What do you think?
Rate this book
The Grimoire Saga #4
Illusion
The final chapter in the war for Ourea ends with blood.
Kara Magari is an icon. A hero. The people love her. The royalty tolerates her. She has everything—an army, allies, and a close circle of chosen family. They believe she will end the war, and they shouldn’t. She’s as scared as they are. She just can’t show it.
The war she accidentally started ends with a final battle that will either save or enslave her people. She will do anything to win—until she learns the cost of victory.
Braeden Drakonin is afraid of what he’ll become when he takes over his father’s kingdom—that much authority can change a man. But his father has already tried to kill him more than once, and it’s time to end his reign. Braeden’s armies are ready. His strategy is foolproof. His generals are waiting for the order to attack. It’s only in the final seconds before the battle begins that he realizes he missed one crucial detail—the traitor.
Kara Magari is an icon. A hero. The people love her. The royalty tolerates her. She has everything—an army, allies, and a close circle of chosen family. They believe she will end the war, and they shouldn’t. She’s as scared as they are. She just can’t show it.
The war she accidentally started ends with a final battle that will either save or enslave her people. She will do anything to win—until she learns the cost of victory.
Braeden Drakonin is afraid of what he’ll become when he takes over his father’s kingdom—that much authority can change a man. But his father has already tried to kill him more than once, and it’s time to end his reign. Braeden’s armies are ready. His strategy is foolproof. His generals are waiting for the order to attack. It’s only in the final seconds before the battle begins that he realizes he missed one crucial detail—the traitor.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2014
145 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Boyce
29 books805 followersBoyce is known for action-packed epic fantasy, powerful heroes, and riveting magical stories filled with twists and intrigue. And, of course, a bit of humor sprinkled through it all. Pick up your kindle and get lost in the journey.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 8, 2016
This might be the hardest review I've had to write so far in my reviewing "career". Illusion is book fourth of The Grimoire Saga, and I was both excited and sad to read this last book of the series. I've been following Kara, the main character, on her journey through the beautiful and dangerous world of Ourea since early 2012. After reading the first book, Lichgates, I knew I was hooked, but with each book that came out I was drawn in more and more. This is hands down my favorite book series, and S.M. Boyce will stay on my top authors list for years to come. I have no doubt about that.
I could do a close review of this, but I fear saying too much about the plot and outcome. So much happens in this book to tie up the many loose ends that weave through this series. There is a long awaited epic battle, twists and turns, joy and dismay. This book has everything long time fans have felt the series building up to. To say that I'm pleased with the way the author ended things would be an understatement. It can't be easy to create a satisfying ending to an epic like The Grimoire Saga, but I felt it was the way it should all work out.
Boyce's writing continues to gain strength with each book, and Illusion is no exception. Her world of Ourea is just as complex and beautiful as when I first was thrown into it with Kara in the first book. Much of this book takes place in the Steleian Kingdom, a place we've only seen glimpses of before. I feel that even in the midst of the concluding battle, the kingdom was painted with a skill I've grown to admire. I also found it surprising when the story took on different character viewpoints. For most of this series, the chapters are from either Kara or Braeden's POV, with few exceptions. For reasons obvious to those reading the book, these two POVs would have limited a battle as big as what takes place in this book. What was the surprising part is that even with just a chapter or two from the POV of more minor characters (and more impressively from characters, the vagabonds, we know almost nothing about) the author was able to keep me in the story, develop that character in a short time, and get me invested in this part of the larger story. It was a change in style overall, but not a jarring or out-of-place change.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book, and as a whole this series, but I'd rather leave it at what I've said already. I'm sad that the series is over. Happiness and sadness fell over me when I finished the last line, but isn't that what great books should do? There is a light at the end of the tunnel, as well. It's only about a year until fans of Ourea have to wait for a spin-off series The Ourean Chornicles. I'm looking forward to reading about some of my favorite characters in their own books.
I could do a close review of this, but I fear saying too much about the plot and outcome. So much happens in this book to tie up the many loose ends that weave through this series. There is a long awaited epic battle, twists and turns, joy and dismay. This book has everything long time fans have felt the series building up to. To say that I'm pleased with the way the author ended things would be an understatement. It can't be easy to create a satisfying ending to an epic like The Grimoire Saga, but I felt it was the way it should all work out.
Boyce's writing continues to gain strength with each book, and Illusion is no exception. Her world of Ourea is just as complex and beautiful as when I first was thrown into it with Kara in the first book. Much of this book takes place in the Steleian Kingdom, a place we've only seen glimpses of before. I feel that even in the midst of the concluding battle, the kingdom was painted with a skill I've grown to admire. I also found it surprising when the story took on different character viewpoints. For most of this series, the chapters are from either Kara or Braeden's POV, with few exceptions. For reasons obvious to those reading the book, these two POVs would have limited a battle as big as what takes place in this book. What was the surprising part is that even with just a chapter or two from the POV of more minor characters (and more impressively from characters, the vagabonds, we know almost nothing about) the author was able to keep me in the story, develop that character in a short time, and get me invested in this part of the larger story. It was a change in style overall, but not a jarring or out-of-place change.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book, and as a whole this series, but I'd rather leave it at what I've said already. I'm sad that the series is over. Happiness and sadness fell over me when I finished the last line, but isn't that what great books should do? There is a light at the end of the tunnel, as well. It's only about a year until fans of Ourea have to wait for a spin-off series The Ourean Chornicles. I'm looking forward to reading about some of my favorite characters in their own books.
November 4, 2014
Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
What started as accidental friendship on twitter turned into my love for this series. I have first entered Ourea 2 years ago and now sadly I'm leaving this world behind. It's been a hell of a ride and for that it will always remain in my memories and I'll get back there one day.
In the previous three book Lichgates, Treason and Heritage we have seen Kara's trip from first entering Ourea till the final battle that was scheduled for Illusion. From the first time she realized that she has a great power till the full blast of it. We have seen her grow. Not only Kara, but all characters in this saga. There is Braeden who learned how to embrace his past and live with it and as far as I'm concerned he will always be on of my book boyfriends. With all that a great villains, that make you scared even though your life is not endangered. That all lead to this final battle which was all but predictable.
I'm not going to tell you much about the plot here as it'd spoil a lot, but trust me when I tell you that each page was built with suspense, where I continued to read while biting my nails. Not to mention that I was so afraid because of that last sentence in the blurb as the traitor could be anyone.
Another thing I loved about this one is that finally all pieces fell into place and it all made a round and extremely complicated plot which you get to reveal piece by piece but at the end you have the whole puzzle without missing pieces. With all that the story never wavers, it's always on track.
All that with the amazing writing and lots of feelings. It's all I could ever ask for and then some. For that it'll have a special place in my heart. Forever.
What started as accidental friendship on twitter turned into my love for this series. I have first entered Ourea 2 years ago and now sadly I'm leaving this world behind. It's been a hell of a ride and for that it will always remain in my memories and I'll get back there one day.
In the previous three book Lichgates, Treason and Heritage we have seen Kara's trip from first entering Ourea till the final battle that was scheduled for Illusion. From the first time she realized that she has a great power till the full blast of it. We have seen her grow. Not only Kara, but all characters in this saga. There is Braeden who learned how to embrace his past and live with it and as far as I'm concerned he will always be on of my book boyfriends. With all that a great villains, that make you scared even though your life is not endangered. That all lead to this final battle which was all but predictable.
I'm not going to tell you much about the plot here as it'd spoil a lot, but trust me when I tell you that each page was built with suspense, where I continued to read while biting my nails. Not to mention that I was so afraid because of that last sentence in the blurb as the traitor could be anyone.
Another thing I loved about this one is that finally all pieces fell into place and it all made a round and extremely complicated plot which you get to reveal piece by piece but at the end you have the whole puzzle without missing pieces. With all that the story never wavers, it's always on track.
All that with the amazing writing and lots of feelings. It's all I could ever ask for and then some. For that it'll have a special place in my heart. Forever.
August 5, 2015
I absolutely loved this series!!
