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laurenkaye 's review for:
Illusions of Fate
by Kiersten White
NO SPOILERS
Last year, I heard quite a bit of buzz about Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White so I finally decided to pick it up in February. It isn't often that you find a standalone fantasy book - so I was definitely intrigued by this, and excited to see if I would like it. Plus, the cover is absolutely beautiful. I just love it (it looks really pretty with the dust jacket off too btw) I got very behind with my reviews last month, but now I am finally posting my thoughts on this lovely little magical delight of a book.
The story centres around Jessamin, who has moved from her island home to start a new life in the great city of Albion. Jessamin has ambition. She wants a good education and a chance to build a better life for herself. Going to school, and working at a nearby hotel is enough to keep her very busy...until one day she wanders down a certain alleyway and everything changes forever.
Jessamin meets Finn, who introduces her to a very magical and very dangerous world that exists in the very streets around her. Suddenly, Jessamin finds herself at the centre of a political tug-of-war, and soon learns that meeting Finn might not have been chance after all - and that everything happens for a reason. Everything happens because of Fate.
I really enjoyed this story. The world was similar in some ways to ones we are familiar with...but also very different. We get to see all different aspects of their world, including twisted politics, racism, poverty and more. I loved exploring everything with Jessamin as the new world opens up to her. I did find some things a little confusing - such as the rules surrounding the magic, and also the politics of the world. I got lost at some points, but tried my best to understand as all of these things are crucial to the plot.
The writing itself was great. Witty where it needed to be, and everything was described perfectly enough to see it in your mind. I thought that the pacing was excellent, and I never once got bored. The chapters are quite short, which I actually prefer as I find it helps to move the story along much quicker. Kiersten White manages to completely suck you into this world right from the start. In fact - when I first started reading this I was sat in the doctor's waiting room waiting for my appointment...and actually MISSED my name being called TWICE because I was so engrossed.
That being said, although I enjoyed all of the book - I DID find that the first half was stronger than the second. I really loved all of the exciting things that happened during the 150 pages-or-so as Jessamin is introduced to the magic world. There is alot of suspense, alot of mystery - and I really enjoyed that. Whilst the rest of the book carried on well, I just find that the first half really sticks out in my mind as being fantastic.
There are lots of diverse characters in this book, from all different backgrounds. People like Jessamin and her friends who were born and raised as islanders, the more upstanding members of Albion society like Finn, and lots more in between. There is a romance (or two) in the story, which I liked...but I have to admit that it felt a little insta-lovey for me and slightly rushed - but it was still nice. All of the characters were well-developed and some of their witty lines will make you laugh out loud. Even little animal friends are a great inclusion.
To be honest, a few weeks on - I don't remember much about the ending of the book...which I think says something about it. I DO remember being quite surprised about certain things (you got me there Kiersten...you got me), and overall I think that I was happy with how everything came together and turned out in the end. I LOVED that this is a standalone. I wouldn't hate another book after this one, but it also just works perfectly on it's own.
Overall, this was a great little read. I did thoroughly enjoy it (especially the first half), and this little magical world still makes me smile when I think about it.
If you like
** Magical worlds
** Fast romances
** Animal friends
** Witty writing
** Suspense and mystery
...then I think you will really enjoy Illusions of Fate and I definitely recommend that you pick it up.
So there are all of my thoughts on this book. I won't be doing a Discussion Post as there isn't much more I would like to say - plus I just don't have the time :(
Let me know if you have read this!
ALSO - can you recommend any standalone fantasy books to me that are worth a read? As I think that they are few and far between
Last year, I heard quite a bit of buzz about Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White so I finally decided to pick it up in February. It isn't often that you find a standalone fantasy book - so I was definitely intrigued by this, and excited to see if I would like it. Plus, the cover is absolutely beautiful. I just love it (it looks really pretty with the dust jacket off too btw) I got very behind with my reviews last month, but now I am finally posting my thoughts on this lovely little magical delight of a book.
The story centres around Jessamin, who has moved from her island home to start a new life in the great city of Albion. Jessamin has ambition. She wants a good education and a chance to build a better life for herself. Going to school, and working at a nearby hotel is enough to keep her very busy...until one day she wanders down a certain alleyway and everything changes forever.
Jessamin meets Finn, who introduces her to a very magical and very dangerous world that exists in the very streets around her. Suddenly, Jessamin finds herself at the centre of a political tug-of-war, and soon learns that meeting Finn might not have been chance after all - and that everything happens for a reason. Everything happens because of Fate.
I really enjoyed this story. The world was similar in some ways to ones we are familiar with...but also very different. We get to see all different aspects of their world, including twisted politics, racism, poverty and more. I loved exploring everything with Jessamin as the new world opens up to her. I did find some things a little confusing - such as the rules surrounding the magic, and also the politics of the world. I got lost at some points, but tried my best to understand as all of these things are crucial to the plot.
The writing itself was great. Witty where it needed to be, and everything was described perfectly enough to see it in your mind. I thought that the pacing was excellent, and I never once got bored. The chapters are quite short, which I actually prefer as I find it helps to move the story along much quicker. Kiersten White manages to completely suck you into this world right from the start. In fact - when I first started reading this I was sat in the doctor's waiting room waiting for my appointment...and actually MISSED my name being called TWICE because I was so engrossed.
That being said, although I enjoyed all of the book - I DID find that the first half was stronger than the second. I really loved all of the exciting things that happened during the 150 pages-or-so as Jessamin is introduced to the magic world. There is alot of suspense, alot of mystery - and I really enjoyed that. Whilst the rest of the book carried on well, I just find that the first half really sticks out in my mind as being fantastic.
There are lots of diverse characters in this book, from all different backgrounds. People like Jessamin and her friends who were born and raised as islanders, the more upstanding members of Albion society like Finn, and lots more in between. There is a romance (or two) in the story, which I liked...but I have to admit that it felt a little insta-lovey for me and slightly rushed - but it was still nice. All of the characters were well-developed and some of their witty lines will make you laugh out loud. Even little animal friends are a great inclusion.
To be honest, a few weeks on - I don't remember much about the ending of the book...which I think says something about it. I DO remember being quite surprised about certain things (you got me there Kiersten...you got me), and overall I think that I was happy with how everything came together and turned out in the end. I LOVED that this is a standalone. I wouldn't hate another book after this one, but it also just works perfectly on it's own.
Overall, this was a great little read. I did thoroughly enjoy it (especially the first half), and this little magical world still makes me smile when I think about it.
If you like
** Magical worlds
** Fast romances
** Animal friends
** Witty writing
** Suspense and mystery
...then I think you will really enjoy Illusions of Fate and I definitely recommend that you pick it up.
So there are all of my thoughts on this book. I won't be doing a Discussion Post as there isn't much more I would like to say - plus I just don't have the time :(
Let me know if you have read this!
ALSO - can you recommend any standalone fantasy books to me that are worth a read? As I think that they are few and far between