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.
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