Honest review of Smoke and Mirrors: Tales of Atatacia: Book 1

by JD Laubach (Author)

Updated at: 09/02/2025

In J.D. Laubach's Smoke and Mirrors: Tales of Atatacia: Book 1, nineteen-year-old Vera and her brother Lieve discover their beloved fairy tales are chillingly real. Suddenly thrust into the treacherous kingdom of Prinav, the twins find themselves separated by a decade, facing power-hungry nobles and deadly secrets. Vera, in the present, and Lieve, ten years in the past, must navigate this dangerous world alone, learning to trust few and uncovering hidden agendas that shatter their idyllic perceptions. Their survival hinges on Vera's untapped strength and Lieve's resilience as they fight to unravel the truth behind Prinav's enchanting facade, a truth that could either save them both or become their final, tragic tale.

4.8 / 28 ratings

Review Smoke and Mirrors

Wow, "Smoke and Mirrors: Tales of Atatacia" completely swept me away! I've been eagerly anticipating this debut novel from J.D. Laubach for a while now, and let me tell you, it was worth the wait. From the very first page, I was hooked. The premise—a world where fairy tales bleed into reality—is inventive and thrilling, and Laubach executes it brilliantly.

The dynamic between Vera and Lieve, the twin protagonists separated by a decade in this fantastical Prinav, is the heart of the story. Their individual journeys, told through dual POV, are captivating. I loved watching them navigate this treacherous kingdom, each facing unique challenges and discovering their own strengths. Vera's fierce independence and sharp wit were incredibly refreshing; she’s definitely a heroine you can root for. The banter between her and other characters, especially Calix and Arden, added a delightful spark to the narrative.

The world-building in "Smoke and Mirrors" is exceptional. Laubach crafts a richly detailed Prinav, complete with its own intricate political system and intriguing lore. It’s a world that feels both familiar, echoing classic fairy tales, and utterly unique. The author’s skill lies in seamlessly weaving the world's history and political machinations into the characters' experiences, rather than resorting to info-dumps. I especially appreciated the clever use of excerpts at the beginning of each chapter—letters, royal decrees, biblical passages—which added another layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative, hinting at larger storylines yet to unfold.

The plot is a whirlwind of action, suspense, and surprising twists. There were several moments that had me literally gasping, sitting on the edge of my seat, and staying up way too late to finish a chapter. The pacing is perfect; the story never lags, keeping the reader constantly engaged. The timeline jump, initially something I was a little apprehensive about, actually worked beautifully, adding another layer of complexity and suspense to the narrative. The ending, a true Sarah J. Maas-esque cliffhanger, left me utterly breathless and desperate for the next installment. Seriously, I need book two now.

While the occasional inner monologue felt a tad repetitive at times, reflecting perhaps a touch of youthful naivete in the character, this was a minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding novel. The overall character development is strong, and I'm excited to see how Vera and Lieve evolve further in future books.

In short, "Smoke and Mirrors: Tales of Atatacia" is a fantastic debut. The writing is polished, the plot is gripping, and the characters are memorable. It's a must-read for fans of fantasy, especially those who appreciate strong female leads, intricate world-building, and a story that doesn't shy away from high stakes and thrilling adventures. This book deserves all the hype and more. I wholeheartedly recommend it.