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Illusion,
Maya McAdam has never quite fit in, even on Earth where the magical elite sells alchemy on the black market. She has wild visions of conveyer belts turning into snakes and draws surrealistic pictures of places she’s never been. Partying and tossing back spells seems like a good way of avoiding her problems.
A week before her twenty-fifth birthday, her surrealist paintings finally sell. When a scarred stranger watches her from behind one of her sketches, she knows life is going to hell.
Maya would never have imagined she’s the daughter of a cursed king, and a bargaining tool for magical guilds. Will she fight demons and give up a desire for spells so she can find love with a warlock? Or will she leave her friends and become the nightmare the magical elite fears?
A week before her twenty-fifth birthday, her surrealist paintings finally sell. When a scarred stranger watches her from behind one of her sketches, she knows life is going to hell.
Maya would never have imagined she’s the daughter of a cursed king, and a bargaining tool for magical guilds. Will she fight demons and give up a desire for spells so she can find love with a warlock? Or will she leave her friends and become the nightmare the magical elite fears?
- GenresFantasy
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 16, 2013
Overall Rating: ❤❤❤½
Maya McAdam has never quite fit in, even on Earth where the magical elite sells alchemy on the black market. She has wild visions of conveyer belts turning into snakes and draws surrealistic pictures of places she’s never been. Partying and tossing back spells seems like a good way of avoiding her problems.
A week before her twenty-fifth birthday, her surrealist paintings finally sell. When a scarred stranger watches her from behind one of her sketches, she knows life is going to hell.
Maya would never have imagined she’s the daughter of a cursed king and a bargaining tool between magical guilds. Will she fight demons and give up a desire for spells so she can find love with a warlock? Or will she leave her friends and become the nightmare the magical elite fears?
Page Count: 320 pages
My Thoughts:
This book provided by the author for an honest review.
Illusion was a post-apocolyptic fantasy about a world full of mages, warlocks, demons, and one very unique element -- Maya.
Maya has lived such a dreary existence, both internally and externally. Plagued with dark dreams and the ability to draw "unique" artwork, Maya comes to the attention of some very corrupt people who seek to use her for selfish and very nefarious purposes. But Maya has an unexpected ally and champion in the form of Resheph-wa-Khasis (aka Resh), a warrior from another dimension -- Balkaith. Together, Maya and Resh face impossible battles against unbeatable foes. While fighting to just exist, Maya learns something about herself that turns her world on its axis. However, Maya's discovery also allows her to understand who she is, what she is, and more importantly, what she can do.
I must confess that Illusion is not my usual fiction fare because I do not read in the fantasy genre. Urban fantasy, yes...but not straight fantasy. At moments this book dark and a bit dismal. But Loveday's cleverly woven tale was full of very unforseen twists, impossible turns, and devastating betrayals. The plot development was excellent although the story started off a bit slow with all the world building and character development. However, the pace was necessary in order for the reader to understand the stage setting details of the story. Illusion contained an unexpected and enjoyable depth. Who's a friend? Who's an enemy? You had to keep reading to find out.
As lover of romances -- in any form -- this story was a complicated read in that the romance was not the primary element of the story. Oh yes, a romance simmered nicely between Maya and Resh throughout most of the story and there was even a moment of "sexy times" between them. However, the romance was not hot and heavy as it is in many paranormal romances. There was no happily ever after or even a sufficient happy for now because the battle wages on until the very end. BUT what the story lacked in romance it did make up in the adventure department. Maya stumbled into one adventure after the other, barely catching her breath in between.
Although this was a atypical read for me it was an enjoyable one with unique characters and thoroughly crafted worlds. Fantasy lovers will enjoy and appreciate this profound tale.
Reading Time: 6.5 Hours
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GOOD: The characteristics of a 3 star book include: interesting characters, a decent storyline, and unique story elements; there was something about the story that I didn’t completely connect with; the book is a solid read. I would recommend it to a friend.Rating's Breakdown:
Quality of Writing: 4Book Description:
Pace: 3½
Plot Development: 4
Characters: 3½
Enjoyability: 3½
Ease of Reading: 3½
Cover: 2
Maya McAdam has never quite fit in, even on Earth where the magical elite sells alchemy on the black market. She has wild visions of conveyer belts turning into snakes and draws surrealistic pictures of places she’s never been. Partying and tossing back spells seems like a good way of avoiding her problems.
