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Song and Shadow #2
Illusion
Constance Jerome has survived a vampire attack, a team of possessed football players, and her first trip to Limbo. Now she has to prove that Mr Ransom is the dark necromancer before he topples the rules of the living and the dead. But then she discovers there is something else haunting the halls of Milltown High School, something with a sadistic side, something that has placed Constance's best friend Greta at the center of its unwanted affection. To save those she cares about, Constance must forge her own path as a necromancer and embrace the shadows that have plagued her. But will it be enough?
292 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2016
About the author
Annie Oldham
12 books175 followersAway from her writing, Annie is the mother of the most adorable girls in the world, has the best husband in the world, and lives in one of the prettiest places in the world (the Wasatch mountains are breathtaking!). She loves to cook, sing, play the piano, and participate in community theater.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 7, 2016
Illusion (Song and Shadow Book 2) by Annie Oldham is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone, the author catches the reader up well. These books are suppose to be for teens but young adults and adults will love them just as well, they are awesome! This book takes off with more of our gal of the story getting into the family business of necromancer than book one. Someone at the school is also not so nice and she wants to figure out who. Lots of suspense, action, adventure, and creepiness in this book, loved it. This series should be a movie! I received a free book to read and the review is voluntary.
January 18, 2017
Title: Illusion (Songs and Shadows, #2)
Author: Annie Oldham
Publisher: Annie Oldham, 2016
Genre: YA Paranormal
**I received a copy of this book from from Ebooksforreview.com and the author in exchange for an honest review**
This review can be found on my Blog, TeacherofYA's Tumblr, or my Goodreads page
My Review:
Don't worry about spoilers for the first book here because it's really not necessary for me to delve into too much from Possession to review this book. It's practically a stand-alone...but it did end in a cliffhanger!
But that does not affect the quality of the book, which was great again! (Just like book one!)
So Constance is a Necromancer. If you read my last review, then you know about that. If not, it’s cool. She’s a Necromancer. And the problem is a Dark Necromancer, or a Necromancer that uses spirits for their own personal gain, is on the loose. Constance (or Con as she is called by friends and family) is beginning to come into her own as a Necromancer.
As a matter of fact…she’s eclipsing her mom. But she doesn’t want her mom to know, since her mom taught her about it.
The number one suspect? Mr. Ransom, the new school principal. The one who arrived after Mr. Clark turned up dead.
But Con can’t prove it. And the more she tries, the more dangerous the situation becomes.
And on top of that, Seth, Seline’s ex, seems to have noticed Con. She can’t stop thinking about Seth, but with all that’s going on in her life, filling out college essays and dating aren’t high on her list.
Especially since some strange stuff has been happening. To Seline. And even though she’s Con’s mortal enemy, can she really stand by when Seline is all alone? Is she really so bad behind the heels and attitude?
Con only knows one thing: she might have to start doing some investigating on her own…and leave her mom behind.
Is It Classroom-Appropriate?
Yes, there is still nothing too inappropriate to have it used in a classroom setting. However, I really still feel that it’s more of an outside reading source, and once this series is complete, I would love to own physical copies for the classroom library! But for educational purposes, it doesn’t really delve too much into one area. I’d still like to see my students read it, but it just wouldn’t be used in a lesson plan, and that’s not surprising as some books are more for fun.
Age Range
I am sticking with Possession‘s age range and going with 13 here. 12 would probably also be safe…but then you get into the “how comfortable are you having your child read about Necromancy” and that can get iffy. So I’m always feeling a little safer recommending at 13. However, my niece is 12 and I’m fine with letting her read these and I think she would enjoy them!
End Result:
Well, besides the fact that I now have another excuse to post Necromancer pics? I of course give this one the same as Possession, though I did like it a little more as the story seems to keep developing, but I think it is a solid ★★★★☆.
