Dark Mirror

Gr 8 Up—Beginning in the late 17th century, magic was frowned upon by the upper classes of the British Realm. By 1803, this distaste for all things magical is so strong that young aristocrats who sully their family's name and reputation by having magical powers are banished to Lackland Academy where they are "reformed." With training, they are allowed to return to their families, as the black sheep no doubt, but they might be able to retain their inheritances. When Lady Victoria displays her magical abilities while saving her nephew's life, she is sent posthaste to Lackland. Following an introduction to the school and its workings, Tory becomes involved with a group trying to train their magic in order to assist in defending Britain against Napoleon's anticipated invasion. In an unexpected twist, the teen enters one of Merlin's legendary mirrors and time-travels to Lackland Abby circa 1940 deep in the midst of World War II. The tightly woven story brings in the magical and historical in clever and engaging ways, and fans of fantasy, romance, and adventure will find it riveting. From idle boarding school chatter to the brutality of war, Putney paints vivid scenes and makes a remarkable transition from adult to YA writing.—Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA