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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
I loved this world and these characters. The story is amazing and I cannot wait for the next installment.
# Illusion of Stars
# 2/4/2025 ~ 2/7/2025
# 5.0 / 5.0
# Illusion of Stars
# 2/4/2025 ~ 2/7/2025
# 5.0 / 5.0
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The FMC is very relatable. I loved the relationship she had with Erik, but also the other relationships she built with the supporting characters. The world building was strong enough to allow the reader to go deep into the story without getting overwhelmed. I can't wait to read the next one when it is available.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use, Dementia, Kidnapping, Abandonment
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Self harm, Grief
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A good start, but needs more work. Author used the same phrases or patterns that it was annoying. Example: Not Ian. Ian who smiled. Ian who worked hard. Ian who loved kittens. Ian who is always so selfless and loved by all. That pattern alone was used at least 6 times. Some of the banter was just awkward. *snake in your trouser scene*
For not being in love with the guy she sure did do a lot. I wasn’t attached to any characters and the plot was fairly predictable. Will not be continuing.
This book does have romance. Kissing, sexual reference jokes, and a closed door scene.
For not being in love with the guy she sure did do a lot. I wasn’t attached to any characters and the plot was fairly predictable. Will not be continuing.
This book does have romance. Kissing, sexual reference jokes, and a closed door scene.
Wasn’t in the mood for a fantasy book
medium-paced
This book was exactly what I needed—romantic, awkward, and full of vibes. If you love a swoony, tension-filled romance with the FMC who fumbles her way through espionage (and life), you’re in for a treat.
If you're looking for deep world-building and intricate plotting, this might not be the one for you. There's still plenty to keep your interested in the story and making you feel like you're there, but this isn't epic fantasy.
Isabel is sent on a mission: seduce the enemy, steal their kingdom-destroying weapon, and don’t catch feelings. The only problem? She’s terrible at being sneaky, deception is not her strong suit, and the general’s son is way too charming for her own good. Watching her struggle through spy work, badly, was both endearing and painfully relatable.
This story leans more into romance (fade-to-black) than plot, but I didn’t mind at all. The banter, tension, and soft moments got me. I loved the found family elements, the betrayals had me gasping, and the yearning was a 10/10 from me.
If you’re in the mood for a book that’s not too heavy, gives you all the romance, and has an FMC who’s both sweet and slightly cringe in the best way, this one is for you!
Tropes:
One horse
Who did this to you?
Yearning
Enemies-to-lovers
If you're looking for deep world-building and intricate plotting, this might not be the one for you. There's still plenty to keep your interested in the story and making you feel like you're there, but this isn't epic fantasy.
Isabel is sent on a mission: seduce the enemy, steal their kingdom-destroying weapon, and don’t catch feelings. The only problem? She’s terrible at being sneaky, deception is not her strong suit, and the general’s son is way too charming for her own good. Watching her struggle through spy work, badly, was both endearing and painfully relatable.
This story leans more into romance (fade-to-black) than plot, but I didn’t mind at all. The banter, tension, and soft moments got me. I loved the found family elements, the betrayals had me gasping, and the yearning was a 10/10 from me.
If you’re in the mood for a book that’s not too heavy, gives you all the romance, and has an FMC who’s both sweet and slightly cringe in the best way, this one is for you!
Tropes:
One horse
Who did this to you?
Yearning
Enemies-to-lovers
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Absolutely loved the audiobook, having already read the book, listening to it added a depth of emotion. The narrator did an excellent job with the pacing, as well as capturing the characters raw moments.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness
Moderate: Self harm
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
This book is incredible!
I really truly loved this book, it just took me way too long to pull it off my TBR. I had so many personal struggles happening in my life, and this book made me feel seen in spite of them. It’s beautifully heart breaking, the kind that will make you cry but fill your heart at the same time.
The world here was filled with magic and mystery and built on the story of the nobody, the underdog that no one would bet on. And that nobody, had to learn to live in her own skin. To find the strengths she possessed and sharpen them while also learning to exist in a world staunchly different from her own. Her journey of empowerment was the focus of the book, but the Dramione inspired romance had a very strong presence.
I highly recommend this for fantasy and romantasy lovers that enjoy vikings, political intrigue, an underdog, and a good old opposite sides of the war forbidden romance.
(This is fade to black with lots of tension, think PG 16.)
I devoured this book! It is an incredibly well written, unique story. There's enough magic, mystery, and romance to keep you turning the pages well into the night. Definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year.