Author: Annie Oldham
Publisher: Annie Oldham, 2016
Genre: YA Paranormal
**I received a copy of this book from from Ebooksforreview.com and the author in exchange for an honest review**
This review can be found on my Blog, TeacherofYA's Tumblr, or my Goodreads page
My Review:
Don't worry about spoilers for the first book here because it's really not necessary for me to delve into too much from Possession to review this book. It's practically a stand-alone...but it did end in a cliffhanger!
But that does not affect the quality of the book, which was great again! (Just like book one!)
So Constance is a Necromancer. If you read my last review, then you know about that. If not, it’s cool. She’s a Necromancer. And the problem is a Dark Necromancer, or a Necromancer that uses spirits for their own personal gain, is on the loose. Constance (or Con as she is called by friends and family) is beginning to come into her own as a Necromancer.
As a matter of fact…she’s eclipsing her mom. But she doesn’t want her mom to know, since her mom taught her about it.
The number one suspect? Mr. Ransom, the new school principal. The one who arrived after Mr. Clark turned up dead.
But Con can’t prove it. And the more she tries, the more dangerous the situation becomes.
And on top of that, Seth, Seline’s ex, seems to have noticed Con. She can’t stop thinking about Seth, but with all that’s going on in her life, filling out college essays and dating aren’t high on her list.
Especially since some strange stuff has been happening. To Seline. And even though she’s Con’s mortal enemy, can she really stand by when Seline is all alone? Is she really so bad behind the heels and attitude?
Con only knows one thing: she might have to start doing some investigating on her own…and leave her mom behind.
Is It Classroom-Appropriate?
Yes, there is still nothing too inappropriate to have it used in a classroom setting. However, I really still feel that it’s more of an outside reading source, and once this series is complete, I would love to own physical copies for the classroom library! But for educational purposes, it doesn’t really delve too much into one area. I’d still like to see my students read it, but it just wouldn’t be used in a lesson plan, and that’s not surprising as some books are more for fun.
Age Range
I am sticking with Possession‘s age range and going with 13 here. 12 would probably also be safe…but then you get into the “how comfortable are you having your child read about Necromancy” and that can get iffy. So I’m always feeling a little safer recommending at 13. However, my niece is 12 and I’m fine with letting her read these and I think she would enjoy them!
End Result:
Well, besides the fact that I now have another excuse to post Necromancer pics? I of course give this one the same as Possession, though I did like it a little more as the story seems to keep developing, but I think it is a solid ★★★★☆.
May 9, 2017
Once again, I should say that I got this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ok ok, so if you read my first review-you’ll see that you caught me. I read both of these books back to back so I got a little foggy on where the first one ended and the second one began.
Good news is this book can be read as a stand alone. The author does a pretty good job at catching you up-if you hadn’t read Possession (although you really should). Some small details you will not be able to appreciate, but for the most part-you will be just fine.
In the first book, Constance’s mother seems wishy-washy. She seems to really not have much of a backbone and is very paranoid to involve Constance in any of the necromancer business. In the meantime, Constance learns that her gift is much greater than her mom’s and that it’s going to take both of them to find and take down the dark necromancer that they’ve been hunting.
Her mom, Veronica, finally realizes that she has to start training Constance to fully develop her gift.
The dark necromancer is using other spirits and people to do his dirty work. It’s obvious that he/she has figured out exactly who Constance is and is willing to use her loved ones to do his dirty biddings. Constance is positive she knows exactly who is behind all of this, but no one will listen to her. She must do something to make them listen-or stop the dark necromancer herself.
Ok ok, so if you read my first review-you’ll see that you caught me. I read both of these books back to back so I got a little foggy on where the first one ended and the second one began.
Good news is this book can be read as a stand alone. The author does a pretty good job at catching you up-if you hadn’t read Possession (although you really should). Some small details you will not be able to appreciate, but for the most part-you will be just fine.
In the first book, Constance’s mother seems wishy-washy. She seems to really not have much of a backbone and is very paranoid to involve Constance in any of the necromancer business. In the meantime, Constance learns that her gift is much greater than her mom’s and that it’s going to take both of them to find and take down the dark necromancer that they’ve been hunting.
Her mom, Veronica, finally realizes that she has to start training Constance to fully develop her gift.
The dark necromancer is using other spirits and people to do his dirty work. It’s obvious that he/she has figured out exactly who Constance is and is willing to use her loved ones to do his dirty biddings. Constance is positive she knows exactly who is behind all of this, but no one will listen to her. She must do something to make them listen-or stop the dark necromancer herself.
December 29, 2016
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *
Illusion is the exiting sequel to Possession, book one in the Song and Shadow series. The title sounds as well as it's about to get. Things are about to get real as Constance's best friend, Greta, gets involved as well.
The cover is yet again one with astounding beauty. I like how it's subtly getting darker than the cover of the previous novel.
There were some aspects that were not fully explored in book one and I am happy that we discover more about them in this book. The action and adventure gets better and we're finally getting a glimpse of who the true villain is.
Character development has reached a new peak: Greta, Cosntance's best friend, was so fun to read about. I couldn't help but identify myself with her more and more as the story went on. She's a real catch.
Constance's mom has changed as well. Where she was weak-willed and slow in the first book, here she became the person who takes her daughter's education to necromancy to the next level. And of course, Constance eventually becomes better than her own mom. I definitely couldn't see that one coming.
The book ends on a cliffhanger that leaves me no choice but to wait for book three!
Illusion is the exiting sequel to Possession, book one in the Song and Shadow series. The title sounds as well as it's about to get. Things are about to get real as Constance's best friend, Greta, gets involved as well.
The cover is yet again one with astounding beauty. I like how it's subtly getting darker than the cover of the previous novel.
There were some aspects that were not fully explored in book one and I am happy that we discover more about them in this book. The action and adventure gets better and we're finally getting a glimpse of who the true villain is.
Character development has reached a new peak: Greta, Cosntance's best friend, was so fun to read about. I couldn't help but identify myself with her more and more as the story went on. She's a real catch.
Constance's mom has changed as well. Where she was weak-willed and slow in the first book, here she became the person who takes her daughter's education to necromancy to the next level. And of course, Constance eventually becomes better than her own mom. I definitely couldn't see that one coming.
The book ends on a cliffhanger that leaves me no choice but to wait for book three!
January 24, 2017
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
When I read the first book I was intrigued but wary - so often the teenage heroes get lost behind a cloud of "romantical hormones." This one didn't. The story and character progression continue to be fantastic.
The magic is described in just the right amount of tantalizing riddles, making you want to know more every time they talk about it. I still want to know more and find myself looking forward to the next book.
This book destroyed my wariness and instilled a full confidence in this writer. Annie caught my attention and used it to trap me on my couch, waiting for the next big reveal. Seriously, great series!
When I read the first book I was intrigued but wary - so often the teenage heroes get lost behind a cloud of "romantical hormones." This one didn't. The story and character progression continue to be fantastic.
The magic is described in just the right amount of tantalizing riddles, making you want to know more every time they talk about it. I still want to know more and find myself looking forward to the next book.
This book destroyed my wariness and instilled a full confidence in this writer. Annie caught my attention and used it to trap me on my couch, waiting for the next big reveal. Seriously, great series!
January 14, 2017
I may be 31 but I have to say I really enjoy some of the young adult authors for the main reason of some of the greatest supernatural or sci-fi novels come out of it.
In this second installment of this series Constance is still fighting things from the supernatural side of her life. Its full of mystery where she has to play detective and find out about another necromancer and prove her suspision along with a sinister evil lurking in the halls at school.
I love this author and cannot wait for more from her.
5 stars
In this second installment of this series Constance is still fighting things from the supernatural side of her life. Its full of mystery where she has to play detective and find out about another necromancer and prove her suspision along with a sinister evil lurking in the halls at school.
I love this author and cannot wait for more from her.