The first book is a bit difficult to get into since there is a bunch of build up and learning who all the characters are but by the time the second book comes along....damn, I couldn't put this series down!
The first book is a bit difficult to get into since there is a bunch of build up and learning who all the characters are but by the time the second book comes along....damn, I couldn't put this series down!
October 26, 2014
Knowing me, this will probably be quite spoilery. So if you want to avoid spoilers, then scroll through it. This will probably be quite emotional, too, so prepare yourself for that.
I would like to start with the last sentence of my review about Heritage.
"Grimoire saga is asdfghjklöä. It´s an isen. It steals your soul, you live it, you breath it. It is a yakona trying to survive it´s Blood´s commands. It is a vagabond bringing the readers peace and happiness. It is a drenowith deforming a simple pages of writing into a masterpiece."
16.10
First three chapters
This is a special occasion, I feel like I am reading a gift, so it seems I should make my review just as special - or rather defferent.
So today I started thinking about the game capture the flag. I absolutely love this game. I use to play it when I was younger.I just really love, how this game is used in books, each and every author giving it their own touch
They played the game in Divergent by Veronica Roth, where they had some guns and stuff, of course in Percy Jackson and The Lightnig Thief by Rick Riordan, where there was a nice sword fighting. The game was mentioned in Akasha series by Terra Harmony. Each and every time some characters are having a competition of capture the flag I´m kind of on the edge of my seat. Who wins? What kind of game will it be? What, why, where...? I have to say this game in Illusion was the most interesting of them all to read. The fireballs flying, the lets-pretend-to-have-real-war seriousness. It was all just absolutely wonderfully perfect. And lets not forget Braedens reaction to Kara losing her ´life´... (I said it will be spoilery, didn´t I). Not to be too overly spoilive I will ONLY write out one quote fom this interaction: "Almost all his happy memories involved her." Aaaaaah!!!!! This sentence is so sad, so frustratingly cute and so pure. Braeden with his daru is not frightening to me - well, I sure as hell haven´t experienced being near him when he has lost his calm, but I know what has gone through his mind at these moments. This time it was fear of losing her. All the males in J.R Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood get overprotective of their mates. This is not frightning. This is adorable. Braeden, I just wanted you to know, I am not afraid of you.
Anyway, this far, I am really enjoying the book. Kind of starting to become an emotional mess. I think we´re not far from me starting to draw pictures depicting the scenes from the book again.
Ah´right so moving on. Chapter 4 was absurdingly cute. Not going to say any more about the ... cuteness of it. How could I express my opinions about this and not tell what THIS is about? I don´t want to spoil everything. Oh, hell.
15.10
Chapter 5 - 6
"Even if we can never have children, I don’t care."
Let´s think about this for a sec, shall we? You are a Heir, quite certainly going to be a Blood. Your race depends on you to have a Heir someday. So if having children doesn´t really matter . . . Maybe he hadn´t thought about it. Maybe he didn´t yet realise it. But how could Stelians survive without a Blood once Braeden, lets say dies from old age. So for him to say these words, even if he doesn´t realize the debt of them, is huge. It´s really huge. (Or will he use the same method that Aislynn did, giving the bloodline to someone else, when they can´t have a child.......)
It is definitely time to go on a journey, somewhere Far, Dark and Dangerous, there are too many cute moments pushed together, we need a little more danger and heartbreak. Some excitement... Not that I mind the lovely Kara-Braeden moments... Karaeden moments... (OH!) Just that they are all too close to each other and there is no change, no developement. It´s a perfect static bliss, which writers usually don´t write about - they are more intrigued about the itinerary into this state.
18.10
Chapters 7 - 17
I like Andor. First he refuses Deidre and then he agrees with the right side. I like that Stone likes him, too. That old isen is so unreadable, mysterious even, but he is never wrong. So if he thinks Andor should be left alive, then so be it. His wish is my command. I would probably follow him anywhere... Of course once it is established that he wont treat me as food. It´s just that he has so much wisdom hidden in this rigid manner of his. Stone is like a grandfather, who has lived through a lot, has knowledge of everything and has had no one to share it with, which has turned him into somewhat a recluse. And now he doesn´t know how to socialize correctly, so he is withdrawn and closed. But deep down I think he feels fondness to Kara and just doesn´t want to or know how to show it. And he says he can´t help her in the isen guild and is forced to look how she fights with much older and experienced isen. It can´t be easy on him, either... At least I hope so! ("He leaned against the wall, one hand on his cheek as if the whole fight bored him.") I really damn hope he feels some kind of kind emotions towards her and is just really confident she can handle what is thrown at her, because if this facade of his isn´t really a facade but a reality than I would personally slaughter him for putting Kara through this hell.
Kara is a little like Hulk. I´m really sorry for that assertion. But the way Hulk loses his control is similar to the way Agneon did and now Kara does without her wrist guard on. And well, there is also that green glow. Why is the green color associated with evil or bad (Slytherin house color was also green, just saying).
"An isen family protects its members. Once you’re turned, you will always have someone watching your back. You will always have someone to avenge you."
Okay, going back to the calculations about Stone. If what Andor says about isen family is true, then I was right calling Stone grandfatherly, because well, they are a family now and he is much older and he is watching her back. "Stone once said she was like a daughter to him"
I like that sort of view on isen. At the beginning of the series they were such evil beings, hated by everyone, and now we can see the lighter side of them. Some of the family life came to light in Agneon´s memories in Heritage, but that was just one family. Here there are thousands on isen who look after each other... Deidre is really bad example for that race. Niccoli was too.
"We are a threat because we are totally free."
Oh, wow, now I understand everything clearly. It is freedom they took away from people in Delirium by Lauren Oliver when they established their rules. It is freedom they took away in The Giver by Lois Lowry in the same method. It is freedom they took away in Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, and in the Hunger Games... Manipulations of the Big and Strong and Powerful. Because free people are a threat. They can think what they want, do what they want, be who they want to. And you can´t control them. I absolutely love that sentence.
There is this talk about a traitor and I had a foggy memory from Heritage about Evelyn communicating with Carden., so I flipped through my book to find this part... And holy hell, if Evelyn is the traitor then everything is going to go downhill. At least there´s a vagabond to watch her actions, though what could one girl do, when something goes seriously wrong. (later note: we did find out, didn´t we?)
There were mentionings of Garret before, but I still wondered what happened to the drenowith... and Adele, because I really liked them, but I haven´t "seen" neither of them basically since the incident with Aislynn. Anyway, the war is starting and at least one of them is showing himself. (later note: And the other one did too showed up, eventually)
19.10
Chapters 18 - Epilogue
Woah, this war is going to be tricky with Stelians being able to change forms and all....
Holy hell, holy hell, holy hellll.... And no spoilers coming, because I cannot do this to you quys. I need to calm down. Everything´s going to be okay, it has to. Huh.
I like how the volunteering vagabonds have their own chapters in the book, so we could see what happens all over the Ourea. It also brings in more tension.
I just thought... What a perfect idea it was to use Ayavelian army as Stelians in the war game at the beginning of the book... Because of... things.
You know I thought this would happen. In Heritage, when Braeden was almost dying and stuff and Deidre killed Carden, it was the perfect moment for it to happen... and then there´s somewhat of a confirmation
And here comes the end. Which is satisfying. Even though it seems like a new beginning, not really an end and I want to know what happens next, but if John Green thought me something, it´s not to grumble at unfinished endings. There isn´t really a way to end good series. Something will always be left hanging in the air. (Like did Gavin ever forgive Evelyn, and did the girl change, and Garret and Adele, and all the vagabonds, and and and you know the little blossom on the tree) Will we ever now? Probably not and that´s just the cruel truth of it.
Anyway, I really loved this book. Truth be told I have never really written such a long review before. Oh, and sorry about the spoilers.
I would like to start with the last sentence of my review about Heritage.
"Grimoire saga is asdfghjklöä. It´s an isen. It steals your soul, you live it, you breath it. It is a yakona trying to survive it´s Blood´s commands. It is a vagabond bringing the readers peace and happiness. It is a drenowith deforming a simple pages of writing into a masterpiece."
