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Elements & Illusions #1
A Vision of Flame
Evelyn Connolly never expected to be a princess, until an unknown assassin murdered the king of Elemental Magic, and her father inherited the throne.
Now, Evelyn is dragged along to secure a marriage between her older sister and the prince of the neighboring kingdom. But unsolved murders in the city and threats against both royal families destroy any hope of a fairy tale ending. Evelyn must uncover the truth before the next victims are her own family.
Complicating her plans are three fae males with their own secrets. First is Leo, a royal guard who steals Evelyn’s heart with his sweet words. Next is Damien, a soldier and Leo’s best friend, who is ruthlessly protective of Evelyn. Last is Haydn, a high-ranking diplomat who offers Evelyn anything her heart desires… for a price.
In a realm of grand illusions and grander deceptions, Evelyn must decide who she can trust with her heart and the lives of everyone she loves.
Now, Evelyn is dragged along to secure a marriage between her older sister and the prince of the neighboring kingdom. But unsolved murders in the city and threats against both royal families destroy any hope of a fairy tale ending. Evelyn must uncover the truth before the next victims are her own family.
Complicating her plans are three fae males with their own secrets. First is Leo, a royal guard who steals Evelyn’s heart with his sweet words. Next is Damien, a soldier and Leo’s best friend, who is ruthlessly protective of Evelyn. Last is Haydn, a high-ranking diplomat who offers Evelyn anything her heart desires… for a price.
In a realm of grand illusions and grander deceptions, Evelyn must decide who she can trust with her heart and the lives of everyone she loves.
- GenresFantasy
616 pages, ebook
First published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
August 14, 2026
Where the heck has this book been hiding!? Holy moly, there was so much packed into these pages. We have a little bit of mysterious and handsome stranger, hidden identities, political intrigue, fae magic (natch), and a girl (who is also over 100 years old because well… fae) trying to find her place and choose her destiny.
I was blown away at how much Aimee Lavigne worked into this narrative. Evelyn is believable and relatable, even as she’s thrust into a world of court life that is very much not her style.
She makes friends and allies, and a mysterious guard catches her eye the first day visiting a new court. Her sister is supposed to marry the prince, and Evelyn is along for the ride.
Until she’s caught up in a deadly mystery that only she can see through.
Evelyn does have a couple of moments you want to shake her, but that just shows how invested you are in these characters. (Who is your favorite and why is it Damian?
The pace of this book is incredible. I could not stop reading it! I am definitely ready for book two for this one, that ending was a jaw dropper!
Five flames for this one because Evelyn is a fiery fae.
Huge thank you to Aimee Lavigne and Books and Bloom for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
I was blown away at how much Aimee Lavigne worked into this narrative. Evelyn is believable and relatable, even as she’s thrust into a world of court life that is very much not her style.
She makes friends and allies, and a mysterious guard catches her eye the first day visiting a new court. Her sister is supposed to marry the prince, and Evelyn is along for the ride.
Until she’s caught up in a deadly mystery that only she can see through.
Evelyn does have a couple of moments you want to shake her, but that just shows how invested you are in these characters. (Who is your favorite and why is it Damian?
The pace of this book is incredible. I could not stop reading it! I am definitely ready for book two for this one, that ending was a jaw dropper!
Five flames for this one because Evelyn is a fiery fae.
Huge thank you to Aimee Lavigne and Books and Bloom for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2026
Three Fae, One Mystery & Way Too Many Secrets
‘A Vision of Flame’ was an entertaining and engaging romantasy with a good balance of mystery, fantasy, romance, and royal intrigue. The combination of these elements created an atmosphere filled with secrets and uncertainty, which made the story enjoyable to follow.
The mystery surrounding the murders was one of the strongest aspects. There were plenty of questions, suspicious characters, hidden motives, and moments that made it difficult to know who could actually be trusted. The twists added an extra layer of intrigue, and the story did a good job of keeping the suspense alive.
The fae characters were another highlight. Leo, Damien, and Haydn each have a very different personality and bring their own kind of tension to the story. Their individual secrets and relationships with Evelyn created plenty of romantic tension without making the three characters feel too similar. The chemistry and complicated dynamics added a lot to the overall enjoyment.
The fantasy world was also interesting, particularly the elemental magic and fae aspects. There was enough world-building to create a magical setting while still leaving room for the mystery and character relationships to remain central.
The pacing worked well for the most part, although a few developments felt somewhat predictable. Some moments could also have benefited from a little more depth, particularly when it came to certain character motivations and developments. Despite that, the story remained easy to get into and kept enough questions open to maintain the intrigue.
Overall, ‘A Vision of Flame’ is a fun romantasy for readers who enjoy fae, forbidden secrets, royal intrigue, murder mysteries, and complicated romantic dynamics. The combination of mystery and romance worked particularly well, and the three fae males certainly added plenty of tension and entertainment.
Thank you to Books & Bloom for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fae | Romantasy | Murder Mystery | Royal Intrigue | Multiple Love Interests | Protective MMC | Elemental Magic | Secrets & Deception | Political Intrigue | Arranged Marriage
‘A Vision of Flame’ was an entertaining and engaging romantasy with a good balance of mystery, fantasy, romance, and royal intrigue. The combination of these elements created an atmosphere filled with secrets and uncertainty, which made the story enjoyable to follow.
The mystery surrounding the murders was one of the strongest aspects. There were plenty of questions, suspicious characters, hidden motives, and moments that made it difficult to know who could actually be trusted. The twists added an extra layer of intrigue, and the story did a good job of keeping the suspense alive.
The fae characters were another highlight. Leo, Damien, and Haydn each have a very different personality and bring their own kind of tension to the story. Their individual secrets and relationships with Evelyn created plenty of romantic tension without making the three characters feel too similar. The chemistry and complicated dynamics added a lot to the overall enjoyment.
The fantasy world was also interesting, particularly the elemental magic and fae aspects. There was enough world-building to create a magical setting while still leaving room for the mystery and character relationships to remain central.
The pacing worked well for the most part, although a few developments felt somewhat predictable. Some moments could also have benefited from a little more depth, particularly when it came to certain character motivations and developments. Despite that, the story remained easy to get into and kept enough questions open to maintain the intrigue.
