Illusions of Fate

September 9, 2014 ARC, Book Review 1

I received this for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Illusions of FateIllusions of Fate by Kiersten White
Published by Harper Collins on 2014-09-09
Pages: 288
Amazon-Indiebound
Goodreads

Downton Abbey meets Cassandra Clare in this lush, romantic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White.

“I did my best to keep you from crossing paths with this world. And I shall do my best to protect you now that you have.”

Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.

Kiersten White captured readers’ hearts with her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy and its effortless mix of magic and real-world teenage humor. She returns to that winning combination of wit, charm, and enchantment in Illusions of Fate, a sparkling and romantic new novel perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare, The Madman’s Daughter, and Libba Bray.

My Thoughts:

Kiersten White was one of the very first authors I ever met and I am a huge fangirl. I’ve loved all her books. So, when I say that this one is my favorite Kiersten White book by far, that’s saying something! It’s definitely one of my very favorite books I’ve read this year!

I don’t even really know where to start when telling you about the book. In Illusions of Fate the reader is treated to so many amazing things. I’ll start with the setting since that’s one of the things that had me excited about the book (aside from the KIERSTEN WHITE aspect!) Illusions of Fate takes place in a country called Albion. Think, England around the time of Downton Abbey but with magic! (Note: Albion is the oldest known name of Great Britain!) Melei is a an island country that has been colonized by Albion. This whole dynamic is one of the most impressive parts of this story. I don’t think I’ve read a YA book that deals with colonization and it’s effects on the people of the colonized land. I loved what it added to the story and to the character of Jessamin.

And, of course, that brings me to Jessamin. Stars! What a fabulous main character! She is fierce and determined and independent and just all around awesome. She doesn’t let society dictate her place. Nor does she sit around and wait for good things to happen to her. She goes out and works/fights for what she wants. She is basically the coolest in a slew of cool characters. Finn is swoon-worthy and mysterious. He tries to do what he sees as right even when it’s not easy. And he is MAGIC! And then there is Eleanor. Oh, how I love her. I so very badly want a companion book that focuses on her! I love how much the reader learns about her as the story goes. THERE ARE JUST SO MANY GREAT CHARACTERS!

Plus, magic! Basically any historical period is better when you add a bit of magic! I loved the way the magic worked in this story. It was set up in a very interesting way! And the humor! It’s not a Kiersten White book without her signature wit! Love it! Oh, and romance! It was so sweet and wonderful. ***sigh***

Basically, yeah, you need to pick this one up! Illusions of Fate hasn’t gotten nearly as much buzz as it deserves. If you’re looking for something a little different and totally engrossing, this one is for you!

One Response to “Illusions of Fate”

  1. Gwen

    This book sounds fantastic! I’ve never read anything by Kiersten White, but Illusions of Fate sounds like a great one to start with — two of my favorite genres, historical fiction and fantasy, in one book! Thanks for the fabulous review! ~Gwen

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