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Dark fantasy. Slow-burn romance. Pulse pounding twists that will steal your breath.

After my capture, I’m escorted to the capital for my magik to be tested. While I don’t know who I am, the magi guards believe I’m the kumdar’s lost bondmate.

I know better.

What they propose is impossible for two irrefutable reasons. First, my magik is nothing like hers. And second, if my body and soul were mate-bonded, I wouldn’t feel this unquenchable desire for my captor.

Dragged before the ruthless kumdar, I’m forced to watch and participate in magik both perverse and brutal. On top of that, a magi guard is reading my thoughts and the panthera shifter is stealing my memories. With my sanity teetering on the edge of a precipice, my former enemies become allies.

But if they’re right about who I am, my biggest problem isn’t that they hate our sovereign—

It’s that I do too.

Return to the kingdom of Qralî where magic, romance, and mystery tangle amidst the lush fauna and deadly predators of the jungle. If you enjoy unique fantasy books, plot-twists that will keep you guessing, and dangerous risks in the name of love, then take a deep breath because you’re going to fall—hard.

Scroll up and one-click now to continue the romance, adventure, and mystery of the Magi Rising series.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2019

251 people are currently reading
185 people want to read

About the author

Raye Wagner

35 books1,216 followers
RAYE WAGNER is the USA Today Bestselling author of young adult fantasy books, but she hates writing bios. She’d much rather tell you a story. She’s partial to fantasy, with dragons or magic or something so she can lie and not feel guilty. She also has an obsession with sweets (all the bakery goodies), nerf wars, wigs, and occasionally tutus.

When she isn’t writing, shenanigating (I’m sure that’s a word), or lying, Raye is with her family . . . preferably at the beach.

Come chat with me! I love to hear from readers. You can connect with me via Facebook (Raye Wagner), Twitter (@rayewagner), Instagram (rayewagnerauthor), or her website: rayewagner.com

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5 stars
217 (40%)
4 stars
166 (30%)
3 stars
104 (19%)
2 stars
42 (7%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
416 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2019
Talk about info dumping at the end. That was awful! And i guess this isn’t the last book?

Also, with all the info dumping either I missed it or it wasn’t explained, but why and how did Disa’s sister end up in her body? She explained that they were originally both in one body. I mean in book 2 she did not want to go back to her husband and his abuse so how did she end up being the one stuck there? Seriously did I miss that explanation?

Then after he healed Disa’s body why did no one cut off his head? Why was no one there waiting? I didn’t u derstand why no one cut his head off after Disa stabbed him but i guess we can’t have Disa die and poor Rune wo her. Gah!

The more I think about this book the more annoyed I get and the more questions I have. Seriously it was never fully explained what happened with Svet and why he killed all those woman. He was Disa’s sisters lover. Didn’t he take her away and leave Disa’s body there? W all the information vomited out at the end so much was not explained.

And how does turning a magi into a hybrid (man/animal combo) cause the kumadare to live and rule forever?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for A. Hoyle.
266 reviews36 followers
May 29, 2019
I really enjoy this series, but I will say that the next book should be a wrap up and happy dang ending. No more cliffhangers, please! 3 books in and now I gotta read another because of a cliffhanger and potential peril involving my beloved characters!
Profile Image for Candace Tidwell.
326 reviews36 followers
May 26, 2019
I cant even begin to tell you how wonderful this series is. I love Raye Wagner because she creates such unique worlds, that just suck you in. Illusions is a spectacular addition to this series and I cannot wait until the next book is released!
Profile Image for Christa.
901 reviews82 followers
May 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this a lot more than the first book. It does end on a cliffhanger so you may want to wait until the next book is out before reading the series.
Profile Image for Mandie.
692 reviews34 followers
May 30, 2019
Ok, so honestly, this book took me a few chapters for me to get into it, but I’m so glad I kept reading! I loved it! This whole series has been amazing, and unique. I would definitely recommend this fantasy series! It has everything, it’s action packed, and intense. The characters are to die for. After the first few chapters I could’nt even put it down!
Profile Image for Ashes 🌚🥀🌝.
85 reviews8 followers
February 6, 2020
3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
S P O I L E R S

Trust me when I say I love Wagners creativity with this series. I loved the first book (Betrayed) but apparently that wasn’t the first book?? In truth I feel this series wasn’t organized properly and this showed in Stolen and Illusions.

Stolen left off with Disa saving her sisters soul by taking Ziayans soul into her body like any loving sister would. But this book picked up in a way that left me reeling in confusion.

The fact that Rune knew her but didn’t felt a little confusing. There were snippets that Bicav should’ve noticed in her flashes of memory. Taja also acted a lot like Ziyana but I guess they both do stupid things and don’t know how to read a room and hold their tongues? It had us believing the sisters souls inhabited the same body. I figured this was Disa’s body just altered which made me wonder why didn’t Rune see the bonds. Alas that theory was wrong.

I kind of get what the author was trying to do. Withhold info and keep us guessing but there came a point where I didn’t even know which direction to turn.

More questions:

Were Rune and Zeron always twins or did I miss that bit of info from book 1? Why has no one decapitated this fool? Bicav saying there was no time to do so in book 1 was bullshit since she stabbed Zeron in the heart!
Why is Rune hesitating to kill him? Is he bound to Zeron or is it brotherly loyalty?
If Zadisa is so powerful why can’t she do more? As a zeta I’m expecting more from her. Can she control the buyi? The dead? Transfer her soul freely? Command spirits (since she low key already did by telling them to leave her alone)? Cause apparently she’s stronger than even Zeron.


Now Zivrune is NOT the same as book 1. I know the possessiveness has to do with the panthera but was he always this cocky? Anything to reveal besides his physical attraction and muscles?

Parts I really liked (can be seen in highlights) is behavior of the souls. I liked the death bombs Wagner dropped.
- Shale killing that guard? Brutal.
- Stone saying don’t tell Shale about what happened to him made me wanna cry.
- Nebe hauling her dead ass through that door once she was killed is prob the best part of her character arc

As for the ending, the mass of information dumped at the end could have been slowly revealed throughout the book. Svik could’ve dropped a few words. Rune and Bicav could’ve explained more. Hell even Zeron could’ve spilled some truth in his ego boosting rants.

I know it seems I’m drilling this book and enjoyed none of it but I really did and I’m looking forward to the 4th book 🥀
Profile Image for Natalie.
2 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2019
Let me start off saying, I never leave reviews. I’m angry however, and feel a review needs to be left for this pile of crap they have the nerve to claim is the third book in this series. I have been waiting for this book even since I read the first one, or I guess now it’s the second one as they released a different book as the first one. Didn’t really make the story better, just added some more plot and back story. Did they need to change the book orders, no. However, they did what they wanted and here we are. Let me be blunt about this newest addition though: I couldn’t have been more disappointed. The situations were unbelievable, the characters didn’t even act right, basically there was a deadline approaching and the author had to sling some word-vomit on a page. This book was badly written about characters they themselves had created, no emotion depth or development until there were 5 pages left and they needed to wrap this show up. I had to double check and make sure I wasn’t reading FanFiction.Net because honestly, I was hoping I had blacked out and was reading anything other than what was suppose to be the best book of my month. I also double checked to make sure another author had not taken over, because this book was that bad. I have read many other books by this author, they all have been amazing, but this one? I wish I had a physical copy instead of an ebook so I could throw it on a fire. It was just soul-crushing disappointment considering how wonderful the first/second book was.
Profile Image for Whitney Perry.
64 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2023
I absolutely tore through this series. So fun to read. This one was fun, I wanted a bit more from there main characters’ relationship, but I assume that would’ve come in book 4 had it been released. Kind of upset about that. Good series though.
Profile Image for Lynn's books.
617 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2019
Still going.........

