Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

Genre: Magic

Paperback: 304 Pages

Published: March 2011

Series: Dark Mirror

            1. Dark Mirror

            2. Dark Passage

            3. Dark Destiny

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

At sixteen, Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life and her choice of mates worthy of her status. Then she makes a terrifying discovery that will ruin her life and disgrace her family forever. Tory's blood is tainted... by magic.

When a shocking accident forces Tory to reveal her despised skill, she is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. Tory's greatest wish is to be cured so she can return home and perhaps recover some of her shattered life.

Instead, curiosity and the lure of magic lead Tory to rebel students who have pledged their talents to protect England. As she joins them in their secret studies, she discovers her full powers - and is drawn to the handsome, enigmatic young Marquis of Allarde. But Allarde'a reserve and haunting secret keep him away, though she can see equal longing in his eyes.

Then Tory's pledge sweeps her and her friends into a perilous world of danger, challenge, and a triumph that saves Britain from conquest. Can danger also bring Tory and Allarde together, despite all that stands between them?

My Review: 

I enjoyed this book very much. Let me count the ways:

1. Tory was an amazing female lead. She is smart, funny, strong, independent and determined. She didn't believe everything her society told her to believe and she didn't become brainwashed about the idea of magic.  

2. The idea of a society considering magic as wrong and disgraceful was a very creative idea. I give props to the author for originality.

3. The time-traveling aspect was amazing! I loved the idea that the mirror wasn't something to be messed with or taken lightly. Instead it was used for important purposes which help the future of all people.  

4. Plus I think the idea of time travel was executed with a well thought out premise. It was fascinating to read how the characters changed their appearances and how they were introduced to new technology as they traveled through time.

5. I loved all the characters because they were mature and likable. It is rare to find more than one character who I don't want to strangle or slap. So it was refreshing to read about characters with well written personalities.

6. This book is a doozy of a novel. It has many different genres--fantasy, historical fiction, romance, science fiction, magic-- that made this story an interesting first book in this series.   

7. Overall, I really liked this book. I would definitely recommend this book to all you magic lovers. Plus it's an original idea that stands out to readers who want something different to sink their teeth in.