3.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book!

Ballerina by day, medical examiner by night, Gilded Wicked Mirrors by Hazel St. Lewis follows Quinnivere Ashelle as she juggles trying to earn an esteemed apprenticeship at the Royalle Ballet while also attempting to solve the unexpected murder of her best friend. With a world where humans can make magical deals with mirror deities, a dark past full of vicious vampires, and a buzzing festival in which the young prince chooses a bride, this new adult fantasy has lots to offer.

I have complicated feelings about this book. One of the main issues I had was with the world-building. This was a pretty fast-paced book, but because of that, I think some of the world-building was expanded upon as little as possible. This was tough because I could tell the author had such an interesting, complex world in mind, but some things were explained so briefly that I was left confused for a good portion of this book. I also had a subjective issue with the writing at points. Sometimes, it seemed like the author would bluntly explain characters motives/thoughts/emotions even though she implied those things with the character's actions in the sentences prior. I’m not sure if that makes sense, but it was something I noticed throughout the book that took me out of the story a bit. I also would have liked if the characters dialogue was tailored a little bit more to the setting/time period the author tried to convey, as I felt that took me out of the story a few times as well.

These criticisms aside, this was by no means a bad book. Even if I was confused with the world/plot, I think the fast pace kept me on my toes. I thought Quinn and Emrys’s characters were very thought out, and I loved watching how their relationship morphed as the story went on. The twists were delightful in this book, and the ending had my jaw on the floor. I didn’t think she’d go there, but she did! Even if this wasn’t my favorite book ever, I wouldn’t be shocked if I picked up the sequel just to find out what happens.

Since I read another book by this author before, I was really curious about this one, and it did not disappoint.

I loved many things about this book:
-starting with the main character, I resonated a lot with her, she's really smart, loves science and to think logically, she's a great ballerina and would do many things for her friends
-the world is not actually what it seems and there are many secrets tainted with betrayal (or so it seems), many plot twists and mysteries
-a really cute LGBTQ+ couple, and I'm happy the author didn't make it weird (I've seen it a bit too many times)
-vampires
-the romance is quite cute and the trope is very popular
-finally, the mirrors. I found the whole idea very interesting, each mirror being a god and having its own universe. They can give you whatever you want, but everything has a price and consequences.

Oh, and the cover too! It is just gorgeous.

This is a wonderful book! It's not usually what I would've picked for myself. but it was so enjoyable. I thought it was going to be too "dark" for my liking, but I found that I really enjoyed the vibe. The plot was fairly decent, but the romance was the winner. Swoonworthy! And we all know I'm a sucker for a good vampire book any day of the week. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4.5/5

It is truly one of the best books I've read since I gave myself the badge of a professional reader.

If you know me even on a surface level, you definitely know that my favorite trope is enemies to lovers, and Gilded Wicked Mirrors did not disappoint me in the least bit regarding this aspect. I felt everything on macro level, and the love-hate relationship was simply perfect for my taste. It is proof that a fantasy book can give you an incredibly good love story, better even than most books that focus on love.

The concept of the story is unique. I have read many books with all kinds of vampires so far and I would have expected the same old clichés, but Gilded Wicked Mirrors far exceeded my expectations. Some details seemed a little strange and hard to understand at first (the thing with the paintings for instance), but everything started to make sense along the way.

I hate cliff-hangers with a passion and I usually wait until all the volumes in a series are out to get started, but this book is worth my sacrifice of living with the question "what will happen next?" until the next volume appears.

All in all, this book surprised me in the most pleasant way possible, and I "devoured" it, my mind being on it even when I wasn't reading.

A simply incredible journey and Hazel St. Lewis is guilty of stealing my heart along the way. 💜

I really enjoyed this book. It gave me vibes similar to Caraval and as a fan of that series, I ate this up.

I loved the magic system as it was really unique and fun. It was also a bit more realistic in the sense that the bigger the wish the greater the consequences.

I would absolutely read this again and can't wait to see where the story goes.

“Gilded Wicked Mirrors,” by Hazel St. Lewis

Quinnevere just want to dance in the Royalle Ballet, about to turn twenty-three years old she has only one option left to make her dreams come true, the magic mirrors. These magic mirrors hold gods known for granted wishes but with steep costs. Her deal was to passionately kiss her archnemesis, Prince Emrys. When her deal backfired, her best friend ends up dead, drained of blood. Quinn wants to get revenge and solve the murder, even when she is now being hunted by the killer.

