The Girl with No Reflection

June 25, 2024
The Girl with No Reflection by Keshe Chow is a debut YA historical fantasy novel set in Imperial China, drawing on Chinese mythology. The story begins with Ying, a young noblewoman, who, on the eve of her wedding to a cold and distant prince, notices that her reflection in a pond is smiling, while she is not. She then discovers a mysterious mirror world beyond her reflection, with another version of the prince who is kind and warm; but all is not as it seems, and something sinister lurks beneath. The novel starts strongly, with a compellingly eerie atmosphere that draws readers in with mystery, intrigue and action. The first few chapters are particularly gripping and set the tone for a thrilling blend of fantasy and horror. As the story progresses, romance becomes a central element, which may appeal to some readers, while others may find it somewhat conventional. The fantasy and horror aspects, initially so promising, become secondary as the focus shifts. Despite this shift, those looking for familiar tropes, such as ‘instalove’, will find much to enjoy here. While the world-building could be more detailed, the novel still provides an engaging concept and setting. The language is accessible and uncomplicated, although some mature content and offensive language make this more suited to readers aged 14+. It will likely appeal to readers who enjoyed Only a Monster by Vanessa Len.

July 22, 2024
In a fantasy setting that draws upon cultural and historical elements from imperial China, 18-year-old noble Ying Yue is set to marry the emperor’s only son, Crown Prince Shan Zhang Lin. But she is unhappy at the royal palace, where the prince and his family are distant and closed off. Soon, she starts noticing strange things about her new home, like reflections in the water that do not mirror reality. When Ying’s reflection sweeps her away to an alternate domain, she swaps places with her reflection in order to avoid marrying the crown prince. When the mirror-world prince proves different than her own betrothed, his empathy and kindness sows further doubt in Ying about returning to her original realm. As Ying falls deeper in love with the mirror prince, however, she learns that things back home are not as they appear. Worse, she discovers a prophecy that foretells of mirror people attacking her world—and her own role in that realm’s downfall. Now Ying must return home and mend the barrier between the two realities, but doing so could result in devastating consequences. An intricate plot full of intrigue and action hurtles at a breakneck pace in Chow’s exhilarating debut. Ages 14–up.