16.10
First three chapters
This is a special occasion, I feel like I am reading a gift, so it seems I should make my review just as special - or rather defferent.
So today I started thinking about the game capture the flag. I absolutely love this game. I use to play it when I was younger.I just really love, how this game is used in books, each and every author giving it their own touch
They played the game in Divergent by Veronica Roth, where they had some guns and stuff, of course in Percy Jackson and The Lightnig Thief by Rick Riordan, where there was a nice sword fighting. The game was mentioned in Akasha series by Terra Harmony. Each and every time some characters are having a competition of capture the flag I´m kind of on the edge of my seat. Who wins? What kind of game will it be? What, why, where...? I have to say this game in Illusion was the most interesting of them all to read. The fireballs flying, the lets-pretend-to-have-real-war seriousness. It was all just absolutely wonderfully perfect. And lets not forget Braedens reaction to Kara losing her ´life´... (I said it will be spoilery, didn´t I). Not to be too overly spoilive I will ONLY write out one quote fom this interaction: "Almost all his happy memories involved her." Aaaaaah!!!!! This sentence is so sad, so frustratingly cute and so pure. Braeden with his daru is not frightening to me - well, I sure as hell haven´t experienced being near him when he has lost his calm, but I know what has gone through his mind at these moments. This time it was fear of losing her. All the males in J.R Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood get overprotective of their mates. This is not frightning. This is adorable. Braeden, I just wanted you to know, I am not afraid of you.
Anyway, this far, I am really enjoying the book. Kind of starting to become an emotional mess. I think we´re not far from me starting to draw pictures depicting the scenes from the book again.
Ah´right so moving on. Chapter 4 was absurdingly cute. Not going to say any more about the ... cuteness of it. How could I express my opinions about this and not tell what THIS is about? I don´t want to spoil everything. Oh, hell.
15.10
Chapter 5 - 6
"Even if we can never have children, I don’t care."
Let´s think about this for a sec, shall we? You are a Heir, quite certainly going to be a Blood. Your race depends on you to have a Heir someday. So if having children doesn´t really matter . . . Maybe he hadn´t thought about it. Maybe he didn´t yet realise it. But how could Stelians survive without a Blood once Braeden, lets say dies from old age. So for him to say these words, even if he doesn´t realize the debt of them, is huge. It´s really huge. (Or will he use the same method that Aislynn did, giving the bloodline to someone else, when they can´t have a child.......)
It is definitely time to go on a journey, somewhere Far, Dark and Dangerous, there are too many cute moments pushed together, we need a little more danger and heartbreak. Some excitement... Not that I mind the lovely Kara-Braeden moments... Karaeden moments... (OH!) Just that they are all too close to each other and there is no change, no developement. It´s a perfect static bliss, which writers usually don´t write about - they are more intrigued about the itinerary into this state.
18.10
Chapters 7 - 17
I like Andor. First he refuses Deidre and then he agrees with the right side. I like that Stone likes him, too. That old isen is so unreadable, mysterious even, but he is never wrong. So if he thinks Andor should be left alive, then so be it. His wish is my command. I would probably follow him anywhere... Of course once it is established that he wont treat me as food. It´s just that he has so much wisdom hidden in this rigid manner of his. Stone is like a grandfather, who has lived through a lot, has knowledge of everything and has had no one to share it with, which has turned him into somewhat a recluse. And now he doesn´t know how to socialize correctly, so he is withdrawn and closed. But deep down I think he feels fondness to Kara and just doesn´t want to or know how to show it. And he says he can´t help her in the isen guild and is forced to look how she fights with much older and experienced isen. It can´t be easy on him, either... At least I hope so! ("He leaned against the wall, one hand on his cheek as if the whole fight bored him.") I really damn hope he feels some kind of kind emotions towards her and is just really confident she can handle what is thrown at her, because if this facade of his isn´t really a facade but a reality than I would personally slaughter him for putting Kara through this hell.
Kara is a little like Hulk. I´m really sorry for that assertion. But the way Hulk loses his control is similar to the way Agneon did and now Kara does without her wrist guard on. And well, there is also that green glow. Why is the green color associated with evil or bad (Slytherin house color was also green, just saying).
"An isen family protects its members. Once you’re turned, you will always have someone watching your back. You will always have someone to avenge you."
Okay, going back to the calculations about Stone. If what Andor says about isen family is true, then I was right calling Stone grandfatherly, because well, they are a family now and he is much older and he is watching her back. "Stone once said she was like a daughter to him"
I like that sort of view on isen. At the beginning of the series they were such evil beings, hated by everyone, and now we can see the lighter side of them. Some of the family life came to light in Agneon´s memories in Heritage, but that was just one family. Here there are thousands on isen who look after each other... Deidre is really bad example for that race. Niccoli was too.
"We are a threat because we are totally free."
Oh, wow, now I understand everything clearly. It is freedom they took away from people in Delirium by Lauren Oliver when they established their rules. It is freedom they took away in The Giver by Lois Lowry in the same method. It is freedom they took away in Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, and in the Hunger Games... Manipulations of the Big and Strong and Powerful. Because free people are a threat. They can think what they want, do what they want, be who they want to. And you can´t control them. I absolutely love that sentence.
There is this talk about a traitor and I had a foggy memory from Heritage about Evelyn communicating with Carden., so I flipped through my book to find this part... And holy hell, if Evelyn is the traitor then everything is going to go downhill. At least there´s a vagabond to watch her actions, though what could one girl do, when something goes seriously wrong. (later note: we did find out, didn´t we?)
There were mentionings of Garret before, but I still wondered what happened to the drenowith... and Adele, because I really liked them, but I haven´t "seen" neither of them basically since the incident with Aislynn. Anyway, the war is starting and at least one of them is showing himself. (later note: And the other one did too showed up, eventually)
19.10
Chapters 18 - Epilogue
Woah, this war is going to be tricky with Stelians being able to change forms and all....
Holy hell, holy hell, holy hellll.... And no spoilers coming, because I cannot do this to you quys. I need to calm down. Everything´s going to be okay, it has to. Huh.
I like how the volunteering vagabonds have their own chapters in the book, so we could see what happens all over the Ourea. It also brings in more tension.
I just thought... What a perfect idea it was to use Ayavelian army as Stelians in the war game at the beginning of the book... Because of... things.
You know I thought this would happen. In Heritage, when Braeden was almost dying and stuff and Deidre killed Carden, it was the perfect moment for it to happen... and then there´s somewhat of a confirmation
And here comes the end. Which is satisfying. Even though it seems like a new beginning, not really an end and I want to know what happens next, but if John Green thought me something, it´s not to grumble at unfinished endings. There isn´t really a way to end good series. Something will always be left hanging in the air. (Like did Gavin ever forgive Evelyn, and did the girl change, and Garret and Adele, and all the vagabonds, and and and you know the little blossom on the tree) Will we ever now? Probably not and that´s just the cruel truth of it.
Anyway, I really loved this book. Truth be told I have never really written such a long review before. Oh, and sorry about the spoilers.
June 16, 2017
My Disclaimer: I purchased this book for full price at Kindle Books. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review:
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. I don't know who said that, but they were right. And in this series you see it happen over and over again. Ms. Boyce has done a wonderful job of showing it time and time again. In so many of the characters, the power has done terrible things to them. Destroyed them. Even the best of them have had to battle against the pull of the power. Look at what Braedon has gone through to overcome the pull of his power just while he is a prince. Imagine what being a Blood will be like for him. And for Kara with her grandfather's legacy awoken, she has to wear the wrist guard just to keep it in check. Even then she is incredibly powerful. If she weren't also incredibly good, she could be as awful as some of the monsters in Ourea.
We've come down to the last book. The days before the big battle. Braedon and Kara are desperate for some time alone. They want to cement their relationship before events can possibly tear them apart. Things never go quite the same when you mix a human into yakona rites. But Kara has something that's uniquely their own that will make up for it.
