"Mirror, Mirror" by Jen Calonita is a novel that re-imagines the classic fairy tale of Snow White, but unfortunately, it doesn't quite live up to its promise. The book, which is part of the "Twisted Tales" series, aims to give readers a new perspective on the story, particularly from the point of view of the wicked stepmother, Ingrid. However, it reads more like a tedious fanfiction than a fresh, engaging take on the tale. 🥱 One of the biggest letdowns is the lack of originality. The plot largely mirrors the original story, hitting all the familiar beats without adding much new or compelling. While the premise suggests a deeper dive into Ingrid's motivations, the execution falls flat. We're told that she's jealous and wicked, but the book doesn't provide the rich, nuanced background needed to make her a sympathetic or even interesting character. It's a missed opportunity to explore the complexities of her villainy, leaving her as a one-dimensional antagonist. The book doesn't build on the existing story; it simply retells it with minor tweaks, making the read feel repetitive and pointless. 😴 The book's failure to provide a compelling background for Ingrid is its most significant flaw. Readers are left wondering why she is so jealous of her stepdaughter. The narrative fails to give a satisfactory answer, instead relying on the same old tropes. Instead of delving into her past, her fears, or her insecurities, the story provides a superficial look at her life, leaving her motivations unexplored and her character undeveloped. This lack of depth makes it difficult to connect with any of the characters, and the story as a whole feels hollow and uninspired. 💔 In conclusion, while "Mirror, Mirror" had the potential to be a captivating retelling, it ultimately comes across as a boring and uninspired copy of the original. It fails to provide the fresh perspective and deeper character exploration it promises, making it a disappointing read for anyone hoping for a truly "twisted" tale.