It took 2 and 3/4 of the storyline to finally get answers. FINALLY! "Taja" has asked the same questions since the beginning of the story but it takes until almost the completion of the third book to receive them. What I suspected with Taja was true but the twist with her true physical form was a sneaky shock. In true Wagner style. What I didn't foresee was another book. There has to be because the premise of all this suffering still exist. I really hoped it would end but there are too many loose strings. I like the story but it's starting to drag on...hence the 3 stars.
Profile Image for Bridgette.
54 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2019
This book was just as intriguing as the first two in the series (Betrayed and Stolen). As I am piecing together the story from these books I find myself lost in the world Wagner created seeking out the truth much like the main character. As someone with a love for plants and animals I love her emphasis on bringing humans, plants, and animals together to show how much we all depend on one another for survival. I love a good mystery and always want to figure out how things are going to end. If you are as curious as I am this book is for you!
Profile Image for Megan Britt.
4 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2019
I’m so disappointed in this book. The first and second books captured me and brought me into the world, but this last book felt too rushed and the I flow of I formation was off. The ending was horrid and I am hoping that this is not the final installment in the series. This book makes me very wary in reading any of the author’s other series.
229 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2019
I can't really say if I liked the book or not.

I'm leaning towards not. I don't like the main Male character he's a pansy. I'll be interested to see if it gets any better.
Profile Image for Kimberly Gordon-Bercich.
1,854 reviews5 followers
June 11, 2019
Stupid Ending

I'm so ready to go Hulk on this ending! This ending SUCKED! If this is the final installment of this series it failed. Lose end and cliffhangers are awful.
Profile Image for Teresa Sloan.
217 reviews4 followers
August 18, 2019
Cliffhanger warning. I get so frustrated when this happens.
482 reviews7 followers
May 25, 2019
Illusions is one heck of a rollercoaster read full of twists, turns and emotions. This is the third book in the Magi Rising series and I recommend reading the series with Betrayed first, then Stolen and then Illusions. However, if like me you read Stolen first, that doesn't matter, it just means you get information revealed to you in a different way.
Illusions is the book where the different story threads starts to tie together and you start to understand more of what's happening. I particularly like the character development in this book. We have Taja (whose POV we are reading the story from) who is stumbling along in the different world she's been dragged into. She doesn't remember anything from before she woke up in Puleer and suddenly she is thrust into the path of a dark and evil person. Then there is Rune, who is swoonworthy but oh so complicated. He doesn't reveal much until near the end and even though I thought I could trust him there was still a twinge of doubt as to what his reasons were for doing what he is doing. However I found myself falling for him and looking forward to the scenes where he made an appearance. I think Bicav is my favourite, I love how he stands by Runes side but is there as a silent support for Taja. He also adds a bit of humour to some situations. Then there is Zeron. I hate Zeron! I think the author has done a brilliant job at creating a sick and twisted character (and we discover in Illusions just how twisted) but I hate him for what he does and I'm rooting for both Taja & Rune to end him as soon as possible as I feel he will get worse in the next book.
The ending of this book had me wowed with the twists and turns it produced. It has left me super excited to read the next book and I really am looking forward to reading book 4 when it releases.
Illusions gets 5 stars from me. It was a great read that had me flipping the pages for more. This is a must read book in the series and I highly recommend starting Betrayed now if you haven't already.
Profile Image for Amanda.
85 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2019
Answers, answers, everywhere

SO. If you're reading this review you probably are like me and looking for a few spoilers to know if you should keep going in the series or you're a newbie to the series and you're going through the books to see if it lived up to its potential through all the books.

If you're the first: there will be no spoilers here.
If you're the second: yes, yes you should read this series and it is only getting stronger.

We begin our books at the same point we left the last one. Taja has been captured by Bicav and Rune and is being taken to the capital to compete in the Kirini. We still aren't sure how Disa and Taja can be the same but different people and why she cant remember any of her past in the first place. Or why people who we know, knew Disa dont know Taja. I love that while the main characters are in the dark, so are we. We are all finding and figuring this mystery out together. We now have some of the answers but still more questions and struggles lay ahead. Will Zeron ever die? Will Disa be able to find control in future books? What will become of Ziyana? What the heck is the Buyi and will they be able to fix it?

