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Breaking the Mirror
Jayden hates mirrors. Mostly because he looks exactly like his abusive father who blames him for the death of his mother. His new virulent neighbor, Seaton Andrews, isn't exactly helping matters.
Status: Complete
Word count: approx. 95,369
Status: Complete
Word count: approx. 95,369
318 pages, ebook
First published April 20, 2007
3 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 18, 2011
Jayden has a crappy life with an abusive father, he was sexually abused in the past, and he's poor. The majority of this story is not happy, and could be put into the camp of "everything bad that could happen, happens to him." If that's not your type of story, this probably isn't for you. The first person narrator curses (a lot) and has plenty of issues that get worked through as the story progresses, mostly through the introduction of Jayden's new neighbor Seaton. Seaton is a mystery to Jayden, and although he avoids people, he finds himself both terrified and drawn to his neighbor.
The writing is good, if not a little raw, and the story's strengths lie mostly in the narrator's voice and the intensity of the emotions. The pacing and progression of character development, both for Jayden and Seaton, is excellent as neither seems rushed nor slow as all their secrets are revealed.
Because of both their issues (mainly Jayden's), there is never any sex between them, although they do both like each other and I would mark this as a happy ever after type ending.
While this is a book that I would have loved to see go on for longer, I'm also glad it stopped when it did, one because the author didn't feel any more story was left to tell, and two because the problems are all resolved and continuing would just have been to wait out when sex scenes could happen.
It's a rather dark story, but it made me laugh and ache and made my insides squirm.
There are a few events that might not factually match up to reality, but if you're willing to forgive a few of those (and I'm not sure on most of them), it'll be fine (such as laws, the justice system, etc). There are a fair number of typos, but not enough to dig under the skin, and a reasonable amount considering the length
Recommended for: People who like angsty stories with main characters who suffer needlessly.
The writing is good, if not a little raw, and the story's strengths lie mostly in the narrator's voice and the intensity of the emotions. The pacing and progression of character development, both for Jayden and Seaton, is excellent as neither seems rushed nor slow as all their secrets are revealed.
Because of both their issues (mainly Jayden's), there is never any sex between them, although they do both like each other and I would mark this as a happy ever after type ending.
While this is a book that I would have loved to see go on for longer, I'm also glad it stopped when it did, one because the author didn't feel any more story was left to tell, and two because the problems are all resolved and continuing would just have been to wait out when sex scenes could happen.
It's a rather dark story, but it made me laugh and ache and made my insides squirm.
There are a few events that might not factually match up to reality, but if you're willing to forgive a few of those (and I'm not sure on most of them), it'll be fine (such as laws, the justice system, etc). There are a fair number of typos, but not enough to dig under the skin, and a reasonable amount considering the length
Recommended for: People who like angsty stories with main characters who suffer needlessly.
April 24, 2011
Unlike a lot of other abuse stories I've read in this genre, Breaking the Mirror for me sounded realistic. It's not one of those where the abuse is only mentioned, or forgotten after the first couple of chapters. You could even say that this one centers around it. But I like to think that its main focus is Jayden.
He is a teenager who wakes up knowing he's going to get beaten, knowing that nothing he does is going to be just right, and knowing that the person he's going to see in the mirror is the man who abuses him - his father.
He's lived with it his whole life, taking every issued blow and making the best of it. But then things start to change, and suddenly there are people around him. Asking questions, offering help, and in general being annoying. On one side he doesn't know how to deal it, on the other he kind of likes it, but is still questioning the sudden kindness - silently of course.
The man who has the most impact on him is Seaton, the mysterious neighbor who just moved in. He's intimidating, rude, bossy and surprisingly demanding, but Jayden for some reason trusts him.
Romance is a part of this story, but only as a part of Jayden's life. Something good that has happened to him in between all the bad. I would usually have a problem with that (and the fact that nothing except some kissing happens between the two MCs), but in this story it doesn't matter. You fall in love with Jayden, and every good thing which happens to him feels like something grand and magnificent. I loved this story.
As for the warnings; violence and the abuse are probably the most explicit thing in it. The beatings as well as memories of sexual abuse. It's all described and you feel it through Jayden. So if you mind such things, I suggest you skip it.
Another thing is the lack of editing. It's not terrible, but there are mistakes that kind of pull you out of the story, simply because you have to guess what the author wanted to say. Just the fact that I've noticed it (I don't really care about that) means that people who are a bit strict about it definitely will.
Nonetheless, I really recommend this story, as I am glad I stumbled upon it.
He is a teenager who wakes up knowing he's going to get beaten, knowing that nothing he does is going to be just right, and knowing that the person he's going to see in the mirror is the man who abuses him - his father.
