⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This one was really good! I am a fantasy lover so I was excited when I read the synopsis for this one. I haven’t read the others in the series so it did take me a minute to fully understand what was going on as well as who some of the characters were but I still throughly enjoyed this and will be recommending and finishing this series! This would make for an amazing movie. I could see this series being huge in the book world! I look forward to the release :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for allowing me to read a digital advanced reader's copy (ARC) of Samantha Shannon's "The Dark Mirror (The Bone Season Book 5)," with a publication date of February 25, 2025. First, I have read every book in this series and awaited with bated breath for the release of "The Dark Mirror." I must admit that Paige Mahoney, a clairvoyant protagonist, worked my nerves in "The Mask Falling (The Bone Season Book 4)" with her anger and impulsive actions. Praise the Lord! Paige showed growth and maturity in "The Dark Mirror" and pondered her actions before leaping. Her self-reflection and pensivity were displayed and greatly appreciated. She remains fierce, loyal, and kicks butt.

I love the chemistry between Paige and Arcturus; they have so much respect for each other. This novel has edge-of-your-seat action, ensuring there is never a dull moment. "The Dark Mirror" was a trip down memory lane, and it was wonderful that Ms. Shannon brought back old characters (Nick, Maria, Terebell) and introduced new ones. Jaxson Hall is back and as tricky as ever. "The Dark Mirror" is packed with betrayal, intrigue, heartbreak, and sadness during several battle scenes. The world-building, as always, was superb, and the novel's conclusion was satisfying. Please, Ms. Shannon, don't make us wait four years for Book 6.

I was intrigued when Ms. Shannon started "The Bone Season" dystopian series and announced it would consist of seven books. After I read the first two books, I said there was no way she could continue this series about mollishers, clairvoyants, voyants, and Rephriams. I was wrong! The Dark Mirror" is a knockout, and I look forward to reading Books 6 and 7. Pre-order this book because it is a treat, and you'll get completely lost in it. Please don't make the mistake of letting the size of the novel deter you from reading it!

5/5 stars

This is the best book so far in the series. I got hives from how stressed I was. But excuse me with that duet?!!!! This book was traumatic and absolutely necessary in my life. I can’t wait to reread it 100 more times.

This one didn't hit quite as well with me as the previous entries in this series. I felt like the action slowed down quite a bit and there was much more dialogue and slow moments. Still it's hard to quibble when taken in totality this is a very impressive urban fantasy story.

I loved this book! I was honestly nervous to start it because my expectations were sky-high after falling in love with the rest of the series. Fortunately, I had nothing to worry about – this book is an absolute delight, and I already want to read it again just to savor every detail.
One of the highlights of this installment is the remarkable growth in Paige’s character. She’s still the fierce, loyal, funny, and more-than-a-little unhinged heroine we know and love, but this time we see a new side of her: she’s more level-headed and thoughtful, adding depth to her bravery. Did I still want to scream at her a few times? Absolutely. But I’d expect nothing less from my Underqueen – her chaotic energy is part of what makes her so awesome.
The emotional depth and tonal shifts in this book are astounding, and yet everything feels perfectly cohesive. I loved how the pacing mirrored Paige's journey, with stretches that are tranquil and reflective, others that are intense and frenetic, and still more that keep you on the edge of your seat. Without giving too much away, I'll say that we’re treated to appearances from fan-favorite characters we haven’t seen in a while, which added so much richness to the story.
The quote on the back cover – “Everything is about to change” – couldn’t be more fitting. The rebellion against Scion is reaching a fever pitch, and cracks are finally starting to show in the establishment’s flawless facade. It’s exhilarating, yet daunting, to think that Paige and her allies only have two books left to bring down such a powerful force. If anyone can pull it off, it’s Samantha Shannon, who’s crafted what I truly believe is one of the most perfect series out there.

SAMANTHA SHANNON HAS DONE IT AGAIN. I don't know how she keeps blowing my mind and breaking my heart but she does. This is easily one of my favorites of the series and I am simply BEGGING for what happens next.

I have been waiting so long for this book and it did not disappoint! I love this world and these characters so much and I speedran this book.

