In the Mirror

by Robin Lythgoe

A disillusioned author haunted by the disappearance of his father inherits a mirror and discovers that his own story can have an alternate ending.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Short Stories, Paranormal

Nook

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Robin Lythgoe was born in Maryland, but spent several years in Oregon and did a short stint in upstate New York before winding up in Utah. She married an artist, and together they have four wonderful children. Reading and writing have always been a part of her life, and she is particularly drawn to fantasy. When she was growing up her mother often led expeditions to the library, from which the entire party invariably returned laden with a stack of books guaranteed to make the arms longer. Robin read everything voraciously, and when she finished her stack, she'd start on her mother's… and then her sisters'. Today she writes tales about wizards and magic, fantastical places and extraordinary journeys.

Reviews

[Kristen Kooistra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so nervous to read this story. It's 10 pages long! I was like, "How do you write a story in 10 pages?" And as a reader, how do you properly review a 10 page story! But I crossed my fingers and dove in. This is definitely worth reading. It's free, it's short. What's there to lose? Try it!

The story has this storyteller feel as we watch Ethan grow up up with this mysterious mirror. Since it is a super short story, I don't want to give anything away, which makes this hard to review. But I will say that it drew some strong emotions from me.

I felt my heart clenching throughout this book, and this somber air hangs over the whole thing. There's a sense of loss, and longing, of missing out on life. Yearning for something more and missing out on what you have. Fear of growing old, fear of the unknown.

Both Ethan's choice and his father's choice saddened me. I hurt for the people in their lives who weren't enough for them. Family being mundane and not enough, wow. Like, it was sad to see these two men settle for routine when they wanted adventure. They went for safe when their spirits wanted a journey. But I was also sad that they didn't find joy in the people around them, that they chose to leave their families behind. Their spouses, children, and grandchildren. I get that they wanted more out of life and to be young, but I hurt for the people in their lives who loved them. The people who never got to say goodbye, or got a chance to go with them.

It's 10 pages. It won't cost you but a moment to read, but it will grip you, and it's worth it. I see other reviewers wanted more, but for me this was enough. It felt like a complete story.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like I got a glimpse into what would be a really exciting and enthralling story, and then had it yanked away. The style of writing is lovely, but this felt like it should have been a first chapter in a much longer story. The real meat of the adventure would have started after he entered the mirror, and we didn't get to see any of it, which was disappointing. I keep hoping I'm going to find a novel written by this author, but so far I'm only seeing short stories.

[Daniela Peixoto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interessante

Um pequeno conto muito interessante. Seria excelente ler a sua continuação com as aventuras que se iriam desenrolar a partir do ponto em que terminou

[Lynxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

10 pages. This short story is only 10 pages long.

This is probably the worst thing about the whole story. It provides the reader a tiny morsel of what could be an epic fantasy novel. One that could very easily be a story of immensely exciting adventure and intrigue for all readers.

The language used was simple, yet fitting of the story. And, while we don't get much in the way of characterisation, the story still captured my imagination and thrust it into the realm of the fantastical with ease.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story about writers and muses, and all things fantastic. Robin's writing style was easy to read, quickly painted a lovely picture and could easily transport a reader into her world.

Suitable for all ages.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, but sweet. Mirrors are usually unfriendly objects in fantasy, so this story was a nice change from that plot device. I would have liked to read about the world beyond the mirror, but it didn't seem to be the point of the story. This is more about two people taking a risk for a second chance at life. I enjoyed it.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast easy read. I really like the idea of this book and I would like to see it go further. It could make a really good novel by going further into the stories that he writes from the mirror. I would like to see more.

[Kristie Kiessling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read of magic and hope. I can almost feel the mirror, hear the clacking of the old typewriter. It brings to mind being a child and indulging in flights of imagination. A well crafted tale that could easily be the setting for more stories.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin tells a great tale. Gives enough descriptions in her story to awaken and keep the interest of her readers without padding things out. This piece has a wide age appeal. And who doesn't like a little mystery to tease the mind?

[glitrbug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally avoid short stories because I like a good long read with details and character development. Most of them read like little more than outlines. This is a good, satisfying story about where authors get some of their inspiration and has a bit of a fantasy twist to it. I really enjoyed it.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I typically prefer to read novels as opposed to short stories but the cover art (and wonderful reviews) drew me in. This short story took about 5 minutes to read but it was a charming tale with some mystery thrown in. Although short, it was a good read. It's like they say, quality not quantity.

[Thomas Cardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, whistful short. My personal preference would be to start the story upon entering the mirror, but that is not the story that is presented. What was presented was good. Heartwarming with a tinge of underlying sadness.

[Somyajeet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a door to your imagination. Wonderful....

[Tammy J Rizzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick read, but enjoyable!

I think this is a good story about writing and magic in our mundane world. It's quick and easy to read, but it really speaks to me as a writer. I can see myself in the main character, right down to the point of losing the dream, and that is a sad thing. Thankfully, though, this story has a happy ending!

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story, like in real life, sometimes life passes you by. Well written and thought provoking.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Informative. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical.

[Jill Rudloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sucked into the mirror

What a great beginning to a story! Left me hanging and wanting more! I have a similar mirror in my bedroom and have often felt like it could be a mysterious gate to another realm...hmmm...

[Hollie Smurthwaite · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept was interesting, but I didn't feel a connection with Ethan. It read more like an old-time fairy tale, a sort of colder, more distant way of telling a story than most novels today.

So, if you like fairy tales like Brothers Grimm, then this might be a good choice for you.

[Jasmine Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun short story! Engaging storyline, great concept, good writing and execution. I would love to see a full length novel of this!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful short story about a magic mirror and the possibilities in it.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the greatest little short story. I loved the characters, very well developed story line that just reaches out and grabs you. I wish I had that mirror. Take a few minutes and enjoy a cute tale about a magical mirror. Highly recommended.

[Alan D.D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Podría haber estado mejor. Muy corto, pero con muy buena trama e ideas. El final fue predecible al 100% pero la forma en que se llegó a él fue muy curiosa y original.

[Christina Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this free via kindle and it was very good. I just wished it woud've been a full length novel!!! ;o(

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written short story with good descriptions. Plot-driven rather than character-driven, and I wanted to connect with the characters more.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun short story! It managed to have a whole life time in just a short span of time and a story I think is worth exploring as a full novel!