cover image A Mirror Mended

A Mirror Mended

Alix E. Harrow. Tordotcom, $18.99 (144p) ISBN 978-1-250-76664-9

Zinnia Gray isn’t the damsel in distress anymore in Harrow’s fast-paced and snarky sequel to A Spindle Splintered. Zinnia has spent the five years between volumes jumping through different “Sleeping Beauty” tales to free the eponymous princesses from their destinies. But at the end of her most recent rescue, Zinnia’s pulled through the narrative multiverse and into a different tale: “Snow White.” Zinnia knows how the story should go, but the evil queen has other ideas. She wants out, and she thinks Zinnia can help her. While Zinnia’s trapped with the evil queen in a dark and dangerous world, a startling consequence of her story-hopping comes to light, making it more important than ever that she find a way back home. The barrage of pop culture references is just as relentless here as in book one, which may overwhelm some readers, but all will be pleased to see Zinnia grow into herself, and the unapologetic focus on queer relationships delights. Series fans and lovers of fractured fairy tales will find plenty to hold their attention. (Jun.)