Overall, ‘A Vision of Flame’ is a fun romantasy for readers who enjoy fae, forbidden secrets, royal intrigue, murder mysteries, and complicated romantic dynamics. The combination of mystery and romance worked particularly well, and the three fae males certainly added plenty of tension and entertainment.
Thank you to Books & Bloom for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fae | Romantasy | Murder Mystery | Royal Intrigue | Multiple Love Interests | Protective MMC | Elemental Magic | Secrets & Deception | Political Intrigue | Arranged Marriage
May 27, 2026
Thank you for the ARC copy of A Vision of Flame. Me and my friend did a buddy read and it was the perfect book for it. This book sucked me in right away and held my attention the entire time. I didn’t want to do anything else but keep reading. I would beg my friend to stop what she was doing so we could keep going.
There are layers of mystery in this book. The whole time you are trying to peel them back and figure everything out. Three men. All possible love interest. I was less than 100 pages away from finishing and still no idea how any of it was going to unfold. I honestly wished I filmed us reading it with our loud outburst and commentary. I think it would have been amusing to look back on. I love a book that shocks me and this one did that. There is so much more I want to say but no spoilers. Great read.
🔥 love triangle
🔥 fae
🔥 magic
🔥 mystery
🔥 political intrigue
🔥 family secrets
There are layers of mystery in this book. The whole time you are trying to peel them back and figure everything out. Three men. All possible love interest. I was less than 100 pages away from finishing and still no idea how any of it was going to unfold. I honestly wished I filmed us reading it with our loud outburst and commentary. I think it would have been amusing to look back on. I love a book that shocks me and this one did that. There is so much more I want to say but no spoilers. Great read.
🔥 love triangle
🔥 fae
🔥 magic
🔥 mystery
🔥 political intrigue
🔥 family secrets
May 27, 2026
Thank you for the ARC copy! Absolutely loved it and such a fun buddy read!
A Vision of Flame completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. The mix of elemental magic, mystery, romance, and dangerous secrets makes it impossible to put down you always need to know what happens next. Evelyn is thrown into a world of royal intrigue, hidden motives, and intriguing fae men, and every chapter leaves you more hooked than the last. If you love fantasy books that instantly captivate you and keep you up way too late reading “just one more chapter,” this one is definitely worth picking up.
A Vision of Flame completely pulls you in and refuses to let go. The mix of elemental magic, mystery, romance, and dangerous secrets makes it impossible to put down you always need to know what happens next. Evelyn is thrown into a world of royal intrigue, hidden motives, and intriguing fae men, and every chapter leaves you more hooked than the last. If you love fantasy books that instantly captivate you and keep you up way too late reading “just one more chapter,” this one is definitely worth picking up.
July 19, 2026
If you’re into love triangles (or squares?) then this is a great book for you. At any given point in the book I had no idea who our FMC Evelyn was going to pick or stay with. There’s Leo the guard who is so sweet and charming. Haydn (my personal fav 🥵) is the mysterious bad boy who has answers to questions the audience and Evelyn have. And Damien who is honest and just there for Evelyn when she needs a shoulder or a friend. At various times throughout the book I was rooting for all of them. All of this along with a plot that Lavigne had me guessing and second guessing THE WHOLE TIME! 😂 I absolutely loved that about this book!
I was forehead slapping at some of Evelyn’s decisions, laughing out loud at the A+ banter and covering my mouth at some of the horror our main cast of characters encountered. There are definitely some dark elements to the book. Dark mysteries that need to be solved, interwoven with a creative magic system of elements and illusions.
This book was so great and I highly recommend!
I was forehead slapping at some of Evelyn’s decisions, laughing out loud at the A+ banter and covering my mouth at some of the horror our main cast of characters encountered. There are definitely some dark elements to the book. Dark mysteries that need to be solved, interwoven with a creative magic system of elements and illusions.
This book was so great and I highly recommend!
May 5, 2026
ARC review:
Okay wow, what a debut novel! This book had me from the beginning, and I had so many emotions through out it. I was happy, mad, sad, kicking my legs with excitement from things the MMC’s said. The love triangle was written well, I loved how sassy/bratty (in a good way) Evelyn was. I have a favorite MMC, but the other two kept switching places for me. I can’t wait for book 2!!
Okay wow, what a debut novel! This book had me from the beginning, and I had so many emotions through out it. I was happy, mad, sad, kicking my legs with excitement from things the MMC’s said. The love triangle was written well, I loved how sassy/bratty (in a good way) Evelyn was. I have a favorite MMC, but the other two kept switching places for me. I can’t wait for book 2!!
April 30, 2026
Thank you so much to author Aimee Lavigne for an ARC for an honest review!
This book hooked me from the beginning and never let go. It’s very fast paced, but the world building is woven in so well you don’t ever feel lost. The two primary magic systems (that we see firsthand, I have a feeling we will explore others in the following books) are elemental and perceptual, which I found to be an interesting contrast and I loved reading about the world in which this book took place. Let’s talk about our characters though - I’m so attached to them, I can’t even explain. Evelyn is fiery (literally) and strong, but also kind of a chaotic mess in her own way and I love her for it. We essentially have a love square going on, and the three MMCs could not be more different from one another. I won’t say which one I’d pick to avoid any spoilers, but I PROMISE you will never have a chance to be bored with this book. I completely inhaled it and I can’t wait until the next one is out to see where it all goes next. If you like romantasy at all, this is the book for you.
This book hooked me from the beginning and never let go. It’s very fast paced, but the world building is woven in so well you don’t ever feel lost. The two primary magic systems (that we see firsthand, I have a feeling we will explore others in the following books) are elemental and perceptual, which I found to be an interesting contrast and I loved reading about the world in which this book took place. Let’s talk about our characters though - I’m so attached to them, I can’t even explain. Evelyn is fiery (literally) and strong, but also kind of a chaotic mess in her own way and I love her for it. We essentially have a love square going on, and the three MMCs could not be more different from one another. I won’t say which one I’d pick to avoid any spoilers, but I PROMISE you will never have a chance to be bored with this book. I completely inhaled it and I can’t wait until the next one is out to see where it all goes next. If you like romantasy at all, this is the book for you.