The allies know they have a traitor, but they've been so busy they have sort of forgotten about that as they draw near to battle time. Now, as they march off to meet the enemy it occurs to Braedon, who is it and how will they interfere? Well, of course, they find out in a big way.
Each Blood has been assigned one of Kara's people for communications. All the armies are in place. Timing has been worked out for each to move. One by one the armies make their moves until the traitor makes a move that brings chaos to coordination. Can Kara, Braedon, and their forces counter the traitor's move? Will Braedon face his father and fight? And what comes after the war? Will there be peace? Who will be in charge?
Read this book, Illusion, Grimoire Saga #4, to find out the final answers.
-----------------------------------------
This completes my requirement for the COYER Can You Read A Series In A Month Challenge June 2017
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review:
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. I don't know who said that, but they were right. And in this series you see it happen over and over again. Ms. Boyce has done a wonderful job of showing it time and time again. In so many of the characters, the power has done terrible things to them. Destroyed them. Even the best of them have had to battle against the pull of the power. Look at what Braedon has gone through to overcome the pull of his power just while he is a prince. Imagine what being a Blood will be like for him. And for Kara with her grandfather's legacy awoken, she has to wear the wrist guard just to keep it in check. Even then she is incredibly powerful. If she weren't also incredibly good, she could be as awful as some of the monsters in Ourea.
We've come down to the last book. The days before the big battle. Braedon and Kara are desperate for some time alone. They want to cement their relationship before events can possibly tear them apart. Things never go quite the same when you mix a human into yakona rites. But Kara has something that's uniquely their own that will make up for it.
The allies know they have a traitor, but they've been so busy they have sort of forgotten about that as they draw near to battle time. Now, as they march off to meet the enemy it occurs to Braedon, who is it and how will they interfere? Well, of course, they find out in a big way.
Each Blood has been assigned one of Kara's people for communications. All the armies are in place. Timing has been worked out for each to move. One by one the armies make their moves until the traitor makes a move that brings chaos to coordination. Can Kara, Braedon, and their forces counter the traitor's move? Will Braedon face his father and fight? And what comes after the war? Will there be peace? Who will be in charge?
Read this book, Illusion, Grimoire Saga #4, to find out the final answers.
-----------------------------------------
This completes my requirement for the COYER Can You Read A Series In A Month Challenge June 2017
July 24, 2017
The final book in The Grimoire Saga is a bittersweet conclusion to a great series! I have been following this series through the 4 books & feel like I have lost a group of friends by having the Saga come to an end!
To fans of epic fantasy like Lord of the Rings, this is a great series! The world building, the characters, the story.....it is awesome! The author populates her world with wonderful creatures, great battle scenes & a little romance. You really love the good guys & really, really hate the bad guys (which is how it should be, right?)
This final book brings all the characters back for the big finale. All of the heroes, heroines & villains are back & the way the author ends this series is just great! I love the creatures that Ms. Boyce has created & wish that I had some as pets & others as transportation!
The narrator, Kara Kovacich Stewart, does an absolutely fantastic job! Her narration of this series adds a lot to an already wonderful story. Her variations in voices help you keep track of the many characters without being distracting. I love her voice & recommend her narrations to anybody who loves audiobooks.
All in all, I hate to see the series end....but I'm sure I will be visiting Ourea again someday!
To fans of epic fantasy like Lord of the Rings, this is a great series! The world building, the characters, the story.....it is awesome! The author populates her world with wonderful creatures, great battle scenes & a little romance. You really love the good guys & really, really hate the bad guys (which is how it should be, right?)
This final book brings all the characters back for the big finale. All of the heroes, heroines & villains are back & the way the author ends this series is just great! I love the creatures that Ms. Boyce has created & wish that I had some as pets & others as transportation!
The narrator, Kara Kovacich Stewart, does an absolutely fantastic job! Her narration of this series adds a lot to an already wonderful story. Her variations in voices help you keep track of the many characters without being distracting. I love her voice & recommend her narrations to anybody who loves audiobooks.
All in all, I hate to see the series end....but I'm sure I will be visiting Ourea again someday!
October 23, 2014
My initial reaction to reading Ilusion is that it was absolutely brilliant and exquisitely perfect! I can’t tell you how long I have been waiting to go back to Ourea to find out what happens next to Kara, Braeden, and their allies. This story delivered exactly what I wanted and so much more! It was an intense and spell-binding journey that was laced with intrigue and filled with wonderful twists and surprising revelations. Nothing was missing from this incredible adventure, and it carried within it the heart and soul of a truly amazing writer that I have come to deeply cherish and greatly admire.
Kara and Braeden have come a long way in their pursuit of bringing a well-earned and hard fought peace to Ourea. They have won over a small band of allies as well as key rulers along the way. Throughout this heart-wrenching quest nothing was as it seemed. Long-standing alliances proved to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors and shocking revelations and sinister plots worked tirelessly to stop their every move. Yet throughout all of this, Kara and Braeden refused to back down from their ultimate goal of peace and freedom. However, trusting in the fragile alliances that they worked so hard to build may prove to be their greatest downfall. What they least expect could destroy everything that they have sacrificed and suffered for. All it takes is one traitor in their midst to destroy their house of cards and watch it fall helplessly around them.
The stunning characters found within these pages never ceased to amaze me. Just when you think you know them is about the time that they surprise you in a way that you would never have seen coming. This story flowed seamlessly and beautifully and the characters seemed to come alive at every turn. I suffered with their every heartache, shared in every joyous moment, and was shocked as each twist and turn rocked the foundations of their world. Kara and Braeden never ceased to amaze me at their resilience and determination in the face of stubborn pride, unthinkable treachery, and blatant hatred. Their long suffering in the name of love for their world, their friends, and each other never seemed to have an end. In their heart they knew that what they wanted to accomplish was dangerous, nearly impossible, and might cost them everything, but what sustained them was the knowledge that what they fought for was true, right, and pure. They would either accomplish their goal or die trying.
I have been utterly mesmerized by this truly mind-blowing series! S. M. Boyce has created an unforgettable story that is sure to sweep you off your feet and lay claim to your heart. You can’t walk away from this series and not feel like you left a piece of yourself behind. The raw passion and heartfelt determination written into every word will slowly seep into your soul and bind you to these beautiful characters. The actions of one person can determine the course of an entire nation as is seen over and over in both Ourea as well as our own world. I hope that whatever you do and whatever you say will be done with careful thought, wrapped in love, and sealed with hope.
Kara and Braeden have come a long way in their pursuit of bringing a well-earned and hard fought peace to Ourea. They have won over a small band of allies as well as key rulers along the way. Throughout this heart-wrenching quest nothing was as it seemed. Long-standing alliances proved to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors and shocking revelations and sinister plots worked tirelessly to stop their every move. Yet throughout all of this, Kara and Braeden refused to back down from their ultimate goal of peace and freedom. However, trusting in the fragile alliances that they worked so hard to build may prove to be their greatest downfall. What they least expect could destroy everything that they have sacrificed and suffered for. All it takes is one traitor in their midst to destroy their house of cards and watch it fall helplessly around them.
The stunning characters found within these pages never ceased to amaze me. Just when you think you know them is about the time that they surprise you in a way that you would never have seen coming. This story flowed seamlessly and beautifully and the characters seemed to come alive at every turn. I suffered with their every heartache, shared in every joyous moment, and was shocked as each twist and turn rocked the foundations of their world. Kara and Braeden never ceased to amaze me at their resilience and determination in the face of stubborn pride, unthinkable treachery, and blatant hatred. Their long suffering in the name of love for their world, their friends, and each other never seemed to have an end. In their heart they knew that what they wanted to accomplish was dangerous, nearly impossible, and might cost them everything, but what sustained them was the knowledge that what they fought for was true, right, and pure. They would either accomplish their goal or die trying.
