Illusion of Stars by Sarah Marie Page Series: The Enmity of Hearts Duet #1
Genres: Fantasy, RomantasyFrom award-winning author Sarah Marie Page comes a stunning new adult enemies-to-lovers romantasy featuring a simmering slow-burn romance between a vengeful spy and an enemy general's alluring second-in-command on opposite sides of a pending war.
SHE'S STEALING MORE THAN SECRETS.
As the royal physician of a tiny, windswept island, eighteen-year-old Isabel spends her days trying to keep the queen from dying and the mad king from streaking naked down the halls. But when her best friend is found murdered on the beaches, her world is ripped apart. Desperate for answers, she discovers a stash of letters that reveal a terrifying truth: the neighboring kingdom of Volgaard possesses a kingdom-shattering weapon and is poised to conquer everything in its path.
Seeking vengeance, Isabel infiltrates the enemy. Her mission? Woo Erik Lothgarson, the general’s steamy, illusion-magic wielding son, and steal the dangerous weapon. She can bring Volgaard to its knees—if she isn’t caught.
But as Isabel dances along the knife edge of deception, the lines between truth and fiction blur, and she must wrestle her quest for vengeance against her undeniable attraction to the enemy.
Please note the spice level is a steamy fade-to-black, meaning there's some foreplay and build-up, but no on-page sex.
Pages: 430
ISBN: 9798989983100
ASIN: B0D54QDKNV
Source: HiddenGemsBooks
on 16/07/24
Buy on Amazon, Buy on Google Books
Okay, so, this books pacing was a little slow compared to my usual readss but once I’d got stuck in, I devoured it. The book has some strong Scandinavian influences, although this seems to be in essence only, nameses, lore etc, there doesn’t seem to be a connection with the characters and the the actual scandi roots. No speaking in their own tongues in private for example? That was odd. No language barrier period.
Despite this, I found the whole story very interesting. the magic system and world building was unique and I enjoyed the use of Illusions being the main point seller here. There is so many things one could conjure for an illusion.
The MC in this book has spent her whole life doubting and trying to prove something to herself, because of some inner turmoil she faced as a younger girl. Psychological nurturing is so important for development of a healthy mind. without it we become unstable in our thinking patterns and behaviours.
I have suffered for many a year with this exact issue.
A loss paves the way for a mission for the MC which leads to the realisation that everything is not as it seems. A huge can’t judge a book by its cover imo.
Overall I loved the book, and was so happy to read it. I found it thought provoking, incredibly deep and moving.
I didn’t get the Dramione reference from others though? I believe it’s a fanfic thing, maybe Hermione and Draco? I’ve never read it,
I did love THIS little romance that blossomed in this story, 2 Feisty stubborn headstrong characters with opposing opinions and social classes going from enemies to lovers. Resulting in a F2B romance. (sorry smut sisters)
I found the characters so life-like and relatable, I appreciate a good smutfree book as long as it can back that up with it’s other elements. Illusion of Stars did that.
This is another recommend-to-all-my-friends book. Full of humour, wit, magic, and more.
and for anyone out there that needs to hear this, just as I did.
YOU ARE ENOUGH. ❤️