Mirror Mirror: Halloween Party of the Century – Released 2/03/2023
This was my first novel, and the story starts with events happening during a Halloween celebration intended to be the party of the century for Sandy Tillman. The event turned out to be considerably more involved. It launched her into a complex series of misadventures, including a near assault interrupted by a double murder she did not commit. She gets blamed for it and indicted for second-degree murder…never mind that an entity from another dimension pulled the trigger. Never mind the fire she started that burned her best friend’s estate to the ground. Never mind traveling back in time to retrieve another version of “Mirror Mirror” to replace the one lost in the fire. Never mind that a different timeline meant being dropped into a parallel universe where nothing was as it seemed. Never mind a narrow escape through a portal from the county jail moments before going to the state prison for 15 years. If only she had not picked up that damn book “Mirror Mirror.” If only she had not fallen into that place you fall into when traveling through time. We are left wondering what comes next for Sandy when she finds herself involved in a relationship with an entity she never intended to have. If only she had not picked up that damn book.
Mirror Mirror – Reviews:
Prepare to have your mind blown! Gary Wise’s debut fiction novel, “Mirror Mirror,” is a captivating blend of horror and sci-fi that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. This book is a must-read for fans of the genre, and it left me yearning for more.
Wise’s storytelling prowess is evident as he weaves a web of suspense and intrigue that grips the reader from the very first page. The narrative unfolds with an expertly paced progression, keeping you guessing and craving for answers with every turn. As I delved deeper into the story, I was constantly surprised by the unexpected twists and turns that Wise skillfully incorporated.
The fusion of horror and sci-fi elements in this book is truly exceptional. Wise effortlessly blends these genres, creating a unique and immersive experience. The chilling atmosphere he creates and the intriguing scientific concepts add an extra layer of depth to the narrative. It’s a perfect balance that will satisfy horror enthusiasts and science fiction lovers alike.
What truly sets this book apart is its ability to leave a lasting impact. The mind-blowing revelations and thought-provoking themes lingered with me long after I finished the book. Wise explores profound ideas while delivering an entertaining and thrilling story, making it a remarkable debut.
I cannot recommend “Mirror Mirror” enough. If you’re a fan of gripping fiction that combines horror and sci-fi elements with mind-bending twists, this is the book for you. Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey that will challenge your perceptions and leave you wanting more.
Don’t wait any longer – add it to your reading list today, and be prepared to have your mind blown!
Matt Rudnitsky
Review:
Title: Mirror Mirror ✍️Author: Gary Wise
📚Review: “Halloween, a season woven with threads of the supernatural and mystical, finds its narrative embodiment in Gary Wise’s tale. With adept finesse, Wise melds elements of fantasy and mystery—two genres that personally resonate—into a captivating narrative, offering an intriguing premise that encompasses crime, time travel, and interdimensional entities. The story serves as a comprehensive entertainment package, inviting readers to embark on an engaging journey. The narrative commences by acquainting us with the central figure, Sandy Tillman, whose life is shadowed by the horrors of an abusive past.
Initially cocooned in the ordinary, Sandy’s trajectory transforms as she arrives at the estate owned by her friend Mel, inherited from her grandfather. A veil of enigma descends upon the tale with their arrival, as Sandy encounters a cryptic book, “Mirror Mirror,” that becomes her conduit to an interdimensional sentinel of righteousness, Paul. This juncture marks the inception of her tumultuous escapades, an odyssey into the realms of the unknown. The narrative entices readers to delve into the labyrinth of intrigue it unfurls. Gary Wise deftly orchestrates the age-old dichotomy of virtues and vices, employing the instrument of a magical tome to weave a moral fabric within this otherworldly tapestry. The chapter titles function as alluring signposts, hinting at the thematic undertones that await exploration.
Amidst the suspense that keeps readers in a perpetual state of anticipation, the fantasy elements continuously engage the faculties of imagination. The denouement, delivered with tantalizing precision, concludes on a precipice, effectively leaving the audience yearning for more. The narrative technique, adopting a third-person perspective, breathes life into a cast of characters whose motivations and aspirations mirror the diversity of real life. Whether it is Sandy, Mel, or Paul, each character resonates as an individual persona. Sandy’s character arc is particularly notable, a journey that ensnares readers in its emotional gravity.