June 4, 2026
This one definitely deserved more than five stars. 😭
I really loved this one. I don't usually blow through 500+ page books in three days. The amount of drama and tension could start a fire in real life. I am so glad I signed up to ARC read this book.
Our main female character is definitely a brat, but not the whiney kind. She doesn't expect to ever be a queen and only goes to the other kingdom to see her sister get married to the prince. It doesn't take much for her to get wrapped up in all sorts of chaos. She starts falling for a guard and gets tangled in a series of tragic events. The real chaos begins when she starts catching the eye of more than one suiter. Her body screams for one, her heart for another, and her mind for a third. This gets her in all sorts of trouble. Next thing she knows, she has to carry secrets too heavy, and promises too dark.
This book is perfect for intense scenes and dark themes. I do recommend reading triggers and warnings. It's not a light fantasy romance. The love interests aren't exactly good choices and a lot of it is circumstantial due to the time restrictions the characters are being pressured by.
The ending is what really got me. You pretty much know who the bad guy is going to be but you don't know how deep it truly goes and that's what shocked me. The book ends just as intensely as the rest of the story and is left on a cliffhanger.
I am really looking forward to the second book in this series. This is what a true dark drama should read like!
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I really loved this one. I don't usually blow through 500+ page books in three days. The amount of drama and tension could start a fire in real life. I am so glad I signed up to ARC read this book.
Our main female character is definitely a brat, but not the whiney kind. She doesn't expect to ever be a queen and only goes to the other kingdom to see her sister get married to the prince. It doesn't take much for her to get wrapped up in all sorts of chaos. She starts falling for a guard and gets tangled in a series of tragic events. The real chaos begins when she starts catching the eye of more than one suiter. Her body screams for one, her heart for another, and her mind for a third. This gets her in all sorts of trouble. Next thing she knows, she has to carry secrets too heavy, and promises too dark.
This book is perfect for intense scenes and dark themes. I do recommend reading triggers and warnings. It's not a light fantasy romance. The love interests aren't exactly good choices and a lot of it is circumstantial due to the time restrictions the characters are being pressured by.
The ending is what really got me. You pretty much know who the bad guy is going to be but you don't know how deep it truly goes and that's what shocked me. The book ends just as intensely as the rest of the story and is left on a cliffhanger.
I am really looking forward to the second book in this series. This is what a true dark drama should read like!
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 29, 2026
Okay, first of all… I am usually NOT a fan of a multiple love interest/why choose situation. It’s just not really my thing. BUT this book? Somehow it worked SO well. 👀🔥
I very rarely finish a 600-page book in less than 24 hours, and that’s exactly what I did. I seriously could NOT put this book down! The chapters kept you wanting more, and I instantly needed to know what was going to happen next. It was such an easy, addictive read, and before I knew it, I was 600 pages in. 😂
Evelyn is definitely a little naive at times, and I’ll admit, some of her flip-flopping drove me a little crazy. 😂 Some of the thoughts in her head felt very childish at times—very much giving “I love him, so why is he talking to HER?!” 😂 But honestly, I could take it for what it was. It fit her character and the story, and it didn’t take away from how invested I was.
And I don’t want to give any spoilers, but let me just say… DAMIEN. 🥵🥰
Overall, this was such a surprise for me. A why choose romance that I actually LOVED, a story that completely sucked me in, and a 600-page book I flew through in less than 24 hours. What more could I ask for?!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
I very rarely finish a 600-page book in less than 24 hours, and that’s exactly what I did. I seriously could NOT put this book down! The chapters kept you wanting more, and I instantly needed to know what was going to happen next. It was such an easy, addictive read, and before I knew it, I was 600 pages in. 😂
Evelyn is definitely a little naive at times, and I’ll admit, some of her flip-flopping drove me a little crazy. 😂 Some of the thoughts in her head felt very childish at times—very much giving “I love him, so why is he talking to HER?!” 😂 But honestly, I could take it for what it was. It fit her character and the story, and it didn’t take away from how invested I was.
And I don’t want to give any spoilers, but let me just say… DAMIEN. 🥵🥰
Overall, this was such a surprise for me. A why choose romance that I actually LOVED, a story that completely sucked me in, and a 600-page book I flew through in less than 24 hours. What more could I ask for?!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
August 21, 2026
When a book is just so full of the political games played between neighboring kingdoms, an arranged marriage, and a love square what could go wrong?
The kingdoms have either elemental or perceptual magic. Evelyn our FMC has fire magic. But she also has a fiery personality and a quick and intelligent mind that draws in three men. Two of them see qualities they are comfortable with and how Evelyn can help/improve life for them. The third guy..he sees the REAL 100% Evelyn and she lets him. He sees and doesn't underestimate her potential. But as she is struggling with who she is, that makes it harder to know who/what she wants. In the midst of the love drama, there are mysterious unsolved murders that are growing in number and frequency since her family arrived...
She is forced to deal with trust secrets and lies from so many people and she demands trust and truth . But is she a hypocrite herself?
The kingdoms have either elemental or perceptual magic. Evelyn our FMC has fire magic. But she also has a fiery personality and a quick and intelligent mind that draws in three men. Two of them see qualities they are comfortable with and how Evelyn can help/improve life for them. The third guy..he sees the REAL 100% Evelyn and she lets him. He sees and doesn't underestimate her potential. But as she is struggling with who she is, that makes it harder to know who/what she wants. In the midst of the love drama, there are mysterious unsolved murders that are growing in number and frequency since her family arrived...
She is forced to deal with trust secrets and lies from so many people and she demands trust and truth . But is she a hypocrite herself?
May 28, 2026
Wow! I enjoyed this immensely! Evelyn, our FMC, is a new princess traveling to marry her sister off to the neighboring kingdom’s prince, until things go awry. Evelyn is a funny, stubborn, and powerful FMC. Although she may seem a little naive at times, the character growth provides her the grace she needs.
We also get 3 drastically different MMCs. Leo is a guard that automatically draws you into him. Damien is his best friend, and soldier. Then, Haydn is a diplomat with an agenda of his own.
This story will take you through so many emotions. It was such a fun ride. I personally loved Damien the most and can’t wait to get more of him in the series. The end of the book left me satisfied about certain characters and conflicted about others.
