Thank you, NetGalley for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. I sat there and read it in one sitting. I really enjoyed Incendiary once everything got going, I feel this had more to it.

Ren's character development is so wonderfully done and I was really rooting for her the whole time. Her loves and losses seem more real in this part and I felt for her going through everything she has already with yet another hurdle to go over. Cas is also beautifully written and I was expecting him to be an arsehole but was pleasantly surprised. 

This was faster paced than its predecessor and so much happens. I was at 75% wondering how this was going to tie up within the next 25% and after a few twists and turns, we get there.

The only issue I had with this and it's no fault of the authors is I wish I had reread Incendiary first as I did forgot a few of the things that had happened and I would recommend that for anyone wanting to read this to do a quick reread first.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the first book in this series "Incendiary" .. don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable but it didn't blow me away, I did like it enough though to want to carry on with the series ... obviously!! Unfortunately, Illusionary didn't win me over either and took me over a week to read in the end, I had to force myself to pick it up each time. However, I did like it a bit more than the first so that is a plus .. The character development was really good and the pacing of the book was so much better and much smoother. I also loved Leo!!

I don't think the book is in any way a bad book, not at all! I definitely believe more people than not will enjoy and love this one but for some reason I just couldn't get into the story as much as I wanted to and didn't really connect to the characters either (other than Leo) so I struggled.


If you enjoyed Incendiary you will love this Illusionary!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC of this one in exchange for an honest review.

Whilst Incendiary was a slow burn, Illusionary was just incredibly fastpaced and I loved it. Ren's character development, learning to deal with her trauma and her guilt? Perfect. It's so easy to drop the ball on things like that in a second book, but Cordova does a brilliant job of only making this a great ending to the duology! Already looking forward to re-reading this, and I'm glad I got the Fairyloot edtion pre-ordered!

Last year, I really enjoyed Incendiary and I was really looking forward to this sequel and see how the characters and the story develop. I have to say that I enjoyed this more than the first book, but I can’t give it full five stars because I felt that the last part of the story was a bit rushed and that things fell too easily together. Despite this, I loved it! The world-building is still amazing and the romance is charged and engrossing. I liked how the character of Renata develops throughout the story and her relationship with Castian and Leo was entertaining and full of witty exchanges that made me laugh. All in all, Illusionary is a great conclusion to a duology full of adventure, magic, revenge, and romance.

Illusionary by Zoraida Cordova is the second book of her Hollow Crown duology and picks up right where the first book , Incendiary, ends. Fair warning to prospective readers, it is important to read Incendiary first to get the full experience of this book. Once again we are back with Renata and Castian, now unlikely allies with a common goal of finding a magical knife that will help them to defeat the ruthless King Fernando once and for all, and hopefully bring peace to a divided nation. The author cleverly intersperses fragments of memories from the past, with the action and adventure of the current day storyline to provide the background to the story . I enjoyed this a little more than the previous book, I think there was a better balance between exposition and action so the pace flowed more smoothly and I thought the development of the characters was very well handled.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

I really loved this second installment in the Hollow Crown duology. The plot is fast paced and the characters develop so far past the previous book that pretty much all of my opinions were changed!

I adored this duology and will read it again and again - I'd recommend anybody who loves a good fantasy pick it up!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved Incendiary when I read it last year and was extremely excited to see how Córdova was going to continue and elevate the story. In every way, she succeeded. This is another fiercely original and intoxicating story, complete with some intriguing twists and turns. I really liked how the world-building and characters were expanded upon and developed. Yet again, Córdova's writing was probably the highlight for me. It just has this intangible quality to it that never fails to completely compel and immerse me into her exquisitely crafted story and world. Every word feels delicately chosen and placed to engage your every sense and draw you deeper into this magical story.

Oh what a stunning sequel this is!
I read "Incendiary" right before delving into "Illusionary", which makes it even more obvious to me just how good this duology works. Córdova's writing is simply gorgeous and she creates a lush, culturally rich fantasy world with details and little wonders woven into every aspect of it. She doesn't really add anything entirely new to the genre of ya fantasy, but the things she does are done exceptionally well. The world is an interesting one, the plot is fast-paced but leaves enough room for quiet character moments. And the characters are really what makes this duology shine.