A week before her twenty-fifth birthday, her surrealist paintings finally sell. When a scarred stranger watches her from behind one of her sketches, she knows life is going to hell.
Maya would never have imagined she’s the daughter of a cursed king and a bargaining tool between magical guilds. Will she fight demons and give up a desire for spells so she can find love with a warlock? Or will she leave her friends and become the nightmare the magical elite fears?
Page Count: 320 pages
My Thoughts:
This book provided by the author for an honest review.
Illusion was a post-apocolyptic fantasy about a world full of mages, warlocks, demons, and one very unique element -- Maya.
Maya has lived such a dreary existence, both internally and externally. Plagued with dark dreams and the ability to draw "unique" artwork, Maya comes to the attention of some very corrupt people who seek to use her for selfish and very nefarious purposes. But Maya has an unexpected ally and champion in the form of Resheph-wa-Khasis (aka Resh), a warrior from another dimension -- Balkaith. Together, Maya and Resh face impossible battles against unbeatable foes. While fighting to just exist, Maya learns something about herself that turns her world on its axis. However, Maya's discovery also allows her to understand who she is, what she is, and more importantly, what she can do.
I must confess that Illusion is not my usual fiction fare because I do not read in the fantasy genre. Urban fantasy, yes...but not straight fantasy. At moments this book dark and a bit dismal. But Loveday's cleverly woven tale was full of very unforseen twists, impossible turns, and devastating betrayals. The plot development was excellent although the story started off a bit slow with all the world building and character development. However, the pace was necessary in order for the reader to understand the stage setting details of the story. Illusion contained an unexpected and enjoyable depth. Who's a friend? Who's an enemy? You had to keep reading to find out.
As lover of romances -- in any form -- this story was a complicated read in that the romance was not the primary element of the story. Oh yes, a romance simmered nicely between Maya and Resh throughout most of the story and there was even a moment of "sexy times" between them. However, the romance was not hot and heavy as it is in many paranormal romances. There was no happily ever after or even a sufficient happy for now because the battle wages on until the very end. BUT what the story lacked in romance it did make up in the adventure department. Maya stumbled into one adventure after the other, barely catching her breath in between.
Although this was a atypical read for me it was an enjoyable one with unique characters and thoroughly crafted worlds. Fantasy lovers will enjoy and appreciate this profound tale.
Reading Time: 6.5 Hours
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June 29, 2013
Post-apocalyptic world torn by magic, a female lead who hallucinates, different dimensions, demons and past lives - how does a reader categorize this book? Is it fantasy, paranormal or urban fantasy? Regardless of the classification, the story is well-written.
Ms. Loveday creates a dysfunctional magical world where life as a human is grim. It is as if the soul of mankind is sucked out of existence. Earth is divided between the magi and humans. The outcasts are the hybrids which both races distrust.
Maya McAdam is losing her mind. She's a human who just wants to stop her nightmares and physical pain. She's considered a spell junkie because she needs it to help her bodily pain and delusions. She's trying to eke out a living through her artwork. Unfortunately, her dark fantasy sketches are her downfall. It demonstrates an ability she should not possess. Now warlocks, witches, magi and demons want her. Some want her dead; others want her alive and collared.
Resheph is from another world, one which Maya doesn't believe exists. He is enigmatic and reeks of dark power. Will he help her or destroy her? What is his motive? Why does he befriend her?
Ms. Loveday's world building is fabulous. While there are many made-up words, it isn't confusing. It's very easy to follow and understand the different worlds and inhabitants. She spent a good deal of time creating each race and entwining it to make a cohesive world. Even when she used unfamiliar names for each character, it was easy to remember each one because the characters are well designed and unique. Every character, whether large or small, played a part. There were no extraneous characters to distract from the storyline. Every character did exactly what they needed to do for the story to progress forward and make sense.
This book is packed with betrayal, sorrow, despair and cruelty. Yet hope fights on and brings about a bittersweet ending to this first book in the series. The realities of corrupting power is an insidious theme snaking through the book. Even though the story is from the point of view of the tarnished and questionable "good guys", it doesn't mean that they will win. One could argue the battle was barely a stalemate and it's questionable how the war will end. This kind of ending where the good guys don't come out on top with a magically happily ever after is more powerful than the usual "Disney effect happily ever after". It makes a reader think and yearn. And when a reader hopes for a palpable resolution, then they are engaged. This makes for a good reading experience and a higher rating. I'm completely invested in this story and I want to know what will happen to Maya.
