Series: standalone
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 9, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Alternate Historical Contemporary Fantasy
Told: First Person (Jessamin), Present Tense
Content Rating: Older Teen (some minor torture, violence, kissing, quick animal cruelty)
Format Read: ARC
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase:Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary:
“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.
* * *
Illusions of Fate is an alternate historical fantasy with a little bit of everything: mystery, romance, suspense, magic. After a mysterious and alluring man insists on rescuing her from trouble, Jessamin finds herself violently entangled in power and politics and must find a way to save herself and everyone she holds dear from a sadistic villain.At its heart, Illusions is a lord-and-commoner love story - although Finn is an unorthodox lord and Jessamin is anything but common. Capable and self-reliant, Jessamin wielded strength and wit against friend and foe and held her own against a terrifying antagonist. Even in the face of danger and torture she pushed through and saved herself when required, not waiting for a man to eventually rescue her. While her actions weren't always prudent she was true to herself and took responsibility for the consequences, and she was a fierce friend willing to sacrifice herself if need be to save others. Lord Finn, aptly described by the author as Howl meets Mr. Darcy, could be a bit vain, but ultimately he was charming and caring not only to Jessamin but to generally everyone. His and Jessamin's romance was odd but sweet and not overpowering, which I really enjoyed. I adored their dear friend and gossip Elanor for her cleverness, compassion, and secret skills, and although Jessamin got her into some deadly trouble Elanor remained a steadfast and reliable companion.
Despite the story's lighter romantic feel, the mystery elements involved gruesome murder, hidden magic, and a surprise twist in the last chapter that I did not anticipate in the slightest (bravo, Ms. White). The plot of power and politics got quite dark with a disturbing scene of torture, sadistic threats and actions, and a violent climax that almost ends on a bittersweet note, but ultimately love prevails for a happy and satisfying end.
Conclusion: Although the surprising bursts of violence were a little unsettling, Illusions of Fate is an enchanting standalone in the vein of Howl's Moving Castle with a sweet romance, intriguing magic, and a strong female character you can't help but root for. Highly recommend for alternate historical fantasy lovers.
Scribble Rating:
4 of 5 Scribbles
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