Rachel Jackson
Review:
Booksforbadal’s Reviews > Mirror Mirror: Halloween Party of the Century
Mirror Mirror: Halloween Party of the Century
by Gary Wise
“Mirror Mirror: Halloween Party of the Century” by Gary Wise takes readers on an exhilarating journey through a web of intricately woven events that begin innocently enough with a Halloween party. What should have been a night of celebration for Sandy Tillman transforms into a whirlwind of unforeseen misadventures, casting her into a complex tapestry of mysteries and dilemmas.
Wise’s narrative skillfully blends elements of suspense, time travel, and alternate dimensions to craft a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The opening act, set at the ‘party of the century,’ serves as a catalyst for the unexpected, drawing readers into a suspenseful tale that unfolds with each turn of the page. Sandy’s entanglement in a double murder she did not commit, followed by an unjust indictment, propels the story forward with a relentless pace.
Central to the story is the enigmatic book titled “Mirror Mirror.” The recurrent refrain, “If only she had not picked up that damn book,” becomes a haunting reminder of the power of seemingly innocuous choices. As Sandy navigates through a labyrinth of timelines, readers are treated to a thought-provoking exploration of causality and consequence.
Wise’s masterful narrative craftsmanship shines through as he seamlessly integrates themes of regret, the interplay of fate, and the tantalizing allure of the unknown. As Sandy finds herself in unexpected relationships and confronts her own complexities, readers are left pondering the nature of reality and the choices that define our lives.
“Mirror Mirror” is a captivating blend of mystery and speculative fiction, inviting readers to contemplate the far-reaching impact of their decisions. With its intricately layered plot and engaging characters, this novel stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to transport us beyond the boundaries of the ordinary. Wise’s tale of misadventures serves as a compelling reminder that within the mundane lies the extraordinary, and within choices lie the keys to alternate worlds.
Review:
Bookbyemma – Mirror Mirror Review
The story starts innocently enough at a Halloween party, but it quickly escalates into an epic adventure filled with murder accusations, time travel, and parallel universes. Sandy Tillman, the protagonist, goes from party guest to a character caught in a whirlwind of events that will keep you guessing until the very end.
What I loved most about this book is its ability to blend genres seamlessly. It’s a mystery, a thriller, and a sci-fi novel all rolled into one. Gary Wise’s writing keeps you hooked, and his world-building skills are seriously impressive.
Be prepared for your mind to be bent by the complexities of parallel dimensions and the consequences of seemingly trivial choices. The narrative keeps you guessing at every turn, and I couldn’t put it down until I knew how it all ended.
The character development is top-notch, especially with Sandy’s transformation from an ordinary partygoer to a central figure in a mind-bending adventure. Her relationship with the enigmatic entity adds depth and emotion to the story.
My only tiny critique is that the plot’s complexity might be a tad challenging for some readers to follow. And the ending, while intriguing, leaves you with questions that linger.
In summary, “Mirror Mirror: Halloween Party of the Century” is a thrilling and imaginative read for those who crave mind-bending mysteries and speculative fiction. It’s a journey that will leave you pondering the choices we make and the mysteries of other dimensions. Highly recommended for those seeking an exhilarating and thought-provoking adventure!
AUTHOR BIO:
Gary Wise is an unsupervised writer living as a free-range author under the influence of a relentless Muse. He’s a recovering Performance Consultant of 35+ years convinced retirement is unacceptable and has chosen to redeploy his remaining trips around the sun writing fictional thrillers with a twist of mystery, sci-fi, and some with paranormal hijinks on the side, and not necessarily in that order.
He has written four novels so far under the influence of his Muse. His first, “Mirror Mirror: Halloween Party of the Century,” served as validation for him to listen to his Muse and submit to Her influences. Giving in to Her touch, he pounded out three more novels in a series, “Dreamscape Conspiracy.”
The fourth and final book in the series, “Dead Thoughts,” is under development and should be available later in the fall of 2023. He offers no excuses or apologies for his dry humor and twisted thoughts, often embedded throughout his stories.
He loves to write and willingly confesses, “I love nothing better than to embrace my Muse and disappear into a story with Her and often invade a character’s head or two until their stories are entirely told.”
Proof of his addiction to writing can be found here, lined up on My Bookshelf—where all the evidence is on record in stories that give clues to where most of the bodies are buried.
He lives in peace and is blessed with having enough…planted between corn and soybean in the rolling hills of southeastern Indiana with two lovely women, Lilly & Boo.
Share thoughts if he’s touched you with a tale or two! gdogwise@live.com