I loved loved loved this book. I loved the art/ newspaper articles in the book! I loved how the magic mirrors are similar to the lore of Fae deals gone sour. The love relationship was slow burn, and I adored every second of their interactions. The plot and world building were so interesting, and I pictured it all super easy. It has a character with learning disabilities, so very inclusive. I loved every minute of the book and can’t wait to read more of the series. 5 out of 5 stars, perfect.

-Magic
-Murder Mystery
-Enemies To Lovers
-Ballerina

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 ✨𝗢𝗨𝗔𝗕𝗛 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗹✨ 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨 ❤️‍🔥

OMG, the descriptive world has legit the same enchanting atmosphere. Not only that, BUT this unique world contains mirrors 🪞 that can grant you your desires and wishes when you bargain with them (because everything comes with a price) is pure genius 🤌 Oh, and we got vampires!! Freaking brilliant 🧛‍♀️✨.

I won't repeat the blurb, but seriously, it's about a ballerina 🩰who, on the side, knows how to perform autopsies (she has a weird uncle lol). Then she encounters an autopsy that screams "NOT NORMAL," she decides to investigate the murder (kind of like Crescent City) and, of course, partners up with a handsome man that she dislikes oh so very much 😏

Seriously though, everything is stacked with mystery, twists, and fantasy so good I can't wait for the second book 📚. And let me tell you, the subplot romance between Quinnevere and Emrys is glorious to watch - also, the spice is mild, but it will definitely get the 🔥 in book 2 (confirmed by the author already).

Fav Quote:
"I think you're a little like poison" "You wreak so much havoc in my heart" 💘

Tropes:
🪞Vampire Romantasy
🪞Enemies to Lovers
🪞Secrets
🪞Deathly Bargains

Thank you Netgalley and Hazel St. Lewis for giving me an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book is a third person perspective for all of the first person POV girlies. This book is a fantasy romance with a ton of twist and turns and never really knew where it was going to go. If you like to play detective you will definitely like this book! It did take me an about 30-40 pages to get into the book and a few days to read them but once I was hooked I could not put this book down!

I did not expect to like this book as much as I did after reading the first page but it is really phenomenal and genres of mystery, thriller, fantasy and romance and if those are your cup of tea definitely give this book a try!

thank you net galley and the publisher for giving me access to this arc in exchange for an honest review!

i really really tried getting into this book, and i thought it was gonna be for me but sadly it isn’t. the pacing of the story felt off and i eventually just had to dnf it.

i will give this book another chance in the future!

I really enjoyed this story! It has ballet, cursed mirrors, vampires, tons of adventure, and a sprinkle of romance. It was a good one and she says there will be more in a series with more spice so I’m looking forward to that!

Not for me. I’m getting sick of the petit-small-little-pretty nobody girl and the tall-dark-strong-handsome-famous man storyline. The attraction between the two happens way too fast. I rolled my eyes several times … flirting with the MMC in front of your best friend’s cut open dead body ? Also, the magic system seemed a bit far-fetched to me. The writting style was good tho.

I devoured this entire story in a matter of days! Gilded Wicked Mirrors by Hazel St. Lewis was an amazing read from start to finish and had such an interesting concept.

This book is action packed with mystery, romance, found family, and twists that will keep you flipping the pages until the end.

Quinn our main character was easy to love right from the start, her dynamic for her love of science and the arts was such a fun combination.
Then of course the love for her friends and the found family they all created had me smiling with every interaction, and once the tall dark and handsome Emrys came into the scene I instantly knew I had found another book boyfriend to add to the list!

The world that Hazel St. Lewis built is dark and twisted, one where your wildest dreams can come true … for a price. I truly enjoyed the uniqueness of this story following along with Quinn and her friends as they try to solve a string of murders and the truths they uncover. The ending had me instantly needing to know what happens next and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!

Thank you to Victoria Editing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in an exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the e-arc ❤️🩰

Gilded Wicked Mirrors takes place in the city of New Swansea where mirrors can grant wishes and knowledge for a dangerous price, and where vampires once ruled but have been gone for centuries.