I have been utterly mesmerized by this truly mind-blowing series! S. M. Boyce has created an unforgettable story that is sure to sweep you off your feet and lay claim to your heart. You can’t walk away from this series and not feel like you left a piece of yourself behind. The raw passion and heartfelt determination written into every word will slowly seep into your soul and bind you to these beautiful characters. The actions of one person can determine the course of an entire nation as is seen over and over in both Ourea as well as our own world. I hope that whatever you do and whatever you say will be done with careful thought, wrapped in love, and sealed with hope.
October 30, 2014
It took me a while to really start this book because I didn't really want to commit to this series being over, and I knew that once I started it would be the beginning of the end. (Cliches are true for a reason.) Once I started though this book just pulled me along. You know how sometimes you go to the movies, and you're either running late or simply forget, but for some reason you don't go potty before it starts, and realize as soon as the movie starts that uh-oh you forgot to go potty and resolve to go as soon as the movie slows down, but the movie is so good that you don't ever get up because you don't want to miss anything so that by the end of the movie your bladder is about to explode? That is exactly how this book was. Sleep? Who needs sleep when they have a kick-ass book to read? Work? Isn't that just another place to discreetly set-up my iphone and keep reading my ebook? One set of totally dry contacts, burning eyes, and a day of blowing off work and I'm done with all the requisite bittersweet feelings that accompany the end of a great book series.
I usually start my reviews with a quick synopsis of what the author did "wrong", or the things that bugged me, so that I can provide a balanced review but after 10 minutes of starring at my screen trying to come up with something and then moving on to the "good" things section, I'm still drawing a blank. So, dear readers, please forgive the gushing nature of this review, I promise it doesn't happen often.
After three books' worth of burning questions, such as (only spoilers if you haven't read the first three books, I promise): I finally get my questions/concerns answered, and everything gets resolved in a way that is totally logical and makes perfecet sense. No easy, convenient resolutions here, you gotta work for that conclusion! However, in true Boyce fashion, even her resolutions foster a raging curiosity and hope that the story and characters might live on in another few books down the road.
As this book is the conclusion to a four book series, I will quickly comment that when I read a series, I usually know who the good/bad guys are, who I like and dislike, by half-way through book 1 and then that's the way it stays for the rest of the series, but Boyce was an adept at creating new perceptions and characteristics of these characters.
I have truly enjoyed this series and would recommend it to anyone who likes well-planned plots, empathetic and relatable characters (including an actual heroine or 4), and a beautifully imagined and described world (I've heard talk of a pop-up book, and am super-excited about the rose cliffs, just sayin').
I usually start my reviews with a quick synopsis of what the author did "wrong", or the things that bugged me, so that I can provide a balanced review but after 10 minutes of starring at my screen trying to come up with something and then moving on to the "good" things section, I'm still drawing a blank. So, dear readers, please forgive the gushing nature of this review, I promise it doesn't happen often.
After three books' worth of burning questions, such as (only spoilers if you haven't read the first three books, I promise): I finally get my questions/concerns answered, and everything gets resolved in a way that is totally logical and makes perfecet sense. No easy, convenient resolutions here, you gotta work for that conclusion! However, in true Boyce fashion, even her resolutions foster a raging curiosity and hope that the story and characters might live on in another few books down the road.
As this book is the conclusion to a four book series, I will quickly comment that when I read a series, I usually know who the good/bad guys are, who I like and dislike, by half-way through book 1 and then that's the way it stays for the rest of the series, but Boyce was an adept at creating new perceptions and characteristics of these characters.
I have truly enjoyed this series and would recommend it to anyone who likes well-planned plots, empathetic and relatable characters (including an actual heroine or 4), and a beautifully imagined and described world (I've heard talk of a pop-up book, and am super-excited about the rose cliffs, just sayin').
July 30, 2022
pooled ink Reviews:
4.5 stars
Illusion is a thrilling conclusion to the enchanting and bloody Grimoire Saga. The climax of political tensions, war explodes across the pages in a series of twists and crashing emotions. The end to a must read series.
This whole series we’ve been following Kara’s journey into the land of Ourea as she faces her new reality while navigating the politics of the yakona. With each book an impending war became clearer and clearer and at last we watch all hell break loose in this shattering conclusion of all or nothing. Much of this book is actually devoted to said war, rather than the previous books which spent their time more spread between politics, exploration, quiet moments, character developments, and of course battle.
As you probably guessed Deidre had plenty up her sleeves and no shortage of clever but desperate plots in her twisted head. So you have that to look forward to as well.
Finally we get to see more of the Isen, although I wish we got to spend more time with them. We’re briefly introduced to their society and then poof we’re back to the yakonan war.
Overall this is a really great fantasy series. Underrated in my opinion and not nearly well-known enough, although I guess it doesn’t get as much big time publicity as a traditionally published book might. I’ve followed and loved the Grimoire Saga for years and it really changed my mindset about the literary industry. I’ve read some “brand name” books that I thought weren’t particularly impressive and I’ve read some independent books that totally blew my mind. Don’t let a label make a decision for you. There are amazing stories everywhere if you have the patience and desire to look for them. Hoorah for indie authors!
Read my FULL review here: https://pooledink.com/2016/09/16/illu...
4.5 stars
Illusion is a thrilling conclusion to the enchanting and bloody Grimoire Saga. The climax of political tensions, war explodes across the pages in a series of twists and crashing emotions. The end to a must read series.
This whole series we’ve been following Kara’s journey into the land of Ourea as she faces her new reality while navigating the politics of the yakona. With each book an impending war became clearer and clearer and at last we watch all hell break loose in this shattering conclusion of all or nothing. Much of this book is actually devoted to said war, rather than the previous books which spent their time more spread between politics, exploration, quiet moments, character developments, and of course battle.
As you probably guessed Deidre had plenty up her sleeves and no shortage of clever but desperate plots in her twisted head. So you have that to look forward to as well.
Finally we get to see more of the Isen, although I wish we got to spend more time with them. We’re briefly introduced to their society and then poof we’re back to the yakonan war.
Overall this is a really great fantasy series. Underrated in my opinion and not nearly well-known enough, although I guess it doesn’t get as much big time publicity as a traditionally published book might. I’ve followed and loved the Grimoire Saga for years and it really changed my mindset about the literary industry. I’ve read some “brand name” books that I thought weren’t particularly impressive and I’ve read some independent books that totally blew my mind. Don’t let a label make a decision for you. There are amazing stories everywhere if you have the patience and desire to look for them. Hoorah for indie authors!
Read my FULL review here: https://pooledink.com/2016/09/16/illu...
November 3, 2014
Illusion
All I want to do is just type WOW!!! over, & over, & over. I don't know if I can find the words to do justice to this book. I know I said this in one of the previous reviews but Boyce has truly created a story for the ages. I rank her work right along side of Tolkien, or C.S Lewis, or if you would like a more recent author, JK Rowling, Christopher Panolini, Suzanne Collins, Stephanie Meyers...the list is endless. Her mind is so amazing, & I have absolutely loved the glimpse she has given us of the incredible worlds it has created.
Illlusion went way beyond my expectations, & completely satisfied the reader in me. And, believe me when I say that my expectations were very high!! The story was a wonderful culmination of all the books combined. It was full of action, adventure, betrayal, friendship, & romance. The characters in the book continued to grow & mature through each of thier journeys. It was impossible to put the book down, & do the mundane things in life that needed doing. Even when I wasn't reading, my mind was caught up in the world of Ourea, it's people, & the struggles they faced as they worked to overcome the evil that inhabited Ourea, & make it a peaceful world. Boyce brought all the factors together beautifully, & gave us an ending that is wholly satisfying. As sad as I was to see the end of Kara & Braeden's story, I can't wait to explore future works by Boyce, and that includes the ones that aren't about Ourea.
If you haven't read any of the books in the Lichgates Series yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. I promise you will love them every bit as much as any other book you have read. Boyce, I thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful, incredible story w/us!!