Read this if you like:
🔥 elemental magic
🎶 perceptual magic
🫱🏻🫲🏽 bargains
🥰 love triangles (and squares)
🎭 hidden identity
We also get 3 drastically different MMCs. Leo is a guard that automatically draws you into him. Damien is his best friend, and soldier. Then, Haydn is a diplomat with an agenda of his own.
This story will take you through so many emotions. It was such a fun ride. I personally loved Damien the most and can’t wait to get more of him in the series. The end of the book left me satisfied about certain characters and conflicted about others.
Read this if you like:
🔥 elemental magic
🎶 perceptual magic
🫱🏻🫲🏽 bargains
🥰 love triangles (and squares)
🎭 hidden identity
May 24, 2026
I have a hard time reading and understanding fantasy books but Aimee Lavigne wrote this so beautifully, so easy to digest and comprehend. Evelyn, our fmc, was so strong, confident, brilliant, and felt everything so deeply. There are 3 mmc’s but Damien has my whole entire heart and he deserves everything life can give him i love him so much 😭
I really cannot explain how much i devoured this story. I had to physically cover the lower half of my pages to avoid reading ahead during intense moments. I had to put my book down to avoid throwing it across the room. This book makes you FEEL everything they feel in the best and worst way.
This is book 1 of 5, and i will be anxiously waiting for the rest of the series!
I really cannot explain how much i devoured this story. I had to physically cover the lower half of my pages to avoid reading ahead during intense moments. I had to put my book down to avoid throwing it across the room. This book makes you FEEL everything they feel in the best and worst way.
This is book 1 of 5, and i will be anxiously waiting for the rest of the series!
June 2, 2026
ARC review: This book wowed me. The discovery of a love square, manipulation and power. Aimee Lavinge is giving the world an illusion never to be forgotten. The world building and love story connection burn through your soul as you flip the pages. Yes, Evelyn is a naive little girl and the reader may facepalm a few.....many....times and shake the book like...gggiiirrrlll. But under that self discovery and needing the true guidance is all she really needs. The characters are loveable and hateable in all the right ways. There were several times i thought this is the climax (pun intended) and ending soon....oh what there is more!! Aimee gives plot twist after plot twist. This is a great first book to release out into the Continent both in the series and Aimee Lavinge
August 24, 2026
“I want you to choose me despite being scared.”
This was a debut?? Whoa! This was a fun fantasy story about Evelyn and her sister Hannah. They travel with their father to a neighboring land where Hannah is supposed to marry the prince. When they get there, Evelyn meets Leo, Damien & Haydn. Aimee really keeps us guessing about who the MMC is supposed to be (it’s not why choose!). The magic system is very unique with elemental and perceptual magic. The story was also a little darker than I was anticipating and I was not upset about it 🤭
Pick this one up if you like the following:
•Elemental Magic
•Hidden Identity
•Forced Proximity
•Love Triangle
•Powerful FMC
•Spicy
"You keep doing that. Why do you like touching me so much?”
"You make me feel safe.”
I will definitely be reading book 2 when it’s released! Thank you so much to Aimee for sending me a PR package of this book. And thanks again to Books&Bloom PR for making this happen! ♥️
This was a debut?? Whoa! This was a fun fantasy story about Evelyn and her sister Hannah. They travel with their father to a neighboring land where Hannah is supposed to marry the prince. When they get there, Evelyn meets Leo, Damien & Haydn. Aimee really keeps us guessing about who the MMC is supposed to be (it’s not why choose!). The magic system is very unique with elemental and perceptual magic. The story was also a little darker than I was anticipating and I was not upset about it 🤭
Pick this one up if you like the following:
•Elemental Magic
•Hidden Identity
•Forced Proximity
•Love Triangle
•Powerful FMC
•Spicy
"You keep doing that. Why do you like touching me so much?”
"You make me feel safe.”
I will definitely be reading book 2 when it’s released! Thank you so much to Aimee for sending me a PR package of this book. And thanks again to Books&Bloom PR for making this happen! ♥️
May 21, 2026
This was MESSYYYY and I loved every second of it. The drama and storyline were absolutely there. The TENSION between Evy and… multiple people 👀 had me hooked the entire time. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, something happened and it completely shifted in another direction.
And that ending?! NOT what I expected at all. I’m actually distraught learning this is a FIVE book series because now I have to wait for the rest 😭
*Arc read
And that ending?! NOT what I expected at all. I’m actually distraught learning this is a FIVE book series because now I have to wait for the rest 😭
*Arc read
August 6, 2026
Oh. My. Goodness. Bookish besties, I devoured this read! I gave up much needed sleep because I could NOT put it down, it absolutely charmed me. Don't even try to guess where this story is going to take you, just sit back and enjoy the ride. I promise you will enjoy it. But now we desperately need the next book!
Run, don't walk, to put this on your TBR!
Run, don't walk, to put this on your TBR!
May 23, 2026
Thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read this book ❤️
I was all in from reading the bio and it was even better than I expected it to be. The characters are brilliant and each personality draws you further into the world that’s been created, I couldn’t put it down.
If I could give more stars I would.
I was all in from reading the bio and it was even better than I expected it to be. The characters are brilliant and each personality draws you further into the world that’s been created, I couldn’t put it down.
If I could give more stars I would.
August 13, 2026
I absolutely loved everything about this book. It was beautifully written and the plot was amazing. Everything about this book made me fall in love and the characters are some of the best written characters I’ve read, 5/5 stars a hundred times
August 24, 2026
I went back and forth on rating this a 3 or 4. I settled on 4 because I liked the ending and the twists. Another reviewer said Evelyn reminded her of Goldilocks, trying to pick the right man, and I think that is a perfect analogy.
June 13, 2026
4.5 stars!
um wtf!!!! i gotta be honest, around 60% i realized the twist BUT i thought it was going in a TOTALLY different direction! I love Damien so much and want to give him a big kith :)
um wtf!!!! i gotta be honest, around 60% i realized the twist BUT i thought it was going in a TOTALLY different direction! I love Damien so much and want to give him a big kith :)
July 3, 2026
I would highly recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a love triangle which each character has magical element powers. The main female character, and the other three main male characters grow a connection to one another that makes us readers want more.
May 16, 2026
I genuinely do not even know where to begin with this book.
