Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Okay, so, this books pacing was a little slow compared to my usual readss but once I'd got stuck in, I devoured it. The book has some strong Scandinavian influences, although this seems to be in essence only, nameses, lore etc, there doesn't seem to be a connection with the characters and the the actual scandi roots. No speaking in their own tongues in private for example? That was odd. No language barrier period.
Despite this, I found the whole story very interesting. the magic system and world building was unique and I enjoyed the use of Illusions being the main point seller here. There is so many things one could conjure for an illusion.
The MC in this book has spent her whole life doubting and trying to prove something to herself, because of some inner turmoil she faced as a younger girl. Psychological nurturing is so important for development of a healthy mind. without it we become unstable in our thinking patterns and behaviours.
I have suffered for many a year with this exact issue.
A loss paves the way for a mission for the MC which leads to the realisation that everything is not as it seems. A huge can't judge a book by its cover imo.
Overall I loved the book, and was so happy to read it. I found it thought provoking, incredibly deep and moving.
I didn't get the Dramione reference from others though? I believe it's a fanfic thing, maybe Hermione and Draco? I've never read it,
I did love THIS little romance that blossomed in this story, 2 Feisty stubborn headstrong characters with opposing opinions and social classes going from enemies to lovers. Resulting in a F2B romance. (sorry smut sisters)
I found the characters so life-like and relatable, I appreciate a good smutfree book as long as it can back that up with it's other elements. Illusion of Stars did that.
This is another recommend-to-all-my-friends book. Full of humour, wit, magic, and more.
and for anyone out there that needs to hear this, just as I did.
YOU ARE ENOUGH. ❤️
Despite this, I found the whole story very interesting. the magic system and world building was unique and I enjoyed the use of Illusions being the main point seller here. There is so many things one could conjure for an illusion.
The MC in this book has spent her whole life doubting and trying to prove something to herself, because of some inner turmoil she faced as a younger girl. Psychological nurturing is so important for development of a healthy mind. without it we become unstable in our thinking patterns and behaviours.
I have suffered for many a year with this exact issue.
A loss paves the way for a mission for the MC which leads to the realisation that everything is not as it seems. A huge can't judge a book by its cover imo.
Overall I loved the book, and was so happy to read it. I found it thought provoking, incredibly deep and moving.
I didn't get the Dramione reference from others though? I believe it's a fanfic thing, maybe Hermione and Draco? I've never read it,
I did love THIS little romance that blossomed in this story, 2 Feisty stubborn headstrong characters with opposing opinions and social classes going from enemies to lovers. Resulting in a F2B romance. (sorry smut sisters)
I found the characters so life-like and relatable, I appreciate a good smutfree book as long as it can back that up with it's other elements. Illusion of Stars did that.
This is another recommend-to-all-my-friends book. Full of humour, wit, magic, and more.
and for anyone out there that needs to hear this, just as I did.
YOU ARE ENOUGH. ❤️
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So much yearning, so much character development, and beautiful writing!
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I bought this book a year ago AND IM KICKING MYSELF FOR NOT READING IT SOONER. Why is this book not trending on Booktok? How can anyone rate this under 4 stars? Are there any special editions of this and signed copies? Because I really need a fancy book trophy—that’s how great this is!!!!
The book isn’t set in some epic fantasy realm with high stakes trials and action-packed battlefields with maniacal villains. But that’s just it: even without all the pow wow hoo ha, Sarah is an amazing writer and she proves that you don’t need all that to write a 5 star romantasy story. I don’t want to spoil things so trust me when I say it’s good😭
The banter is top-tier ugh. The funny moments weren’t belly-aching-hilarious but they catch you off guard and that’s what makes me love them. And the yearning WILL make you swoon.
To Sarah: I’m not sure if you’ll ever read this but I wanna tell you that your law school story at the end really got to me. I’m currently unemployed and the amount of rejection emails are getting to me because I too feel like a nobody and want to become a somebody. Your book has encouraged me that I’m enough. I just haven’t found the right company who sees me as enough so I’ll keep trying!!💕
Now, I know what a book hangover is like! I can't wait to read more books by Sarah Marie Page! She is a great storyteller! This was an amazing book. It was light and funny and romantic. The characters had an emotional depth to them that made them feel real. The world building was exceptional. Its definitely in my top 10 for the year!
Mostly I didn't feel like reading. Also there were way too many worldbuilding incongruities. The FMC felt too naïve for her role and ambitions, and the death of the friend felt rushed. Finally the dialogue felt way too modern. There was no understandable power chain nor did the characters use any type of reverence when talking to peole of higher status.
Delightful YA
I really liked this story. I enjoyed listening to Isy give herself pep talks. She frequently tries to shake off the thoughts of not being enough. She gets lemons and makes lemonade. The romance is slow. Most of the time, they're strangers, then frenemies. I like the two of them together though. I think there's more to those boxes and more to Isy than she knows. Perhaps we'll find out in the next book.
I really liked this story. I enjoyed listening to Isy give herself pep talks. She frequently tries to shake off the thoughts of not being enough. She gets lemons and makes lemonade. The romance is slow. Most of the time, they're strangers, then frenemies. I like the two of them together though. I think there's more to those boxes and more to Isy than she knows. Perhaps we'll find out in the next book.
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No