All I want to do is just type WOW!!! over, & over, & over. I don't know if I can find the words to do justice to this book. I know I said this in one of the previous reviews but Boyce has truly created a story for the ages. I rank her work right along side of Tolkien, or C.S Lewis, or if you would like a more recent author, JK Rowling, Christopher Panolini, Suzanne Collins, Stephanie Meyers...the list is endless. Her mind is so amazing, & I have absolutely loved the glimpse she has given us of the incredible worlds it has created.
Illlusion went way beyond my expectations, & completely satisfied the reader in me. And, believe me when I say that my expectations were very high!! The story was a wonderful culmination of all the books combined. It was full of action, adventure, betrayal, friendship, & romance. The characters in the book continued to grow & mature through each of thier journeys. It was impossible to put the book down, & do the mundane things in life that needed doing. Even when I wasn't reading, my mind was caught up in the world of Ourea, it's people, & the struggles they faced as they worked to overcome the evil that inhabited Ourea, & make it a peaceful world. Boyce brought all the factors together beautifully, & gave us an ending that is wholly satisfying. As sad as I was to see the end of Kara & Braeden's story, I can't wait to explore future works by Boyce, and that includes the ones that aren't about Ourea.
If you haven't read any of the books in the Lichgates Series yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. I promise you will love them every bit as much as any other book you have read. Boyce, I thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful, incredible story w/us!!
December 2, 2014
UM IS THIS THE BEST SERIES I HAVE EVER READ?
.....
UMMM I THINK IT IS!
This whole series was so amazing!
Let me just say that there was not a boring moment in this book!
My emotions would switch with every page I turned and I was like this the whole time:
And if anybody were to ask me if they should read this series here is my reaction:
"WHAT CHU WAITING FOR?"
.....
UMMM I THINK IT IS!
This whole series was so amazing!
Let me just say that there was not a boring moment in this book!
My emotions would switch with every page I turned and I was like this the whole time:
And if anybody were to ask me if they should read this series here is my reaction:
"WHAT CHU WAITING FOR?"
November 4, 2014
Epic conclusion to the Grimoire Saga!
The characters are as beautiful and treacherous as Ourea itself.
Kara and Braeden break all fictional stereotypes. There’s all the tension and attraction we love to experience when reading, but then there’s something more. These two are true soul mates. It’s shown in ways that transcends the everyday starry-eyed romantic couple. Their relationship represents real love with all its trials and tribulations.
The battle scenes were epic! I’d use another word so I don’t repeat myself too much, but there simply isn’t a decent substitute. This is the kind of fantasy I can’t pull myself away from. The kind where the world is at stake and people must set aside their differences, work together and fight against all odds.
Boyce is the Queen of Scenes. Every moment of the book was masterfully executed.
The treachery. The intrigue. The insanely gorgeous imagery. The humor and romance!
I feel so much love for these characters – the good ones. The villains are pure evil and pure genius.
This is the kind of series I loved more with each book. If you haven’t started it, I highly recommend starting at once—especially now that you can binge-read your way through the whole saga.
A grand achievement! I look forward to The Ourean Chronicles.
The characters are as beautiful and treacherous as Ourea itself.
Kara and Braeden break all fictional stereotypes. There’s all the tension and attraction we love to experience when reading, but then there’s something more. These two are true soul mates. It’s shown in ways that transcends the everyday starry-eyed romantic couple. Their relationship represents real love with all its trials and tribulations.
The battle scenes were epic! I’d use another word so I don’t repeat myself too much, but there simply isn’t a decent substitute. This is the kind of fantasy I can’t pull myself away from. The kind where the world is at stake and people must set aside their differences, work together and fight against all odds.
Boyce is the Queen of Scenes. Every moment of the book was masterfully executed.
The treachery. The intrigue. The insanely gorgeous imagery. The humor and romance!
I feel so much love for these characters – the good ones. The villains are pure evil and pure genius.
This is the kind of series I loved more with each book. If you haven’t started it, I highly recommend starting at once—especially now that you can binge-read your way through the whole saga.
A grand achievement! I look forward to The Ourean Chronicles.
January 3, 2016
The Grimoire Saga is an incredible fantasy series, this final book included! Almost all of this final story revolves around the preparation for the final battle against the Stele and its allies, as well as the battle itself. There's plenty of drama, betrayal, and action, along with further development of the relationships between characters. There are characters you will love to hate and characters you will just love. I especially liked how the relationship between Kara and Braeden continued to change and grow. Yet again, as I got further into the story and the action, I found it nearly impossible to put the book down. In the end, I felt like this book provided a satisfying conclusion to the series that allowed me to know what happened to each of the major characters after the war and let me imagine how they will go on with their lives.
I highly recommend the Grimoire Saga (starting with Lichgates) for readers that enjoy creative world building in exciting fantasy stories.
* I received an electronic ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.
I highly recommend the Grimoire Saga (starting with Lichgates) for readers that enjoy creative world building in exciting fantasy stories.
* I received an electronic ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.
October 31, 2014
First I need to let you know that I received an ARC. Having said that I want you to know that that had absolutely NO impact on my review. I am a Huge fan of S.M.Boyce and love her stories!
She really tied this end of the series book up in a wonderful bow. I was sad that this was the end but she did it so well that it just felt right. Boyce expertly included reminders of important happenings from the first three books, enough that I didn't need to go back and reread them to catch up. (Which was good because I was short on time.)
Her characters are loveable and hateable and believable and her scenes are very descriptive. The story flows along easily and is a pleasure to read. I have read books in the past that I have to force myself to keep reading, Not this one! When I got to the battles I was pleasantly surprised. (I'm not big on war scenes) They were so expertly written I couldn't put the book down, I had to get through them.
The end was well written also, nicely tied up and I loved the very last.
Well done Ms. Boyce, well done!!
Looking forward to your Ourean Chronicles Series!
She really tied this end of the series book up in a wonderful bow. I was sad that this was the end but she did it so well that it just felt right. Boyce expertly included reminders of important happenings from the first three books, enough that I didn't need to go back and reread them to catch up. (Which was good because I was short on time.)
Her characters are loveable and hateable and believable and her scenes are very descriptive. The story flows along easily and is a pleasure to read. I have read books in the past that I have to force myself to keep reading, Not this one! When I got to the battles I was pleasantly surprised. (I'm not big on war scenes) They were so expertly written I couldn't put the book down, I had to get through them.
The end was well written also, nicely tied up and I loved the very last.
Well done Ms. Boyce, well done!!
Looking forward to your Ourean Chronicles Series!
June 28, 2019
I have to say I am sort of glad to be done with this series. Lichgates was so good I wanted to read the rest, but the disappointment almost had me after book 2. I actually took a break before the last book so I could come back to it fresh.
I have to agree that this one was better than the last few, though there were times where it dragged and the inconsistencies triggered my inner editing demons. Everything hummed in this one. Kara hummed, Braeden hummed. It became exceedingly repetitive. Plus, their relationship kind of fizzled a bit, but war can do that. Also, the new cover is a bit unfortunate in hand placement.
I would have liked to read a bit more about the Stele being rebuilt, but it wasn't necessary to the storyline. All in all, it ended without too much disappointment. World building was great, but sometimes there was too much telling and not enough showing.
For my clean readers:
Violence, murder, enjoyment of killing, mild language, magic, and kissing.
I have to agree that this one was better than the last few, though there were times where it dragged and the inconsistencies triggered my inner editing demons. Everything hummed in this one. Kara hummed, Braeden hummed. It became exceedingly repetitive. Plus, their relationship kind of fizzled a bit, but war can do that. Also, the new cover is a bit unfortunate in hand placement.
I would have liked to read a bit more about the Stele being rebuilt, but it wasn't necessary to the storyline. All in all, it ended without too much disappointment. World building was great, but sometimes there was too much telling and not enough showing.
For my clean readers:
Violence, murder, enjoyment of killing, mild language, magic, and kissing.
