Shadows of the Mirror
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Shadows of the Mirror |
| Publisher: | MJ Press |
| Editor: | |
| Author(s): | Gloria Fry |
| Cover Artist(s): | Maggie Symon |
| Illustrator(s): | Raymond Sless |
| Date(s): | December 1994 |
| Medium: | print zine, fanfic |
| Size: | |
| Genre: | |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | zine online here |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Shadows of the Mirror is a gen Star Trek: TOS 130-page novel by Gloria Fry. It has a sequel called Prince of Vulcan.
Summary
Summary from publisher's ad:
A mirror universe crossover novel taking place immediately after the episode Mirror, Mirror. Federation - The region of space around Halka shows signs of instability and members of the landing party have difficulties in coming to terms with their experiences in the mirror universe. Empire - Kirk, after a purge against all who oppose him, takes vengeance on his and Spock's counterparts. He embarks on actions which alter the course of the Empire and his relationship with his first officer forever. A4 format... illustrated by Maggie Symon and Raymond Sless.
Gallery
cover by Maggie Symon
inside art by Maggie Symon
inside art by Maggie Symon
Reactions and Reviews
Shadows is described bv the author as a mirror-universe crossover novel. The action takes place immediately after the episode Mirror Mirror, and the live main chapters are set alternately in Empire (the Mirror universe) and Federation. Each main chapter is well structured and is sub-divided into small sections - a good way to pace the various strands of the story lines. Quotations are used at the start of each main chapter to set the scene.The overall plot is based on the reaction oi each captain to the instability of the region of space surrounding Halka, the Federation sub-plot considers how the members of the landing party come to terms with problems caused by their experiences in the alternate universe. The Empire sub-plot explores the character of the mirror Kirk (with his changing attitude to Spock, who has been influenced by the Federation captain) and how his actions precipitate a confrontation which changes all their lives and which will ultimately alter the course of the Emoire bv allowing Spock to fulfil his destiny.
This is not an action zine - the plot exists primarily to allow the strength of the writing to surface in in exploration of all the characters and !heir interaction. The portrayal of each character (whether from the series or invented) is excellent from the devious, insecure and malicious mirror Kirk, via a confident and capable mirror Uhura and an uncertain (series) Sulu who has lost confidence in his Uhura, to a pair of Spocks who have a great deal in common, not least their nobility of spirit- The characters are well-mixed (eg Sulu and Uhura, Spock and McCoy) in the various scenarios.
The dialogue (with its linking narrative) is skilfully written - it is always clear who is speaking, even without the character being identified. The use of italic asides gives an insight into the thoughts and motivations of the characters and enhances the account. There are some neat inventions, indicating that the author has thoroughly researched the additional background required for the mirror universe.
My only grouse (very minor) is that the section where the mirror Kirk is finally reconciled with his crew only amounts to about a third of a page (which is a little abrupt for my taste). Throughout this zine it is clear that the author is rare in being able to understand the nuances of command, and what makes the interaction between the characters (especially those within the command team) tick .
In all, this is a well-written and thoroughly enjovable 'good read'. [1]