From the moment I first saw it, I knew I needed to read it, and after being lucky enough to receive an ARC from Aimee Lavigne, I can confidently say this story completely consumed me. I devoured it.
What makes this book stand out from so many others I’ve read is how deeply human it feels. Characters in books make mistakes all the time, but this story lets you truly feel those mistakes. You hear the inner turmoil, the regret, the fear, the longing, the conflict. The characters aren’t perfect, and honestly… that’s what made me love them even more. Their choices felt raw and real, even when they hurt.
Evelyn’s journey pulled me in immediately, and every relationship in this book brought something different to the story. The tension, the secrets, the emotional weight, the romance, the danger… it all blended together perfectly. I found myself attached to every character in one way or another, and I don’t want to spoil anything, but that ending absolutely wrecked me.
Part of me suspected pieces of what was coming, but knowing didn’t make it hurt any less.
I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I stressed, and yes… I absolutely lusted after certain characters.
This book is simply beautifully written. If someone had told me this was a debut novel — the author’s first published book and the beginning of a series — I never would have believed them. It was genuinely impressive from beginning to end.
And now comes the worst part… waiting for book two.
It’s going to be agonizing, but after this ending? I already know it’ll be worth it.
From the moment I first saw it, I knew I needed to read it, and after being lucky enough to receive an ARC from Aimee Lavigne, I can confidently say this story completely consumed me. I devoured it.
What makes this book stand out from so many others I’ve read is how deeply human it feels. Characters in books make mistakes all the time, but this story lets you truly feel those mistakes. You hear the inner turmoil, the regret, the fear, the longing, the conflict. The characters aren’t perfect, and honestly… that’s what made me love them even more. Their choices felt raw and real, even when they hurt.
Evelyn’s journey pulled me in immediately, and every relationship in this book brought something different to the story. The tension, the secrets, the emotional weight, the romance, the danger… it all blended together perfectly. I found myself attached to every character in one way or another, and I don’t want to spoil anything, but that ending absolutely wrecked me.
Part of me suspected pieces of what was coming, but knowing didn’t make it hurt any less.
I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I stressed, and yes… I absolutely lusted after certain characters.
This book is simply beautifully written. If someone had told me this was a debut novel — the author’s first published book and the beginning of a series — I never would have believed them. It was genuinely impressive from beginning to end.
And now comes the worst part… waiting for book two.
It’s going to be agonizing, but after this ending? I already know it’ll be worth it.
June 2, 2026
I don't know if I can articulate the proper words to describe how absolutely amazing I found A Vision of Flames to be. The story drew me in and had me hooked from the opening scene and by the time I got to the end I was completely flabbergasted and blown away by the fact that this is a debut novel from Mrs. Aimee Lavigne.
This book has everything I love about Romantasy. Amazing world building with political intrigue, unique and multilayered magic systems, banter and shenanigans that are hands down some of my favorite moments. But that's not all, this book had my emotions all over the spectrum. One moment I'm giggling like a school girl and lusting hard after varous MMCs to begin emotionally distraught and angry just to turn around and be on the edge of me sit excited waiting for what madness was about to descend next.
I am beyond attached to the characters in this book. To the point one might try to commit me to a psych ward for a health watch.
I absolutely love Evelyn, our FMC. She is a feisty, sassy badass who can throw around attitude with the best of them. Sure she has some flaws but who doesn't. I mean her decision making could be called into question because one would expect the end result to backfire into chaos and pandemonium but they make sense at the same time which leaves you wanting to have her back regardless.
Next there is our possible MMCs ...
First we have Leo who is our charming mystery man although I knew who he really was before the truth was revealed and the emotional bomb exploded and eviscerated my girl Evelyn’s tender heart.
Next there's Daimen, Leo best friend and partner in crime. He is the charismatic and protective captain who just happens to find joy in teasing Evelyn.
And lastly we have Haydn ... the surprised diplomat who one moment is a smooth talker saying all the flowery things a girl wants to hear and the next he's such a naughty boy with a deliciously dirty mouth that a girl also loves to hear.
I don't know how I could choose between them and I hope that in the end of this 5 book series I don't have to. I mean Mrs. Lavigne wouldn't be that mean, would she? Needless to I can't wait for book 2 and would not be surprised if A Vision of Flame series becomes the next Bookstagram / Booktok phenomenon.
This book has everything I love about Romantasy. Amazing world building with political intrigue, unique and multilayered magic systems, banter and shenanigans that are hands down some of my favorite moments. But that's not all, this book had my emotions all over the spectrum. One moment I'm giggling like a school girl and lusting hard after varous MMCs to begin emotionally distraught and angry just to turn around and be on the edge of me sit excited waiting for what madness was about to descend next.
I am beyond attached to the characters in this book. To the point one might try to commit me to a psych ward for a health watch.
I absolutely love Evelyn, our FMC. She is a feisty, sassy badass who can throw around attitude with the best of them. Sure she has some flaws but who doesn't. I mean her decision making could be called into question because one would expect the end result to backfire into chaos and pandemonium but they make sense at the same time which leaves you wanting to have her back regardless.
Next there is our possible MMCs ...
First we have Leo who is our charming mystery man although I knew who he really was before the truth was revealed and the emotional bomb exploded and eviscerated my girl Evelyn’s tender heart.
Next there's Daimen, Leo best friend and partner in crime. He is the charismatic and protective captain who just happens to find joy in teasing Evelyn.
And lastly we have Haydn ... the surprised diplomat who one moment is a smooth talker saying all the flowery things a girl wants to hear and the next he's such a naughty boy with a deliciously dirty mouth that a girl also loves to hear.
