Book Review: Mirror of N’de

One of our family’s favorite series is Chronicles of Narnia!  I remember I read the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a kid, but I think I missed the others.

At this point in my life, I could tell you the entire story about any and all of the 7 in the series.  We own the audio drama CDs and listen to them nearly every time we travel!

When I was offered a chance to read and review The Mirror of N’De by L.K. Malone, I jumped at the chance.  I could see some similarities to the Chronicles Series and I suspect this would become a new favorite!

I was right!  I read this book super fast, I never wanted to put it down, and often got lost reading into the night.

This book is an allegory like the Chronicles series.  It is science fiction-y – in a wonderful way.  It is pure fantasy but based on the truths of Christ. 

 

I loved the characters, young teenagers, and their charming parents.  I loved how this story kept me wondering what would happen next.  There are two main characters Hadlay and Nomish who are accepted to work in the Tower, where the Empire lives.  This is a new privilege since both Hadlay and Nomish are of the lowest class in this region and have never been allowed to serve the Emperor.

Once in the Tower, Hadlay quickly befriends the Emperor's son after an unexpected encounter in the Beastiary.  When their friendship becomes more, Hadlay must choose how she hopes to save her people.  There is a struggle of good and evil in the book, but at first you are not sure who is the evil – which keeps you guessing!  I loved how the book dealt with a form of racism and showed it for what it really is : ridiculous.  There was so many great spiritual elements woven throughout that really made this story worthy of reading again and again!

The best part of this book?  That as soon as I finished it, I handed it off to my 10 year old son (who then finished it in about 36 hours) without any hesitation.  I loved that!

We then talked for days about the ideas, about the temptations the characters faced, and most of all we talked about the character lessons they learned and what we thought of them.

I loved this book, I know I say that a lot, but honestly, how can you not fall in love with characters looking for truth, failing and repenting and ultimately choosing God’s goodness?  How can you not love a book that can keep you enthralled, which you can turn around and pass down to your favorite reader?  How can you not?  You can not.  You will love this book.  I am hoping that L.K. Malone is working on the follow-up books, because I cannot wait to get back into the world of N’De.

NOTE: I received a copy of The Mirror of N’De from Kregel Publishers, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.  I highly recommend this book!!