Mirror In Time is a fantasy novel by author Jacqueline T. Johnson, and the second book in the Sons of Meir series. The action continues from where book one, Test of Time, left off, with assassin Nash and Erich, commander of the kingdom of Meir, established as firm friends with an unshakable bond and an agreement of peace. Or so they think, until the arena of Noyi beckons them. Erich comes under strange influences in Noyi, and it transpires that he and Nash must face one another in an arena challenge, where only one of them is expected to survive. Their shared history and triumphs forgotten, Nash must once again face the prospect of killing a man whom he calls brother, but can he do it if he has no other choice?

Jacqueline T. Johnson has crafted a powerfully character driven story which relies on the deep emotional connections which readers make with its central characters. From the start, Nash is an emotional wreck, somewhat scarred by the events under which Erich and he made their unlikely truce, and now his return to Noyi presents him with a brand new set of problems. The plot is well paced for a short read, giving a surprising amount of detail and a satisfying level of world building to justify the harsh standards of the culture in which the heroes find themselves. Overall, Mirror In Time is an accomplished piece of descriptive fiction, wherein the main relationship is refreshingly one of friendship instead of romance.

Mirror in Time by Jacqueline T. Johnson is the ongoing story of the lives and legacy of Erich and Nash. It is a story of crossroads, challenges, royalty and, of course, love. While Lugar waits for his wayward son, Nash, to return home, Nash devises a plan to usurp his father’s power and decides to go to Kalder instead. This decision proves to be one of fate opening the door into his future. Not all is as it seems though; soon the two friends must face off in the arena. “Two enter, only one can leave.” One life is over, while yet another is exalted. What appears to be a tragic defeat is in reality a ploy of deceit. Kingdoms reign, treaties are established, men rule, but whose legacy will be sustained? A devoted friendship turns into a loyal and revered reign in Meir. However, the future of Meir is left in the hands of two brothers, two “Sons of Meir,” both devoted to the same woman. What a man won’t do to get the woman he loves is only trumped by what a woman won’t do to protect her man.

Jacqueline T. Johnson pens a story of legacy in Mirror in Time. As the saga continues, it encompasses decades of time and seasonal changes. Johnson, however, does not leave gaps; instead she fills in missing pieces of the lives of her main characters. The characterization of the story is the main attraction. At times the word usage is figurative and picturesque to illustrate scenes; however, overall, the setting of this fantasy is somewhat ordinary. The Forbidden Forest is creepy, yet the fauna and the animal life remain silent. The sea rages, but doesn’t produce monsters or unexplained forces as depicted in most fantasies. By dimming the focus on the setting and keeping it in the background, the characters remain the foreground of the narrative. The plot centralizes around the narrative’s characters; therefore it progresses as the characters evolve. The characters, whether male or female, are strong, defiant, and emotional. Many characters are cloaked, portraying one image while reflecting another. This technique gives the fantasy a feeling of mystery and surprise. The main characters of the first novel acquiesce to their offspring through the rising action of volume two of the Sons of Meir series; however, they retain the focus by the narrative’s mysteriously tempting end.

Mirror In Time (Sons of Meir) by Jacqueline T. Johnson is the second part in a series that begins with Nash meeting up with a priest named Hale at a crossroads. When the two of them get to Nash's destination, Hale's real occupation is revealed. Later, while on an errand for King Erich of Meir, Nash and his friend Victor are forced into a deadly labyrinth that two may enter, but only one can leave. From there the story moves ahead to after both Nash and Erich are married and have children, Princes Gideon and Daniel, along with Nash's daughter, Simone. The young trio grows up training together in the arts of war, and it is obvious that Daniel and Simone are very close. Gideon prefers the freedom of different choices when it comes to women. That is until Simone dresses up for a birthday party and an intense love triangle begins. When a caravan comes to town, Nash gets reacquainted with a young girl named Maelie. Maelie's mother, upon seeing Nash, tells her daughter that Nash murdered her father. When Gideon is about to confess his love to Simone, he overhears her tell Daniel that she loves him. Gideon leaves and embarks on a journey across the sea, and discovers secrets about his father.

Jacqueline Johnson does a superb job of moving this story along at a fast pace. Jacqueline's style of writing is detailed and her characters are all unique and believable. This story was hard to put down. Everyone has secrets and many are interwoven into the plot of the story. Not all is as it seems. Mirror In Time is a cleverly written story that focuses on two generations of Nash, Erich, and the Sons of Meir. I really enjoyed this book, and now I am left hanging for the next installment. Brava!

In Volume 2 of the Sons of Meir series, Mirror in Time by author Jacqueline T. Johnson, readers will be pleased to find the same excellent story telling that they found in the first book, Test of Time. Our protagonist, Nash, is directionless. He's left Meir, but then finds himself on Noyi at the crossroads of life. When he decides to go forward, his entire life is changed. His best friend, Erich, and he must face each other in the arena of Noyi, and they both realize that the only choice they have is to fight to the death. Two go in, only one comes out. Will one of them truly kill the other? You'll need to read the book to find out!

I very much enjoyed Mirror in Time. Author Jacqueline T. Johnson has done a great job in the continuing story of this great saga. She has also done a great job in creating characters that her readers will be able to relate to and connect with, even in a fantasy-related environment, and that isn't always an easy task. Any reader who loves a book filled with adventure, thrills, and a very fast paced story line with a fantastic setting should absolutely read Mirror in Time. I'm pleased to recommend this book to any such reader or just a reader looking for a great book that will keep them turning the pages from the first through to the last. I look forward to reading more from author Jacqueline T. Johnson, and hope that she is already working on her next book!