So much more story in our future and I for one cant wait to unravel it all.
Profile Image for BlueBug.
895 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2019
This would that the author has created is so detailed that I feel like I could climb right into it and know where I am. It's amazing and frightening and deep, and I love the intricacies at work within it. The characters are full and dynamic, and their interactions fit together like a violent and beautiful mosaic.

If you haven't read the first two books in the series, they are a must to keep from getting lost. This love story between Taja and Rünê is as unique as it is twisted. The evil characters made my stomach roil. And the heroes had me rooting for them. We begin to understand why many of the characters act as they do, what makes them tick. And we discover their ability to dig strength from places that are almost impossible to reach. And that ending...

So many questions are answered while so many deeper ones are raised. I have no clue what direction the author will take the next book in the series, but I can't wait to read it.
463 reviews
January 23, 2021
Okay

I hate reading books that end on a cliffhanger. I thought this series was complete but it turns out book 4 should have been completed end of 2019. I was totally confused with the storyline. I was so frustrated with these books as it only came together at the end of book 3 as to what was actually going on, which was so disappointing that it wasn't the finale. Apart from the frustration of confusion I love Raye Wagners books. Her writing is brilliant in the way she draws you into the story and the characters. Even though I really wanted to throw my kindle through the window with frustration I couldnt stop reading the story. Brilliant really that someone is able to do just that. Im not sure if I will read book 4 when it is published as it was suppose to be out 2019 and I like to finish reading a series all at the same time. However it was a good read.
Profile Image for Angel.
276 reviews17 followers
May 24, 2019
So Awesome!

No illusions necessary here, this book, and the series thus far, are absolutely magical!
This entry into the series is rife with tension (of all kinds) and I felt like I on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, through most of the story in such a good way! Taja's journey, from start to finish, is mind-blowing and still not over! I'm trying so hard to not spoil anything because it would be a total disservice to the awesomeness of this story and its many jaw-dropping revelations! Total bookhangover from this one, all I want to do is keep living in their world; I am beyond eager to rejoin Taja, Rune, and all the others on this crazy rollercoaster ride. I can't wait for the next in this series!
Profile Image for k.
285 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2019
What... just... happened?!?!

Holy MOLY. This , if possible, is better than Betrayed!!! And that’s saying something because Betrayed is way up there on my favorites!

Zeron is someone I love to loathe, and just when I don’t think he can irritate me more, he flat out DISGUSTS ME AND I START YELLING AT A FICTIONAL CHARACTER. Ugh, well done Raye- I hate someone who isn’t real !

The very last sentence of Illusions has me screaming to see what’s next in store and oh-my-gosh-how’s-this-possibly-going-to-end-well question going over and over again!

All I’m gonna say is this- please please bring the love birds together (see what I did there?)

Ahhhh!!! SO GOOD WHY ARE YOU STILL READING THIS OPEN THE BOOK!!!!
64 reviews
May 25, 2019
If you haven't read Betrayed and Stolen (Books 1 & 2) in the Magi Rising series then stop here and go read them first, you won't be disappointed. You really do need to read both before Illusions.

Illusions is a continuation of Betrayed and Stolen (see above) and picks up where Stolen left off. Raye Wagner creates a rich and vibrant world, it's a delight to picture it in my mind. This is a complicated story as Taja continues to struggle to find her identity and purpose while simultaneously not having knowledge of the past.

Some things that I look for when reading a continuing series is continuity, strong character development, an intriguing storyline, and romance! The Magi Rising series delivers on all accounts and I am eager to see where the story takes us next.
Profile Image for Jessica Williams.
128 reviews10 followers
May 31, 2019
So good guys!!

What can I say about the third book in the Magi Rising series........ well it’s absolutely gut wrenchingly amazing! Raye Wagner does a wonderful job drawing you into the world of Qrali. There are so many characters in this book that you will fall in love with and others that make you cringe. The plot is unfolding and answers are slowly trickling in leaving the reader dying to know what is going to happen next. Just when you think it can’t get any worse boom..... Wagner drops a bomb and leaves you breathless. I’m so rooting for Taja and Rune and I hope they can overcome Zeron, the despicable monster who rules Qrali. So excited to see what happens next in the series.
Profile Image for Kira.
1,642 reviews
May 30, 2019
I am addicted to this series!! I have to know what is going to happen next! There are so many twist and turns, but I loved every minute of it! Please note that you will need to read book 1 and 2 before reading Illusions, but this series is so good, you will binge read through them all. There still a lot of mystery swirling around Taja as she is being dragged to horrors she can’t even imagine. But with the help of a man who both infuriates and intrigues her and his guards, Taja might just be able to survive those horrors, and find out who she really is in the process. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
319 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2019
wow that was a very intense read but I loved the story I love the hole series.The relationships between Rune and Taja is amazing and at times frustrated and you just want them sort themselves out and be together. Taja is capture and taken to the capital were she has to go through magik test to see how strong her magik is. but she starts to fall for Rune and she has a mixture of feeling she is trying to fight. I have to say I love Rune but my favour has to Bicav he is amazing love him. Raye wagner has done an amazing job with the charters and the story line you just get pulled into the story and you want more I cant wait to see what happens next in the series



Profile Image for Kristin.
28 reviews
July 17, 2019
Questions answered, deeper story unfolds

Slow burn romance. Check.
Satisfying magic system. Check.
Masterful dark villain. Check.
Complex plot. Check.

Wagner is a pro at having a double layer of surprises. Most of the first layer I'd guessed at, or thought was a possibility and having some of the big questions answered was cool. But then, BAM, something else is revealed that I didn't guess at, but totally makes sense. Then the twist at the end ... Yes! Can't wait for the next book!

Note: this novel is the darkest of the three. Lots of devastating torture/abuse and death. It isn't a trigger for me, but might be for others.
Profile Image for Jess4books.
41 reviews
May 24, 2019
It’s all coming together... but not quite!

Illusions picks up where ‘Stolen’ left off- with the protagonist being taken to the capital by soldiers who suspect she is someone they know. We get a bigger picture of the situation and develop a passionate hate for the king-figure. This was an emotional roller coaster... and I loved it! I’ve said this before- but I really can’t wait for more. While many of my questions have been answered a big one still remains... “What will happen next!?”
Profile Image for Shawn.
365 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2019
This world is amazing

Again Raye Wagner has gifted us with her amazing worlds and imagination. This story is totally unique and is filled with surprises, laughter, suspense and Drama yes lots of drama lol. Rune and Taja characters are so creative that they pull you right into the. Book. They are both bad ass , precocious, and totally crazy unique. The world they live in is gorgeous and filled with absolute danger. If you want a suspenseful, LOL, drama filled book be sure that you pick this up, you will not be.sorry!
Profile Image for Linda Figueira.
328 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2019
The writer brilliantly keeps part of the mystery that started the serie, which is conducted throughout the narrative leading the reader to different paths. It should at first seems a little bit confused but the pieces fit together gradually. The characters remain dense and introspective. This is a story that makes one wonder of our own world, the importance of respect and care for the other people. Anxious for the next title and already missing the main characters. Thanks Raye!
1,268 reviews7 followers
May 25, 2019
Survival through the kirini, or not

The madness of the kumdar knows no limits. Rune's attempts to thwart his brother hit so many setbacks in addition to so many deaths. I'm glad I read the series slightly out of order because this book really pulled all the emotional pieces together, just to have some of them ripped back out. I sincerely hope that there are plans for a follow up book!
11 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2019
Just finished reading this book this morning! What a fabulous story! It’s full of twists and turns that you don’t see coming! I absolutely loved reading this book and can’t wait for the next one to release!

If you like dark fantasy, forbidden love, and pulse pounding twists that will steal your breath, and not give it back until the end. If you haven’t started this series you need to start, like yesterday.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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