I've been reading The Bone Season books since 2013 as a senior in high school and they have only gotten better and better. It feels so much like we grew into adulthood together. I'm always so glad to see Samantha Shannon thriving in the book world and I was so excited to be approved for The Dark Mirror. Samantha Shannon is such a masterful fantasy writer and it's no surprise that The Dark Mirror is an incredible fifth installment in the series. It is so hard to fully articulate how much I loved this book so I will simply say: Read The Bone Season series if you haven't and if you have, do a reread. 100000/10 Will be screaming from the rooftops about this book.

I have started and revised this review over and over again. I am incredibly fortunate to, once again, have access to a Samantha Shannon work earlier than its publication date and for that I am forever grateful.
As I sit in my small London flat, reminiscing about serendipitous moments, I can’t help but think of Paige and Arcturus. Their golden cord binds me to a world I can’t imagine living without.
Reflecting on my move to London for new opportunities—driven by my passion for books, language, and history—I cannot help to recall my long-held love for Italy. This year, I finally took my mom to Naples, and I treasure those experiences, much like I treasure these two settings woven into The Bone Season series.
It’s hard to believe I only discovered this series last year. Since reading the first book, I’ve found it impossible to focus on anything else—I’ve re-read it five times! This series has not only consumed my waking moments but has also introduced me to cherished friends and the author herself. I feel a burning desire to shout to the world how unique their lives will be once they dive into The Bone Season.
But I digress—context is essential for my review of The Dark Mirror, the fifth installment in the series.
The last chapter of The Mask Falling left me devastated, and I braced myself for what lay ahead.
Nothing, however, could prepare me.
I abandoned my theories—like fragile sandcastles, they crumbled under the weight of my emotions. To be emotionally destroyed by Samantha Shannon is akin to getting a tattoo: painful yet profoundly satisfying.
I found myself crying within the first two pages, overwhelmed by two emotions: the joy of returning to this world and the torment of Paige’s dire situation. Her loneliness resonated with my deepest fears, and experiencing this within a fantasy dystopian context was both haunting and beautiful. I wished to leap into the pages and comfort her, but all I could do was read on and hope for the best.
Samantha’s craft continues to amaze me, particularly in the masterful world-building of The Dark Mirror. Each detail is meticulously crafted—never dull or repetitive—shimmering with life and intensity. The blend of romance, action, and politics against a richly detailed backdrop deserves a standing ovation. I felt as if I could witness the action unfold right before my eyes from my little window in London.
I had the privilege of re-reading this arc in Naples, on a boat trip where I gazed at Capri from afar. It was an unforgettable experience, and chapters 12 to 14 left me emotionally reeling. Even the food descriptions were beautifully written, adding to the atmosphere of key scenes (I deeply value well-crafted food descriptions, like a true Portuguese woman!).
Samantha pays homage to language and its origins like no other author. The exploration of friendship and the feeling of found family is extraordinary in this installment. Seeing the characters support and protect Paige made my heart sing, even as she grapples with her burdens. She is still their Underqueen, balancing her need for love and protection with her fierce independence. This tension is wild, frustrating, and utterly irresistible.
Even witnessing the new found respect from the Ranthen to Paige is such a delight.
It was such a pleasure to get to see new sides to well known characters, whilst meeting some new additions (Hi, I have a crush in Ducos !) whilst discovering the world outside Scion and the organisations that aim to fight it. Paige is at the center of a web of challenges, thinking ahead instead of acting recklessly. The stakes are higher than ever, with the looming threats of Scion and the Netherworld poised to shake the very foundations of their reality.
Despite being an expansive work, The Dark Mirror remains fiercely intimate. The pacing allows us to delve deep into the characters, revealing their innermost desires. Aligned with the series’ unique eeriness—prophecies, mythology, and clairvoyance—the atmosphere is hauntingly exceptional.
The evolution of Paige and Arcturus’s relationship is beautifully crafted, reaching new heights that are agonizing and breathtaking. Their conversations and connections are intimate and painfully resonant. While I want to write more about them, I also wish to keep their relationship tucked away in my heart. Samantha treats these two with such reverence that is beyond any description. I am forever grateful they exist in the world and I can say they are my dreamscape.
I know I’ll write new reviews for this book, fearing I may never do it justice. It’s an exceptional feat, a work to be celebrated and shared with the world. Samantha continues to astonish and surprise us at every turn. The Dark Mirror is an anthem to friendship, love, power, and the flaws of our world—always centered on Paige and Arcturus.
Thank you, Samantha Shannon, for keeping my dreams alive and giving me a world filled with Paige and Arcturus. I can’t wait to reunite with them for their next duet.
Lastly, my heartfelt thanks to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this arc. I truly cannot thank you enough.

