A Shadow on the Glass (View from the Mirror)

by Ian Irvine

2001

Status

Available

Publication

Aspect (2001), Edition: First Thus, 672 pages

Description

Once there were three worlds, each with their own human species. Then, fleeing out of the void came a fourth species, the Charon. Desperate, on the edge of extinction, they changed the balance between the worlds forever. Karan, a sensitive with a troubled heritage, is forced to steal an ancient relic in repayment of a debt. It turns out to be the Mirror of Aachan, a twisted, deceitful thing that remembers everything it has ever seen. At the same time, Llian, a brilliant chronicler, is expelled from his college for uncovering a perilous mystery. Thrown together by fate, Karan and Llian are hunted across a world at war, for the Mirror contains a secret that offers each species survival, or extinction.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Redthing

At first, I found the beginning of this book quite odd and dissapointing. But as I read on, I found the book amazing. The plot is well written, with plenty of twists and turns. The characters are well developed. The world (i guess i could say "worlds") that Irvine creates with this series is

amazing! All I have to say, is don't get put off by the beginning. That happened to my cousin, and I still can't get him to read it. Tough it out!

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LibraryThing member brakketh

I enjoy Irvine's books and the worlds that he has built for his 3 Worlds Cycle but I starting to worry about how much he tortures his female protagonists.

LibraryThing member KarenLeeField

I’ve given it a lot of thought and decided that I could not have finished this book if I had read it. However, for me, listening to certain types of books is different.

My biggest issue was that parts of the storyline, especially the world’s history, were drawn out. Too lengthy for me. To be

honest, I didn’t want to know in that much detail. Some people do, and you can’t please everyone. I realise that typically, fantasy books are inclined to do that, but it’s not something I enjoy (any more). Lengthy descriptions of any type are boring.

That aside, after some listening, I grew attached to Llian and Karan. And to be frank, I wanted to know what adventure they would experience. Llian can be a bit annoying, but I’m sure he’ll grow into someone worthy by the end of the series. We all have our ways, and we learn from experience. Llian hasn’t had it easy, but I wouldn’t say he’s had a hard life either. At least he had a roof over his head and had some semblance of normality.

In comparison, Karan’s life was harder and lonelier, which gives her the tools to look after herself in a world about to go to war (mostly). The two together manage to figure out what to do to survive.

Of course, other characters upset their plans. Some help them, some are loyal, and others betray. The mix makes for an interesting story (once all the description is pushed aside).

I’m halfway through book 2. Persevere, it gets better.

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