He's lived with it his whole life, taking every issued blow and making the best of it. But then things start to change, and suddenly there are people around him. Asking questions, offering help, and in general being annoying. On one side he doesn't know how to deal it, on the other he kind of likes it, but is still questioning the sudden kindness - silently of course.
The man who has the most impact on him is Seaton, the mysterious neighbor who just moved in. He's intimidating, rude, bossy and surprisingly demanding, but Jayden for some reason trusts him.
Romance is a part of this story, but only as a part of Jayden's life. Something good that has happened to him in between all the bad. I would usually have a problem with that (and the fact that nothing except some kissing happens between the two MCs), but in this story it doesn't matter. You fall in love with Jayden, and every good thing which happens to him feels like something grand and magnificent. I loved this story.
As for the warnings; violence and the abuse are probably the most explicit thing in it. The beatings as well as memories of sexual abuse. It's all described and you feel it through Jayden. So if you mind such things, I suggest you skip it.
Another thing is the lack of editing. It's not terrible, but there are mistakes that kind of pull you out of the story, simply because you have to guess what the author wanted to say. Just the fact that I've noticed it (I don't really care about that) means that people who are a bit strict about it definitely will.
Nonetheless, I really recommend this story, as I am glad I stumbled upon it.
June 17, 2012
Interesting premise that the author basically did nothing with. The new friends Jayden (ugh, so over that name) makes by accident are great characters, but they serve no purpose. And why are three 19 year olds suddenly befriending a withdrawn, silent, 16 year old? Due to the abuse he’s suffered, he has no social skills, so I never really understood why they picked him up at all.
Jayden has no character arc, he starts emotionally closed off and basically ends that way. He never grows as a person, Seaton, Spencer, and the cops are the ones who save his damsel-in-distress ass. He never figures out how to interact with his new friends, and finishes just as baffled about why they’re hanging out with him. The early tie in Rose gives us to the title (which was great) made me think that Jayden was the one who was going to break out the box he’d been shut in - but he never really does.
And don’t get me started on the cop out ending, although it's more like Rose just got bored and couldn’t think of anything else to say, her author’s note at the end doesn’t solve this. The last chapter needs at least a little bit more resolution to tie things up.
And Yuck, I’m sorry, but Seaton is a total creeper. He’s an adult, an ex-cop (for which there was a totally WTF explanation for why he quit - he was hiding from his daddy because they had a disagreement???? Srsly?), he witnessed the physical abuse Jayden suffered, and a) Did nothing even after he realized the abuse was going on, b) Asks Jayden to move in with him when he has inappropriate feelings for the kid, c) FUCKING ACTS on those feelings: after Jayden admits to being sexually abused Seaton KISSES him. That is not a love interest, that is just another SICK FUCK taking advantage of Jayden in my book. And Seaton KNOWS all this, and admits it in the last real chapter. If Seaton had waited at least a year until Jayden was 18, and maybe not so fucked up anymore, I wouldn’t have had such a problem with it. Rose tells us in one of her author’s notes that since Seaton is only seven years older than Jayden, it’s not legally wrong for them to hook up - but I still think it’s ethically wrong for someone in a position of power to make or accept sexual advances from a kid who is that fucked up.
And Spencer, the high school teacher, was not much better. He made the hair on the back of my neck stand up - I was sure he was another Charlie. He was just a little too interested in Jayden, and his explanation for why he didn’t go to the authorities after he suspected Jayden was being abused - that HE wanted to be the one to save Jayden - was again way creepy. And what was with his arguments with Seaton? There was no explanation for their mutual animosity and weird bitchy catfights.
The writing overall was a little juvenile, lots of grammar/spelling problems, but the emotional mood of the MC was very well done. I kept reading this because Jayden’s damage is heartbreakingly real, and I had to know how he would deal with it. I just wish she’d done more with Jayden’s pain, that he could have at least started down the path of recovery, instead of just getting hung up on the next creepy adult who wanted to fuck him over.
The therapy sessions were a throw-away; Jayden goes, maybe because Rose knows that someone going through that kind of situation would need therapy, but then he never actually talks to his therapist, making it a useless experience for him, and one that’s abandoned by the end of the story. I was really hoping when she asked Jayden about his feelings for Seaton that Jayden would SAY something, and then she could be the voice of reason about that fucked up situation.
Jayden has no character arc, he starts emotionally closed off and basically ends that way. He never grows as a person, Seaton, Spencer, and the cops are the ones who save his damsel-in-distress ass. He never figures out how to interact with his new friends, and finishes just as baffled about why they’re hanging out with him. The early tie in Rose gives us to the title (which was great) made me think that Jayden was the one who was going to break out the box he’d been shut in - but he never really does.
And don’t get me started on the cop out ending, although it's more like Rose just got bored and couldn’t think of anything else to say, her author’s note at the end doesn’t solve this. The last chapter needs at least a little bit more resolution to tie things up.
And Yuck, I’m sorry, but Seaton is a total creeper. He’s an adult, an ex-cop (for which there was a totally WTF explanation for why he quit - he was hiding from his daddy because they had a disagreement???? Srsly?), he witnessed the physical abuse Jayden suffered, and a) Did nothing even after he realized the abuse was going on, b) Asks Jayden to move in with him when he has inappropriate feelings for the kid, c) FUCKING ACTS on those feelings: after Jayden admits to being sexually abused Seaton KISSES him. That is not a love interest, that is just another SICK FUCK taking advantage of Jayden in my book. And Seaton KNOWS all this, and admits it in the last real chapter. If Seaton had waited at least a year until Jayden was 18, and maybe not so fucked up anymore, I wouldn’t have had such a problem with it. Rose tells us in one of her author’s notes that since Seaton is only seven years older than Jayden, it’s not legally wrong for them to hook up - but I still think it’s ethically wrong for someone in a position of power to make or accept sexual advances from a kid who is that fucked up.
And Spencer, the high school teacher, was not much better. He made the hair on the back of my neck stand up - I was sure he was another Charlie. He was just a little too interested in Jayden, and his explanation for why he didn’t go to the authorities after he suspected Jayden was being abused - that HE wanted to be the one to save Jayden - was again way creepy. And what was with his arguments with Seaton? There was no explanation for their mutual animosity and weird bitchy catfights.
The writing overall was a little juvenile, lots of grammar/spelling problems, but the emotional mood of the MC was very well done. I kept reading this because Jayden’s damage is heartbreakingly real, and I had to know how he would deal with it. I just wish she’d done more with Jayden’s pain, that he could have at least started down the path of recovery, instead of just getting hung up on the next creepy adult who wanted to fuck him over.
The therapy sessions were a throw-away; Jayden goes, maybe because Rose knows that someone going through that kind of situation would need therapy, but then he never actually talks to his therapist, making it a useless experience for him, and one that’s abandoned by the end of the story. I was really hoping when she asked Jayden about his feelings for Seaton that Jayden would SAY something, and then she could be the voice of reason about that fucked up situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2011
Have mercy, I am an emotional wreck! This story was brutal and disturbing to say the least, it had my stomach twisted up in knots for the majority of it. Yeah, some decent editing would've done wonders, there were a few holes here and there, it didn't matter. The ending was abrupt and it HURT, but I got over it. Jayden is as fighter and I felt like I left him in a good place and with the hope that with continued love and support from his new friends and sort of strange family things might just turn out okay, keeping my fingers crossed there.
Thanks to Valentina for the rec. Her review is right on point, take a look for more detailed info.
Thanks to Valentina for the rec. Her review is right on point, take a look for more detailed info.
April 20, 2014
Намешено много всего и половина тем не раскрыта. Интрига для слабоумных видимо, так как сразу понято кто есть кто. В какой-то момент казалось книга пишется отзывов ради а не по сюжету. Но круче всего финальное слово от автора: типа я решила закончить книгу, потому что я так решила! WTF?
Справедливости ради скажу, что если закрыть глаза на орфографию, то потенциал был. Жаль, что обрывается ни на чем...
Справедливости ради скажу, что если закрыть глаза на орфографию, то потенциал был. Жаль, что обрывается ни на чем...
August 16, 2012
This is a free read and as such I don't expect much. Unfortunately in this case that's exactly what I got, a poorly edited and plotted story with a cliched plot and interchangeable cookie cutter characters.
August 29, 2013
It was written quite well. But tbh, personally I think the MC was just too self-centered.
September 5, 2014
Breaking the Mirror is one of those stories that I keep going back to: I read it several years ago on , when Nilah E. Rose was still working on it, but over the years, the story has continued to captivate me and linger in my mind. It isn't perfect: There are grammatical errors, and moments when the plot lags along. But Rose offers one of the most realistic and honest portrayals of child abuse -- and the long-lasting impact of the abuse on the child -- that I've read in any story, published or not.
The romance between Jayden and Seaton, while an integral part of the story, isn't forced. It develops slowly and naturally. That Jayden has been victimized doesn't inhibit him from having romantic, or even sexual, feelings for Seaton; but the portrayal of his feelings isn't far-fetched. He is still guarded and vulnerable and hurt, and Seaton doesn't try to take advantage of that.
Before I let this semi-stream-of-consciousness review drag on much longer, I just want to say that this book, with some editing and polishing, is worthy of publication. If you're considering reading the story, it's still available for free on FP. It is a raw and beautiful portrayal of a young man's struggle, his journey, to break free from an abusive household and overcome a history of childhood sexual abuse. And at the end of that road, there is light and love.
The romance between Jayden and Seaton, while an integral part of the story, isn't forced. It develops slowly and naturally. That Jayden has been victimized doesn't inhibit him from having romantic, or even sexual, feelings for Seaton; but the portrayal of his feelings isn't far-fetched. He is still guarded and vulnerable and hurt, and Seaton doesn't try to take advantage of that.
Before I let this semi-stream-of-consciousness review drag on much longer, I just want to say that this book, with some editing and polishing, is worthy of publication. If you're considering reading the story, it's still available for free on FP. It is a raw and beautiful portrayal of a young man's struggle, his journey, to break free from an abusive household and overcome a history of childhood sexual abuse. And at the end of that road, there is light and love.
June 30, 2011
The poor boy! He really gets some unbelievable abuse. It really does stretch credulity, how much the father beats the boy. But the characters are really well written. Seaton is the perfect Mr.. Darcy, just so cold, but a good guy. And I love the way Jayden is written. He is so suspicious and withdrawn, doesn't like nice people(that is why he can like Seaton). It is just a wild ride, so angsty, there is not a moment's rest, and Jayden's mind never stops thinking, it is really teenage angst to the max. And everything ends happily ever after. As an aside, it reminded me of Oliver Twist, The Little Princess, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, all situations where a child is in a horrible situation and needs to be rescued and gets rescued! (But of course there was no slash in those stories - that we know of).
August 28, 2012
Well, 3.5 really. I nejoyed the story. It was very dark, of course, but the plot was well done. Rife with typos, I was able to ignore most of them as I read since they were mostly misspellings or mixing up he and she pronouns. I thought Seaton was an undercover cop investigating Albert, though, so at least it wasn't predictable. I still have no idea why a cop would get Seaton a new id/ss number just to avoid his dad though, and it seemed very weird.
My biggest complaint is the ending, I guess. I understand why the author left the story there, even agree, but the ending scene just simply fizzled after the drama of the rest of the story. I think there wasn't this accord reached between the two characters so the sudden change for Seaton to go from loathing himself for wanting Jayden so much to admitting he loved him made no logical sense. The reversal was too much, too fast.
My biggest complaint is the ending, I guess. I understand why the author left the story there, even agree, but the ending scene just simply fizzled after the drama of the rest of the story. I think there wasn't this accord reached between the two characters so the sudden change for Seaton to go from loathing himself for wanting Jayden so much to admitting he loved him made no logical sense. The reversal was too much, too fast.
October 4, 2013
Read this a few months ago, found it by accident. I didn't know it was listed here in ŷ. Anyways, this story ..... is .... SO AWESOME!!! I love it! Every part of it. After I read this story, I was sooo happy and satisfied. And frustrated too, because I can't share that feeling with anyone(I'm dying over here!). I had recommended it to my friend, but she'll only read it after she finished another story she's reading. I can't wait for her to finish that book, because then she'll read this one, and the we both can fangirl over it!!!! Can't wait. Thanks for the awesome story !
February 18, 2013
Not a bad story, especially considering that the author only realized that the storyline had finished when she was unable to write the next chapter. There is at least one plot thread that was raised but not developed, and the spelling is not the best (your instead of you're, write instead of right) as well as typos (cant instead of can't, no instead of on), so if these things drive you insane, you may want to avoid the story. A pity really, as the bones of it are good.
December 19, 2014
This book is for all of you who have looked in a mirror and hated yourself. Take a deep breath and fall into the life of Jayden an abused teenage boy who finds solace in his new neighbor and some friends he finds along the way. Learn to hate Charlie and smile whenever the word brat is mentioned while snickering into your pillow. And above all else, just smile because you know that everything is going to be okay and for once in this gritty hard life, something finally goes right.
September 27, 2011
A story of new friends and new love set in the life of a very hurt and abused teenager. This is very dark and explicit with HFN ending. Excellent free read, with some minor editing issues, but not enough to distract me from the story.
July 13, 2012
This was really dark but written really well. I liked the progression of the story although I felt like Jayden wasn't healed enough to be in a relationship especially when everything surrounding said relationship was shaky at best.
June 11, 2011
It's nice and sweet
August 27, 2011
I really enjoyed this and though I wish it could have been longer I also do agree with the author that the ending it has really is 'the end' of the story. I can’t have seen it ending any other way.
January 18, 2015
I read this story last night, it was a good story.
July 29, 2012
Hard to read about Jayden's abuse, but really worth it to see how he slowly opens up an grows.
May 4, 2013
I would have given it another 1 or 2 stars if it had a better ending
June 9, 2013
Couldn't get over the age difference.
April 27, 2017
This is a drama-packed story of a boy who has been profoundly victimized for his entire life. He is eventually saved by adults who recognize what's going on. Unfortunately, that's where the book goes off the rails because
I honestly think that this story's resolution could be profoundly disturbing to someone who had experienced sexual abuse.
I honestly think that this story's resolution could be profoundly disturbing to someone who had experienced sexual abuse.
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