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Legacy of the Blade #3
Lord Of Illusion
Lady Abigail of Blackmore is on the run. She’s been betrothed to the evil lord of Shrewbury and decides to follow the thief who just robbed them on the road.
Madoc ap Powell has been raised as a thief and uses disguises to create illusions in his profession. He uses the money gained to support his ailing mother and half-brother as well as the homing pigeons he raises. He has no idea of family or past, but feels he belongs in a castle – and not the dungeon.
When Lady Abigail asks him to take her with him, he knows she is in for a surprise. Especially since where he is taking her is the last place she wants to go – Shrewsbury. A thief and a lady both trying to escape the lives they live, find life on the other side is not always what is expected.
Madoc ap Powell has been raised as a thief and uses disguises to create illusions in his profession. He uses the money gained to support his ailing mother and half-brother as well as the homing pigeons he raises. He has no idea of family or past, but feels he belongs in a castle – and not the dungeon.
When Lady Abigail asks him to take her with him, he knows she is in for a surprise. Especially since where he is taking her is the last place she wants to go – Shrewsbury. A thief and a lady both trying to escape the lives they live, find life on the other side is not always what is expected.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2013
413 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Rose
296 books1,286 followersElizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.
Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:
Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award.
Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest
Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest
RONE Award finalists include:
Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles
Tristan - Pirate Lords
Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart
Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude
Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist:
Highland Secrets
Forgotten Secrets
International Digital Award finalist:
Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude
Golden Palm Finalist:
Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme
Raven Awards Best Cover finalist:
May Queen - Holiday Knights
Raven Awards Runner-Up:
Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales
Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice:
Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Sapphire Award Finalist:
Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice:
Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
Seen on the History Channel:
The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series
And More!
Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:
Below the Salt Series
Highland Outcasts
Portals of Destiny
Legacy of the Blade
Daughters of the Dagger
Elemental Magick Series
Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series
MadMan MacKeefe Series
Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Seasons of Fortitude
Secrets of the Heart
Second in Command
Pirate Lords
Highland Chronicles
Barons of the Cinque Ports
Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme
Holiday Knights
Dark Encounters
Cowboys of the Old West
Working Man Series, and more!
Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.
Visit her website to view her latest books and to read excerpts of her work. http://elizabethrosenovels.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 11, 2018
The book i received a was audio book and i won it and i love reading book and listening the books I have not listen or read any of her books but this one stand out in my opinion The book is in the about 6 Hrs long and it goes as stared and the thieve.You see my husband told me and my son who i adopted go ashore and rob people well things turn good i would of say but my husband was not happy you see we went in to the castle and i was by the king and Queen she was giving birth and her husband left me in room but things happen .
She died and then i took the twins she had girl and boy and they were different in there own ways they were brown eye and then blue eye we rolled out to the ship and then my husband throw the ropes down for us to get up but he said no i want what in basket he did not now until he heard and then he said what is it i try to tell him but he said hand me the boy and then leave . Well i did but i gave her the girl and then i left with my son and my adopted son ,
We had to live we move a lot we had to survive and then we did what we can to survive and the sons help mom a lot but we got in to trouble but you see the book is getting better as it get in to it the illusion is that i can do differnt trick and and i can escape place and i all so am a person who disguises and then that how live had to be for us to grow up
i meet a lot of good and bad but i am true to my word i will help in any way i can you see i work for the king and i raised his pigeons and then i got them trained them to make money for mom and my brother but then things turn bad my brother was seamstress and my mother and him kept secert form me i want to now and mom would not let me now
i would love to listen to the first two book if i could i love audio book thank you for letting me listen to it
She died and then i took the twins she had girl and boy and they were different in there own ways they were brown eye and then blue eye we rolled out to the ship and then my husband throw the ropes down for us to get up but he said no i want what in basket he did not now until he heard and then he said what is it i try to tell him but he said hand me the boy and then leave . Well i did but i gave her the girl and then i left with my son and my adopted son ,
