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The Enmity of Hearts Duet #1
Illusion of Stars
From award-winning author Sarah Marie Page comes a stunning new adult enemies-to-lovers romantasy featuring a simmering slow-burn romance between a vengeful spy and an enemy general's alluring second-in-command on opposite sides of a pending war.
SHE'S STEALING MORE THAN SECRETS.
As the royal physician of a tiny, windswept island, eighteen-year-old Isabel spends her days trying to keep the queen from dying and the mad king from streaking naked down the halls. But when her best friend is found murdered on the beaches, her world is ripped apart. Desperate for answers, she discovers a stash of letters that reveal a terrifying truth: the neighboring kingdom of Volgaard possesses a kingdom-shattering weapon and is poised to conquer everything in its path.
Seeking vengeance, Isabel infiltrates the enemy. Her mission? Woo Erik Lothgarson, the general’s steamy, illusion-magic wielding son, and steal the dangerous weapon. She can bring Volgaard to its knees—if she isn’t caught.
But as Isabel dances along the knife edge of deception, the lines between truth and fiction blur, and she must wrestle her quest for vengeance against her undeniable attraction to the enemy.
Please note the spice level is a steamy fade-to-black, meaning there's some foreplay and build-up, but no on-page sex.
SHE'S STEALING MORE THAN SECRETS.
As the royal physician of a tiny, windswept island, eighteen-year-old Isabel spends her days trying to keep the queen from dying and the mad king from streaking naked down the halls. But when her best friend is found murdered on the beaches, her world is ripped apart. Desperate for answers, she discovers a stash of letters that reveal a terrifying truth: the neighboring kingdom of Volgaard possesses a kingdom-shattering weapon and is poised to conquer everything in its path.
Seeking vengeance, Isabel infiltrates the enemy. Her mission? Woo Erik Lothgarson, the general’s steamy, illusion-magic wielding son, and steal the dangerous weapon. She can bring Volgaard to its knees—if she isn’t caught.
But as Isabel dances along the knife edge of deception, the lines between truth and fiction blur, and she must wrestle her quest for vengeance against her undeniable attraction to the enemy.
Please note the spice level is a steamy fade-to-black, meaning there's some foreplay and build-up, but no on-page sex.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2024
821 people are currently reading
36210 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Marie Page
2 books402 followersI'm Sarah, an award-winning author who writes fluffy fantasy. I live in Phoenix, Arizona with my equally fluffy cat (starting to see a pattern here?) And fine, I have a husband too.
He's not fluffy.
My debut novel, ILLUSION OF STARS, comes out July 2024. I'm currently working on the (untitled) ILLUSION OF STARS sequel and SERPENT GREEN, VENOM BLUE. I also have a witchy manuscript that lives in a trunk under the bed.
We don't talk about that.
My work has been featured in Y Magazine, The Advocate, The Crow’s Quill, and Hippocampus Magazine (among others) and I've been a guest on a ton of podcasts like The Outspoken Artist, Bookish Flights, Books are Magical and the Author's Alcove.
If I got some pity laughs out of you, I suggest signing up for my newsletter where I will make you pity laugh some more. serpentgreen.com
I'm also a frequent flier on Instagram, so if you still can't get enough of me, you can also follow me there. https://www.instagram.com/sarahpagest...
He's not fluffy.
My debut novel, ILLUSION OF STARS, comes out July 2024. I'm currently working on the (untitled) ILLUSION OF STARS sequel and SERPENT GREEN, VENOM BLUE. I also have a witchy manuscript that lives in a trunk under the bed.
We don't talk about that.
My work has been featured in Y Magazine, The Advocate, The Crow’s Quill, and Hippocampus Magazine (among others) and I've been a guest on a ton of podcasts like The Outspoken Artist, Bookish Flights, Books are Magical and the Author's Alcove.
If I got some pity laughs out of you, I suggest signing up for my newsletter where I will make you pity laugh some more. serpentgreen.com
I'm also a frequent flier on Instagram, so if you still can't get enough of me, you can also follow me there. https://www.instagram.com/sarahpagest...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,007 reviews
October 21, 2024
In 2019, a mentor at my day job took me to lunch and told me I wasn't good at writing or research. I was only good at filling out forms. He said when the interns started full time, they were going to push me out because everyone wants to work with the best and that... wasn't me.
I started writing this book shortly after, when I was trying to figure out if I even mattered.
I'm throwing this review up here and then walking away from this page and leaving it to all of you guys, but I just wanted to say that writing this book healed me.
And if you've ever sat in a room and wondered whether you're good enough or smart enough or brave enough, maybe this book can heal you too. 🤍
P.S. - The book is fade-to-black, but there is a bonus open-door spicy scene that I wrote as a gift for my friend Jourdan Gandy who was kind enough to make Illusion of Stars her August 2024 pick for her book club, Prosecco and Pages.
I started writing this book shortly after, when I was trying to figure out if I even mattered.
I'm throwing this review up here and then walking away from this page and leaving it to all of you guys, but I just wanted to say that writing this book healed me.
And if you've ever sat in a room and wondered whether you're good enough or smart enough or brave enough, maybe this book can heal you too. 🤍
P.S. - The book is fade-to-black, but there is a bonus open-door spicy scene that I wrote as a gift for my friend Jourdan Gandy who was kind enough to make Illusion of Stars her August 2024 pick for her book club, Prosecco and Pages.
June 16, 2024
2 ★'s
I desperately wanted to like this, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me… 😕
However, I believe this might be one of those “It’s not you, it’s me” moments.
This story is heavily inspired by Scandinavian naming, history and culture. For me, as a Scandinavian, this made everything feel just a little bit less magical. Seeing names that reminded me of my uncle, neighbour, or former teacher made it harder for me to immerse myself in the story.
The writing style was another blocker for me related to this book. The language used often felt quite juvenile and sometimes even cringy, especially in dialogues between characters.
The descriptions and overuse of similes often left me confused rather than engaged. This combination made it challenging for me to connect with the characters and become fully absorbed in the narrative.
Despite these issues, I do believe the plot has such potential. We follow Isabel, an apprentice physician and general hard worker at the royal castle in the newly independent Sanok Islands, located between several powerful nations. One day, she gets the opportunity to spy on one of these neighbouring countries, The Volds, through Erik (second-in-command and somewhat reminiscent of Draco Malfoy) and his men. As she spies and gets to know the enemy, she realises that everything is maybe not as it seems.
Whilst it took me a while to get into this with the slower pacing, I did find it intriguing towards the end. I did find the general vibe, magic system and setting of the book to be both unique and fascinating.
The underlying message that Sarah is trying to convey- You are not nobody, you matter - is so important and something I would’ve loved hearing in my teens, which I think might be the right demographic for this novel overall.
For me personally I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sarah's personal story at the end of the book, as I found it inspiring.
I am grateful to Sarah & Netgalley for the opportunity to have read Sarah's debut novel this early on.🩵
_________
Pre-read:
They said this gives off dramione vibes, colour me intrigued.. 🤭
I desperately wanted to like this, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me… 😕
However, I believe this might be one of those “It’s not you, it’s me” moments.
This story is heavily inspired by Scandinavian naming, history and culture. For me, as a Scandinavian, this made everything feel just a little bit less magical. Seeing names that reminded me of my uncle, neighbour, or former teacher made it harder for me to immerse myself in the story.
The writing style was another blocker for me related to this book. The language used often felt quite juvenile and sometimes even cringy, especially in dialogues between characters.
The descriptions and overuse of similes often left me confused rather than engaged. This combination made it challenging for me to connect with the characters and become fully absorbed in the narrative.
Despite these issues, I do believe the plot has such potential. We follow Isabel, an apprentice physician and general hard worker at the royal castle in the newly independent Sanok Islands, located between several powerful nations. One day, she gets the opportunity to spy on one of these neighbouring countries, The Volds, through Erik (second-in-command and somewhat reminiscent of Draco Malfoy) and his men. As she spies and gets to know the enemy, she realises that everything is maybe not as it seems.
Whilst it took me a while to get into this with the slower pacing, I did find it intriguing towards the end. I did find the general vibe, magic system and setting of the book to be both unique and fascinating.
The underlying message that Sarah is trying to convey- You are not nobody, you matter - is so important and something I would’ve loved hearing in my teens, which I think might be the right demographic for this novel overall.
For me personally I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sarah's personal story at the end of the book, as I found it inspiring.
I am grateful to Sarah & Netgalley for the opportunity to have read Sarah's debut novel this early on.🩵
_________
Pre-read:
They said this gives off dramione vibes, colour me intrigued.. 🤭
June 12, 2024
The author, Sarah Marie Page, said in her review message something to the effect of, 'If you feel you're not good enough, smart enough or brave enough, maybe this book can heal you too'.
I'm not of the target age for young adult literature, but I love it, and I believe for several reasons. I won't bore you with the gory details of all the reasons why, but simply to share a couple of things with you that I believe are important to making the point of this long-winded review.
From a fresh faced, naive, 17 year old girl, with the whole world at her fingertips, who joined the U.S. army, headed to West Point to train to serve in the Intelligence field; to a young woman shortly thereafter who was sexually assaulted by someone in direct command...
I earned the medal of PTSD and not from combat. It was a badge that would never go away nor the mantra that came with it : '... not good enough, smart enough or brave enough...'
Fast forward to many years later, now a grandmother with a beautiful family, who a couple of weeks ago, went through an F3 tornado and survived.
Sarah Marie Page, YES! Your book is healing! It was just what I needed at this moment in time. I can't point to exactly how it's healing, I just know it has been for me.
I'm not sure if it was the sarcasm or humor (which I loved), the fantastic storyline, solid plot, unique, colorful and fascinating characters, or simply the straightforward, entertaining way that Sarah Marie Page writes. This story is hard to put down and easy to immerse yourself in. I'd swear it's magical. This is the first and only book I've read by this author, but I'm so impressed and can't wait to see what else she has in store for us. I'll read anything with her name on it.
Thank you so much Sarah for sharing your gift with one grandmother, and the world.
<-- The Fine Print -->
*This book was won in a contest.
All opinions stated here are my own and I didn't receive any compensation for my stated opinions. Thank you to the author, the publisher and Hidden Gems Books for this contest.*
I'm not of the target age for young adult literature, but I love it, and I believe for several reasons. I won't bore you with the gory details of all the reasons why, but simply to share a couple of things with you that I believe are important to making the point of this long-winded review.
From a fresh faced, naive, 17 year old girl, with the whole world at her fingertips, who joined the U.S. army, headed to West Point to train to serve in the Intelligence field; to a young woman shortly thereafter who was sexually assaulted by someone in direct command...
I earned the medal of PTSD and not from combat. It was a badge that would never go away nor the mantra that came with it : '... not good enough, smart enough or brave enough...'
Fast forward to many years later, now a grandmother with a beautiful family, who a couple of weeks ago, went through an F3 tornado and survived.
Sarah Marie Page, YES! Your book is healing! It was just what I needed at this moment in time. I can't point to exactly how it's healing, I just know it has been for me.
I'm not sure if it was the sarcasm or humor (which I loved), the fantastic storyline, solid plot, unique, colorful and fascinating characters, or simply the straightforward, entertaining way that Sarah Marie Page writes. This story is hard to put down and easy to immerse yourself in. I'd swear it's magical. This is the first and only book I've read by this author, but I'm so impressed and can't wait to see what else she has in store for us. I'll read anything with her name on it.
Thank you so much Sarah for sharing your gift with one grandmother, and the world.
<-- The Fine Print -->
*This book was won in a contest.
All opinions stated here are my own and I didn't receive any compensation for my stated opinions. Thank you to the author, the publisher and Hidden Gems Books for this contest.*
August 30, 2025
I was provided an e-copy of the book by the author via Nerd Fam in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Relatable characters
✅ Pace
✅ Hate to love (with no insta-love or insta-lust!)
✅ Magic
✅(🆗) Plot – good, but some weaknesses
✅(🆗) Betrayal – I saw it coming
✅(🆗) Some politics
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mention of past self-harm and burns, self-harm (mild), death of a loved one, brief mention of torture (off-page, non-graphic), grief, imprisonment, poisoning
3.5 stars
I loved this story as a whole, but some aspects of the plot could have been better developed.
When a battalion from Volgaard arrives at the castle where Isabel works and wants to search the island for good spots to use to launch their ships to attack another country, Isabel is sent as a guide to accompany the general’s son, Erik. Even though she is only a physician’s apprentice, she is sent to get information about their plan and weapons, even wooing him if necessary to get the information, so she can relay it to the minister in the castle, and they can try to stop this war before it starts. If she fails, the Volds will use Isabel’s island as a base to wage war against their enemy, and Isabel’s island will get destroyed in the midst of it.
The world-building is simple and has a Nordic inspiration. The names of the characters and some words they use reminded me of Scandinavian, but it doesn’t involve Norse mythology. It’s more of a Scandinavian vibe that the Volds have. I would have loved to have a map at the beginning of the book, as I am a visual person, but maybe there isn’t one because I have an ARC copy, and there will be one in the final version of the book. It didn’t prevent me from understanding what was happening, but they kept naming countries, islands, and villages, and I wished I could see a map to have a better idea of what their world looked like and what their travels looked like.
I like that the story is presented as Isy’s confession that she is writing during the night before her execution. It gave the whole story an ominous vibe, because we knew that something would go wrong, and she would end up sentenced to death, but we had no idea what or when it would go to hell, or even who would imprison and condemn her.
The story is good, but the foundation of the whole plot is a little shaky. The fact that Isy ends up being the guide for a group of Volds makes no sense, considering that she is no guide or scout, she is much needed at the palace as one of the royal physician’s apprentices, and lastly, why on Earth would she be the best-suited person to spy on the Volds and learn valuable information? Even if the reason is that she can seduce Erik to get information, surely the minister has other people he trusts more, and who would be better equipped for the mission? Because of that shaky foundation, no matter how good the rest of the story was, I kept wondering why Isy ended up in this situation, and it annoyed me because it just felt like the author needed her there, and found a way to make it happen even if it didn’t make much sense.