5 stars
January 15, 2017
wow. I read "Illusion" before I read the first book "Possession." Oops. It was very well written, but a little dark in places.
I was a little confused about some things that were said, references to events that happened in the first book, but didn't realize I was reading the 2nd one! Oh, well, the story still flowed very well and I was able to keep up.
There better be a 3rd, because I do not like cliffhangers!
It was not really my favorite genre of book, but I really couldn't put it down. I would still recommend this to my friends. =)
I was given a free copy in exchange for my hones opinion.
I was a little confused about some things that were said, references to events that happened in the first book, but didn't realize I was reading the 2nd one! Oh, well, the story still flowed very well and I was able to keep up.
There better be a 3rd, because I do not like cliffhangers!
It was not really my favorite genre of book, but I really couldn't put it down. I would still recommend this to my friends. =)
I was given a free copy in exchange for my hones opinion.
January 14, 2017
Overall, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did for the first one but that ending was rather tragic and I'm trying to tell myself that it's just another death, another death of a character I totally did not get attached to.
3 stars
In Illusion, we delve into more necromancy lore, with Constance and the gang facing off against a poltergeist this time and Constance travelling to the Lower Plane.
However, the story felt rather passive, especially the first half. Unlike Possession, where there were slightly more heart-racing moments that were spread out more evenly throughout the book, these scenes were all in the second half of Illusion. But it's nice to see that there are a variety of such scenes, ranging from fights to exorcism and, this time, chases.
So what happened in the first half?
Well, the high school drama has certainly went up a notch now that Constance isn't simply standing on the sidelines. There's the (somewhat one-sided) rivalry with Seline, Seth constantly sending mixed signals*, and several fall-outs with Greta**.
Then there's the family drama as well, which mostly consists of Constance disagreeing with her mom's methods of gathering information so she employs her own (though somewhat life-threatening ones). This is actually what contributes to most of the ‘passive-ness’ as their research into the dark necromancer's identity made very little progress. However, this isn't because the characters don't actively seek out the evidence but because there's nothing much that they can do. Their suspect is too careful, too perceptive and they do not understand his intentions.
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3 stars
In Illusion, we delve into more necromancy lore, with Constance and the gang facing off against a poltergeist this time and Constance travelling to the Lower Plane.
However, the story felt rather passive, especially the first half. Unlike Possession, where there were slightly more heart-racing moments that were spread out more evenly throughout the book, these scenes were all in the second half of Illusion. But it's nice to see that there are a variety of such scenes, ranging from fights to exorcism and, this time, chases.
So what happened in the first half?
Well, the high school drama has certainly went up a notch now that Constance isn't simply standing on the sidelines. There's the (somewhat one-sided) rivalry with Seline, Seth constantly sending mixed signals*, and several fall-outs with Greta**.
*this one really got one my nerves because I do not understand him at all?? Like I think he has something to hide but maybe he just doesn't know how to deal with his feelings for Constance (if he has any at all)???? Seriously, make up your mind. Do you like Constance or are you still in love with Seline?? Don't leave a girl hanging.
**just how many times is one able to argue with their best friend in the span of a few months?? I simply cannot comprehend this drama.
Then there's the family drama as well, which mostly consists of Constance disagreeing with her mom's methods of gathering information so she employs her own (though somewhat life-threatening ones). This is actually what contributes to most of the ‘passive-ness’ as their research into the dark necromancer's identity made very little progress. However, this isn't because the characters don't actively seek out the evidence but because there's nothing much that they can do. Their suspect is too careful, too perceptive and they do not understand his intentions.
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January 14, 2017
I received this book in exchanged for an honest review. I really like this series. The 2nd book wasn't as good as the first in my opinion, but I still really liked it. The story was good though, however I didn't appreciate the cliffhanger ending, it felt a bit rushed and incomplete almost like the book doesn't stand alone. A pet peeve of mine is that each book in a series should stand alone with a distinct ending, I just really don't like cliffhangers.
On to the actual story, Illusion picks up where Possession left off with Constance trying to figure out what being a necromancer really means. She is walking the fine line of protecting the family secret, helping her mother, and still trying to keep some normalcy with her dad, and failing miserably at all of it. Things at school are strange as Queen Bee Seline is no longer on top after her antics at Homecoming, Mr. Ransom still gives Constance the creeps, and something is up with Greta. Constance is trying to still be a normal teenager and tutor Seth at calculus by day, and at night she is trying to learn how to banish naughty spirits back to where they belong. As the book progresses they determine who the dark necromancer is and come up with a plan to try to stop him and his evil plan with Seline and Greta in tow. Greta finds out she has a poltergiest attached to her from her previous run in with that "aromatherapy" candle from book 1 that they have to banish before someone gets really hurt, and Seth finds out what is really going on with Constance. As things get more dangerous Constance starts to come to terms with her "powers" even if her mom doesn't accept that there is another way to do things. Constance starts to take things into her own hands to try to draw out the dark necromancer and get some answers. The whole Jerome clan is in danger and Constance is determined to stop the dark necromancer from hurting her friends and family.
Overall I've really enjoyed this series thus far and I'm anxious to find out what happens next. I really like the different subject matter on this one. Necromancy isn't something you see often and I like Oldham's writing style, so much so I've downloaded some of her other books. I highly recommend the series, it is a good entertaining read.
On to the actual story, Illusion picks up where Possession left off with Constance trying to figure out what being a necromancer really means. She is walking the fine line of protecting the family secret, helping her mother, and still trying to keep some normalcy with her dad, and failing miserably at all of it. Things at school are strange as Queen Bee Seline is no longer on top after her antics at Homecoming, Mr. Ransom still gives Constance the creeps, and something is up with Greta. Constance is trying to still be a normal teenager and tutor Seth at calculus by day, and at night she is trying to learn how to banish naughty spirits back to where they belong. As the book progresses they determine who the dark necromancer is and come up with a plan to try to stop him and his evil plan with Seline and Greta in tow. Greta finds out she has a poltergiest attached to her from her previous run in with that "aromatherapy" candle from book 1 that they have to banish before someone gets really hurt, and Seth finds out what is really going on with Constance. As things get more dangerous Constance starts to come to terms with her "powers" even if her mom doesn't accept that there is another way to do things. Constance starts to take things into her own hands to try to draw out the dark necromancer and get some answers. The whole Jerome clan is in danger and Constance is determined to stop the dark necromancer from hurting her friends and family.
Overall I've really enjoyed this series thus far and I'm anxious to find out what happens next. I really like the different subject matter on this one. Necromancy isn't something you see often and I like Oldham's writing style, so much so I've downloaded some of her other books. I highly recommend the series, it is a good entertaining read.
January 17, 2017
It's been raining a lot here in Cebu for the last two weeks. It's wet and cold and it's nice to just hide under the blankets and be immersed in a gripping book. And the nights are colder. Perfect for having hot soup or hot cocoa.
This is the second book in the Song and Shadow series. This time Constance has to embrace her gift to face the dark necromancer that has been wrecking havoc in Milltown. She also has to prove that her suspicions are true. Will she be able to accomplish all of these things?
As I have mentioned in my review on the first book --Possession, Seline, Constance's number one tormentor was promising to be coming around. In this book, she is finally coming to that but it took quite a while for her to finally accept that things are not anymore the way they were. I guess old habits die hard. She has fallen from grace and the only person who talks to her and has shown her any kindness is Constance. I am glad that finally, Seline got a taste of her bitter pill. And Constance is no longer the pariah. It seemed that Constance and Seline's fate have been reversed. Good thing, Constance is not one to gloat. She feels sorry for Seline and can't help but pity her which is sometimes annoying.
On the other hand, Constance is slowly discovering other aspects of her gift. She realized she is more gifted than her mother. Her curiosity and stubbornness had led her to discover and learn some important facts related to her gift but at the same time, her adventures had almost cost her a lot.
The ending of this book is so sad. I don't like it. Why did it have to be this way? My heart was crushed. The next book better make up for this heartbreaking ending in this book. I hope it should be worth this ache I am feeling right now.
I give the book 4/5 jars of dirt. I am just so sad that it ended that way. Oh, why. Oh, why? It can't be. I wished it ended some other way. I still can't believe it. My mind refused to accept it.
This is the second book in the Song and Shadow series. This time Constance has to embrace her gift to face the dark necromancer that has been wrecking havoc in Milltown. She also has to prove that her suspicions are true. Will she be able to accomplish all of these things?
As I have mentioned in my review on the first book --Possession, Seline, Constance's number one tormentor was promising to be coming around. In this book, she is finally coming to that but it took quite a while for her to finally accept that things are not anymore the way they were. I guess old habits die hard. She has fallen from grace and the only person who talks to her and has shown her any kindness is Constance. I am glad that finally, Seline got a taste of her bitter pill. And Constance is no longer the pariah. It seemed that Constance and Seline's fate have been reversed. Good thing, Constance is not one to gloat. She feels sorry for Seline and can't help but pity her which is sometimes annoying.
On the other hand, Constance is slowly discovering other aspects of her gift. She realized she is more gifted than her mother. Her curiosity and stubbornness had led her to discover and learn some important facts related to her gift but at the same time, her adventures had almost cost her a lot.
The ending of this book is so sad. I don't like it. Why did it have to be this way? My heart was crushed. The next book better make up for this heartbreaking ending in this book. I hope it should be worth this ache I am feeling right now.
I give the book 4/5 jars of dirt. I am just so sad that it ended that way. Oh, why. Oh, why? It can't be. I wished it ended some other way. I still can't believe it. My mind refused to accept it.
December 6, 2016
I got the first two books of this trilogy for free in exchange for an honest review. I'm so glad I did. It is classified for 7-12th graders, yet adults will definitely enjoy as well. The subject of necromancy is a new one for me and as a fantasy fanatic I'm enjoying the new in/outs of this topic. This book picks up after you get a good grasp on the closeness of Constance's family (despite their secrets) and with her one friend Greta, the awkward adolescence of Constance in feeling like an outsider from her peers as driven home by her tormentor classmate Seline and lastly, her burgeoning friendship/feeling for jock Seth with whom she's tutoring Calc.
I liked this second book even more than the first. Constance's mom tries to slow down her learning and practicing of necromancy and her father becomes more and more worried of the effect it will have on their family, but Constance finds her skills developing quickly in a more natural progression than her parents are aware of. It becomes apparent her abilities are much stronger than her moms.
The evil Necromancer who was as yet unknown in the first book becomes apparent now, the evil much worse and aimed at the people Constance cares about. Can they conquer in time before the evil purpose is fully realized? Will they come through unscathed? You ask this until the last page which comes with increasing trepidation and when you're done you wonder how you can wait for the 3rd installment.....
I liked this second book even more than the first. Constance's mom tries to slow down her learning and practicing of necromancy and her father becomes more and more worried of the effect it will have on their family, but Constance finds her skills developing quickly in a more natural progression than her parents are aware of. It becomes apparent her abilities are much stronger than her moms.
The evil Necromancer who was as yet unknown in the first book becomes apparent now, the evil much worse and aimed at the people Constance cares about. Can they conquer in time before the evil purpose is fully realized? Will they come through unscathed? You ask this until the last page which comes with increasing trepidation and when you're done you wonder how you can wait for the 3rd installment.....
January 10, 2017
Constance Jerome is a normal high school kid w that is awkward, has a great best friend, a crush on the jock, and a nemesis that is the jocks girlfriend. But she is also a necromancer and is trying to learn about her abilities. Her mother is trying to slow her learning down but it seems Constance might be more powerful than her mother and is learning faster on her own. This does lead to some problems at home when we learn more about her father. Then there is the dark necromancer. We learn his identity but no one would believe Constance. Then his threats get personal when he uses Greta in the fight with Constance.
I was glad to learn that Veronica has become a stronger woman and more serious about Constance’s training. When you learn about Constance’s father and the past you can understand why he is so hesitant about Constance becoming a necromancer. I really like Constance. She has growing into a powerful person and is involved in a lot trying to figure out who the dark necromancer is.
This story is filled with action, adventure, and great characters. The story just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
I received Illusion from eBooks for Review for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
January 13, 2017
“she went downstairs and took her shoes off.
“I don’t know how you wear those things, Greta.”
“Heels?”
“Is that what they’re called? I thought they were some medieval torture device.”
THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH. I NEED MORE. I NEED TO KNOW HOW IT ENDS.
How could this possibly be better than the first book? This one is much darker and starts dabbling into the “adult” part of the young adult genre. it is so much more fast paced, and another level of character dimension is added in this part of the story.
Bottom line, I’m purchasing and slowly making my way through all of Annie’s works. This is brilliant.
Get “Illusion” by Annie Oldham: https://www.amazon.com/Illusion-Song-...
Where you can find me on the interwebs:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephMarinis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissTrouble93
Snapchat: stephfafahh
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“I don’t know how you wear those things, Greta.”
“Heels?”
“Is that what they’re called? I thought they were some medieval torture device.”
THAT CLIFFHANGER THOUGH. I NEED MORE. I NEED TO KNOW HOW IT ENDS.
How could this possibly be better than the first book? This one is much darker and starts dabbling into the “adult” part of the young adult genre. it is so much more fast paced, and another level of character dimension is added in this part of the story.
Bottom line, I’m purchasing and slowly making my way through all of Annie’s works. This is brilliant.
Get “Illusion” by Annie Oldham: https://www.amazon.com/Illusion-Song-...
Where you can find me on the interwebs:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephMarinis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MissTrouble93
Snapchat: stephfafahh
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2017
I was asked to review by Inspired by Kathy
I read this in the new year to a good start to 2017. Although this is aimed at young adults - it is equally a good read for adults too.
This is the sequel to possession in which I read and was lucky to review in November.
We pick up again with Constance ( necromancer-is a supposed practice of magic involving communication with the deceased – either by summoning their spirit as an apparition or raising them bodily) her mother is teaching her, problems with her father and there is a another necromancer - and they need to stop him.
Darker than the first book and the author is letting the read know a little more and we know there will be book three (I really hope so)
Well written with a good story line - I recommend this author to young adults and older readers.
I read this in the new year to a good start to 2017. Although this is aimed at young adults - it is equally a good read for adults too.
This is the sequel to possession in which I read and was lucky to review in November.
We pick up again with Constance ( necromancer-is a supposed practice of magic involving communication with the deceased – either by summoning their spirit as an apparition or raising them bodily) her mother is teaching her, problems with her father and there is a another necromancer - and they need to stop him.
Darker than the first book and the author is letting the read know a little more and we know there will be book three (I really hope so)
Well written with a good story line - I recommend this author to young adults and older readers.
February 1, 2017
Illusion by Annie Oldham
This second installment, Illusion, in the Song and Shadow Series by Annie Oldham takes the struggle between good and evil, and normalcy and necromancy to a fascinating phase. Mrs. Oldham handled the developing relationship between Constance and Selene in a splendid manor. As with all sequence books, reviewing the previous adventure to clue in a reader who has not read the prior work is a problematic. This issue was address rather awkwardly and several important events to clue in the reader were overlooked. I would recommend readers read the first book before they begin this one. The ending of this book is a cliffhanger and I can’t wait until the final installment is available to read. This book is for both mystery and fantasy fans. I received this eBook free for an honest review.
This second installment, Illusion, in the Song and Shadow Series by Annie Oldham takes the struggle between good and evil, and normalcy and necromancy to a fascinating phase. Mrs. Oldham handled the developing relationship between Constance and Selene in a splendid manor. As with all sequence books, reviewing the previous adventure to clue in a reader who has not read the prior work is a problematic. This issue was address rather awkwardly and several important events to clue in the reader were overlooked. I would recommend readers read the first book before they begin this one. The ending of this book is a cliffhanger and I can’t wait until the final installment is available to read. This book is for both mystery and fantasy fans. I received this eBook free for an honest review.
November 29, 2016
I am so glad that I picked up the second book with the first! Just terrific. Now I can't wait until book 3 comes because my heroine is in a difficult spot. To back up--this is the second installment about Constance who is a necromancer and her mother who is teaching her. This book gives us a little history about Constance's mom and dads story and how her father was almost killed. He's not happy that Constance is involved with her mother's job, because he knows first hand that it is dangerous. And it's gotten worse as there is another unknown necromancer in the area who is causing huge problems. Constance and her mom know that they will have find out who is and stop him. Really enjoyable. So well written!!!
January 8, 2017
Free copy for review.
Having enjoyed the first one I was looking forward to this one but unfortunately it didn't live up to the first. As occasionally happens in a series where the author has already planned out a story over a number of books this one was very obviously a 'filler' leading to book 3. As the end of the book neared it starts leading you into book 3 as the main thread of the story meandered through.
There was a resolution to the Greta element of the story which related back to something in the first book (In a blink and you missed it way! ).
While the characters are well written, I get the impression this book was all about spinning wheels while developing the third book which is a shame.
Having enjoyed the first one I was looking forward to this one but unfortunately it didn't live up to the first. As occasionally happens in a series where the author has already planned out a story over a number of books this one was very obviously a 'filler' leading to book 3. As the end of the book neared it starts leading you into book 3 as the main thread of the story meandered through.
There was a resolution to the Greta element of the story which related back to something in the first book (In a blink and you missed it way! ).
While the characters are well written, I get the impression this book was all about spinning wheels while developing the third book which is a shame.
January 13, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Illusion is the sequel to Possession. In Illusion, the story about Constance and the dark necromancer continues. I liked the pace of this book better than the pace in the first book, but still was not fully impressed by the story. In my opinion, the identity of the dark necromancer is quite clear from the start. While I was hoping for some kind of interesting plot twist, none came. Then, when the pace finally picked up and it became interesting, the story ended. What an annoying ending! I don’t know if there will be a third book in the series, but if there is, I might read it just because I want to know how Constance’s story will end.
Illusion is the sequel to Possession. In Illusion, the story about Constance and the dark necromancer continues. I liked the pace of this book better than the pace in the first book, but still was not fully impressed by the story. In my opinion, the identity of the dark necromancer is quite clear from the start. While I was hoping for some kind of interesting plot twist, none came. Then, when the pace finally picked up and it became interesting, the story ended. What an annoying ending! I don’t know if there will be a third book in the series, but if there is, I might read it just because I want to know how Constance’s story will end.
December 15, 2016
This is a young adult paranormal story. The author laid to a great story line that offers mystery, magic and a little romance. The author created a strong foundation and delivers a wonderful plot to the reader. The author gives the reader amazing characters that were so vivid you found yourself understanding the motives that are driving these characters. The author gave strong role model. The plot had lots of twist and turns and kept me having to get to the next page. Great job on a well written series! I cannot wait to see the next book!
January 31, 2017
This is the second book in the series and it moves quite quickly with a more engaging and intriguing plot. The characters were developed well in the first book and their development continues in this book. Their development has a standard trajectory without unforeseen elements and it becomes quite predictable. However, the story continues with a couple surprises and new developments, albeit remaining predictable. Overall, it is an improvement on the first book and creates a desire to read the next book, but it remains relatively predictable and "safe" in literary style.
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