We had to live we move a lot we had to survive and then we did what we can to survive and the sons help mom a lot but we got in to trouble but you see the book is getting better as it get in to it the illusion is that i can do differnt trick and and i can escape place and i all so am a person who disguises and then that how live had to be for us to grow up
i meet a lot of good and bad but i am true to my word i will help in any way i can you see i work for the king and i raised his pigeons and then i got them trained them to make money for mom and my brother but then things turn bad my brother was seamstress and my mother and him kept secert form me i want to now and mom would not let me now
i would love to listen to the first two book if i could i love audio book thank you for letting me listen to it
March 12, 2019
How does she keep doing it? Lord of Illusion by Elizabeth Rose is book 3 in the Legacy of the Blade series. Elizabeth just keeps coming up with new and original books and her storylines are just amazing! This story drew me in from the very beginning and I could not put this book down. it was so intense that I found my heart pounding at times. Her characters were just wonderful and description as clear as a bell. Though in a series this can be read as a standalone. This story has a lot of action, disguises, a cruel father, a kidnapping, a dark secret, an arranged marriage, evil, imprisonment, kindness, running away, death, love and so much more that you will just have to read this book to find out and I highly recommend that you do!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
February 9, 2018
A tale of two people looking for answers who end up with each other by chance. Lady Abigail of Blackmore is sent by her father to marry a terrible man, Lord Shrewsbuy. He holds her brother captive and will release him with his marriage to Abigail. Of course this is not what she wants so when she sees an opportunity to get away, she takes it! Madoc ap Powell does not know his true family and has been raised as a peasant surviving by his wits. When he robs Abby on her way to her betrothed, she sets out to find him and ask to help her escape. Of course their different stations in life should keep them apart, but attraction blooms. Adventure, mystery and a master of disguise make this journey entertaining and will keep you reading until the end
March 24, 2019
Amazing
I couldn't put this book down and it was so good!! This book was a page turner and I love the characters and side characters in this story because it makes all come together!! Marco and Abbey were so good for each other and that is what made the story for me!!
I couldn't put this book down and it was so good!! This book was a page turner and I love the characters and side characters in this story because it makes all come together!! Marco and Abbey were so good for each other and that is what made the story for me!!
March 9, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Abbey and Maddoc's story and even the title suggested an air of mystery. Madoc was the elusive thief or a master of disguise. He could anywhere as anyone. When Abbey is on her way to marry the Lord of Shrewsbury oh, something she does not want to do, Madoc peers as an old man but she sees through his disguise and thinking it's her way to escape runs off with him. Through a series of mishaps they temporarily escape. Mistakingly thinking that he is not good enough for her and she thanking she was being selfish, they part and he designs a very ingenious plan to not only save her but also her brother Garrett who is imprisoned in Lord Shrewsbury's dungeon. What I liked about the story is the fact that Madoc if not have to resort to using a weapon to accomplish his goal. He was very resourceful and most of the time he just outsmarted his prey. I thought it very funny and parts some of this disguises he used to outsmart people, especially the castle guards. It made them sound like they were really stupid. Overall it was a wonderful story that I highly recommend. I usually don't a a whole lot of attention to book covers but I even liked this cover.
June 10, 2025
This is the third book in the Legacy of the Blade series, focusing on discovering the third sibling in the Blake family.
Madoc, the hero of the story, is a wonderful character who uses many disguises which he learned growing up as a thief. Hence, him being named the Lord of Illusion.
Lady Abigail, the heroine in distress, is going to need Madoc's help if she is to escape marrying Lord Shrewsbury. He is a nasty man who can't be trusted. She has been bargained for by her father, her brother's release in return for her hand in marriage.
This story is an exciting one which had me hooked from the very beginning. I ended up listening to it in one sitting because I couldn't wait to hear how Madoc reacts to what he discovers about himself. Also, of course, I wanted to hear how he and Abigail's happy ending would come about.
The narration was very good, although Kevin's female voices aren't nearly as good as his many different male characterisations. I particularly like the Welsh accents that he does!
Madoc, the hero of the story, is a wonderful character who uses many disguises which he learned growing up as a thief. Hence, him being named the Lord of Illusion.
Lady Abigail, the heroine in distress, is going to need Madoc's help if she is to escape marrying Lord Shrewsbury. He is a nasty man who can't be trusted. She has been bargained for by her father, her brother's release in return for her hand in marriage.
This story is an exciting one which had me hooked from the very beginning. I ended up listening to it in one sitting because I couldn't wait to hear how Madoc reacts to what he discovers about himself. Also, of course, I wanted to hear how he and Abigail's happy ending would come about.
