The Broken Mirror: Chronicles of Never After, Book 3
Swordplay, death, curses, romance in wacky fairy-tale world.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Broken Mirror is the third installment in the Never After series by Melissa de la Cruz. The series features the adventures of 12-year-old Filomena Jefferson-Cho, adopted child and middle-school outcast in North Pasadena, who discovers she's actually a lost princess from the world of her favorite fairy tales -- and it gets crazier from there, as living in two worlds has its challenges. Here, moms are in life-threatening danger, a villainous uncle plans to slay a princess and steal her kingdom, and there's plenty of hacking, slashing, swordplay, and magical bad acts, from which not everyone emerges alive. Meanwhile, a crush between Filomena and the 13-year-old fairytale hero is becoming hard to ignore, but also hard to pursue amid plot twists and perils on every page. Between the crush and the need to free a friend from a curse, kissing is on everyone's mind much of the time. Family and friendship are strong themes, emotions are relatable, varied talents come into play and save the day -- and once again a cliffhanger ending sets up the next volume.
What's the Story?
THE BROKEN MIRROR finds 12-year-old Filomena Jefferson-Cho of North Pasadena, aka Eliana, Princess of Westphalia, facing many challenges and perils in the wake of Book 2. For one thing, here she is having adventures in her favorite fantasy series, including a strong attraction to its 13-year-old hero Jack. But there's little time for such things, as a villain is planning to usurp all the kingdoms in Never After and slay those who get in the way. Also, Prince Charlie from Book 2? He's been cursed and turned into a frog, which is definitely messing with the happy ever after. Meanwhile in North Pasadena, Filomena's mom is really sick and no one knows why. A prophecy suggests that only the League of Seven can fix all this -- but who are they? Filomena and her friends have a new quest to find out before it's too late.
Is It Any Good?
A frog prince, murderous villains, sibling rivalry, palace coups, and a whole lot of curses are just a few of the surprises and difficulties facing young Filomena in her latest magical adventure. Also a growing attaction to 13-year-old Jack the Giant Stalker. There's a lot to deal with as The Broken Mirror unfolds, but fortunately the friends have each other and unexpected help on the way. Including from the title character, a wisecracking magic mirror who calls himself Ira Glassman.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like The Broken Mirror that take well-known fairy tales and rearrange them into something new. Are there any stories you think do this especially well? Are they funny, scary, exciting, or all of the above?
Would you like to live in the world of a fictional series? Which one, and who would you be?
If someone you loved fell victim to a curse, do you think you'd be able to help? What would you do?
Book Details
- Author: Melissa de la Cruz
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Adventures, Fairy Tales, Friendship, Middle School
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date: December 6, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
- Number of pages: 336
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 21, 2022
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For kids who love fairy tales
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