The Girl with No Reflection by Keshe Chow (review)

Reviewed by: The Girl with No Reflection by Keshe Chow Fiona Hartley-Kroeger Chow, Keshe The Girl with No Reflection. Delacorte, 2024 496p Trade ed. ISBN 9780593707500 19. 99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593707524 10. 99 Reviewed from digital galleys Ad Gr. 9-12 Jiang Ying Yue's dreams of true love are rudely stifled when she's betrothed to chilly, distant Prince Shan Zhang Lin, heir to a throne that has seen seven generations of empresses mysteriously disappear. On the day of the wedding, Ying's reflection in End Page 354 the mirror reaches out to her, explains that there's a whole other world accessible through reflective surfaces, and begs to swap places temporarily. Ying agrees and soon falls for the sweet, attentive version of the prince in the mirror world; but something sinister is afoot, and the fate of two worlds will depend on her choices. A strong beginning introduces an intriguing fantasy world and high personal stakes for Ying; however, characters and relationships are underdeveloped, subordinate to the needs of the plot, so they don't fully earn their much-needed growth. The story arcs are solidly present, but the fast pace risks galloping past potentially rich character moments and plot points. A mildly steamy love triangle adds interest for readers who like a dash of romance in their magical world-saving narratives. Chow's setting draws inspiration from Imperial China but pointedly disavows historical accuracy, so readers looking for more a culturally invested fantasy should try Lin's Song of the Six Realms (BCCB 5/24). Give this one to readers looking for a warrior heroine who's willing to risk both her life and her heart to save the world. Copyright © 2024 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois