The Moth in the Mirror A.G. Howard *Review*

The Moth in the Mirror, aka Splintered 1.5, is an ebook-only novella well worth trying, especially if you enjoyed Splintered (...obviously). Plus, cover love :3! *ahem*

Howard utilizes the perspectives of both men in a simplistic, yet ingenius way--Morpheus views Jeb's memories, and in doing so, he takes on all of Jeb's feelings, living through him for a brief period of time. Fans of either 'team' won't be disappointed. (I'm definitely rooting for Morpheus, btw.)

Also...the premise of this novella is beyond hilarious to me. Maybe that's just my offbeat sense of humor shining through, but I love Morpheus' resolve to get to know his 'rival' and to change himself to win over Alyssa's heart. He just so--well, cute. 

Additionally, I loved that none of Howard's style is compromised by the length of the text; the detail and decorative flourishes she pours into her work are equal in ratio to the amount she pours in Splintered and Unhinged. It's just...a mini trip down the rabbit hole :)

One tip-off: The beginning of Jeb's time in wonderland apart from Alyssa might shock you. **Blush-worthy alert!** I say this because it shocked me until I realized what was going on. It's probably because I'd forgotten the event, having read Splintered so long ago. Either way, you've been forewarned ;) 

The only thing I didn't thoroughly enjoy about it was the length/pacing. Oh, the length...! I wish it would've been a novel instead of a novella. *sigh* I never realized how little time Jeb spent apart from Alyssa in Splintered until I read this. 

Because it was so short, the pace was like that of a rocket ship. That was difficult to adjust to (again, mostly because I wanted it to last longer...). 

Overall, The Moth in the Mirror is definitely worth reading whether you've already read Unhinged or not--but if you haven't read Unhinged, I recommend reading The Moth in the Mirror before doing so. 

If I could only choose one reason to recommend this novella, it'd be that you stand to gain a clearer understanding of both Jeb and Morpheus--their personalities, sentiments, motivations, and backstories. 

Favorite moment:  The ending

Least favorite moment:  First scene in which Morpheus explores Jeb's memories in Wonderland 

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About the Author

Anita Grace Howard lives in the Texas panhandle, and is most at home weaving the melancholy and macabre into settings and scenes, twisting the expected into the unexpected. She’s inspired by all things flawed, utilizing the complex loveliness of human conditions and raw emotions to give her characters life, then turning their world upside down so the reader’s blood will race.

Married and mother of two teens (as well as surrogate mom to two Labrador retrievers), Anita divides her days between spending time with her family and plodding along or plotting on her next book.


When she’s not writing, Anita enjoys rollerblading, biking, snow skiing, gardening, and family vacations that at any given time might include an impromptu side trip to an 18th century graveyard or a condemned schoolhouse for photo ops.

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