Our protagonist, Quinn dreams of becoming a ballerina at the Royalle Ballet so she decides to bargain with a mirror to get in, but after everything goes wrong, her best friend is found dead, with two bite marks as if a vampire was responsible.

Quinn also has been helping her uncle, a medical examiner, for years so she decides she's going to solve the crime and bring justice to her friend but in doing so she must work with her nemesis, Prince Emrys.

First of all, I adored the vibes and the atmosphere of New Swansea, and everything to do with the mirrors was amazing and super creative. The plot was engaging and the chapters are short so it reads very fast, the pace is also very good. The mystery intrigued me and even though I guessed some of it I loved how everything was revealed. And the ending??? I need book 2 NOW.

If you like books like Stalking Jack the Ripper you'll probably love this book. And if you like vampires, this book puts a twist on their myth that's very original in my opinion and I really enjoyed. Also if you're into ballet, this is for you 🩰❤️

As for the characters, I adored Quinn. She's an innocent girl who's discovering a lot about herself and the world she's a part of, she's very determined to get what she wants but is also willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. As she knows a lot about science and medicine, lots of medical terms are used and I actually learned a lot with the investigation. Emrys is this mysterious prince (as they usually are nowadays 👀) who has been Quinn's rival for a while and who is known as "The Playboy Prince" but there's so much more to him. I liked his dynamic with Quinn, and with the book being only from her perspective we don't know much about his true self at first but some of his secrets are revealed to us as the story progresses. We also meet some of Quinn's friends who accompany her during the book and other secondary characters that I liked, some more than others, but explaining why would be going into spoilery territory.

I absolutely recommend this book and had so much fun reading, couldn't put it down!

(Note: The review in Spanish is on my Goodreads)

Quinn wants to be accepted into the Queen’s Royalle Ballet more than anything. But she is one of the city’s top medical examiners at only twenty two years old. Quinn decides that the only way she can pass her auditions is to make a deal with a mirror. Mirrors called the Bargainers (which contain godlike souls) line the city and grant people their desires but at a cost. When someone turns twenty three they are to place in the Mirror-Rite where they have to make a small deal with a mirror or suffer seven years of bad luck. Quinn was about to choose one of the “nicer” mirrors when she is pushed by her friend into one of the harsher mirrors and is forced to make her bargain with him.

“Are lessons in passion still forbidden?” he asked. Omg!!!! I enjoyed this book so much! It reminds me of an adult Caraval and Kingdom of the Wicked that takes place in an alternate 1920s Paris. I did not want this book to end. The banter between the two love interests was incredible. There is slow burn, mystery, murder, and vampires!!!! I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire book!

I’ve only read the ebook but the interior was stunning and I can’t wait to receive my physical copy!

I loved every second of this book, it was so fun to read and Hazel is going to be a new favorite author!

Gilded Wicked Mirrors is the twisty new release from Hazel St. Lewis, that blends fantasy, romance, and mystery with a uniquely intriguing magic system!

Quin doesn’t want anything to do with magic or the mirrors that grant it in exchange for carefully worded deals. She just wants to unwind mysteries alongside her uncle as a medical examiner and make it into the Royalle Ballet. When one of her friends turns up dead along with a threat to her life, though, she’ll do anything to find the killer before they strike again. If it means protecting those she loves, not even making a deal with a mirror and the dead vampire god within is out of the question.

This story walked the line between a fun enemies-to-lovers and full-on mystery spectacularly, with cute touches like newspaper clippings interspersed with grittier autopsy scenes. Don’t worry if you’re squeamish, though, as I wouldn’t consider it to be graphic in its descriptions. I’ll say a lot of the ballet discussion was wasted on me, but I do respect the creation of a well-rounded character. The element that pushed this story from good to great though were those mirrors – eerie, all-knowing, and far-reaching. There aren’t many magic systems that should be described as glamorous, but it honestly feels like the right word in this case. The concept of having sentient magic mirrors spread throughout the city that each bring their own motivations, idiosyncrasies, and histories is an idea I’d just like to splash around in. Bargain-based magic where the bargainer is as layered as the one looking for a bargain? Oh yeah, that’ll elevate things like a finely paired wine. 

I think where the story fell short was in some of the characters' foundational points. A lot of the character dynamics were rooted in the assumption of a found family, but then Quin simultaneously seemed to know very little about her friends and their backstories. Twists and reveals are exciting, but it did get to where Quin’s perception of their relationship felt a bit befuddling. That said I don’t think it detracts from Quin as a character or the excitement of the investigation.

Hazel St. Lewis caught me off guard a hundred and one times with this one and I can’t wait to dive back into the world. Gilded Wicked Mirrors is more than just a pretty cover!

Wow what a ride! This book had me kicking my legs, hold my breath and ended on a hefty cliffhanger. The banter omg it was amazing and I can’t wait for the next book.
At first some things caught me off guard guard.Not sure if it was authors intention but I couldn’t help but find a lot similarity between characters appearances and dynamics with House of Flame and Shadow. But hey on the brighter side if you’re a fan of the above you’ll like this book!
Loved seeing Dyslexia and ADHD representation in this book and knowing that author was drawing from personal experience made it ever so slightly more relatable.
But on the other hand the very unique world building and mirror concept is getting 5 stars from me! Love love love!

First of all, thank you to the author, the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read this book in advance.
What a book!!
So much information. What a world that the author created. I really like Quinn, she's strong and doesn't back down to anything. I think the "magic system" of this book with the mirrors, the deals and the paintings, then the vampires was all really good. The way the mirror creatures were destroyed and created was really unique.
It really had me interested and curious all the time and on the edge of my seat. There was always something to solve or to find.
The end left me shook. I can't believe how it ended. WHAT?
It's a 4 stars from me and I can't wait to read book 2 definitely!

"There is a forbidden part of you that wants me to touch you everywhere."

“Any time spent with Emrys Avalon was a terrible mistake.”

"Your future is cloaked in blood and death."

"You destroy me."

This book was 100 times better than what I was expecting !!! Don’t get me wrong, I got in because the synopsis got me in so bad, that I simply couldn’t let this opportunity go to waste. But when I really started it … I was overwhelmed by how amazing it is!!!! Fantasy book with wicked, magical mirrors with soul caged in them, with which you exchange favours and make bargains (you shouldn’t really but otherwise we wouldn’t have any story to tell). A rivals to lovers with shadow daddy vibes and with an FMC that is part hilarious and part frustrating because she might sound a bit naive but she is simply sweet. A not so spicy romance that could have so much more. Found family. Secrets. Blood magic and a mystery. Can a girl even ask more from a book? I felt caught between the pages like never before (well like I’ve never felt for a while) and I simply couldn’t put it down. Quinn is such a good, relatable and kind FMC even when she is trying to prove us otherwise. And Emrys … new bookboyfriend level unlocked everyone!!! I love him !!! Their dynamic was to die for and the constant banter and drama was soo soo entertaining!!! And the ending … THAT WAS ONE HECK OF A CLIFFHANGER !!!! I need more !!! I so need more !!!

“It was a game of fake smiles, polite compliments, and vicious gossip.
It was a den of sparkling lions.”

"Has anyone ever told you that you look amazing covered in blood?"

"No, maybe not, but I can promise I'll rip out anyone's throat who tries to hurt you or your friends."

"As you wish, Ginger." … "But trust me, you will come to regret this." A shudder stroked up her spine. "One day, you will beg me to touch you again."

"You make me want to give you want you want." He paused, his lips gliding along her jaw. "You make me desire nothing else."

ARC Review:

Gilded Wicked Mirrors by Hazel St. Lewis is a new adult romantasy with enemies to lovers and deadly bargains. I liked this book. I thought the plot was super interesting. I am a sucker for a murder mystery. I have to find out who the killer is everytime. This aspect of the plot was really good and was the reason I loved it. I thought the world building was easy to understand and there were plot twists that kept it interesting. I liked the plot and the mystery of this book.

Quinn was such a fun FMC! I liked her a lot. I thought she was witty, resourceful, and determined. Emrys and Quinn had some good banter and I did like that aspect of their relationship. Emry was dark and mysterious. I loved finding out more about him. I thought Quinn and Emry had good chemistry and tension. I liked these characters. The magic system was unique and I really liked the plot. This was a fun read! I am looking forward for the next book after that ending!!

📚 Gilded Wicked Mirrors is available now to preorder!

🗓️This book will be released on August 6th , 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

HAPPY READING