Soul Mirrors by Wiley Haydon is a great story with a strong appeal for readers who enjoy psychologically rich characters and stories that are original. Thomas and Ashley Ross are not your run-of-the-mill twins. They possess a special gift. They are mirrors — something that is rare to come by in one family, because mirrors are generally rare to find. The twins can take on memories of other people, a gift the government quickly thinks will become useful for humanity and is keen on exploiting it. They start working for the government from the ages of twelve until eighteen, and while they may be helping the powerful ones out there get where they want to be, the process leaves them with harrowing memories. Can they survive the ordeal and, if they survive, can they ever be normal again?

This is a riveting novel and one of the things that had me mesmerized is the concept behind it, a story that shows how we can disregard the humanity of others while exploiting them, and this happens in real life. The concept of a “mirror” itself constitutes a strong basis for a good conflict. Wiley Haydon lets the reader see how ruthless governments and organizations can be to individuals when they fix their eyes on the so-called bigger picture. The narrative raises powerful ethical questions — must a single life be sacrificed for the greater good? The agony that the key characters go through is captured in vivid descriptions and in a prose that is flawless and compelling. Reading Soul Mirrors will get your emotions rattled and there are moments when you’ll feel angry and at times you’ll have a strong compassion for the characters. This novel is a masterpiece, the kind of story I have always wanted to see on screen.

The saying that our gifts are our crosses (or curses) can’t be exemplified any better than through Soul Mirrors by Wiley Haydon, a compelling paranormal novel that explores a rare phenomenon. Twins Thomas and Ashley Ross have the mirror gift, which allows them to assume the memories of others. Such a gift is very useful when it comes to fighting crime, and the government is very eager to put their skills to use. So from the age of twelve, Thomas and Ashley Ross have been made to undergo strenuous experiments, used as a tool in the hands of a ruthless government. Now eighteen years old, do they still have the energy to withstand the destructive impact or can they fight back? Are their lives destined to end like that of many other children with unique gifts? Will they choose the easy way out?

This is a great story with strong moral questions. Readers are introduced to a world where the powerful prey on the weak to reach their goals. The theme of child abuse is discussed in the novel and readers will feel empathy with the twins as they struggle to survive. Wiley Haydon writes with an original voice and has the gift of plunging readers into the mental landscapes of the characters. I enjoyed the flawless writing, loaded with imagery. The psychological elements of the novel are well developed and readers will connect emotionally with the key characters. Soul Mirrors stands out in its originality, in character depth, and in the storytelling. It’s a craft on its own, engrossing and hypnotic. Although the idea of mirrors is one I still have to research, I found it unique for the conflict in this novel. Hard to put down!