Broken Wish (The Mirror #1)

Set in 19th-century Germany, this touching fantasy by Dao (Song of the Crimson Flower) redefines the witches of the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales. Ever since she can remember, 16-year-old Elva has been able to see the future in reflective surfaces, and her family has long suffered a peculiar pattern of blessings: “Always two good things, followed by one bad thing.” As a promise to her mother over fear of backlash from the cruel townsfolk, she swears to keep her abilities secret until, encouraged to see her ability as a gift, she begins to use it for her family’s benefit. When she sees a vision of a storm ravaging their farm, though, Elva seeks out Mathilda, a purported witch with whom her mother once exchanged long-hidden letters and who holds the key to Elva’s ability—and possibly to the family’s curse. Told in fairy tale cadences that softly explore the responsibilities of power and privilege, the narrative returns warmth and agency to the witches of childhood stories while following the heart of a young woman willing to do anything for her family. Ages 14–up. [em]Agent: Tamar Rydzinski, Context Literary Agency. (Oct.) [/em]