THE BONE SEASON is my favorite book series, bar none. The three-year wait for THE DARK MIRROR was long, especially after the cliffhanger ending THE MASK FALLING had, and I am here to say THE DARK MIRROR was 100% worth the wait. I love Samantha Shannon's writing and the worlds she creates because she is a history nerd who researches *everything* about her stories. For example, in THE DARK MIRROR, Samantha Shannon went on research trips to Central Europe and Italy, where she not only explored all the historical settings she wanted to incorporate into the story (Oh how I wish I could tell you what they are!) but also the local atmospheres of each city that she knows her characters, particularly Paige Mahoney, would notice and take in. I know a lot of writers do research trips for their work, but no other writer makes me feel like I'm visiting the places they set their stories quite like Samantha Shannon. I've never been to Italy, but I swear I could smell (and get queasy from) the sea air just like a certain someone does in THE DARK MIRROR. I would say more but I don't want to spoil anything!

Before THE DARK MIRROR, our favorite characters--Paige, Arcturus, Nick, Maria, Terebell, and even a scoundrel we can't help but love--were flung all over Europe for various reasons. THE DARK MIRROR is in a lot of respects a homecoming for these characters, even if they're not actually home. We are also introduced to some lovely newbies, like Veronika, who fits right in with the motley gang of criminals and Gods from another world. We also get to know other characters, like Ducos, better, which I appreciate because Ducos is the coolest. Though no Samantha Shannon novel could ever be called "chill," there are more moments of calm and reflection in THE DARK MIRROR than there have been in the previous BONE SEASON books. Don't worry, there are still tons of adventure and fight scenes, but there are also a lot of great conversations over bottles of wine and tiramisu.

After experiencing several traumatic events in short succession, our Pale Dreamer has matured quite a bit in THE DARK MIRROR. She's still a kickass thief, spy, and Underqueen, of course, but she's also learned to appreciate life and its small moments. Or at least she is trying to. Instead of screaming at Paige in my head to stop being so reckless as I sometimes did in the last books, I found myself mentally applauding her for thinking ahead and realizing there are sometimes better ways to solve problems than lighting them on fire or jumping off a building. And Arcturus, our favorite Reph and music lover. I won't say too much here because of the ending of the last book, but I want to publicly declare how much I love him. I want to get "Hm." tattooed on me somewhere.

I am so glad to have my favorite characters in my favorite series back in my life after wondering and daydreaming about what happened to them for three long years. I am sure other fans of the series and Ms. Shannon's work will be just as thrilled with THE DARK MIRROR as I was. I am already looking forward to reading it again.

I have never been as grateful to receive an ARC as I was for this one. Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the honor.

An exceptional continuation of a series I love. A return to Paige’s world and all of the good and bad that come with it. So happy to have had the opportunity to read an arc of it — thank you so much, NetGalley and Bloomsbury! Thanks to Samantha Shannon for writing such a gift of a book in The Dark Mirror.

Heart-wrenching and fiercely intimate. Revisiting these characters' stories is like peeling back layers of an old wound—satisfactory yet emotionally devastating. While somewhat slower in its pacing, this long awaited novel does not disappoint. Where to even start? Paige's voice is so familiar, immediately drawing me in, and I absolutely loved seeing her navigate old and fresh wounds alike. There are several added layers to this novel, chief among them the character work, something that has improved book to book. Its slower pacing might push some away, but I think it gives the novel space to breathe, space for an in-depth exploration of their inner lives. The tension is palpable between characters, creating a deeply moving and personal narrative. It's a wonderful continuation of such a beloved series. It will tug at all of your heart strings, and then some. Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury for this advanced digital copy! 4.25 / 5.0 stars

I love Samantha Shannon and the worlds she creates. I was so happy to return back to this one! The characters are fantastic.