I don't know how I could choose between them and I hope that in the end of this 5 book series I don't have to. I mean Mrs. Lavigne wouldn't be that mean, would she? Needless to I can't wait for book 2 and would not be surprised if A Vision of Flame series becomes the next Bookstagram / Booktok phenomenon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have no words. I just finished reading A Vision of Flame by Aimee Lavigne, the first installment of her romantasy Elements & Illusions series that releases June 2nd. Let me start by saying that this went NOTHING like how I expected. At first I thought it was giving ACOTAR vibes, but after fully reading and finishing the book I realized that it was…quite different (in the best way possible). I was on the edge of my seat and fully invested in the entire book, and I never got bored or felt like it was slow. I loved the way the worldbuilding was scattered throughout the book, making it that much easier to focus on the characters and plot rather than trying to differentiate who is from where. All characters in this book have their own unique personalities, which is very refreshing and allows you to connect with them even more. Our FMC, Evelyn, is such a fun, strong main character, but she also is very real. She makes mistakes, learns and grows, and ultimately is very easy to fall in love with. As for our MMCs (plural feels right), that one you are going to have to read to find out about because I don’t even have WORDS after that ending. If you are a fan of ACOTAR -loving the aspects of different courts and fae- but want something very different from other fantasy books, I highly recommend this one. It’s really hard to find books to compare it to because of how unique it is, but that is one of the things I love most about it. If you are in a reading slump or looking for your next engaging romantasy, PLEASE pick up this one!! The twists, the plot, the banter, and the utter shock throughout the entire book is so so worth it. The need for the second book is going to drive me crazy, but until then I’ll look forward to a hardcopy release to annotate and other readers to connect with on their thoughts!
Thank you so much Aimee Lavigne for this eARC. It was absolutely amazing and as a writer, you are so talented. I look forward to the continuation of this series and more books in the future! Congratulations!
Thank you so much Aimee Lavigne for this eARC. It was absolutely amazing and as a writer, you are so talented. I look forward to the continuation of this series and more books in the future! Congratulations!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, I am still screaming about the ending. When I first picked this up, I assumed it would be generally in the same ballpark as ACOTAR. And while I think ACOTAR fans will also enjoy A Vision of Flame, it's also quite different.
After reading the first couple of chapters, the book was a little more whimsical than I expected. Princess Evelyn is travelling to a neighboring magical land so her older sister can be courted by the local prince. Cool beans. BUT NO. I was lulled into a false sense of security because the first few chapters were cute. Things escalate, and then they escalate again, and then they forego the escalator entirely and grab a jetpack shoot up the stakes even higher. Some of the plot points were easy to see coming. (I'm looking at you, Secret Identity Trope.) But that made it all the more surprising when some other plot twist sucker punched me.
Without getting too deep into the story and any spoilers, the plot develops around a love triangle between our FMC, Evelyn, and a few magic-wielding men. There's Leo, who is sweet but comes with some complications. There's Damien, who is snarky but loyal. And there's Haydn, who is kind of the bad boy but gets away with his BS because he's handsome. I really liked the characters, and the interplay between our FMC and her various suitors was one of the highlights, especially when the plot let me have time to breathe.
My main complaint about the book can also be one of its strengths. Evelyn sometimes makes really bad choices. Seagulls drunk off McDonalds dumpster juices make better choices. But the choices also make sense in context. The reader can usually see a little further ahead and know that what Evelyn is doing is not going to end well, but her bad ideas pretty much always made sense at the time. And seeing that she's calculating the risks wrong also makes it more tense to read, because you just know that this One Neat Trick to fix all her problems is going to blow up in her face instead. She's exasperating, but you can't help but root for her.
Highly recommended. Five stars.
After reading the first couple of chapters, the book was a little more whimsical than I expected. Princess Evelyn is travelling to a neighboring magical land so her older sister can be courted by the local prince. Cool beans. BUT NO. I was lulled into a false sense of security because the first few chapters were cute. Things escalate, and then they escalate again, and then they forego the escalator entirely and grab a jetpack shoot up the stakes even higher. Some of the plot points were easy to see coming. (I'm looking at you, Secret Identity Trope.) But that made it all the more surprising when some other plot twist sucker punched me.
Without getting too deep into the story and any spoilers, the plot develops around a love triangle between our FMC, Evelyn, and a few magic-wielding men. There's Leo, who is sweet but comes with some complications. There's Damien, who is snarky but loyal. And there's Haydn, who is kind of the bad boy but gets away with his BS because he's handsome. I really liked the characters, and the interplay between our FMC and her various suitors was one of the highlights, especially when the plot let me have time to breathe.
My main complaint about the book can also be one of its strengths. Evelyn sometimes makes really bad choices. Seagulls drunk off McDonalds dumpster juices make better choices. But the choices also make sense in context. The reader can usually see a little further ahead and know that what Evelyn is doing is not going to end well, but her bad ideas pretty much always made sense at the time. And seeing that she's calculating the risks wrong also makes it more tense to read, because you just know that this One Neat Trick to fix all her problems is going to blow up in her face instead. She's exasperating, but you can't help but root for her.
Highly recommended. Five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I need more! This book hooked me like a drug. From the very first chapter, I was completely under its spell, and now that I’ve finished, I’m practically vibrating with the need to know what happens next.
The world-building is absolutely top-tier. The contrast between the elemental magic and the perceptual illusions created a gripping story. It’s rare to find a romantasy that balances such high-stakes political intrigue with magic systems that feel this fresh and visceral.
The tension in this book—both the "will-they-won't-they" sexual heat and the raw emotional friction—shook me to my core.
Evelyn: She is such a relatable, chaotic mess. Watching her navigate the sudden weight of the crown while she discovered her full potential was a highlight.
Leo & Damien: The dynamic between these two and Evelyn is electric. The sweet words from Leo versus the ruthlessly protective nature of Damien kept me constantly torn. Honestly? I’m still holding out hope for a little three-way action in the future. The chemistry is just too explosive to ignore.
Haydn: And can we talk about Haydn? I needed even more of his brand of "dirty." He absolutely swept me away, and I found myself rooting for him the whole damn time. There’s just something about that bad boy energy that makes the danger so much more enticing.
The plot twists just kept coming, but the ending... it absolutely rocked me. I’ll be honest, I felt a sting of disappointment initially, mostly because I did not see it coming and I had grown so attached to the specific brand of danger and desire the story was building. However, like all truly great stories, things change and evolve. I have faith that this series will only get better with every word, every line, and every chapter.
My Final Verdict? If you love a spicy dark romantasy with a "love square" that keeps you guessing, put this on your TBR immediately. I’m already counting down the days until book two!
The world-building is absolutely top-tier. The contrast between the elemental magic and the perceptual illusions created a gripping story. It’s rare to find a romantasy that balances such high-stakes political intrigue with magic systems that feel this fresh and visceral.
The tension in this book—both the "will-they-won't-they" sexual heat and the raw emotional friction—shook me to my core.
Evelyn: She is such a relatable, chaotic mess. Watching her navigate the sudden weight of the crown while she discovered her full potential was a highlight.
Leo & Damien: The dynamic between these two and Evelyn is electric. The sweet words from Leo versus the ruthlessly protective nature of Damien kept me constantly torn. Honestly? I’m still holding out hope for a little three-way action in the future. The chemistry is just too explosive to ignore.
Haydn: And can we talk about Haydn? I needed even more of his brand of "dirty." He absolutely swept me away, and I found myself rooting for him the whole damn time. There’s just something about that bad boy energy that makes the danger so much more enticing.
The plot twists just kept coming, but the ending... it absolutely rocked me. I’ll be honest, I felt a sting of disappointment initially, mostly because I did not see it coming and I had grown so attached to the specific brand of danger and desire the story was building. However, like all truly great stories, things change and evolve. I have faith that this series will only get better with every word, every line, and every chapter.
My Final Verdict? If you love a spicy dark romantasy with a "love square" that keeps you guessing, put this on your TBR immediately. I’m already counting down the days until book two!
August 25, 2026
4 ⭐
2.5 🌶️
I have a confession to make: I almost DNF'ed this book. I was about 125 pages in, and I was concerned this was going to become an insta love situation (which is a pet peeve of mine), but a friend convinced me to keep going, and I'm glad I did!
Evelyn was a hot mess of a girl - she's torn between these MMCs who all are appealing in their own way (even though I most definitely have a favorite) and at first, I was judging her harshly because she wouldn't make a decision. I felt like that was the worst part, because she was SO good at making decisions any other time - explosion happens? She uses her powers to save people without a second thought. Finds dead bodies? Immediately wants to investigate, and says that her ability to see through the illusions will make her helpful. Not a hint of indecision in her. But when it comes to these men, she just can't get it together. Then I sat with it for a few days and it hit me - I've been her. And yes, I'm annoyed that I was ever her, I wish I hadn't been, but I was young and indecisive, which is exactly what Evelyn is! Realizing that put things in perspective for me. Does it excuse her behavior? Not at all. But is it understandable and realistic? Yeah, it is. That being said, this does reinforce my opinion that it seems to be written in more of a YA style vs. true adult fantasy/romantasy.
That was literally my only issue with this book, because the rest of it was almost flawless! The worldbuilding is intricate, the characters are so much fun, the banter between the characters is witty, and the plot is exciting! Even though we solved the murder mystery part in book 1, there's still so much more I want to know about the world and these characters and their magic systems. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for book 2!
2.5 🌶️
I have a confession to make: I almost DNF'ed this book. I was about 125 pages in, and I was concerned this was going to become an insta love situation (which is a pet peeve of mine), but a friend convinced me to keep going, and I'm glad I did!
Evelyn was a hot mess of a girl - she's torn between these MMCs who all are appealing in their own way (even though I most definitely have a favorite) and at first, I was judging her harshly because she wouldn't make a decision. I felt like that was the worst part, because she was SO good at making decisions any other time - explosion happens? She uses her powers to save people without a second thought. Finds dead bodies? Immediately wants to investigate, and says that her ability to see through the illusions will make her helpful. Not a hint of indecision in her. But when it comes to these men, she just can't get it together. Then I sat with it for a few days and it hit me - I've been her. And yes, I'm annoyed that I was ever her, I wish I hadn't been, but I was young and indecisive, which is exactly what Evelyn is! Realizing that put things in perspective for me. Does it excuse her behavior? Not at all. But is it understandable and realistic? Yeah, it is. That being said, this does reinforce my opinion that it seems to be written in more of a YA style vs. true adult fantasy/romantasy.
That was literally my only issue with this book, because the rest of it was almost flawless! The worldbuilding is intricate, the characters are so much fun, the banter between the characters is witty, and the plot is exciting! Even though we solved the murder mystery part in book 1, there's still so much more I want to know about the world and these characters and their magic systems. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for this ARC (and getting it a bit early!)😁
3.5/4 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this. It sure wasn't what I read 😂 I like Evelyn. I think she's a fiesty, independent fmc who takes nobody's shit! I was getting slightly frustrated when she was in that love triangle (square?) With Hadyn, Leo, and Damien. Like, girl. I get it, but c'mon! You were pining after one and using the others as rebounds in my opinion. I think she was a little immature in some instances.
The little bit of spice that was in the book was definitely spicing 🌶
I knew who Leo was the moment he stalked Evelyn to the beach that first night and found it kinda comical how Evelyn had no clue and just barely kept missing the prince whenever he was around.
While I enjoyed the story because it was light and not heavy on world building, it felt....long. It could'vebeen shorted, i feel. And almost like the plot got a little lost in the whole love triangle/square whatever it was. One moment our fmc is in love with Leo. The next she's noticing how attractive his best friend is. The next she's jumping into bed with a man she hardly knows because she thinks she could be happy with him after finding out Leo lied to her.
The whole point of the book was soldiers were going missing and coming up dead. Leo's brother was murdered. Then the king was murdered. There was foul play. Hadyn ended up the betrayer. But it kept getting lost behind the whirlwind of Evelyn's love life and not being able to make up her mind.
I am curious to see where the rest of this series goes. And I kinda hope Leo forgives Evelyn, even if i was yelling at him through my kindle for being too overprotective and disappearing all the time
3.5/4 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this. It sure wasn't what I read 😂 I like Evelyn. I think she's a fiesty, independent fmc who takes nobody's shit! I was getting slightly frustrated when she was in that love triangle (square?) With Hadyn, Leo, and Damien. Like, girl. I get it, but c'mon! You were pining after one and using the others as rebounds in my opinion. I think she was a little immature in some instances.
The little bit of spice that was in the book was definitely spicing 🌶
I knew who Leo was the moment he stalked Evelyn to the beach that first night and found it kinda comical how Evelyn had no clue and just barely kept missing the prince whenever he was around.
While I enjoyed the story because it was light and not heavy on world building, it felt....long. It could'vebeen shorted, i feel. And almost like the plot got a little lost in the whole love triangle/square whatever it was. One moment our fmc is in love with Leo. The next she's noticing how attractive his best friend is. The next she's jumping into bed with a man she hardly knows because she thinks she could be happy with him after finding out Leo lied to her.
The whole point of the book was soldiers were going missing and coming up dead. Leo's brother was murdered. Then the king was murdered. There was foul play. Hadyn ended up the betrayer. But it kept getting lost behind the whirlwind of Evelyn's love life and not being able to make up her mind.
I am curious to see where the rest of this series goes. And I kinda hope Leo forgives Evelyn, even if i was yelling at him through my kindle for being too overprotective and disappearing all the time
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
**ARC READER**
I had the pleasure and honor of doing an eARC read of A Vision of Flame by Aimee Lavigne (Releasing 6/2/2026) and OH MY GOD!!
The way this book sucked me in and held my entire existence hostage should be studied.
Our story follows Evelyn Connolly; a young woman that was thrust into the life of being a princess after the death of their kingdoms royal family and her Father inherited the throne. We travel with her, her sister Hannah, and their father King Tristan to Gyron to meet the family of Hannah’s hopeful betrothed.
The journey is anything but that of a fairy tale. Elemental and Illusion magic is wrapped up in a love triangle and danger within the kingdom. Evelyn finds herself torn between three fae men: Leo, a royal guard that finds his way to her heart easily with his sweet words and kind demeanor. Damien, a soldier and Leo’s best friend, who will viciously protect Evelyn against anything. And lastly, Haydn. After a mysterious meeting in a dark bar, he’s learned to be a High-Ranking and powerful diplomat. He offers Evelyn anything she could ever want…but it would come at a price.
Amidst all of this, someone is picking off the royal families one by one. While trying to figure out who is behind the massacres, they must also determine the why…and fast. Doing so in a land of both illusions and deceptions will prove very tricky for our fiery FMC.
It’s hard to know who can be trusted and who to believe. Everyone isn’t who they appear to be, and things are only going to get worse if they can’t stop whoever is behind everything. Who will make it out alive?
I read this book so fast, that my heart broke when it was over. Thankfully it’s the FIRST of this series…now i have to figure out life until we all return to this world of magic and mystery.
I had the pleasure and honor of doing an eARC read of A Vision of Flame by Aimee Lavigne (Releasing 6/2/2026) and OH MY GOD!!
The way this book sucked me in and held my entire existence hostage should be studied.
Our story follows Evelyn Connolly; a young woman that was thrust into the life of being a princess after the death of their kingdoms royal family and her Father inherited the throne. We travel with her, her sister Hannah, and their father King Tristan to Gyron to meet the family of Hannah’s hopeful betrothed.
The journey is anything but that of a fairy tale. Elemental and Illusion magic is wrapped up in a love triangle and danger within the kingdom. Evelyn finds herself torn between three fae men: Leo, a royal guard that finds his way to her heart easily with his sweet words and kind demeanor. Damien, a soldier and Leo’s best friend, who will viciously protect Evelyn against anything. And lastly, Haydn. After a mysterious meeting in a dark bar, he’s learned to be a High-Ranking and powerful diplomat. He offers Evelyn anything she could ever want…but it would come at a price.
Amidst all of this, someone is picking off the royal families one by one. While trying to figure out who is behind the massacres, they must also determine the why…and fast. Doing so in a land of both illusions and deceptions will prove very tricky for our fiery FMC.
It’s hard to know who can be trusted and who to believe. Everyone isn’t who they appear to be, and things are only going to get worse if they can’t stop whoever is behind everything. Who will make it out alive?
I read this book so fast, that my heart broke when it was over. Thankfully it’s the FIRST of this series…now i have to figure out life until we all return to this world of magic and mystery.
June 18, 2026
And here we have yet another book that completely sent me and had me saying “Wow…” when I closed it at the end. This one is going to be HARD to do without spoilers, but I strive to deliver just that - so here we go…
“A Vision of Flame” has us walking alongside Princess Evelyn Connolly of Carrowmore as she accompanies her sister Princess Hannah to Gryon where Hannah is to be wed to Prince Alexander Ducasse. As Hannah is off spending time with the Ducasse family and looking forward to her wedding, Evelyn finds herself sleeping in and then out too late on a couple of (mis)adventures with Leo and Damien - which inevitably lead to the development of a plot that will have you turning page after page after page to see what happens next. As the story unfolds, Evelyn finds that her trip to Gryon turns into a life-changing experience that will challenge her perception of herself and have her asking what comes next at the end of every chapter.
Yes, you will be “armchair quarterbacking” her through the entire book. Yes, you will become Evelyn’s biggest cheerleader.
With banter and a storyline that are as epic as they are engaging, Aimee Lavigne’s “A Vision of Flame” is absolutely worth getting your hands on if you’re a romantasy fan - and even if you’re not typically, this is still worth the read for the character development alone. Let’s not even get into how the ending of the book is as captivating as the season finale of some of the most epic shows to have ever existed.
If you’re looking for a new series to follow along with, “A Vision of Flame” is book 1 in a 5 book series and I know I’ll be reading along as these are available. Lavigne has done a phenomenal job with this book.
“A Vision of Flame” has us walking alongside Princess Evelyn Connolly of Carrowmore as she accompanies her sister Princess Hannah to Gryon where Hannah is to be wed to Prince Alexander Ducasse. As Hannah is off spending time with the Ducasse family and looking forward to her wedding, Evelyn finds herself sleeping in and then out too late on a couple of (mis)adventures with Leo and Damien - which inevitably lead to the development of a plot that will have you turning page after page after page to see what happens next. As the story unfolds, Evelyn finds that her trip to Gryon turns into a life-changing experience that will challenge her perception of herself and have her asking what comes next at the end of every chapter.
Yes, you will be “armchair quarterbacking” her through the entire book. Yes, you will become Evelyn’s biggest cheerleader.
With banter and a storyline that are as epic as they are engaging, Aimee Lavigne’s “A Vision of Flame” is absolutely worth getting your hands on if you’re a romantasy fan - and even if you’re not typically, this is still worth the read for the character development alone. Let’s not even get into how the ending of the book is as captivating as the season finale of some of the most epic shows to have ever existed.
If you’re looking for a new series to follow along with, “A Vision of Flame” is book 1 in a 5 book series and I know I’ll be reading along as these are available. Lavigne has done a phenomenal job with this book.
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