Reviews

Cruel Illusions by Margie Fuston

bookstorm_'s review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I really liked the setting of the book, but the story didn't really convince me. It's a bit chaotic, and the games are a little bit forced into the vampire plot, in my opinion.
I liked the main character at the beginning, but then I have the feeling that she constantly contradicts herself, going from not wanting to trust anyone all the time to being the most trustworthy and innocent person who is fooled by everyone in a matter of seconds.
I found it a bit bloody for a YA. Still, it's a well-written book, I especially liked the magic system and the setting. 

jade_logan's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional 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? Yes

4.25

rightlyrianna's review against another edition

4.0

This book surprised me, I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. It’s YA which I though would mean it would be predictable and shallow but I thought the characters were pretty well worked out and the overall storyline was interesting and combined some of my favorite elements of these coming of age stories.

mrs_s_reads's review

Felt like nothing was happening at almost 40% through.

bookmotel's review against another edition

1.0

DNF. Really cool premise, but can’t stand the MC

glddstwmn's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This was a fun read, I enjoyed the incorporation of magic and vampires. 
There were some entertaining twists and I really enjoyed how the the finale and ending was written, everything was wrapped up nicely.

books_tea_and_fantasy's review against another edition

2.0

2 ⭐️

Characters: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Writing: 3
Plot: 3
Intrigue: 1
Logic: 5
Enjoyment: 2

❌ DNF at 45% (p. 231)
❌ Unhaul

aerussom_25's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

3.0

This book was way too long and the connection between vampires and magicians was a little hard to grasp  in the sense that it was believable. Other than that it was fine. 

lana_taylor23's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

eliza_m_ecrire's review against another edition

3.0

Voici un livre qui me tente depuis longtemps, avant même qu’il ne sorte à vrai dire. D’abord intéressée grâce à la superbe couverture, puis par le résumé qui combine magie aux vampires, j’ai rajouté ce livre à ma liste et l’ai acheté à sa sortie, ne le lisant que tout récemment. Ce que je m’apprête à dire donnera le ton pour le reste de mon propos, puisque ça peut être interprété de plusieurs manières : je suis convaincue que si j’avais fait cette lecture à 14 ans, j’aurais ADORÉ ce roman.

Critique complète ici : https://lesmotsdezaza.wordpress.com/2023/05/21/critique-34-cruel-illusions-2022-par-margie-fuston/