Renata is probably one of my favorite ya heroines of them all because she's flawed, she's relatable, she's neither the absolute strongest nor the absolute best, and most of all because she has been broken and betrayed her entire life yet chooses to fight anyway. Her trauma is never just being brushed off but is integral to her story and her development as a character, and I can freely admit that she made me cry a tear or two during her journey and, especially, at the end of it.
"Illusionary" allows all the characters introduced in the first book to develop and find themselves. I do also have to admit that some characters ended up in a way that I found a little jarring (Dez's ending only really works if you suspend your disbelief real real hard), but that doesn't really dampen my positive experience with this book. Also, the romance is just swoonworthy. Just. So. Good.

The last third or so of the novel felt a little rushed to me and a certain villain could have been fleshed out a bit more to show how he gained so much influence over the Whispers in such a relatively short time. I didn't really feel anything for him at all which simply makes him less effective as an antagonistic character. And while I really do like the ending of "Illusionary", it's just a little too fluffy, too soppy, too happily-ever-after for the kind of story that was told before. There is a certain bittersweet taste to the eventual fate of Renata and Castian that I think is really really well done, but for a story that talks a lot about sacrifices that have to be made there are, in the end, few actual physical sacrifices. But it is YA and not adult fantasy and for the genre it's definitely a fitting end. Also, I just like being happy after reading a book so there's that.

All in all this is a great novel, a great sequel and a great duology, wonderfully written and easily worming its way into the readers' hearts.

I wasn't a fan of Incendiary. You might wonder why I continued reading a series when I didn't enjoy the beginning. I could explain it by saying how I didn't HATE the writing, am wanting to give the writer another chance - maybe she was building up to something etc. But alas, the real reason is (as a friend "kindly" pointed out), I suffer from Stubborn Ass Syndrome. Don't you hate it when your friends are right.

Maybe I'm channeling my inner grumpy-old-man but teenager MCs who bitch and moan about how the leaders don't listen or take then seriously when they are a such a special snowflake is not endearing or a likable character trait. The leaders ignored your advice because you are selfish, arrogant, a loose cannon, and have a terrible track record of not following basic instructions and being wrong. You know who I want on my team? Someone who's got my back. Not someone who is going to take off on their own and I get shot in the back.

If you enjoyed Incendiary, then you will probably enjoy Illusionary as well. Alas, this one also wasn't my cup of tea. The characters didn't improve, the story was still nonsense, there was the obligatory roadtrip and bonding, a magical doohickey that will right all the wrongs, enemies-to-lovers trope, a love triangle, and everyone nicely paired up for their happily ever after (view spoiler)

Recommended for fans of: Julie Kagawa, Sarah J Maas, Holly Black

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC.

I have been SO excited for this book! I loved Incendiary and we were left on such a cliffhanger that it’s felt like a long wait for Illusionary.

With the focus firmly on Ren and Cas in this book,  their character development was perfect. From sworn enemies to fighting feelings, they’re both on the run and running towards a new future. One where King Fernando will no longer rule. The only way forward is to find and retrieve the knife of memory, but that’s easier said than done and could come at a cost too great.

Even though the developing feelings between Ren and Cas formed the backbone of this book, it somehow didn’t turn it into a romance first, plot second, sequel and I was so glad. There was still enough action, twists and intrigue to make this a brilliant conclusion to the duology.  I loved that we got to venture into new parts of the world in Illusionary. The characters Ren and Cas met along the way were all interesting in their own ways, no matter how small a part they played in the overall story.

This is such a creative and thrilling series, I’m surprised it hasn’t received more hype. If you haven’t read Incendiary yet, go and find yourself a copy!

4,5 stars

"I am Renata Convida. I am a Robári. I am of the Moria people. Once I was a rebel, one of the Whispers. Now I am just a traitor."