October 30, 2014
I received an e-book ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Grimoire Saga is a beautifully written story loaded with drama, betrayal, action, and romance. The fourth and last book in the series, Illusion, left off right where book 3, Heritage, ended. I'm not going to give anything away in this review. S.M. Boyce was a master at transporting this reader to the beautiful world of Ourea. It has been a great ride exploring the kingdoms and its people. Like the first three books I found it nearly impossible to put the book down to sleep. In the end, I felt like this book provided a very satisfying conclusion to the series. I love that she also left room for her characters to develop in other books. I can’t wait to read what she has in store for us next!
The Grimoire Saga is a beautifully written story loaded with drama, betrayal, action, and romance. The fourth and last book in the series, Illusion, left off right where book 3, Heritage, ended. I'm not going to give anything away in this review. S.M. Boyce was a master at transporting this reader to the beautiful world of Ourea. It has been a great ride exploring the kingdoms and its people. Like the first three books I found it nearly impossible to put the book down to sleep. In the end, I felt like this book provided a very satisfying conclusion to the series. I love that she also left room for her characters to develop in other books. I can’t wait to read what she has in store for us next!
October 18, 2014
This book was amazing. I'm not going to give anything in my review, but I was more than satisfied with the ending. like the rest of the series, I could not put this book down. the final development of the characters was fulfilling and the purposeful leaving some (minor) characters detail out was well balanced. The author is leaving room for these characters to develop elsewhere and I for one can not wait. If you've read the first three books, I have no idea how you could refrain from reading this. If you are on the fence about starting the series, you won't regret it.. personally, I envy you because you won't have to chew your fingernails off waiting to see what happens!!
September 21, 2014
I had the pleasure of beta reading Illusion by S.M. Boyce and received the title free from the author for my honest opinions.
I will not give a single thing away in this review, but I will say the loose ends are tied and the conclusion is fulfilling. Even though I'm sure some things will change in the final version, I'm certain this book is awesome!
S.M. Boyce is a master of weaving words and transported this reader to a beautiful yet frightening existence within the world of Ourea. I'm excited to hear she has more titles planned for this world and look forward to what else she has to offer.
I will not give a single thing away in this review, but I will say the loose ends are tied and the conclusion is fulfilling. Even though I'm sure some things will change in the final version, I'm certain this book is awesome!
S.M. Boyce is a master of weaving words and transported this reader to a beautiful yet frightening existence within the world of Ourea. I'm excited to hear she has more titles planned for this world and look forward to what else she has to offer.
October 23, 2014
I received an e-book ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Illusion is the conclusion to The Grimoire Saga. It is a fast-paced story filled with betrayal, romance and battle as Kara and Braeden fight for peace in Ourea... but at a cost that neither of them anticipates. The ending is very much satisfying, and it is great to see how Kara and Braeden have grown not only in their relationship with each other, but as characters as a whole. It was a pleasure to explore Ourea and the kingdoms of the yakona with them. 4.5 stars
Illusion is the conclusion to The Grimoire Saga. It is a fast-paced story filled with betrayal, romance and battle as Kara and Braeden fight for peace in Ourea... but at a cost that neither of them anticipates. The ending is very much satisfying, and it is great to see how Kara and Braeden have grown not only in their relationship with each other, but as characters as a whole. It was a pleasure to explore Ourea and the kingdoms of the yakona with them. 4.5 stars
October 28, 2016
All I can say is "Wow"... I just finished Illusion and I'm a little speechless...War, peace, murder, betrayal, love, bonding...
From start to finish, this series has captivated me and taken me to a secret world...watching these characters grow from spoiled children into strong leaders; from strangers into friends, lovers...
I highly recommend this series and look forward to reading the back stories of Stone, Deidre & The First Vagabond.
From start to finish, this series has captivated me and taken me to a secret world...watching these characters grow from spoiled children into strong leaders; from strangers into friends, lovers...
I highly recommend this series and look forward to reading the back stories of Stone, Deidre & The First Vagabond.
November 14, 2014
A great wrap up to a truly riveting series. The Grimoire Saga was so much more than I expected it would be! A very original concept that had me hooked from the beginning; I couldn't put it down. Well done S. M. Boyce!
October 30, 2014
Fantastic and can't recommend it enough!!! Exactly the sort of book that forces you to feverishly turn pages as it draws you in and hooks you. Utterly compelling, utterly thrilling and definitely worth a reread.
Want to read
June 30, 2014WHY DO I HAVE TO WAIT SO LONG
November 14, 2014
perfect perfect perfect
November 9, 2014
Review to be published the day of release. Stay tuned!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2014
Such an awesome read with a compelling Story line. This is the kind of book that you can't put down because you are so hooked you want to read "just one more page". Definitely worth it.
January 18, 2015
Loved the whole series, hope there is more to come!
September 27, 2019
Okay - this is a hard for me. I really enjoy the world building, but perhaps some of that energy could have gone into making the main cast less cardboard cutout like. I felt that this one was rushed and not edited down or thought out as far as story line goes.
Things that bugged me. The "bad guy" - all of them, met anticlimactic ends.
The reason for Diedre's revenge wasn't ever really explained properly in my opinion.
I felt less a part of Kara and Braedan's relationship. I sort of felt like phrases like "love of my life" was written in every so often to remind me they have this epic love. I'm glad the author reminded me, because she definitely stopped showing me. While I am on the subject of Braedan and Kara's relationship. They get married, but all references to them having a "married" relationship were totally ignored. I get that this is YA, but considering how book 1 and 2 talked about how they had the hots for each other and they kissed all the time, all that went away after they were married. I'm not saying we need a harlequin romance sex scene, but lets' not pretend that 2 20 something year olds who have this soul mate connection don't have sex. Especially since this cover. Unfortunate orb placement there.
This may be petty as well, but everything was "humming" Kara was humming into Braedan's neck, humming in pleasure, humming while decorating, then Braedan was humming all the time. Just way too much humming going on.
Other inconsistencies were there and a but distracting for me. Like, the whole point of Kara training for months, at the expense of lending the troops even was to be able to handle this family curse, unlike here grandfather who couldn't control his because he didn't train his mind. Well, it didn't work that great for Kara either it seemed since whenever the cuff comes off she loses here ever loving mind and doesn't remember it afterward. I felt like I had to endure that training for too long to have it end up like that.
All in all just everything was anticlimactic:
Things that bugged me. The "bad guy" - all of them, met anticlimactic ends.
The reason for Diedre's revenge wasn't ever really explained properly in my opinion.
I felt less a part of Kara and Braedan's relationship. I sort of felt like phrases like "love of my life" was written in every so often to remind me they have this epic love. I'm glad the author reminded me, because she definitely stopped showing me. While I am on the subject of Braedan and Kara's relationship. They get married, but all references to them having a "married" relationship were totally ignored. I get that this is YA, but considering how book 1 and 2 talked about how they had the hots for each other and they kissed all the time, all that went away after they were married. I'm not saying we need a harlequin romance sex scene, but lets' not pretend that 2 20 something year olds who have this soul mate connection don't have sex. Especially since this cover. Unfortunate orb placement there.
This may be petty as well, but everything was "humming" Kara was humming into Braedan's neck, humming in pleasure, humming while decorating, then Braedan was humming all the time. Just way too much humming going on.
Other inconsistencies were there and a but distracting for me. Like, the whole point of Kara training for months, at the expense of lending the troops even was to be able to handle this family curse, unlike here grandfather who couldn't control his because he didn't train his mind. Well, it didn't work that great for Kara either it seemed since whenever the cuff comes off she loses here ever loving mind and doesn't remember it afterward. I felt like I had to endure that training for too long to have it end up like that.
All in all just everything was anticlimactic:
November 9, 2014
Last edited & revised November 8, 2014.
Stay tuned!
Review to go live November 4, 2014!
WARNING: REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.
Update: 11/8/14: For a limited time, grab a FREE copy of book one of the Grimoire Saga, “Lichgates,” on amazon, and see where it all began!
Available November 4, 2014
[Release day is HERE! And to celebrate, http:///www.bookbub.com is giving away FREE copy of book one of the Grimoire Saga, “Lichgates,” come grab your copy & see where it all began!
The final chapter in the war for Ourea ends with blood.
