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Two warrior angels. First friends, now lovers. Their future? A WILD UNKNOWN.


Dark Mirror

Dark Mirror, March 2011
by M.J. Putney

St. Martin's Griffin
Featuring: Victoria Mansfield
320 pages
ISBN: 0312622848
EAN: 9780312622848
Trade Size
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"Magic is considered abhorrent to society but so much good can be done as Tory Mansfield will prove."

Fresh Fiction Review

Dark Mirror
M.J. Putney

Reviewed by Leanne Davis
Posted April 23, 2011

Young Adult Paranormal | Historical

Lady Victoria (Tory) Mansfield is on the cusp of a new life. She has lived a wonderful life as the youngest daughter of the Earl of Fairmount. She is looking forward to the annual fete and then her debut in a couple of years. One night, she dreams of flying, and wakes up to find herself elevated above her bed. Her mother warns her against letting anyone know about her magic. It's all right for the common folk but it's not for the aristocracy. Tory is determined to take control of her magic and is using a book she found in the library. Events beyond her control will expose her magic to everyone at the fete and Tory will be sent to Lackland Abbey in disgrace. Lackland Abbey claims to cure people of the ability to use magic and Tory is sure she can graduate with honors. Her future may be dimmer but she won't remain at Lackland Abbey forever. Once there, Tory realizes that there are students who rejoice in their ability to use magic and there is even a group that meets at night to learn more. Tory will follow the clues and see that she can't give up magic but she can learn to control it better. One of the members of the group is the young Marquis of Allarde, and Tory will be drawn to him. His reserve keeps him away, but she can see that it is hard for him to stay away. Ms. Putney has written a well-constructed story which will keep the reader involved in the lives of the young students at Lackland Abbey who refuse to give up their magic. With likable characters and an even better plot, the reader will be drawn into the world she has created. You will agonize with Tory as she is abandoned by her family before finding acceptance in a place she least expects it. The historical details are accurate and the description of the rescue of a group of British soldiers is heart-wrenching to read. This is Ms. Putney's first foray into YA fiction, and it is a wonderful debut. I look forward to the rest of the series as Tory and Allarde deepen their relationship.

Learn more about Dark Mirror

SUMMARY

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status. Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted . . . by magic. When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society. But Tory’s life is about to change forever. All that she’s ever known or considered important will be challenged. What lies ahead is only the beginning of a strange and wonderful journey into a world where destiny and magic come together, where true love and friendship find her, and where courage and strength of character are the only things that determine a young girl’s worth.


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