Mirrors and Mysteries

Once again we are reunited with Dex (Brutus), and Grayson, his Vita. Despite suffering the aftereffects of a spell from Lady R that has left Dex without vision, his senses are more than enough to compensate.

Grayson has appeared at Thornfield to assume the role of teacher. While there she learns more of her past and is able to unlock certain memories that were trapped within.

We also learn the truth of Jocasta, Lady R and Grayson's relationship with the both of them. Grayson has a hard time denying her inner wolf, as she is constantly battling her lack of self esteem, and therefore her true worth to Dex.

This was a fabulous edition to the series and I can't wait to see where Christina takes us next!

Dex is blinded by Lady R and thrown into the woods. Luckily his shifter magic is still there so he can find his way back home. Grayson is free from Lady R and in search of a job and finds herself at Thornfield as a teacher for young pups. With Dax as her boss, they start to spend a lot of time together and get to know each other and the sparks just fly. :)

But the mystery is still not solved. With Jocasta demanding that they find the true nature of Rapunzels. There is also a bit of a Jane Eyre template thrown into the mix. :)

I just love Dax in Mirrors & Mysteries. Even though he is blind and the fate of his home depends on him finding his Vita, he is still so compassionate with her and patient. You can just feel his affection for her.

Grayson is being thrown into a completely new environment. She is finally free, but the voice of Lady R is still in her head. It takes a lot of bravery for her to overcome it and believe in herself. I loved finding out about her heritage with her.

It's the ninth book in the series, that I just love. Every few books there is a new romance and new magical template with a lot of new twists and turns. I loved reading it and couldn't put it down until the end. :) And now I can't wait for the next book. It's a quite short and quick read, but nonetheless totally awesome. :)

There is so much to say about this book (and this series, since I did a speed-read through eight books preparing for this). First thing I have to say is that this series is so much fun! Just to give a quick review of the first books, I love the concept of these characters having a fairy tale life template. In the beginning of the series, we see a Sleeping Beauty, a Cinderella and Prince Charming, a Beast, and a whole host of other supernatural creatures and abilities. There are fairies, shapeshifters, wizards, magical creatures of all shapes and sizes. I also really liked how each of the fairy tales were sort of turned on their heads a bit. They are taught that their lives are set up in these destined templates and certain things have to play out, but you also get the chance to sort of challenge your fate and create your own destiny if you are brave enough to do so. Fun stuff!

For this book, it is the nineth book in the series, but the second book to deal with Grayson, Dex and the Rapunzel fairy tale template. Again, we see the author get super creative with how she handles these fairy tales. “Rapunzel” (or Lady R, as we know her) is not the good guy in this particular story, but a heartless and cruel woman who is known for killing off her “tower tithes” – servants meant to serve her as she lives in her tower. Grayson is her tithe and Dex rescues her, but there is a dark magic that has struck him blind (as can happen as Rapunzel’s “prince”) and keeps Grayson from being truly free.

I absolutely love how Bauer also incorporated the story of Jane Eyre into this. While not a fairy tale, Jane Eyre is a classic of literature and, as it happens, a personal favorite of mine. Grayson is obviously Jane while Dex is Rochester (albeit a shifter one and much younger). The madwoman in the attic is also the witch for the Rapunzel story and is definitely not the villain in either tale (although, to be fair, I don’t believe Bertha is the villain in Jane Eyre either – that poor woman has been through some stuff!).

These books are so creative and fun to read. If you are a fan of fairy tales and want to see them told in a new way with a fun group of characters, you should definitely check this out.