mystery, the adventure, the love, the betrayal, the fates, and the found family. If you love elemental and celestial powers, fighting evil to save a realm, and treasure magical nights spent star gazing, you will love it. Also, if you’re looking for your next cinnamon roll shadow daddy, I’ve found him here.
That ending though 😭 I need book two immediately!!

This book exceeded my expectations; to me it felt like a bit of a cross between The Mortal Instruments x A Court of Thorns and Roses. Although the 2nd quarter of the book felt a bit slow to me, it was essential for the world building and the last half of the book was totally worth the wait.

This book has: a fantasy world (on the other side of the mirror), found family, fated mates, spice, danger, betrayal, twists & turns, lies, kingdoms, magic, war, romance and so much more!

Be warned though when reading this book you will be highly addicted and then it ends on a cliffhanger! I will definitely be looking to read the second book in this series as I need to know how the story develops.

Succumb to a world ending curse or meet her soulmate? Things are not as they seem however.

Thins book included lots of the things I enjoy, such as: fated mates, 'touch her and you die', independent female character, and of course, forced proximity.

This was really well written and just sucks you in.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc

i almost didn’t read this and i’m soooo glad i did!

i loved how eva was basically her own shadow daddy (while also having a shadow daddy for a soulmate). i also feel like mort authors would have made her power light to be the opposite of bash’s shadows so it was refreshing that her power was complementary/night.

also was a big fan of the soulmate bond being called ‘anima’ and soul-bonded instead of just calling them mates. it was a nice change.

i do think it was a little predictable but that didn’t take away from the enjoyability of the book for me.
as well, the first part was a little slow and then by the time things got exciting the book was basically over which was a bit disappointing. i was so intensely into it and then it was the end of the book.

the author’s writing style felt polished and there were no spelling mistakes, both of which seem to be rare in arc books so that made me like it even more!

a little sad there wasn’t more smut because the author did such a good job with it! it felt like it wasn’t enough 😭 (not a flaw of the book at all, i’m just a degenerate)

will be waiting very impatiently for the next one!


thank you to netgalley and the author for the arc copy!

2.5 ⭐️

This book was okay. But if you love a book full of romance, this will be your jam!!

(+)
- I liked the whole idea of the portals and I liked Eva as a main character;
- I loved the relationship between the friends and between siblings;

I didn't dislike anything in specific, although I do wish that the story moved at a slower pace. As an active fantasy reader, I predicted every outcome of this novel and I didn't love that... Although this is a debut and honestly great work at making me love the characters.

I will be reading more from this author in the future, but I probably won't be continuing the series.

This was a great debut!

The Other Side of the Mirror was fast paced and super entertaining, I couldn't stop reading.
Make it fairytale but darker, the plot definitely reminded me of other books I've read, filled with tropes galore, it was super enjoyable and a quick read.
Honestly, at times I felt like things were happening a little too fast—from the things the fmc Eva was accepting to the romance, and if it was a standalone I'd have understood the rush but being a trilogy, even after the cliffhanger, I'm a little surprised by the pacing. I wouldn't have minded if the book was longer and there was a better build-up.

The world was very interesting and I hope we'll explore more in the next book, especially after finding out where Eva is from. The magic system was cool, always appreciate shadow/dark magic.
The characters and banter were fantastic, the found family was one of my fav parts of this book.
I loved everyone, well except for the villain who was truly loathsome, but especially Bash and Eva and their romance. Bash was one of the best things in this story.
The romance was a bit insta-lovey even if there's a pretty good reason for it again things were happening too quickly but the smut was great.

The ending didn't surprise me, I fully expected that exact cliffhanger (it was still messed up regardless) and there were other things I was able to guess early on but there were a few reveals at the end I wasn't expecting.

I'm excited for book 2!!

Tropes + what to expect:
✨ Fated mates
✨ One horse
✨ “Who did this to you!?”
✨ Shadow daddy
✨ Fae
✨ Elemental magic
✨ Celestial magic
✨ Hidden identity
✨ Found family
✨ Burn the world for her
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Dreamwalking
✨ Strong FMC
✨ Dagger against the throat
✨ Training scenes
✨ “Eyes on me”
✨ He bathes her after she’s injured
✨ Dual POV

Holy heckkkkkkk. I haven’t been this hooked on a fantasy romance like this in a hot second! 👏🏼 Please go read this immediately!

Give me Bash or give me DEATH!

THAT CLIFFHANGER UGHHHH. Give me book 2 immediately!

This was a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Once I actually sat down and read more than one chapter at a time, I was hooked.

I loved the characters so much. Eva was lovable and I couldn’t help but root for her. All the side characters were great and even the villain had dimension. The author did a great job with world building and explaining the magic system. The last 30% had me so invested and on the edge of my seat, I stayed up past 2 am to finish this. Now I’m extremely excited for book 2 in this series. I cannot wait to see more from Dana Evyn.


If you love fantasy romance with amazing characters and spice, check this out. Definitely five stars. :) Thank you Netgalley and City Owl Press for the ARC.

The Other Side of the Mirror by Dana Evyn is a must read for all Romantasy/fantasy readers.

So many great tropes:
Fated mates
Strong FMC
Shadow Daddy MMC
Magic
Fae
Secrets
Spice
Prophecies
And more

Dana weaved a story about a woman with a tragic past who discovers there is more to that past than she realizes.
Join her on her journey of self discovery, love and found secrets accompanied with a prophecy that will change everything.

You’ll be on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns and you’ll be gripping your armrests with all the delicious spice.

Be prepared because Dana leaves The Other Side of the Mirror on a HUGE cliffhanger! I am already dying for the rest of the trilogy to be released so I can see where this story takes us.

If you love far, magic, badass FMC, shadow daddies, etc then add this to your TBR immediately.

"The Other Side of the Mirror" by Dana Evyn is a promising debut novel that ventures into the realms of fantasy with a mix of intrigue, romance, and political maneuvering. While the book boasts an engaging rhythm and likable characters, it does stumble in some areas, particularly in the protagonist's swift acceptance of the fantastical elements introduced.

At around 20% into the story, I found myself grappling with the ease at which the main character navigates through the magical world. As someone whose only frame of reference is the human world, her quick acclimation to the intricacies of the magic system felt somewhat rushed. It left me yearning for more development in her adjustment process, a deeper exploration of her initial disbelief and gradual acceptance.

However, despite this hiccup, the characters in "The Other Side of the Mirror" shine brightly. Evyn crafts a cast that is not only likable but also incredibly relatable. Their dynamics add depth to the narrative, making it easy for readers to invest in their journeys and relationships.

Speaking of relationships, the tension between the love interests is undeniably one of the novel's strongest points. Evyn masterfully weaves a captivating romantic subplot that keeps readers eagerly turning pages, rooting for the characters to overcome their obstacles.

Moreover, the fantasy aspect of the book is a standout feature. Evyn demonstrates a commendable level of world-building, intricately weaving together magical elements and political intrigue. As a debut novelist, Evyn's ability to craft a complex and immersive fantasy world is impressive. The intricacies of the political landscape add depth to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

"The Other Side of the Mirror" is a captivating debut novel that successfully blends fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. While it may stumble in pacing at times, the strength of its characters, gripping romantic tension, and well-thought-out fantasy elements more than make up for any shortcomings. Evyn's debut leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment, craving more of the enchanting world she has created.

Thank you so much to City Owl Press, NetGalley and, of course, Dana for sending me the ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Another great romantasy book with the absolute best spice! I couldn’t put this down and it has quickly become a favorite of the year 🙌🏽