Review of "The Unbroken Mirror" by C.S. Marks, a single story in the collection "Twists and Turns"

Summary:
A collection of nine short stories resulting from the "Red Adept Reviews Twists Contest."


“The Unbroken Mirror” by C.S. Marks: A prelude to the Alterra series


Review:
By far the longest story in this collection, Marks provides a refreshing change of pace from the other stories.  Thus far we have had slightly futuristic, three contemporary pieces and now we are immersed with fantasy.

Though a prelude to a larger world, this story does a very credible job standing by itself.  It does end up reading like a longer work more than a short story.  "Sprawling" is the best word that comes to mind.  Instead of presenting a neat little package, Marks lays out the framework for what promises to be the battle for Middle Earth part II.

If this were a standalone story serving as an introduction to an author's larger body of work, it's quite well done.  It's well-written, engaging and fun.  Marks does a good job presenting a rich fantasy world without being bogged down by wordiness.  However, as a part of an anthology titled "Twists and Turns," it feels somewhat out of place.

3.5/5 stars
Reviewed by Alain Gomez

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