Better yet, there is no deus ex machine. Too often, authors write themselves into a corner and become unable to save the hero or heroine without some powerful being magically saving the day. Ms. Loveday does a great job of bringing about a conclusion without fully resolving the conflicts. Although she did involve a deity. Yet this deity is mentioned throughout the story and critical in the storyline.
This rich fantasy is recommended for readers who enjoy a darker side where the good guys don't always come out unscathed.
November 9, 2012
I don't read romance, but this is a highly entertaining read. The world has been ravaged by a war between the Magical Guilds, and humans are treated as second class citizens. The main character Maya is tormented by visions which she keeps at bay by taking spells gleaned from her dispicable Mage employer Jhara, owner of an illegal spell factory. Enter Resheph, warrior elite from a world that shares a common magical ancestry with the Earth. His mission to investigate and possibly kill Maya is compromised when he falls for her. There is a darkness that is woven through the worlds and characters that keeps this story from being sappy. Indeed, the darker parts (and they are dark) appeal to the horror fan in me. I love the alchemical underpinnings and historical references that make this fantasy almost seem plausible. The story is that of a quest for understanding Maya's powers, that everyone believes she has, except her. Maya is a sharp, witty character that made keeping her company on her quest a delight.
May 13, 2013
: Maya s a spell addicted human in a world when the mage wars had left Earth shocked to know other species existed. Resh is sent from his world to kill the girl that seems to know their secrets. He immediately decides to take her back with him to find out what she really knows and what she is and for his own reasons.
This is an action packed story of an assassin falling in love with his target and a girl that has no clue what she is. The story is action packed fast paced and has many surprising twists and turns. I loved the fact that the heroine is a poor spell addicted girl that has no clue as to her powers and the hero is actually an assassin. It is a surprisingly different story and left me on pins and needles. I highly recommend this story if you’re looking for something different. It also had enough romance to quell the romance lover inside me without making the story about all sex and love. Great Job!
Recommendations: If you love Magic, mages, witches, warlocks, demons, lots of action, some sensuous hints of sex and fated love this is for you.
This is an action packed story of an assassin falling in love with his target and a girl that has no clue what she is. The story is action packed fast paced and has many surprising twists and turns. I loved the fact that the heroine is a poor spell addicted girl that has no clue as to her powers and the hero is actually an assassin. It is a surprisingly different story and left me on pins and needles. I highly recommend this story if you’re looking for something different. It also had enough romance to quell the romance lover inside me without making the story about all sex and love. Great Job!
Recommendations: If you love Magic, mages, witches, warlocks, demons, lots of action, some sensuous hints of sex and fated love this is for you.
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November 8, 2012I can't really provide an unbiased review of this, as I critiqued it from an early stage. It's wonderful to see the novel published by Liquid Silver Books.
Dy Loveday has created a dark post-apocalyptic Earth still reeling from the advent of magic and ensuing wars. The heroine, Maya, is damaged and brusque, but not in an unlikeable way. This is a romance, and the chemistry between her and Resh builds up to some sizzling scenes near the end. But more than being a paranormal romance, it's about Maya struggling through her addiction to magic and gaining control over her life. In the end, that's a power that gods and demons can't even wrest away.
Dy Loveday has created a dark post-apocalyptic Earth still reeling from the advent of magic and ensuing wars. The heroine, Maya, is damaged and brusque, but not in an unlikeable way. This is a romance, and the chemistry between her and Resh builds up to some sizzling scenes near the end. But more than being a paranormal romance, it's about Maya struggling through her addiction to magic and gaining control over her life. In the end, that's a power that gods and demons can't even wrest away.
October 31, 2012
In a post apocalyptic setting, Illusion is anything but familiar. Instead of scorched earth and nuclear fallout, we are treated to Houses of Mages, a moonless blighted environment, an imperfect heroine with grit, and an assassin from another realm who’s in danger of falling for the witch he hunts. The research involved is tremendous. Each scene is powerful, fluid and gripping—real because it speaks with authority and builds upon threat after threat in ways a reader can sense and feel. Driven by mystery and passion not soon to be forgotten, Illusion has a permanent place on my shelf.
January 23, 2013
This is a great fantasy story and I thoroughly enjoyed the world building. Maya made a great heroine, in the beginning determined to deny her gifts and blur them with spells. But when the demons are on the verge of destroying her world, she finds the strength to embrace her parentage and step forward to face her nightmares. Am waiting for Book 2 in this series.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews