Published by: HarperTeen, September 9th 2014
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Historical
Pages: 288
Format: Ebook
Source: HarperTeen, via Edelweiss
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.
Oh, this book. *sighs dreamily*
You know, I read this because I needed a reprieve between Icons and Idols, and boy - did I get a reprieve of emotions and heartache? NOPE. This book fucked my feelings so hard.
This is nothing like The Infernal Devices (it's much better written, sorry Cassie) and why it's been compared to Downton is BEYOND me. This book is just wonderful, and a million times better than the both of them put together. And you know how much I adore Shadowhunters and Granthams.
The writing of this book sucked me in from the literal first page. Jessamin is hilarious and witty and a delight to read. Probably my favourite period heroine ever, now. I'm finding it hard to write a proper review, because most of what I loved about this book was the way it made me feel - enamoured and frustrated and thoroughly amused. I was caught up in a magical, twisty tale of romance and betrayal and magic, and I never wanted it to end.
I'm so upset it did end, and the ending ... *glares at Kiersten* NEVER do that to me again. Everything about this book, the lively characters, the detailed world, the villain, the drama, the threats (the KISSES!). Ugh I need more, I'm not satisfied. Give me a book about Eleanor. Give me a book about anyone. I'll take what I can.
Characters ★★★★★
Setting/world building ★★★★★
Writing Style ★★★★★
(from galley:)
"It makes a soul lonely when even your tongue has no home"
"I saved my own life. You are simply keeping me company on this leg of my escape"
"I refuse to be anything less than what I am"
YESSSSS! Seriously, I want a series. It's mean. Freaking mean. AND THE ENDING. THE ENDING. Sneaky. BUT I WANTED MORE KISSES. For once, I WANTED more romance, haha. But they were just so damn cute together and the tension and just ahhh. :D
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