Review of Mirrored Heavens (Between Earth and Sky, #3) by Rebecca Roanhorse
I was so excited to dive into Mirrored Heavens after only a month-long wait—thank you, library, for having more copies! The anticipation was palpable, and I couldn’t wait to see how Rebecca Roanhorse would wrap up this atmospheric series. Having read Black Sun and Fevered Star in quick succession, I was eager to explore the nuances and stakes Roanhorse had laid out thus far. While I ultimately had a good time with Mirrored Heavens, my experience was a whirlwind of highs and lows that left me both satisfied and a bit perplexed.
Mirrored Heavens propels us deeper into its richly imagined world, filled with gods, prophecies, and character dynamics that often had me both intrigued and exasperated. One of the themes that stood out to me was love—not merely romantic, but in its many forms: loyalty, sacrifice, and powerful connections. Roanhorse does a brilliant job of exploring these emotions, especially in a quote that resonated deeply: “I will do whatever she wants, even if she asks me to tear out my heart.” Such raw honesty captures the essence of love, making even the most conflicted characters relatable.
Roanhorse’s writing style is fluid, her ability to weave beautiful prose often felt effortless. I found myself highlighting 53 passages—surely a record for me—which speaks to her knack for crafting captivating sentences. Her characters are largely compelling, with growth arcs that kept me turning pages. However, I found myself a bit “meh” on some evolutions towards the end, even if I appreciated the after-scenes that provided closure.
Now, let’s discuss some hiccups. The perpetual timestamp marking every chapter as "Year 1 of the Crow" was frustrating. It virtually obliterated any concrete sense of time, making the pacing feel vague at times. Moreover, the political backdrop often danced around clarity; despite investing so much time in this world, I still struggled to grasp the intricacies of the gods and their magic. Characters like Balam confused me, both as a villain and as a plot point, which took away from my overall experience.
The romantic entanglements, particularly between Xiala and Serapio, felt forced. While their relationship was pushed at the forefront, I couldn’t help but root for the electric chemistry between Serapio and Okoa instead. The romance tropes employed felt old and tired; Xiala seemed less dynamic as a character, especially after her compelling introduction in Black Sun.
Despite my frustrations, Roanhorse’s ability to craft profound moments rooted in love and sacrifice left a stirring impact. The pacing, while consistent, sometimes felt like it lacked stakes, especially leading to the climax where a mixed bag of resolutions unfolded in a whirlwind of events. The ultimate fate of Serapio, lingering between life and death, didn’t quite feel final, leaving me pondering what could have been if choices had skewed bolder.
For those who appreciate complex worlds and multifaceted characters, but are perhaps wary of romance that doesn’t fully deliver, Mirrored Heavens is still a worthwhile read. It’s a book that provokes thought, reflection, and, yes, a few spirited complaints—all in the best possible way! So while I might not reach for this series for a reread, I still found joy in its exploration of love, loss, and fate.
If you’re looking for a unique blend of magic and emotion, Mirrored Heavens might just be the next book you want to devour. Happy reading!
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