Published by Entangled: Teen on November 6, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Pages: 380
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Thomas Pendelton was born into wealth and prestige. He has a sensitive heart and wants nothing more than to write poetry. Instead, he is apprenticing for Neville Wighton the Great, an aging magician who has become somewhat crazed over the years in his pursuit of fame. With Thomas’ help, Wighton is about to premiere the greatest illusion seen by man, for Thomas possesses something no other illusionist has: real magic. Many in the theatrical world are desperate to learn Wighton’s big secret. One such magician is Paolo il Magnifico. His apprentice, Saverio Moretti, is also seeking the answer. He has a scheme to get close to Wighton by seducing Thomas but seduction turns to real feelings. Now the young men must struggle to keep the secret of their romance, as well as the secret of Thomas’ magic, as both of these things could cost Thomas his life. Through journal entries, posters, letters, and other documents, ILLUSIONS is a story of love, betrayal, and of course, magic.
Welcome today as we welcome Madeline Reynolds, author of Illusions to the blog. So a slight change to the schedule this was meant to be a review, but due to a few things I have not been able to read this book, but it will be done so soon! Instead, I have the excitement of bringing an excerpt from the book!!! So before we jump in, let us see what other bloggers have said
Bri’s Book Nook says
There was just so much depth to this book. I have never read a book about show business or magic shows just like this one. I would literally recommend it to anyone who is interested in historical fiction, or YA LGBTQ+ romance.
I enjoyed the content and just immersing myself in their creative world. I think that if you love reading romantic twists and spectacular performances, this is your book!
The layaway Dragon says
CRIED at the end. While in public on the bus. Embarrassing but so damn good.
Dear Thomas,
I know you’re angry. It’s true, I was sent to expose your mentor as a fraud illusionist, and instead I have put your secret in jeopardy. I fear I have even put your life in jeopardy. For that I can only beg your forgiveness. I’ve fallen for you. You know I have. And I never wanted to create a rift
between us, but if it means protecting you from those who wish you dead
— I’ll do it. I’ll do anything to keep you safe, whatever the sacrifice. Please forgive me for all I’ve done and what I’m about to do next. I promise, it’s one magic trick no one will ever see coming.
Love,
Saverio
Saverio
The servant stepped in toward Amelia once again. “Miss Ashdown, if I may?” He reached for her cloak, but she wrenched away from his grasp. I saw some eyes widen across the table, but everyone was considerate enough to keep their gasps and whispers to themselves (at least temporarily). For me, it was utterly delightful. Better than a trip to the theatre. I resisted the urge to reach for the nearest dish so that I might have a little snack to pair with the night’s entertainment.
Amelia shook her head. “I am happy to spend Christmas with my own family. Besides, I have been embarrassed enough.” This was aimed at Thomas, but still he refused to look in her direction. “Thomas, I…” And that’s when she caught sight of me for the first time that night. She scanned me up and down, and her words froze. She then looked to Thomas and back to me. This continued for a bit, and I knew exactly what she was doing. She was trying to piece it all together, find the proof of the scenarios her mind was so rapidly creating.
Had Thomas still been holding my hand, she would have found the evidence she had been looking for.
But she had nothing. We were just two young mates, enjoying each other’s company at a Christmas party surrounded by plenty of other friends. I was just another guest in his home. She had no reason to believe me to be anything more.
At that point…this point…I’m still unsure what I am to the boy.
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jenchaos76 says
I love weird stories like this
Zoe says
Yeah it sounds intriguing! It is on my list to check out