The last 25% of the book also had parts that felt weak. Why is Isy allowed to remain in Erik’s camp, with all the vicious, cold, and violent Volds, simply because he said she’s allowed to, and nobody messes with her? What’s the explanation given to everyone else, while she remains in Erik’s tent while he trains her to be a better spy? Why would the rebels let her have all the time she needs when they are struggling to hide and stay alive? But at the same time, they are just camped in the castle kitchen where anyone can find them… I was under the impression that they had to hide from the Volds, that they were rebels, but the Volds didn’t seem to care about them or try to find them even.
I still enjoyed this book a lot, and the story is good, it’s just that this one decision that sent everything into motion still doesn’t make sense to me, and some aspects of the plot that were conveniently overlooked near the end. Despite that, the pace is good, the plot is interesting, and the characters are relatable.
Isabel is easy to love and a very relatable character. I think everyone felt at one time that they were not being seen, or not enough for someone else. Isabel grows a lot in this book. She gains confidence in herself and her self-worth, and she finds herself along the way. She went from being an insecure, mildly annoying young main character, to revealing her layers and complex emotions and being willing to take risks and see that she mattered to others.
Erik is the powerful (and very attractive) son of the Volds’ general. He is angry at first to be stuck with Isabel on his mission and makes it clear that he doesn’t want her there, but he is never cruel to her. He is stern and cold at first, but the more Isabel tries to get him to open up, the more she observes him, and the more she sees the vulnerable but charming man under the mask.
I can see why the author described this romance as a good fit for Dramione fans. The romance in this book is a hate-to-love, but thankfully, it’s not too heavy on the love part. I mean, I want to see Isy and Erik in love and happy together, but it would have annoyed me if they professed their undying love for each other after spending only a few weeks on the road together. We can feel from the beginning that there is attraction and tension between them, and they will eventually grow closer, but it is smooth and realistic, and the author did a good job of building a bond between them based on their attraction for each other, but also the fact that they both felt unimportant for so long and recognize themselves in the other.
There is some banter, but it did feel a little too juvenile for my taste. It was not bad, but it betrayed the fact that the main character is only 17 years old (I think?). There is also some smut, but it's mostly fade to black, and nothing too explicit.
There is an underlying message throughout the book, that no matter who you are, you are enough and you matter. Both Isy and Erik felt small and unimportant in their youth. Isy still feels this way, and Erik feels like his only worth is his magic, and they recognize that in each other. It’s what pushes them to open up to each other and try to build a bond, and it was beautiful but heartbreaking to see how they constantly reminded each other that they saw the other for who they were, that they mattered and were important, because they knew exactly how the other felt.
I am happy I gave this book a chance, it was an easy and quick read, and I am intrigued enough about Isy and Erik's story to want to read the sequel when it comes out.
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
✅ Relatable characters
✅ Pace
✅ Hate to love (with no insta-love or insta-lust!)
✅ Magic
✅(🆗) Plot – good, but some weaknesses
✅(🆗) Betrayal – I saw it coming
✅(🆗) Some politics
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mention of past self-harm and burns, self-harm (mild), death of a loved one, brief mention of torture (off-page, non-graphic), grief, imprisonment, poisoning
3.5 stars
I loved this story as a whole, but some aspects of the plot could have been better developed.
When a battalion from Volgaard arrives at the castle where Isabel works and wants to search the island for good spots to use to launch their ships to attack another country, Isabel is sent as a guide to accompany the general’s son, Erik. Even though she is only a physician’s apprentice, she is sent to get information about their plan and weapons, even wooing him if necessary to get the information, so she can relay it to the minister in the castle, and they can try to stop this war before it starts. If she fails, the Volds will use Isabel’s island as a base to wage war against their enemy, and Isabel’s island will get destroyed in the midst of it.
The world-building is simple and has a Nordic inspiration. The names of the characters and some words they use reminded me of Scandinavian, but it doesn’t involve Norse mythology. It’s more of a Scandinavian vibe that the Volds have. I would have loved to have a map at the beginning of the book, as I am a visual person, but maybe there isn’t one because I have an ARC copy, and there will be one in the final version of the book. It didn’t prevent me from understanding what was happening, but they kept naming countries, islands, and villages, and I wished I could see a map to have a better idea of what their world looked like and what their travels looked like.
I like that the story is presented as Isy’s confession that she is writing during the night before her execution. It gave the whole story an ominous vibe, because we knew that something would go wrong, and she would end up sentenced to death, but we had no idea what or when it would go to hell, or even who would imprison and condemn her.
The story is good, but the foundation of the whole plot is a little shaky. The fact that Isy ends up being the guide for a group of Volds makes no sense, considering that she is no guide or scout, she is much needed at the palace as one of the royal physician’s apprentices, and lastly, why on Earth would she be the best-suited person to spy on the Volds and learn valuable information? Even if the reason is that she can seduce Erik to get information, surely the minister has other people he trusts more, and who would be better equipped for the mission? Because of that shaky foundation, no matter how good the rest of the story was, I kept wondering why Isy ended up in this situation, and it annoyed me because it just felt like the author needed her there, and found a way to make it happen even if it didn’t make much sense.
The last 25% of the book also had parts that felt weak. Why is Isy allowed to remain in Erik’s camp, with all the vicious, cold, and violent Volds, simply because he said she’s allowed to, and nobody messes with her? What’s the explanation given to everyone else, while she remains in Erik’s tent while he trains her to be a better spy? Why would the rebels let her have all the time she needs when they are struggling to hide and stay alive? But at the same time, they are just camped in the castle kitchen where anyone can find them… I was under the impression that they had to hide from the Volds, that they were rebels, but the Volds didn’t seem to care about them or try to find them even.
I still enjoyed this book a lot, and the story is good, it’s just that this one decision that sent everything into motion still doesn’t make sense to me, and some aspects of the plot that were conveniently overlooked near the end. Despite that, the pace is good, the plot is interesting, and the characters are relatable.
Isabel is easy to love and a very relatable character. I think everyone felt at one time that they were not being seen, or not enough for someone else. Isabel grows a lot in this book. She gains confidence in herself and her self-worth, and she finds herself along the way. She went from being an insecure, mildly annoying young main character, to revealing her layers and complex emotions and being willing to take risks and see that she mattered to others.
Erik is the powerful (and very attractive) son of the Volds’ general. He is angry at first to be stuck with Isabel on his mission and makes it clear that he doesn’t want her there, but he is never cruel to her. He is stern and cold at first, but the more Isabel tries to get him to open up, the more she observes him, and the more she sees the vulnerable but charming man under the mask.
I can see why the author described this romance as a good fit for Dramione fans. The romance in this book is a hate-to-love, but thankfully, it’s not too heavy on the love part. I mean, I want to see Isy and Erik in love and happy together, but it would have annoyed me if they professed their undying love for each other after spending only a few weeks on the road together. We can feel from the beginning that there is attraction and tension between them, and they will eventually grow closer, but it is smooth and realistic, and the author did a good job of building a bond between them based on their attraction for each other, but also the fact that they both felt unimportant for so long and recognize themselves in the other.
There is some banter, but it did feel a little too juvenile for my taste. It was not bad, but it betrayed the fact that the main character is only 17 years old (I think?). There is also some smut, but it's mostly fade to black, and nothing too explicit.
There is an underlying message throughout the book, that no matter who you are, you are enough and you matter. Both Isy and Erik felt small and unimportant in their youth. Isy still feels this way, and Erik feels like his only worth is his magic, and they recognize that in each other. It’s what pushes them to open up to each other and try to build a bond, and it was beautiful but heartbreaking to see how they constantly reminded each other that they saw the other for who they were, that they mattered and were important, because they knew exactly how the other felt.
I am happy I gave this book a chance, it was an easy and quick read, and I am intrigued enough about Isy and Erik's story to want to read the sequel when it comes out.
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
May 27, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from they author ahead of her interview on my podcast @TalkFaeToMe!
Out of all of the wonderful things I could say about this book, perhaps what stuck out to me the most is the quality of the writing. The romantasy genre (and particularly the books pushed on booktok and bookstagram) suffers from lackluster writing, but still manages to entertain readers with immersive stores. Well, Sarah Marie Page has managed to marry the two and give her readers a fascinating story with mystery, court politics, a will-they-won’t-they love story, and a magic system reminiscent of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, all while writing in a lyrical prose akin to Erin Morgenstern. Illusion of Stars showcases Sarah Marie Page’s dedication to her craft.
Also, it doesn’t hurt that we get a sexy shadow daddy and one of the most creative one horse trope scenes I’ve seen in a long time. I’m already anxiously awaiting the sequel!
Out of all of the wonderful things I could say about this book, perhaps what stuck out to me the most is the quality of the writing. The romantasy genre (and particularly the books pushed on booktok and bookstagram) suffers from lackluster writing, but still manages to entertain readers with immersive stores. Well, Sarah Marie Page has managed to marry the two and give her readers a fascinating story with mystery, court politics, a will-they-won’t-they love story, and a magic system reminiscent of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, all while writing in a lyrical prose akin to Erin Morgenstern. Illusion of Stars showcases Sarah Marie Page’s dedication to her craft.
Also, it doesn’t hurt that we get a sexy shadow daddy and one of the most creative one horse trope scenes I’ve seen in a long time. I’m already anxiously awaiting the sequel!
July 24, 2024
One thing I can confidently say, is that there are very few people who have read this book more than me. As someone is who incredibly picky with their YA Fantasy (just check my rating history), Sarah is a breath of fresh air in the overly saturated and sloppily published current landscape that is my beloved genre. She writes relatable characters that are easy to love and root for, her world building is effortless and believable, and the books are so easy to get lost in.
Things Illusion of Stars is not: Tolkien level high fantasy; Jennifer Armentrout level smut; or a Sarah J. Maas action-packed, twist-filled ending. But if you’re looking for something that is character-driven, beautifully written, easy to read, with a solid plot, and work-for-it-but-still-tensiony-fade-to-black romance that will likely hit your emotional heart strings - then Illusion of Stars is for you. I cannot wait to have a copy of this on my shelf and shove it into the hands of everyone I know.
Things Illusion of Stars is not: Tolkien level high fantasy; Jennifer Armentrout level smut; or a Sarah J. Maas action-packed, twist-filled ending. But if you’re looking for something that is character-driven, beautifully written, easy to read, with a solid plot, and work-for-it-but-still-tensiony-fade-to-black romance that will likely hit your emotional heart strings - then Illusion of Stars is for you. I cannot wait to have a copy of this on my shelf and shove it into the hands of everyone I know.
December 11, 2024
This book was just plain phenomenal. Isy is so fun the way she gets payback to the men is amazing i was giggling hard. I love the banter between Isy and Erik and also like the way they talked to each other after the screaming secrets bit they really got to know one another. The way this book is written it is so vivid and beautiful. I also love his sister grumpy sister Signey shes really interisting and the men under Erik, Bo and Kasper I just loved them. The magic system Is really unique and Illusion of Stars is probably better than Fourth Wing and I adored that book.
June 15, 2024
I stayed up til 1 am finishing this book.
The way this is written, the timeline, the words pushed in between the sentences to describe the anxiety and panic, and the characters that you can’t help but relate to… all of it. It was all so good.
I loved the journey you go on in this book and how we can be led with a thought or belief of one thing to turn around the second we discover more truths. I think revenge, wanting to be more and making a difference can change and morph constantly in our lives & Isy definitely goes through it.
The magic and world building was so creative and different in this book! I loved discovering more about it and can’t wait for what comes next!
The way this is written, the timeline, the words pushed in between the sentences to describe the anxiety and panic, and the characters that you can’t help but relate to… all of it. It was all so good.
I loved the journey you go on in this book and how we can be led with a thought or belief of one thing to turn around the second we discover more truths. I think revenge, wanting to be more and making a difference can change and morph constantly in our lives & Isy definitely goes through it.
The magic and world building was so creative and different in this book! I loved discovering more about it and can’t wait for what comes next!
June 12, 2024
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Illusion of Stars. This story is superb. The world-building was dense and believable. The magic system was unique and integral to the plot. The pacing was spot-on. And the characters! Isabel, while awkward in the most endearing ways, is determined, intelligent, and brave. Erik is hard on the outside and soft on the inside, swoon-worthy, and just as determined as Isabel to prove his worth. Both characters, though on opposing sides, find alliance in their mutual need for validation and discover that it is self-acceptance that will heal their inner wounds. This leads to a naturally developed slow-burn romance that leaves the reader rooting for this couple. Page does a wonderful job with her story’s side-characters too. I especially love Signey, who mirrors her brother’s exterior, yet owns a personality all her own. This story is full of angst and regret, as well as hope and honor. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a well-crafted fantasy with witty banter, believable characters, a side of romance, and high-stakes political intrigue. Keeping my fingers crossed for a book 2!
May 7, 2024
FIVE WINDSWEPT, MAGIC STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an early copy of this book and absolutely fell in love with the setting (think Faroe Islands but magic), the magic system (illusion magic! secret magic boxes!) and most of all the characters. They are vibrant, endearingly and awkwardly human, their banter so fun and fresh. I loved being swept up in Isy and Erik’s slow-burn romance, the friendships between our ragtag crew and my grumpy queen SIGNEY who has my heart ❤️
1000% must read!!
I received an early copy of this book and absolutely fell in love with the setting (think Faroe Islands but magic), the magic system (illusion magic! secret magic boxes!) and most of all the characters. They are vibrant, endearingly and awkwardly human, their banter so fun and fresh. I loved being swept up in Isy and Erik’s slow-burn romance, the friendships between our ragtag crew and my grumpy queen SIGNEY who has my heart ❤️
1000% must read!!
May 29, 2024
I read an advanced copy of this book and loved it! It’s swoony and romantacy with an actual plot and developed characters. The writing is smooth and clear. The scenery transports you to a northern small island and is a great escape from the heat this summer.
There is romance in the book but it doesn’t eclipse the plot. The characters are funny and sometimes a little devious which made me laugh out loud. There’s also events that the main character is seeking to uncover in the book so it gives it a touch of darkness and mystery that blends well making it more interesting than just magical romance and kept me reading.
The magic in the book is easy to follow and the world building is integrated into the plot (which I prefer to a world dump at the beginning).
The romance is steamy and fade to black with an excellent one horse and water scene 😏.
Highly recommend!
