Illusions of Fate
Pages: 278
Genre: Teen/Fantasy
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Buy it here: Amazon
Synopsis
Dive into a world of enchantment and romance in this lush fantasy, which Stephanie Perkins, international bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss, called “an absolute delight—a magical, sparkling, dangerous world with witty repartee and a romance that will light your heart on fire.” Fans of Libba Bray and Cassandra Clare will fall in love with this captivating stand-alone novel from Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of the Paranormalcy trilogy.
Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets the gorgeous, enigmatic Finn, who introduces her to the secret world of Albion's nobility. It’s a world that has everything Jessamin doesn't—power, money, status . . . and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, and the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess them. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits, can stop him.
"I clench my jaw and narrow my eyes. I am no wilting Alben, I am a fierce and strong Melense woman. And I am not the victim of any cruel jokes. Spirits below, I will make certain he knows I am not to be toyed with."
You go girl.
Okay, firstly, this book was a sold 4 stars before the last few chapters came about. The ending was hastily done, and it felt rushed, as if the author didn't want to drag it on into a series or duology. This is a standalone, so it doesn't have a cliffhanger, but to be honest, I almost wish it did. It would have ended better.
That's not to say that I didn't enjoy the story. Because I did. Leading up to the end, each page was filled with mystery and confusion. I was dying to know who was who and what was what. The premise is solid in that it blends a world of fantasy with historical parallels. It was full of banter, mystery, and magic with a look at colonial life and struggles that woman went through. Though I didn't give the book 4 stars, the reason why it's at 3 and a half is because of this:
It's a full on ride from the beginning. It was a real pageturner as we are introduced into a world full of magic, action, and mystery. I was immediately hooked from the first chapter. Because the chapters have a habit of ending with a cliffhanger, you have to continue on because otherwise you'll be staring at your wall the rest of the night, wanting to know what happened. And because of the dark omens, evil characters, and the sweet forming romance, it's hard to keep away.
Jessamin is a great character! She's strong, fierce, and smart. She's in a world that doesn't welcome her, both as a student and as a person from Melei. Because of her dark skin and hair, she stands out against the paleness of Albion. Racism, sexism and cultural stereotypes are least of her worries when she's pulled into a world of mayhem and murder.
Onto the romance! I loved Jessamin and Fin together. The build was gradual and very realistic. It wasn't something that just happened suddenly because he's hot and she can't help but fall at his feet. Which I loved! Jessamin isn't the type of girl to take one look at Finn and immediately declare her undying love for him. Their banter is flirty and witty, the best kind there is between characters. I love that Jessamin doesn't let Finn use protection as a way to control her:
"You couch your motivations under the banner of protecting me, when it comes down to the fact that you think you are better than I am and more equipped to rule my life."
The other thing I loved about this book is the friendship between Jessamin and Eleanor. In most YA that I've-espeically lately-it's been shrouded with jealousy and tearing girls down in friendships. Jessamin and Eleanor's friendship is nothing like that. They help each other, they remind one another of their self worth and how much they mean to the world. They stick together despite being two different people. (Jessamin speaks first):
"They're wrong, you know. About you. Your uncle and Lord Downpike. You are smart and brave and terribly important."
She laughs. "Oh, I know that, silly. But it's easier not to let them realize it, because then they'd stop ignoring me, and they'd realize how much mischief I really get up to."
In the end, I did love this book despite it's rushed ending. I was it was a little more drawn out and that the emotions were better evoked for the was it ended. It's a good, solid plot with magic, mystery, and romance. If that's something you're into, check it out!
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