WOW, this book was amazing. I think it is a great ending to a duology.
Incendiary was the first book I ever read by Zoraida Córdova and I loved it and I definitely wasn't disappointed with this one! Zoraida wrote an amazing world and amazing characters,

I love the characters in the story, the romance and the adventure are amazing. Ren's character grew in this book and I loved to see her learn how to control her powers and about them. The banter between Ren and Castian was so good. I really enjoyed their slowly growing relationship (definitely a good slow-burn romance)

This duology is perfect for anyone that loves Ya fantasy with romance and adventure.

Our next stop on this tour is the Spanish inspired Puerto Leones of Zoraida Cordova’s Illusionary. This is the second in a duology. Incendiary, the first one was one of the most compelling YA fantasy novels I read in 2020, and this follow-up takes everything I loved about it and made it even better. Renata Convida is a great leading lady, and the reader can’t help but be charmed by the rebel prince of Puerto Leones, Castian (and his brother Dez, raised by actual rebels). All of the characters undergo massive growth arcs over the course of the story, and I loved the way the book ended. It felt very apt, without being overly cliché. And we get to spend time with Leo again who is just an amazing cinnamon roll of a person. If you haven’t checked this series out yet, please do.

Illusionary was utter perfection.
Can that be my review?
I absolutely loved it.
Beautifully drawn characters, richly imagined world, clever magic system, or had it all. I’m super sad it’s over. Definitely welled up as I neared the end of the book. Highly recommended!

Heartfelt, inspiring and powerful. I have been so excited for the conclusion to this duology and I was right to be! I loved the character developments and where the plot went. It was such a satisfying conclusion.

Renata’s story and how she confronts her traumas, represented by the grey, to unearth her own identity; the one she chooses rather than the one she has been designated by others and internalised is really powerful. The way the storyline is mirrored on a societal level as well as an internal level is so clever! Confronting the erasure of integral memories/experiences both from Renata’s conciousness and the wider world’s and how the impact has prevented both the society and Renata from ever being able to move forward and recover is just so beautifully done. I am in awe. It’s so refreshing to see a rewarding recovery arc in a book!

This book must have been so difficult to write because there are so many things to resolve and so much ground to cover but it is so good! All of the characters are crafted so lovingly with depth and complexity. You’re encouraged to really question why everyone behaves the way they do and you grow to understand why. Really this book is a masterclass in self-discovery, empathy and understanding. I couldn’t put it down. Loved it.

I did enjoy this book but I didn't love it as much as the first one. I just didn't quite feel as invested in the characters and the ending felt rather rushed.

I think I would have enjoyed the book more if it was a standalone (which it could be read as (mostly)).

What a fantastic end to the duology.

The writing is just as captivating as book 1. The plot is just as fast paced. The characters just as intriguing. (Leo is my favourite, he’s so sassy and loveable). I loved to romance and how all the characters reacted to it along the way. I loved the plot twists. I yelled, I laughed, I shed happy tears and I am sad it’s now over.

This was truly a thrill to read.

If I could put my feelings in a jar every time I finish a book, Illusionary’s would be glowing.

This book was character development at its finest. Renata grows so much since the events of Incendiary, both emotionally and in regards to her power, and I loved seeing that progress. Not that I didn’t like her in the first book, but it’s always beautiful to see a character become a better version of themselves. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that she’s one of my new favorite YA heroines. (The fact that she has my brother’s name is an added bonus.) I also adored seeing more of Castian, who is a character I was already in love with from Incendiary despite we don’t see much of him. I say this all the time, but Zoraida Córdova is the only author who managed to make me fall in love with a character and a ship by only getting glimpses of him and by throwing clues at his real motives. I always thought that there was more to the Matahermano than what everyone knew and this sequel confirmed it. If the love was strong before, it’s made of adamantium steel now.

I do think I preferred the castle’s setting in Incendiary a little bit more than the journey we got in Illusionary, but I loved everything else so much more, which is saying something. One of my favorite aspects of the story was the characters. Renata, Castian and Leo are particularly close to my heart. I’m so happy that the author found a way to have Leo be an integral part of the plot in this book as well because I love him. Lady Nuria, who was one of my favorites from book one, reconfirms her badass queen status even though we see her less. And there’s also Dez. I didn’t much care for in the first book—not that he didn’t seem like a good character, but he didn’t click with me as Castian did—but I reevaluated him here. I’m weak for bromance, so when I saw Dez and Castian interacting…I was lost. The other aspect I loved of this book is, of course, the romance, which was superb. Sweet, epic, and hawt to the point that I wished this was a New Adult/Adult book so we could have more!

Thank you to the publisher for sending me an eARC through NetGalley. I feel so incredibly honored and happy to have been able to read one of my most anticipated sequels early, and I’m glad that this book surpassed my every expectation. I can officially confirm that the Hollow Crown duology is one of my favorite of all time. I’m hopeful that the epilogue served not only as a closure to the duology, but also as a hopeful door to a possible spin off series. I wouldn’t mind seeing that at all.

Renata and Castian are looking for Dez and the Knife of Memory. The Gray, where her stolen memories are stored is falling apart, trying to take her and reality with it. Meanwhile, war is brewing and our heroes seem to be caught in the middle of it.

Enemies to allies with a lot of tension between them, Renata & Castian's bickering makes me smile. Actually, a lot of their interactions make me smile or feel so much. Cordova does emotion so well. It's like you can truly feel the aching of the main characters' hearts. I also cherish the blunt honesty of the dialogue. And their awesome companion that adds an amusing tone to their travels.

The author's lyrical writing caresses and envelops you in an inviting way and the narrative is so immersive, I get lost in this impressive world she has created. A bittersweet melancholy threads through it. A sense of foreboding permeates the atmosphere. Foreboding also laces the situation with the Gray and the danger it poses for Renata. But there is also optimism, and I revelled in the new knowledge acquired of the kingdom, the Moria, the past etc.

The book engages in themes of identity and how people perceive you and prejudice. How power and pain can change you for the better or for worse. Forgiveness of others and of yourself. The need to right wrongs.

Full of adventure and exhilarating action, and absolutely thrilling in its many surprises and shocking revelations (I literally put my palm on my chest like I could hold my heart due to one of them). Things get so crazy in the last chapters, making me read so fast I must have broken a record. There were parts where I actually pumped my fist in the air.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!

This is the sequel and finale to Incendiary by Zoraida Cordova, which was one of my favourite reads of 2020.

Illusionary picks up right where we left off, with Castian and Renata on the run and in search of a weapon with the power to bring down the oppressive regime under King Fernando.

Overall thoughts:
A satisfying conclusion to a unique YA fantasy book that sheds a light on a new culture, loosely inspired by the Spanish Inquisition. If you're after a strong female protagonist who is flawed and fighting her own battles both internally and externally, then this is for you. If you want a refreshing fantasy that is inspired by a different culture, this is for you. If you want secondary characters who you adore and root for, this is for you. Add a dash of found family trope and childhood to enemies to allies to lovers, you get this book.

We get to see more of the world created by Cordova in the sequel. Our protagonist Ren has adventures both in different lands and at sea and the way Cordova weaves words together to create an incredible image in your head is extraordinary. There is no excess of telling, in fact everything Ren sees, tastes and feels is shown to us and I was even tempted to try olive oil cake.

More of the mythology and lore that governs this world is also slowly revealed as well as the diverse customs and culture of the people, influenced by Latinx culture.

This book definitely has a lot more going on in terms of plot. It was a gripping tale, fast paced and seeing familiar faces made me want to continue reading the book. My only criticism is that it was predictable at times, however an enjoyable read.

Review will go live on my blog closer to the release date. Check out my blog over at: https://www.deeslibrary.wordpress.com

I really enjoyed Incendiary, but Illusionary took the story to another level. The combination of adventure and romance hooked me. I'll be daydreaming about this book for a long time to come!