The narration was very good, although Kevin's female voices aren't nearly as good as his many different male characterisations. I particularly like the Welsh accents that he does!
March 11, 2019
I always find it such a treat to read one of Elizabeth Rose's books! She is a master at weaving such exciting tales and she does it again with "Lord of Illusion".
Lady Abigail of Blackmore is being forced to marry the evil lord of Shrewbury and on her way to his castle, she meets
Madoc ap Powell, a thief and a master of illusions. Both their lives will never be the same again as they are forced into quite the adventure while trying to stop the wedding from happening, as well as saving the life of Abbey's brother, Garrett, who has been a prisoner in Shrewbury's dungeon for almost a year. They are also in for quite the surprise when they find out the secret of Madoc's birth!!
I really enjoyed learning more about the pigeon carriers as well and they fit in so beautifully with the story. All in all, a wonderful story that will keep your attention from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Lady Abigail of Blackmore is being forced to marry the evil lord of Shrewbury and on her way to his castle, she meets
Madoc ap Powell, a thief and a master of illusions. Both their lives will never be the same again as they are forced into quite the adventure while trying to stop the wedding from happening, as well as saving the life of Abbey's brother, Garrett, who has been a prisoner in Shrewbury's dungeon for almost a year. They are also in for quite the surprise when they find out the secret of Madoc's birth!!
I really enjoyed learning more about the pigeon carriers as well and they fit in so beautifully with the story. All in all, a wonderful story that will keep your attention from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 17, 2018
Lady Abigail Blackmore is on the way to marry a man she hates. She is determined to escape that fate. Our heroine is a little selfish at the start of our story. She has a lot of growing up to do before her wedding.
Madoc ap Powell has always been a thief. He did work with a gang for a short while but didn't agree with their methods, so now he is on his own. He also keeps pigeons for messages and hopes to race them. Our hero likes to use disguises and illusions. That will come in very handy with the problems he us about to face. His family have been keeping a very big secret from him.
Lots of danger, but also lots of giggles. Wonderful characters that we will meet again.
This is part of a series but can easily read alone. It does link in with the others but not enough to spoil them if you haven't read them yet. I will make sure I go and read them. I loved it.
Madoc ap Powell has always been a thief. He did work with a gang for a short while but didn't agree with their methods, so now he is on his own. He also keeps pigeons for messages and hopes to race them. Our hero likes to use disguises and illusions. That will come in very handy with the problems he us about to face. His family have been keeping a very big secret from him.
Lots of danger, but also lots of giggles. Wonderful characters that we will meet again.
This is part of a series but can easily read alone. It does link in with the others but not enough to spoil them if you haven't read them yet. I will make sure I go and read them. I loved it.
March 10, 2018
Secrets, Lies and Bravery.
Lady Abigail is betrothed to Lord Shrewsbury in exchange for the release of her brother but she is determined to avoid the fate that awaits her. When a thief distracts her guard, she escapes and throws her lot in with Madoc ap Powell. Madoc has known little but thieving his entire life and doesn’t want to get involved with Abigail’s troubles but somehow he feels compelled to help her. A thoroughly enjoyable romp with engaging characters, and whilst this is Book 3 in a series, can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Lady Abigail is betrothed to Lord Shrewsbury in exchange for the release of her brother but she is determined to avoid the fate that awaits her. When a thief distracts her guard, she escapes and throws her lot in with Madoc ap Powell. Madoc has known little but thieving his entire life and doesn’t want to get involved with Abigail’s troubles but somehow he feels compelled to help her. A thoroughly enjoyable romp with engaging characters, and whilst this is Book 3 in a series, can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
April 6, 2020
Lord of Illusion
Madoc was stollen as a new born along with his twin sister. The man known as a pirate ended with the girl and his wife Madoc. All grown up he had raised homing pigeons. He also knew to change his appearance to get away with stealing. He bumped into Lady Abigal that was running away to not marry the Lord Lionel of Shrewsbury. They teamed up and fell in love. Madoc ended in prison after he saved Abigal’s brother. Madoc’ a mother that he has only knew told Abigal who Madoc really was. Abigal sent a pigeon for help. Lord Corbett Blake of Devonshire came to the rescue with his army. Madoc was his brother so Madoc is a Nobel. The sorcerer once told Madoc he would visit Lord Corbett again with his family. Now to find his sister.