There is romance in the book but it doesn’t eclipse the plot. The characters are funny and sometimes a little devious which made me laugh out loud. There’s also events that the main character is seeking to uncover in the book so it gives it a touch of darkness and mystery that blends well making it more interesting than just magical romance and kept me reading.
The magic in the book is easy to follow and the world building is integrated into the plot (which I prefer to a world dump at the beginning).
The romance is steamy and fade to black with an excellent one horse and water scene 😏.
Highly recommend!
June 6, 2024
Wow! I was brought to tears more than once with this incredible story. It is so clear that so much heart and passion was poured into this book and it shows!
Isabella is goofy but smart and resilient and Erik is strong, but craves acceptance.
Illusion of Stars was an excellent read that I related to so, so much. From feelings of loss, to not being good enough, this books had so many great moments. When it is revealed why the book has its title, my jaw hit the floor. Sarah kept my guessing and gasping through the entire book. Cannot recommend more!!
I was lucky enough to be able to ARC reader and sit down with the author to discuss Illusion of Stars with the author on my bookish podcast @TalkFaetoMe!
I am truly excited to see where this story goes!
Isabella is goofy but smart and resilient and Erik is strong, but craves acceptance.
Illusion of Stars was an excellent read that I related to so, so much. From feelings of loss, to not being good enough, this books had so many great moments. When it is revealed why the book has its title, my jaw hit the floor. Sarah kept my guessing and gasping through the entire book. Cannot recommend more!!
I was lucky enough to be able to ARC reader and sit down with the author to discuss Illusion of Stars with the author on my bookish podcast @TalkFaetoMe!
I am truly excited to see where this story goes!
September 30, 2025
That was...a lot better than I expected ! RTC
ੈ✩‧₊˚ Preread ੈ✩‧₊˚
Sooo I saw this book recommended on my Pinterest, and I've been wanting to read it for a while now ! I've been looking for a good romantasy lately so hopefully this is good !
ੈ✩‧₊˚ Preread ੈ✩‧₊˚
Sooo I saw this book recommended on my Pinterest, and I've been wanting to read it for a while now ! I've been looking for a good romantasy lately so hopefully this is good !
May 25, 2024
This book!!! From beginning to end I could not wait to see what happened next. Such an original and unique enemy to lovers story. Magic and mystery. A true story of overcoming your fears and learning to believe in yourself. I so hope there will be more books!!!
May 26, 2024
From the second chapter immediately looked to see if the physical copy was available for pre-order. I LOVED this book. It captured me from the beginning and had me hooked to the very end. It moved at the perfect pace. There were no lulls of boredom or thoughts of predictability. The closer to the end, the more stressed i became because i just knew there was going to be a cliffhanger, and I'd have to wait over a year for the rest of the story. It was also relatable, the feeling of not being seen, not being good enough, not being important. Isy and Eriks enemies to lovers the build up. No cheesy nicknames for her. Love love loved it. I will absolutely tell everyone about this book. And i can't WAIT to purchase a copy so i can re read it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Im so excited. i was allowed to read this book early!! Thank you, thank you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Im so excited. i was allowed to read this book early!! Thank you, thank you!
January 25, 2024
I was lucky enough to read this book early and it blew me away. Seriously one of the best fantasy novels I’ve ever read!! Sarah is a master of writing and the characters were so easy to root for. The banter was top notch—highly recommend it if you enjoyed This Vicious Grace!!
If you want your next fantasy book obsession, add this to your tbr right now.
If you want your next fantasy book obsession, add this to your tbr right now.
August 3, 2024
"The sky - And the thousand stars shooting through it." 😭❤️ #IYKYK
Illusion of Stars is a beautiful story about love, but also about believing in yourself and your worth. Isy's inner voice is one that is all too familiar to me, reading her inner thoughts was like reading a script of my own inner thoughts at times and I'm sure many other readers can relate.
The first bit of the book was a bit slow for me, but I could feel the story building around me and I knew I needed the world building and details now to enjoy the full story later. The payoff was definitely worth it.
Isy and Erik's relationship is beautiful and real. The awkwardness, the (sometimes unsure) flirting, the slowly getting to know one another and their ability to truly see one another beyond the scars and magic and surface level stuff that everyone else sees.
There is some truly poetic writing in this book, so many lines that stood out to me and that I'll think about for days to come. Lines that were healing, lines that were inspiring, lines that were hopeful.
And of course I love a good full circle, prophecy coming true line, that just leaves you heart broken but inspired "And you...you will hold the door". 😭😭😭
Cannot WAIT for IoS2 and to learn more about the magic system, the Sanok Isles and of course what happens to our beloved Isy and Erik.
Illusion of Stars is a beautiful story about love, but also about believing in yourself and your worth. Isy's inner voice is one that is all too familiar to me, reading her inner thoughts was like reading a script of my own inner thoughts at times and I'm sure many other readers can relate.
The first bit of the book was a bit slow for me, but I could feel the story building around me and I knew I needed the world building and details now to enjoy the full story later. The payoff was definitely worth it.
Isy and Erik's relationship is beautiful and real. The awkwardness, the (sometimes unsure) flirting, the slowly getting to know one another and their ability to truly see one another beyond the scars and magic and surface level stuff that everyone else sees.
There is some truly poetic writing in this book, so many lines that stood out to me and that I'll think about for days to come. Lines that were healing, lines that were inspiring, lines that were hopeful.
And of course I love a good full circle, prophecy coming true line, that just leaves you heart broken but inspired "And you...you will hold the door". 😭😭😭
Cannot WAIT for IoS2 and to learn more about the magic system, the Sanok Isles and of course what happens to our beloved Isy and Erik.
August 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. It’s not a heavy plot with a complicated world or magic system.
It’s a lighter fantasy with romance heavily inspired by Scandinavian lore. It started off a little slower but picked up when our FMC was sent with an opposing faction as a guide. Queue enemies to lovers trope!
The writing was a bit hard to follow at times but overall it was good.
It’s a lighter fantasy with romance heavily inspired by Scandinavian lore. It started off a little slower but picked up when our FMC was sent with an opposing faction as a guide. Queue enemies to lovers trope!
The writing was a bit hard to follow at times but overall it was good.
June 4, 2024
A young woman, Isy, is a physician's apprentice and her most important patients are the King & Queen. The King is mad and the Queen is ill when courtiers arrive from enemy kingdom, Volgaard. A meeting with the King and Volgaard goes awry, and Isy's best friend is found murdered soon afterward. Isy infiltrates the group of Volgaard courtiers and is determined to find out who killed her best friend. The deeper Isy gets involved with this group of courtiers has her questioning everything, especially as her relationship with the group's leader, Erik, develops into a deep attraction.
This is the first book I've read this year, that is a TRUE enemies to lovers trope! It was well-written, beautiful, captivating, addicting, and emotional. Sarah develops a unique world based off of Old Norse mythology that made me want to read more!
If you love:
-laughing
-crying
-laughing again, and then crying again
-enemies to lovers
-beautiful imagery
-tattoos
-shadows
then read this book!!! You won't regret it.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the first book I've read this year, that is a TRUE enemies to lovers trope! It was well-written, beautiful, captivating, addicting, and emotional. Sarah develops a unique world based off of Old Norse mythology that made me want to read more!
If you love:
-laughing
-crying
-laughing again, and then crying again
-enemies to lovers
-beautiful imagery
-tattoos
-shadows
then read this book!!! You won't regret it.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2024
This book single-handedly cured my reading slump. The excitement to read every word and the need to know these characters was overwhelming. The FMC is extremely relatable, and I saw myself within her story numerous times. The author did a terrific job writing fantasy, creating an epic world full of political conspiracy, magic, kingdoms,, romance, and witty dialogue. She also did a fantastic job portraying anxiety, grief, and resentment. I cried a few times because I deeply understood where these characters were at emotionally, and the writing at times was so beautifully done that my mind automatically reacted and mimicked those feelings just from the author's way of translating them through her words. Hope that made sense!
The FMC is a healer who has deep self-doubt and fear, trying to prove herself to the world. The MMC is a tall, powerful, magic-wielding general. The best part is, they both have daddy issues! This aspect is relatable and makes for great romantasy 😂 There are a few scenes where the act of self-harm is mentioned, so be sure to read the trigger warnings. Also, Sarah included closed-door spicy scenes but added just enough to create that tension *chef's kiss* 🧑🍳💋 I could talk about this book for ages, so if anyone else feels the same way, let me know. I definitely recommend reading Illusions of Stars, this is one of those "read it now before it gets big" type books—I can just feel it. Bookstagram and the Romantasy readers are going to love this. I know I do!
I received an ARC, these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
The FMC is a healer who has deep self-doubt and fear, trying to prove herself to the world. The MMC is a tall, powerful, magic-wielding general. The best part is, they both have daddy issues! This aspect is relatable and makes for great romantasy 😂 There are a few scenes where the act of self-harm is mentioned, so be sure to read the trigger warnings. Also, Sarah included closed-door spicy scenes but added just enough to create that tension *chef's kiss* 🧑🍳💋 I could talk about this book for ages, so if anyone else feels the same way, let me know. I definitely recommend reading Illusions of Stars, this is one of those "read it now before it gets big" type books—I can just feel it. Bookstagram and the Romantasy readers are going to love this. I know I do!
I received an ARC, these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 29, 2024
“You drew stars around my scars” vibes? Ok yes I’m here for it ✨🫶
CAN WE HAVE A MOMENT FOR THIS COVER 😱
Finished. Loved it. RTC!
CAN WE HAVE A MOMENT FOR THIS COVER 😱
Finished. Loved it. RTC!
April 18, 2024
This was a completely fantastic story that pulled me in with humor and sarcasm from the beginning! Amazing character development and relationship building, fantastic banter and wit, and expert story crafting went into this book. It was heartbreaking, hopeful, and so purely magical. You will not regret going on this adventure.
Isabel is a feisty and strong character who, like many of us, feels her own self doubt around her like a cloak. She wants so badly to be enough for everyone around her, and any small failure feels like falling off the edge of a cliff. Her journey with self doubt and self harm is one that we don't see often in fantasy, and I liked the way her story was told with that as a part of who she is at the very fabric of her core.
Erik is a soldier through and through. He's magic. He's powerful, and he's....an idiot. He drags Isabel along as their guide under the agreement that it will help keep peace between their people, but what started as pure annoyance becomes something so much more. Erik also fights with being enough for his father, for his kingdom, and for being seen as Erik and not just a solder or a powerful Sender.
They find that as they get to know one another, they're not all that different. Have they finally found someone to see them for them and not the power or skill they possess? But then, of course, we have secrets, betrayal, and murder sprinkled throughout the book. There were a few moments where my jaw dropped and I was so shocked at the twist! I never saw it coming, but then it brought the rest of the pieces back together to form the picture of reality.
I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!
Isabel is a feisty and strong character who, like many of us, feels her own self doubt around her like a cloak. She wants so badly to be enough for everyone around her, and any small failure feels like falling off the edge of a cliff. Her journey with self doubt and self harm is one that we don't see often in fantasy, and I liked the way her story was told with that as a part of who she is at the very fabric of her core.
Erik is a soldier through and through. He's magic. He's powerful, and he's....an idiot. He drags Isabel along as their guide under the agreement that it will help keep peace between their people, but what started as pure annoyance becomes something so much more. Erik also fights with being enough for his father, for his kingdom, and for being seen as Erik and not just a solder or a powerful Sender.
They find that as they get to know one another, they're not all that different. Have they finally found someone to see them for them and not the power or skill they possess? But then, of course, we have secrets, betrayal, and murder sprinkled throughout the book. There were a few moments where my jaw dropped and I was so shocked at the twist! I never saw it coming, but then it brought the rest of the pieces back together to form the picture of reality.
I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!
June 8, 2024
I waited a few days to post this review because today is also the cover reveal! I didn’t want to spoil the surprise for everyone else.
I ended up really getting sucked into this book. At first, there seemed to be a lot of names and quick introductions, but I feel any reader will be quick to catch on.
I loved the clumsy ‘spy’ work of Isy, and enjoyed her getting to know the Volds, especially Erik. I think Isy’s evolving relationships with Erik, the men, Signey, etc. were well-written.
I also enjoyed the past trauma sharing that Isy and Erik went through. It was enough to give us an idea into why they are the people they are today, but without having to deep dive into the past.
The title hit so hard in the last few sentences and I’m hanging on for any news on Book 2! This is to be a duology!
Illusion of Stars officially releases July 16th! It’s available for preorder - or try your hand at being an ARC reviewer!
I ended up really getting sucked into this book. At first, there seemed to be a lot of names and quick introductions, but I feel any reader will be quick to catch on.
I loved the clumsy ‘spy’ work of Isy, and enjoyed her getting to know the Volds, especially Erik. I think Isy’s evolving relationships with Erik, the men, Signey, etc. were well-written.
I also enjoyed the past trauma sharing that Isy and Erik went through. It was enough to give us an idea into why they are the people they are today, but without having to deep dive into the past.
The title hit so hard in the last few sentences and I’m hanging on for any news on Book 2! This is to be a duology!
Illusion of Stars officially releases July 16th! It’s available for preorder - or try your hand at being an ARC reviewer!
June 12, 2024
I was lucky to receive an ARC for this book just in time to travel so I devoured this book as I went from airport to airport.
I really really enjoyed this book! The only thing that had me thinking hard while reading was the political aspect because it’s not something I tend to lean toward but it felt important so I had to pay attention.
I loved how the relationship between the main characters started with a friendship developed within unlikely circumstances. This friendship would be something that would grow both parties for the better, instilling confidence and reminding the other they mattered and were worth being known and seen.
Getting to know each of their backstories enriched the storyline and bond between them so much. I’ll be honest Isabel’s story hit a little too close to home for comfort but we persevered.
Also, I loved seeing Isabel discover more about herself throughout the book and strengths she didn’t realize she had. She was able to connect with people wherever she went even if simply to tend their wounds. I saw myself in her a lot in those moments of connection without realizing it.
The shadow magic aspect was really cool too! It reminded me a lot of the vampires with special abilities in Breaking Dawn which helped me visualize it.
Like the author states, the spice level is fade to black which is personally what I tend to look for so I was pleased. There is some build up but it could be skipped if needed.
I really really really hope this series continues because I simply must know what happens next. What is so special about the lovers boxes, what is up with the Sanokes, they have to be more special than we’ve been led to believe, and I need to see Isabel and Erik happy and living out their purposes.
You’ll LOVE this book if you’re into:
⚡️dramione coded characters
⚡️fantasy that isn’t just romance focused but has a larger plot line aka Romantasy
⚡️enemies to lovers
⚡️illusion magic
I really really enjoyed this book! The only thing that had me thinking hard while reading was the political aspect because it’s not something I tend to lean toward but it felt important so I had to pay attention.
I loved how the relationship between the main characters started with a friendship developed within unlikely circumstances. This friendship would be something that would grow both parties for the better, instilling confidence and reminding the other they mattered and were worth being known and seen.
Getting to know each of their backstories enriched the storyline and bond between them so much. I’ll be honest Isabel’s story hit a little too close to home for comfort but we persevered.
Also, I loved seeing Isabel discover more about herself throughout the book and strengths she didn’t realize she had. She was able to connect with people wherever she went even if simply to tend their wounds. I saw myself in her a lot in those moments of connection without realizing it.
The shadow magic aspect was really cool too! It reminded me a lot of the vampires with special abilities in Breaking Dawn which helped me visualize it.
Like the author states, the spice level is fade to black which is personally what I tend to look for so I was pleased. There is some build up but it could be skipped if needed.
I really really really hope this series continues because I simply must know what happens next. What is so special about the lovers boxes, what is up with the Sanokes, they have to be more special than we’ve been led to believe, and I need to see Isabel and Erik happy and living out their purposes.
You’ll LOVE this book if you’re into:
⚡️dramione coded characters
⚡️fantasy that isn’t just romance focused but has a larger plot line aka Romantasy
⚡️enemies to lovers
⚡️illusion magic
June 6, 2024
She needs to keep the queen from dying while trying to stop the king running naked down the corridors of the palace. Her friend is found dead on the beach and she will look into it all. She will find some letters which tells of a kingdom killing weapon. What will she do? Can she keep the king and queen safe? Can she destroy the weapon? How will it all go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
June 27, 2024
This book is my favorite read so far this year. I love the poetic flowing words, the plot and romance progression, the banter, the Dramione undertones, etc. I think there is a lot that this book does really well. The characters and their journey as the story progresses really resonated with me. I think it just might resonate with you as well.
Isabel is a relatable, fleshed out FMC. The MMC is intriguing and well done as well. The Draco style smirks and quips are fantastic. I love how their enemies to lovers relationship progresses. The banter is top tier and at times hilarious. I love when the FMC turns a dagger on the morally ambiguous MMC and he dares her to use it. Is that a weird thing to be obsessed with? I also love that they would tear the world apart for each other. The slow burn of their relationship is my favorite I've read in a while.
The descriptions is this book are masterfully woven and I love them: “Without the shield of the hill, droplets of mist fell, coating our lashes, blinking silver against the [redacted].” and “Fire snapped, the white-hot smoke chugging between us. *I see you, I see you,* it seemed to say.”
There were so many beautiful moments in the dialogue as well. I love how he helped her calm down when she was anxious and his response to her sharing her past trauma with him. I loved her responses to his struggles as well and how they slowly opened up to each other.
I am that weird person who fixates on random things that don't make sense. Like, how are they using the restroom? They are literally in the middle of nowhere. So to read scene sequences in this book where this issue was addressed was something that I really liked.
There were a few places that reminded me of that Emily Dickinson poem and I loved how she came into her own power. I'm nobody. (I'm not nobody.) Who are you? (I'm not nobody.) Are you nobody too? (I am somebody.)
I also really loved the author's use of short chapters. I think that's an art that isn't utilized enough and it's just done so well in this book.
Divine Rivals styled magical lover's boxes that not only send letters back and forth but also comes at a magical cost and turns people slowly mad.
The soft magic system has Grishaverse and Loki undertones that I loved. The MMC definitely has those Loki vibes as well. I'd love to see more magic exploration in the next book.
Lots of beautiful puffins references that I really loved. "Did you know puffins mate for life?"
Soothsayers, fortune telling, and palm reading: three things I was not expecting in this book but that I really loved. I will say that I hope the soothsayer comes back into play in book two.
Rhysand coded banter and prison sequences that I think fans of ACOTAR and SJM will appreciate.
I loved how the author's feelings surrounding water came through in her writing. Swimming as a way to feel free and let go of frustrations reminded me of a Sarah Dessen book, but I can't remember the title. But that whole swimming scene sequence was beautifully done.
The ending is both devastating and beautiful and will leave you breathless and impatiently waiting for further devastation in book two.
Content Warning: steamy closed door spice (with lots of hickies and mentions of nudity), "mad king" stereotype readers may find disturbing, medical descriptions, strong language, lots of literal bleeding hearts, death (friend, parent), grief, mentions of gruesome past self harm, breaking things aa coping strategy, manipulation, self sacrifice, parental abandonment
Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.
______________________________________________
Review will be live after I've finished processing enough to write it. But. This book is easily my favorite read of the year.
Isabel is a relatable, fleshed out FMC. The MMC is intriguing and well done as well. The Draco style smirks and quips are fantastic. I love how their enemies to lovers relationship progresses. The banter is top tier and at times hilarious. I love when the FMC turns a dagger on the morally ambiguous MMC and he dares her to use it. Is that a weird thing to be obsessed with? I also love that they would tear the world apart for each other. The slow burn of their relationship is my favorite I've read in a while.
The descriptions is this book are masterfully woven and I love them: “Without the shield of the hill, droplets of mist fell, coating our lashes, blinking silver against the [redacted].” and “Fire snapped, the white-hot smoke chugging between us. *I see you, I see you,* it seemed to say.”
There were so many beautiful moments in the dialogue as well. I love how he helped her calm down when she was anxious and his response to her sharing her past trauma with him. I loved her responses to his struggles as well and how they slowly opened up to each other.
I am that weird person who fixates on random things that don't make sense. Like, how are they using the restroom? They are literally in the middle of nowhere. So to read scene sequences in this book where this issue was addressed was something that I really liked.
There were a few places that reminded me of that Emily Dickinson poem and I loved how she came into her own power. I'm nobody. (I'm not nobody.) Who are you? (I'm not nobody.) Are you nobody too? (I am somebody.)
I also really loved the author's use of short chapters. I think that's an art that isn't utilized enough and it's just done so well in this book.
Divine Rivals styled magical lover's boxes that not only send letters back and forth but also comes at a magical cost and turns people slowly mad.
The soft magic system has Grishaverse and Loki undertones that I loved. The MMC definitely has those Loki vibes as well. I'd love to see more magic exploration in the next book.
Lots of beautiful puffins references that I really loved. "Did you know puffins mate for life?"
Soothsayers, fortune telling, and palm reading: three things I was not expecting in this book but that I really loved. I will say that I hope the soothsayer comes back into play in book two.
Rhysand coded banter and prison sequences that I think fans of ACOTAR and SJM will appreciate.
I loved how the author's feelings surrounding water came through in her writing. Swimming as a way to feel free and let go of frustrations reminded me of a Sarah Dessen book, but I can't remember the title. But that whole swimming scene sequence was beautifully done.
The ending is both devastating and beautiful and will leave you breathless and impatiently waiting for further devastation in book two.
Content Warning: steamy closed door spice (with lots of hickies and mentions of nudity), "mad king" stereotype readers may find disturbing, medical descriptions, strong language, lots of literal bleeding hearts, death (friend, parent), grief, mentions of gruesome past self harm, breaking things aa coping strategy, manipulation, self sacrifice, parental abandonment
Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.
______________________________________________
Review will be live after I've finished processing enough to write it. But. This book is easily my favorite read of the year.
June 7, 2024
Lucky for me I received an advance copy of this book (huge thanks to Shadow Forge Publishing and NetGalley!) and when I say I DEVOURED this story, I mean I picked it up around lunchtime today and finished it before dinner. I was hooked, I couldn’t put it down! I had to let it ~marinate~ a bit after that ending (holy mother of cliffhangers) and let me tell you it’s been hours and I cannot stop thinking about the book. I can honestly say I highly recommend this book for lovers of Romantasy books (especially those with politics, war and a good ol’ whodunnit), and the enemies-to-lovers trope.
This is book 1 of a duology, and I’m already excited for the next one even though this one isn’t even out for general sale yet, but I will definitely be watching closely for the second instalment. I’ve already preordered a kindle copy AND I’ll probably be ordering a physical copy when those are available for preorder too. THAT is how much I enjoyed this book. Anyway enough of me gushing about how great it was, let me tell you a bit about this story:
We’re set in The Sanok Isles, a small island who gained their independence from the larger Larland 20 years before we begin our story. In the book, we’re following Isabel, an 18 year old apprentice to the Royal Physician, who hopes to become the next Royal Physician after her apprenticeship. Her day-to-day consists of taking care of the bedridden Queen’s bedsores, and making sure the King (who is delirious and hallucinating most of the time) remains safe and relatively well. When one of Isabel’s friends is murdered on the beaches outside of the castle, the world Isabel thought she knew is rocked and sinister secrets are surfaced.
A stash of letters from her friend reveals that the neighbouring kingdom of Volgaard are in possession of a weapon capable of conquering nations, and are on a warpath headed right through The Sanok Isles. When the military general of Volgaard and his son and daughter arrive at the castle and state they will be going on a scouting mission, Isabel is thrown into the heart of the action. Her mission is simple: find out what the weapon is and steal it. To do this, she is told she will be going with the team of scouts and she needs to ‘woo’ the general’s son, Erik. Erik, however, seems to be a tough nut to crack with his immediate suspicion toward Isobel and the fact that he can wield powerful magic, and Isobel cannot.
They enter into a dangerous dance with each other, and over time the line between enemy and friend becomes blurred when Isobel realises that all may not be as it seems. Battling between her desire to avenge her murdered friend and her undeniable attraction to Erik makes things even more difficult for Isobel, and the more she learns about him and about Volgaard, the less she believes that the story she was given is entirely true.
A comprehensive list of trigger warnings are provided in the book, which include:
Parental infidelity and abandonment
Death of a parent and of a friend
Hazing
Self-harm ideation and on page self-harm (not suicidal)
Brief mention of torture
Themes of grief
**This is not an all-inclusive list of the triggers, however these are the most prevalent triggers in the story**
Spice level: fade-to-black, with some steam before the fade but nothing too spicy.
This is book 1 of a duology, and I’m already excited for the next one even though this one isn’t even out for general sale yet, but I will definitely be watching closely for the second instalment. I’ve already preordered a kindle copy AND I’ll probably be ordering a physical copy when those are available for preorder too. THAT is how much I enjoyed this book. Anyway enough of me gushing about how great it was, let me tell you a bit about this story:
We’re set in The Sanok Isles, a small island who gained their independence from the larger Larland 20 years before we begin our story. In the book, we’re following Isabel, an 18 year old apprentice to the Royal Physician, who hopes to become the next Royal Physician after her apprenticeship. Her day-to-day consists of taking care of the bedridden Queen’s bedsores, and making sure the King (who is delirious and hallucinating most of the time) remains safe and relatively well. When one of Isabel’s friends is murdered on the beaches outside of the castle, the world Isabel thought she knew is rocked and sinister secrets are surfaced.
A stash of letters from her friend reveals that the neighbouring kingdom of Volgaard are in possession of a weapon capable of conquering nations, and are on a warpath headed right through The Sanok Isles. When the military general of Volgaard and his son and daughter arrive at the castle and state they will be going on a scouting mission, Isabel is thrown into the heart of the action. Her mission is simple: find out what the weapon is and steal it. To do this, she is told she will be going with the team of scouts and she needs to ‘woo’ the general’s son, Erik. Erik, however, seems to be a tough nut to crack with his immediate suspicion toward Isobel and the fact that he can wield powerful magic, and Isobel cannot.
They enter into a dangerous dance with each other, and over time the line between enemy and friend becomes blurred when Isobel realises that all may not be as it seems. Battling between her desire to avenge her murdered friend and her undeniable attraction to Erik makes things even more difficult for Isobel, and the more she learns about him and about Volgaard, the less she believes that the story she was given is entirely true.
A comprehensive list of trigger warnings are provided in the book, which include:
Parental infidelity and abandonment
Death of a parent and of a friend
Hazing
Self-harm ideation and on page self-harm (not suicidal)
Brief mention of torture
Themes of grief
**This is not an all-inclusive list of the triggers, however these are the most prevalent triggers in the story**
Spice level: fade-to-black, with some steam before the fade but nothing too spicy.
June 27, 2024
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Illusion of stars. This book belongs in the fantasy genre. Very little of romance in it too but it doesn't eclipse the plot. If you want another fantasy book series to root for and become obsessed with, this one is it for you. Isabel's inner voice is one we are all too familiar with it. It was refreshing to see a character, a main character nonetheless get a representation this way. Both characters go through the ups and downs of not feeling like they are worth something and that they are hard to accept. The end of chapter one will intrigue you and will hook you in for the rest of the story. It moved at a perfect pace. There was no boredom whatsoever. This book, atleast for me, wasn't predictable, and I like that aspect in a book. When you get closer to the end, you'll get the same feeling of watching the movie's most interesting part. The only part that I don't like about this book is that it's not even released and I'll have to wait for the next book to come out. The characters are humourous, witty, sarcastic and have amazing banter amongst themselves.
Isabel is goofy, awkwardly human.
Erik is swoon-worthy, has a strong appearance but is a softie. The characters are more alike than they seem. They both need reassurance and self acceptance and inturn help eachother by making the other person feel seen and matter.
The end will leave you speechless, I can guarantee that.
My favourite scene would be the one where Erik and Isable scream their secrets and how they connect after it.
I give this 4.5/5 stars
Isabel is goofy, awkwardly human.
Erik is swoon-worthy, has a strong appearance but is a softie. The characters are more alike than they seem. They both need reassurance and self acceptance and inturn help eachother by making the other person feel seen and matter.
The end will leave you speechless, I can guarantee that.
My favourite scene would be the one where Erik and Isable scream their secrets and how they connect after it.
I give this 4.5/5 stars
June 8, 2024
This book! The characters are so well done and the romance is super swoony! I totally recommend!
June 8, 2024
Wow.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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