A.C. Haydée, Author, 5/5
"MIRROR'S EPOCH: An Amalgamation of Politics, Science Fiction, Action, Magic, and Dystopia, with a Gen Z twist.
(Spoiler-free)
It's an uncommon, unusual combination that honestly works!
Following FMC Tara's POV, readers are immediately thrown into her world and the political landscape of the Tektowi Nation. Set after WWIII, we learn that modern civilization is pretty much ravaged, but that doesn't dim the charm from the ensemble cast. The younger, newer members of the Union Force, Tektowi's organization dedicated to restoration, are interesting in their own ways, and bring a sense of nostalgia and relatability as if they're your friends or classmates in school. Despite taking place in 2051, the characters feel more present. They don't feel dull, in a circumstance where life very much could be.
In terms of the story, we receive worldbuilding primarily through Tara's eyes, and while this isn't a bad thing, the world is fascinating enough that it makes you inquire about what else is going on that she doesn't know. Perhaps more will be addressed in the proposed sequels. To add, there are certain choices made by the author that are super unique. She ties her Native American culture into her work, such as through the leading characters of Tara and Tre, the naming of the Komohe and Tektowi Nation, itself, etc.
The novel is a quick read and doesn't shy away from getting to the point. Danielle Comeaux does a great job of having the reader experience everything immediately with the cast, as if they're there with them, and I found myself wanting a follow-up installment immediately after the epilogue.
As a debut, it's utterly intriguing. It has the potential to be a really riveting saga — it would be nice to see what's going to be the endgame of the final conflict.
Cheers to Danielle Comeaux for such an exciting start! I look forward to seeing more from her."
Trevor Sandt, Editor, 4.5/5
"Mirror's Epoch, the debut novel by author Danielle Comeaux, tells a captivating tale of the near future where war has changed the world. Blending together sci-fi and magic/fantasy elements, the book tells a story about growth, change, power, and finding out your true purpose.
The two main characters both feel unique and different, adding a blend of personalities to the story. Satara "Tara" Alston is a great main character. She is caring and understanding, but also questions the world when things seem too easy or suspicious. For much of the book, she is joined by her lifelong friend, Andrés Cortez. I like the chemistry these two have. Andrés is very different from Satara. He is quick to make conclusions and take action. Andrés doesn't like to question or think about things, which is a great contrast from the collected Tara.
The plot, which does very closely follow the Hero's Journey format, tells a story of a group of young adults living in a secret organization. After events transpire, our main heroes are forced to flee their home and find a new area of refuge. Here they learn to harness and use their innate abilities to become stronger, both physically and emotionally. Using this new power, they must face the threat that chased them from their old home and try to save the day. Even though the plot format is nothing new, it is told in a way that kept me engaged and wanting to learn more every step of the way.
The area where Mirror's Epoch really shines is with its descriptions. This is especially true when it comes to sci-fi and fantasy concepts such as time-travel and alternate dimensions. Ms. Comeaux takes her time in explaining these concepts in ways that the audience could understand and it really shows.
To me, the weakest areas of the story are the pacing and the development of the other two main characters, Tremont "Tre" Alston and Clarke Chadwayne. While these two characters are very important to the plot, I felt like they weren't developed much throughout the story. They both have weak introductions, and though they do have distinct personalities, more could have been done with both of them. The book also has some pacing issues. The beginning is very well done, setting up the two main characters [Tara and Andrés] and the world very early on, so the reader can grasp and understand the rules of this world. The third act is where pacing is an issue. The last few chapters feel very rushed and seemed like they were cut short to make the book a certain length.
Overall though, Mirror's Epoch is an amazing novel. Ms. Comeaux has created a world which engaged me and had me wanting to read more. This is a great book for adult fans of sci-fi and fantasy novels. I can't wait to read more books from this up and coming author."
Pros:
- Two great main characters [Tara and Andrés]
- World building is very well done
- Sci-fi concepts are very well explained
- Emotional themes have weight and meaning
Cons:
- Some characters [Tre and Clarke] have weak development
- The third act is very rushed and short