Madoc was stollen as a new born along with his twin sister. The man known as a pirate ended with the girl and his wife Madoc. All grown up he had raised homing pigeons. He also knew to change his appearance to get away with stealing. He bumped into Lady Abigal that was running away to not marry the Lord Lionel of Shrewsbury. They teamed up and fell in love. Madoc ended in prison after he saved Abigal’s brother. Madoc’ a mother that he has only knew told Abigal who Madoc really was. Abigal sent a pigeon for help. Lord Corbett Blake of Devonshire came to the rescue with his army. Madoc was his brother so Madoc is a Nobel. The sorcerer once told Madoc he would visit Lord Corbett again with his family. Now to find his sister.
November 4, 2020
I listened to the audiobook of this story. The narration was good. This series gets better with each book. Lady Abigail must wed the Lord of Shrewsbury in order for her brother Garrett to be released from prison. She does not want to wed him and when her caravan is robbed, she sees an opportunity to escape. The robber, Madoc takes her dagger and she wants it back. Being alone now, she wants to travel with him and discovers he is on his way to Shrewsbury, what luck. He is trying to get home to his sick Mother and knows if he lets her tag along, he will be in trouble again. Both have issues to deal with, but she is a Lady and he a thief, what more is there to say.
March 23, 2019
Madoc ap Powell is a master of disguise and a pretty good thief. Lady Abigail of Blackmore has the dubious honor of becoming the wife of evil (disgustingly so) Lord Shrewsbury in order free her brother. They are both trying to escape; he from an angry band of thieves, and she from a horrible marriage. When these two meet, sparks fly and trouble follows.
Lord of Illusion is an interesting story with engaging characters. There is plenty of action, danger, humor, secrets, and discovery. Madoc and Abbey have quite an adventure. I recommend you join them.
Lord of Illusion is an interesting story with engaging characters. There is plenty of action, danger, humor, secrets, and discovery. Madoc and Abbey have quite an adventure. I recommend you join them.
April 5, 2019
Lady Abigail is on her way to marry the cruel Lord Shrewsbury, in change of her brothers release from his dungeon. While Lady Abigail's riding party is being attacked by a band of thieves, Abby finds a way to escape.
And she runs right into Madoc, another thief who also happens to train homing pigeons.
Abby wants her freedom and asks Madoc for his protection. While they travel to Shrewsbury, Madoc starts to wonder what secrets his mother and brother are keeping from him. Will Lady Abigail let Madoc steal her heart?
And she runs right into Madoc, another thief who also happens to train homing pigeons.
Abby wants her freedom and asks Madoc for his protection. While they travel to Shrewsbury, Madoc starts to wonder what secrets his mother and brother are keeping from him. Will Lady Abigail let Madoc steal her heart?
May 25, 2019
This well written, fast paced book by Elizabeth Rose is the first of her series I've read. That being said, I'll need to backtrack and read the first two since this one was so enjoyable. I found her world building to be mesmerizing, her characters and sub-characters to be uniquely charming and enchanting with personality traits that were relatable. Ms. Rose has shown she has the ability to pull the reader into her story making them a part of the action, not just a spectator. What a treat.
June 3, 2021
I couldn't put this book down and it was so good. This book was a page turner and I love the characters and side characters in this story because it makes all come together. I love all the disguises Madoc comes up with. I feel for Madoc when he is trying to make a situation better sometimes he makes a mess of it like when he set the fire 🙈 Madoc and Abbey were so good for each other and that is what made the story for me.
March 10, 2020
Mardoc and Lady Abigail. two people wanting to be what they are not. To escape the lives they have. Mardoc the bot twin missing since the day of his birth thought to be dead. Lady Abigail to be wed to an evil Lord. They meet along the way and fate takes a hand. I loved this story so much. Great characters and fabulous story line.
March 19, 2021
Madoc- uses illusions/disguises to thieve and escape.
Abigail/Abbie- is to mary the malicious Lord Shrewsbury to free her brother from prison.
I enjoyed reading this captivating action packed, entertaining story with some twist that is fantastically written. Madocs relationship with his birds added another dimension to his character. Their story has a unique and wonderful HEA.
Abigail/Abbie- is to mary the malicious Lord Shrewsbury to free her brother from prison.
I enjoyed reading this captivating action packed, entertaining story with some twist that is fantastically written. Madocs relationship with his birds added another dimension to his character. Their story has a unique and wonderful HEA.
November 7, 2017
"lord of illusion" : gwyneth a women that wanted to have a baby, but cant, so she steels one and what will she do when her son finds out, years later her son finds love from a women promise to another, will he let that stop him from letting her go
March 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this well written and fast paced story with a very clever master of illusion and an aristocratic woman trying to escape her fate. Thank you Elizabeth Rose for an enjoyable reading pleasure.
March 29, 2019
God ideas but to long. Should share some of the ideas with other novels.
To convoluted and to long. Just became a chore to continue to the end. The ideas were fine but the book would have been better if some of the subplots had been saved for 1 or 2 additional novels.
To convoluted and to long. Just became a chore to continue to the end. The ideas were fine but the book would have been better if some of the subplots had been saved for 1 or 2 additional novels.
April 19, 2019
Waste time of time.
Sorry to give negative review. Plot had promise, but was silly in execution. Characters & dialogue shallow & gratuitous sexual relationship was too. Mindless escapist fare.
Sorry to give negative review. Plot had promise, but was silly in execution. Characters & dialogue shallow & gratuitous sexual relationship was too. Mindless escapist fare.
February 27, 2020
4 stars
Love this series. Have all of them. I use text to speech and this help finds usage errors. Still re-read these books. Glad the siblings are finding each other, after years of separation.
Love this series. Have all of them. I use text to speech and this help finds usage errors. Still re-read these books. Glad the siblings are finding each other, after years of separation.
September 15, 2020
I have to say that listening to this audio book kept me awake until the wee hours and only reluctantly did I leave the final chapter until the morning. Madoc and Abigail's story was full of drama and best intentions going horribly wrong but with humor and heart. Looking forward to the next book.
December 12, 2020
****AUDIO****
I knew Madoc figured in! Another thread has been pulled into the tapestry of the Blake family, and the craftiness of Madoc is insane. The characters were well written, as some I loved (& felt heartache for) and some needed to be slapped! Lady Abigail got the man that she loved, but I am definitely not her fan- maybe because I am a woman, but she drove me nuts with her selfishness and lack of general common sense. I'm looking forward to the search for the last sibling! Kevin's narration is ok- I like his reading voice, but not his woman or child voice (sorry!). As always, please use headphones for the bedroom scenes when children are present 😉
I knew Madoc figured in! Another thread has been pulled into the tapestry of the Blake family, and the craftiness of Madoc is insane. The characters were well written, as some I loved (& felt heartache for) and some needed to be slapped! Lady Abigail got the man that she loved, but I am definitely not her fan- maybe because I am a woman, but she drove me nuts with her selfishness and lack of general common sense. I'm looking forward to the search for the last sibling! Kevin's narration is ok- I like his reading voice, but not his woman or child voice (sorry!). As always, please use headphones for the bedroom scenes when children are present 😉
December 12, 2020
A runaway bride a thief, dungeons, racing pigeons and love.
Madoc and Abby's story had everything you could want in an adventurous love story. Definitely recommend reading the entire series.
Madoc and Abby's story had everything you could want in an adventurous love story. Definitely recommend reading the entire series.
March 22, 2021
It took me a while to finish this one, since I listened to it via Audible, which I only listen to during my commute, and I'm not currently commuting often. As such, all the details didn't stick with me through the end, but it was pretty good. Only one more sibling left to find.
August 18, 2023
not her usual writing
Although the beginning of the book was good it soon seemed to become redundant, it just steam. Characters seemed to loose themselves and we’re trying to find a place to go and fill in the blank page. Was disappointed in the ending
Although the beginning of the book was good it soon seemed to become redundant, it just steam. Characters seemed to loose themselves and we’re trying to find a place to go and fill in the blank page. Was disappointed in the ending
February 6, 2018
This story about the love of a highborn Lady and a wanted thief and master of disguises was very good. Enjoyed all of the intrigue of the plot; kept me on edge wondering what would happen next.
March 7, 2018
Was just too much and couldn't finish it.
December 4, 2018
Good book
Just had to see how family members ended up. I enjoy historical fiction takes you away into the past and easy reading
Just had to see how family members ended up. I enjoy historical fiction takes you away into the past and easy reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews