MIRROR AND THE BOBCAT

A middle-grade fantasy sequel returns to the magical realm of Somewhere, where a fairy must come to grips with her newfound powers.

Mirror is a young fairy who showed up in Somewhere with no family to speak of. But after befriending other adolescent fairies like Bosco and Mica and beginning an apprenticeship with “fairy seer extraordinaire” Lady Flo to help her understand her burgeoning abilities to foresee the future, Mirror is enjoying a seemingly idyllic life. When an orphaned baby bobcat that the group is rehabilitating gets caught in a steel trap, Mirror rescues the animal by sending a burst of energy to destroy the device. The release of energy is so potent it gets the attention of the Royal Court, which travels to Somewhere to investigate. But shortly after the Fairy Queen and her entourage arrive, a wildfire approaches Somewhere, threatening to destroy the entire fairy community. Although some see Mirror’s unparalleled power as dangerous, it may be the only hope to save the inhabitants of Somewhere. The main fantasy-fueled storyline revolving around Mirror and her search for her place in the world is certainly compelling and filled with rich descriptions and nonstop action throughout. But what separates Ritchie’s book from other comparable genre novels for young readers is the deep, existential wisdom. In one sequence, for example, Mirror communicates with the spirit of a legendary queen who asks her an unfathomably deep question: “You are shaping your future now, by your actions. And by how you will choose to use your powers. Out of kindness and love? Or out of anger and hatred? Therein lies the trap.” In another scene, Bosco is given invaluable advice: “Don’t ever be afraid to love someone just cause you’re worried you might lose them.”

An undeniably fun fantasy adventure that also works on a much deeper level.