Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark Arthurian series finale stresses friendship, courage.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE MIRROR OF BEASTS may be the only way for Tamsin and her friends to stop Lord Death from opening a rift between realms that would be the end of the world as they know it. Still stinging from their failure to save Avalon, Emrys' betrayal, and Cabell's turning to Lord Death, the four friends set out to find the magical mirror and trap Lord Death in it forever. Along the way, they'll have to make an uneasy alliance with the Bonecutter, avoid Lord Death's ongoing brutal hunt for more human souls, escape from sorceresses, and decide whether they can put their trust in Emrys again. And they've got less than two weeks to do all this and more.
Is It Any Good?
This dark spin on Arthurian folklore brings an exciting conclusion to the two-volume, epic story. The Mirror of Beasts explores friendship, found family, courage, and more against a compelling backdrop based on the legends of King Arthur and his court. Favorite old characters are back, along with intriguing new ones. Tamsin becomes a better, stronger version of herself who won't abandon her loved ones no matter what. Alexandra Bracken uses shifting perspectives that allow readers to explore various points of view, and all the important characters have generous storylines and chances to learn and grow. Teens who can handle the violence with some mild gore will enjoy rooting for the friends to find themselves and save the world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Mirror of Beasts. Is it too much? Does it matter if it's in the real world or the fantasy world? Is reading about violence different from seeing it in movies, games, or other visual media? Why, or why not?
How do the four friends and Emrys work together as a team? What strengths and weaknesses does each bring to the group? How do their communication skills help them make tough decisions? What different kinds of courage do they show?
Why do stories, legends, and lore about King Arthur remain popular over so much time? What do we love about them?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : July 30, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 496
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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