Kara Magari is an icon. A hero. The people love her. The royalty tolerates her. She has everything—an army, allies, and a close circle of chosen family. They believe she will end the war, and they shouldn’t. She’s as scared as they are. She just can’t show it.
The war she accidentally started ends with a final battle that will either save or enslave her people. She will do anything to win—until she learns the cost of victory.
Braeden Drakonin is afraid of what he’ll become when he takes over his father’s kingdom—that much authority can change a man. But his father has already tried to kill him more than once, and it’s time to end his reign. Braeden’s armies are ready. His strategy is foolproof. His generals are waiting for the order to attack. It’s only in the final seconds before the battle begins that he realizes he missed one crucial detail—the traitor.
Stay tuned!
Review to go live November 4, 2014!
WARNING: REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.
Update: 11/8/14: For a limited time, grab a FREE copy of book one of the Grimoire Saga, “Lichgates,” on amazon, and see where it all began!
Available November 4, 2014
[Release day is HERE! And to celebrate, http:///www.bookbub.com is giving away FREE copy of book one of the Grimoire Saga, “Lichgates,” come grab your copy & see where it all began!
If you’ve not read the Grimoire saga and are just reading this review, please... let this be a moment of change for you, and start reading!
The final chapter in the war for Ourea ends with blood.
Kara Magari is an icon. A hero. The people love her. The royalty tolerates her. She has everything—an army, allies, and a close circle of chosen family. They believe she will end the war, and they shouldn’t. She’s as scared as they are. She just can’t show it.
The war she accidentally started ends with a final battle that will either save or enslave her people. She will do anything to win—until she learns the cost of victory.
Braeden Drakonin is afraid of what he’ll become when he takes over his father’s kingdom—that much authority can change a man. But his father has already tried to kill him more than once, and it’s time to end his reign. Braeden’s armies are ready. His strategy is foolproof. His generals are waiting for the order to attack. It’s only in the final seconds before the battle begins that he realizes he missed one crucial detail—the traitor.
----------------
Novels in the Grimoire Saga:
Lichgates (#1)
Treason (#2)
Heritage (#3)
Illusion (#4)
When I die, bury me in Ourea, under the Sanguini tree.
I’ve been an avid reader, and opinionated my whole life. So it seems natural to combine the two and write book reviews. So I have, and I do. Except this time, I struggled. I was afraid… one wrong word… I was worried I wouldn’t do it justice. So with reverence, I am going to do my very best to tell you how amazing this book is.
At long last! The conclusion & much anticipated finale, “Illusion” is here, and I couldn’t wait a moment to dig in. And when the moment came, I hesitated. I was not ready, to admit that the story of Kara & Braeden, allies, and enemies, was to come to an end. But as they say, the end is the beginning is the end. So I began.
Heritage left us speechless, knowing we were on the precipice of inevitable war, with Kara growing every moment, Braeden evoloving into the man he needed to be, and all of Ourea changing, writhing to break loose the bonds, held captive for ages. Change was happening, Deidre being a key player, (an Isen at the helm?!) and a Blood, losing his life because of daft arrogance. Indeed, “Heritage” ended in a state of illusion. And as I stated in the review: Illusion it was, and Illusion it shall be.
I’ve said from the beginning that there are real life lessons to be learned in this saga. True to form, amid reflections & foreshadowing and breathtaking action sequences, life lessons pop out! Reminding you to look in the mirror at the reflection of your soul. My favorite one, in “Illusion,” is,
“Sometimes those who don’t deserve forgiveness are the ones who need it most.
We know, that Kara was speaking to Reive, about blood Evelyn, and I reflected on Zimmerman’s death, as if I were Reive, to understand what she felt. Feeling it, as the death of her brother unraveled before her eyes, every time she closed her eyes, Reive was prepared to kill Blood Evelyn for the death of her brother. I believe, all that saved her, was that she had no heir, and it would have been the death of the Ayevelian race.
It was devastating, and so real, it’s as if the battle were real, and Boyce was on the sidelines of the war taking notes. A vagabond, writing in her Grimoire, chronicling, making sure no detail was left out, that no one’s death been in vain nor forgotten over time.
A war was fought, Kara came into her own, Drenowith took Blood Evelyn to cure her of her prejudice. Stone convinced Cedric it was time to put his soul at rest, and leave his beloved Grimore. The Yakona bloods put their Sartoris in a cave sealed by magic. Braeden rightfully became blood of the Stele. A just ruler, to bring about change. Galas, amid a FREE OUREA, with all Yakona Bloods, and the drenowith and the vagabonds all had a place at the table. Again, there is a lesson to be learned. Society could take a lesson overall, about war & peace, love and hate, and the blessings of freedom.
Of all the trees she could sit in, this one gave her a connection to Braeden. Their bond hadn’t quite worked, so this would do. As long as the flower representing him glowed in the sun, she could simply look up and know he was well.
I read so much, that inevitably I come across authors who do not care for their story & characters as much as we the readers do; they get sloppy, and lose interest, and the farther into the series we get the worse it becomes, leaving us with an untidy ending, and an unfulfilled desire for closure. Boyce did not do this. She shows her wild passion for her writing & her characters page after page, until the very last, leaving no stone unturned. There is something beautiful about being able to see pieces of yourself in the different characters. Even more so, to step back and realize that every piece of the details in the book are a splinter of the soul of the author. S.M. Boyce has a raw unabashed voice in the literary world DEMANDING to be heard. Be heard, she shall.
I have a discerning palette, and 10 times out of 10, I would choose The Grimoire Saga & Ourea.
Thank you for leaving me breathless, Boycey!
Stay tuned! There will be more coming from the world of Ourea. The Ourean Chronicles are coming in 2015. Add these books to your Goodreads “To Read” shelf:
The Misanthrope: Stone’s Story (Ourean Chronicles #1)
The First Vagabond: Cedric’s Story (Ourean Chronicles #2)
The Demon: Deidre’s Story (Ourean Chronicles #3)
S. M. Boyce, is a lifelong writer with a knack for discovering adventure and magic. (Whom I feel is very underrated! And I look forward to reading her works for a lifetime!)
A wise author once said,
"When you help others, you matter. Now that's magic." This series has seen me through the hardest years of my life, and the author lent me wisdom, love and support when my heart was a barren wasteland. She is the greatest magician I have ever known.
Errant Questions:
-Vagabonds have no blood ties to the blood of their race, hence they do not have to obey blood mandates. Had Reive killed Blood Evelyn, and all Ayevelians, would it have killed her as well? Or would she be a sole survivor?
-It mentioned reflecting on the effect of Evelyn’s absence on her children. What children? Who is the father? Does she then have an heir?
-In my mind’s eye, the flowers on the sanguini are akin to cherry blossoms. What do they look like in your mind, since you could see them as you wrote?
-Will it be a boy, or a girl?
-Have you considered a “X years later” Saga, to tell us about Ourea as a free world, and Kara & Braeden?
-What is a vagabonds life span in comparison to a blood?
July 3, 2019
This started off with being a very introspective book, with Kara trying to come to grips with who she has become and doing her best to harness her immense powers. She also got to know who her grandfather was, and was so afraid to follow in his footsteps so she trained endlessly with Stone who is now her master and mentor. Meanwhile Braeden and the other Bloods are preparing for their war against Blood Carden, Braeden's cruel father. Kara pressures the other Bloods to accept the aid of the Isen and her Vagabonds in the upcoming war and they are to be their allies. A very difficult thing to do when Isen had always been feared and hunted by the bloods and the vagabonds were people Kara had stolen from the bloods themselves and turned renegade! However after all had been planned down to the last detail and the day of the war waged on the Stele arrived, a traitor was in their midst which they had not catered for! This I believe was the most exciting and gripping book so far and though I read with my heart in my mouth for a lot of it, it does have its lovely moments too! It could very well have been an ending to the series as it did wind up many of the issues which Kara had set out to tackle but, I am still looking forward to winding up this series with the last two books and maybe finally seeing peace reign in Ourea and Kara and Braeden getting to finally live their lives freely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews