Fadugba's The Upper World was one of my favourite debuts in 2021. I'd been anticipating the sequel but had heard no news. As soon as I saw The Mirror World on Netgalley, I was on it. This sequel did not disappoint. Full of mystery, but a different kind to The Upper World, we more closely follow Rhea as she embarks on university life at Oxford. Having lived there for 5 years as a non-student but still in the academic world, I got a lot out of this read, but I still think it will be interesting for those unfamiliar and looking for a new perspective. As well as the darker edge we also have plenty of Fadugba's trademark humour, and there are many laugh-out-loud moments. It's a welcome return for Mr Fadugba!

The Mirror World is an absolute five-star read for me! Right from page one, I was pulled straight back into Femi Fadugba’s wild, brilliant universe. His mix of science, time travel, and real-world grit is something I’ve genuinely never seen done this well in YA. It’s smart without being overwhelming, deep without ever losing its edge—and most importantly, it’s just so fun to read.

Rhia is such a strong lead. Watching her step into Oxford, full of ambition and uncertainty, felt so raw and real. I loved seeing her navigate this intimidating new world while trying to hold onto her identity. And then the Ravens? Total game-changer. That whole secret society vibe mixed with moral tension made everything feel high-stakes and mysterious in the best way.

Fadugba’s writing is electric. He makes complex ideas—like actual physics—feel totally digestible, even exciting, which is such a skill. I found myself actually wanting to understand the science behind the plot, and that never happens for me. Plus, the emotional depth is so strong. You really feel the weight of every decision Rhia makes, and the way the story explores choice, identity, and the future is just beautiful.

The world-building is next level. It’s rich, vivid, and cinematic—you can completely see why this is being adapted into a movie. Every setting, every twist, every flash of the Upper World and beyond feels purposeful and alive.

Overall, The Mirror World is exactly what I want in a sequel—it builds on everything that made The Upper World so great, but takes it further, deeper, and more emotionally charged. It’s sharp, clever, and full of heart. I didn’t want it to end, and I’m already excited for whatever Fadugba writes next. Five stars, hands down.

The Mirror World is a strong and ambitious follow-up to The Upper World, continuing Femi Fadugba’s unique blend of science, time travel, and real-world grit. I loved diving back into this universe—the concept remains fresh and thought-provoking, and the way physics is woven into the narrative is still one of the most exciting parts of the series.

That said, a few things kept it from being a full five stars for me. The pacing felt uneven, with some parts racing ahead while others lingered a bit too long. I also found myself being told a lot of the character developments and plot points rather than experiencing them naturally through the story, which made it harder to feel fully immersed. The ending, though impactful, felt a bit rushed—I would’ve liked more time for everything to land emotionally.

Still, Fadugba’s storytelling is creative and full of heart, and I’m really glad to have read this. The Mirror World deepens the universe in meaningful ways, and I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next from him.