There are some books that leave you feeling really good and elated when you’ve finished them; The Illusions is definitely one of those books. I’m sure most people love seeing magic and it was fascinating to learn about the early days of public magic shows and also about the beginnings of moving pictures. I loved all the characters in the book and how their relationships and friendships develop as the story progresses. Fittingly, as this is a book about the theatre and the stage, there is one very prominent “boo hiss” character who we soon come to hate. But a story like this needs a villain and we certainly get one here.
It was very interesting to read the Historical Note at the end of the book (and I urge all readers not to skip this). Fully meriting it’s five stars, it’s a book to lose yourself in and just enjoy the magic of it.

Firstly I would like to thank bonnier books UK and the author liz hyder for access to the illusions.

The review I am going to make is an honest review regardless of the access I received for this book. It should be noted I was not paid for this review and ensure honesty in all my reviews.

I loved the first book and this was a good follow up to the book. I wanted it to be as captivating and make me not want to put the book down as much as the first one.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book. When I saw this book in my emails I was super excited and it did not disappoint me. I absolutely loved the first book and this ... well this is a strong second book. The characters, the plot and the world building all top notch. 4.5 stars

I really enjoyed "The Gifts" by Liz Hyder so I was looking forward to reading "The Illusions", however I didn't think it was as captivating. I mean, I enjoyed "The Illusions" and it looked at various strands of illusions: moving pictures, magic and seances but it didn't grip me. There were some "true magic" moments which I really wish they had explored a bit more. It was jolly good fun in a Famous Five type way which isn't a bad thing.

The gifts by this author was one of my favourite books from last year so I was extremely happy to be given an arc for this book and it did not disappoint!
This was a sheer delight from start to finish with vivid characters, magic, wonder and beautiful storytelling, told from 4 different pov which all come together to give us a romp of an adventure which is hard to put down
I loved every minute of this and Liz Hyder is fast becoming on of my favourite authors with her exceptional writing

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

Thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are intriguing, and the stories overlap and interweave well together. By the end I was completely invested in what would happen.

It is quite slow in the middle, and I felt the story dragging a little and going around in circles a bit. But it really picked up towards the end.

There are a lot of characters to grapple with - especially in the beginning (the changing names - Harriet / Harry, Cecily / Cecil / Cec also don't help). But overall this was an enjoyable read.

I did make the mistake of starting this during a very busy weekend and so it took me longer to get into than it normally would have.

I struggled with the start of this a bit as there were quite a few characters and I was getting a bit lost as to who was who and how they were connected, but that didn’t last too long. It soon becomes clear and you end up having about half a dozen people to keep tabs on, which is a nice amount.

I really liked the character of George. I can’t fully explain why but he just shone off the page like a friend you’d like to have. Cecil was a difficult character to fully liker or dislike, but I am erring towards the former. She struggles and unfortunately you have to cast your morals aside to survive, which didn’t often put her in the greatest light, but I think she was a fabulous character. Eadie was lovely. A businesswoman trying to stand out in an industry of men. Skarratt was an unpleasant man. Full of generosity but his true colours soon start to shine. The Professor was interesting. Not a big role but standout all the same. And Valentin. I spent most of the book undecided about him, whether I could trust him. I wanted to, but he is a complex character, and yet I think his good nature won out for me in the end. I won’t go into too much detail about any others for fear of spoiling it too much. But whilst it took a while to get to grips with the different characters and how they linked, I think Liz has actually achieved a very clever piece of writing here.

In my opinion, not a huge amount of ‘stuff’ actually happens. It’s a lot of talk and planning and plotting and performing, which I enjoyed immensely. I like a book full of character exploration and development which this had in abundance. It’s not full-on thrilling action, it’s quieter than that, it’s about deception, truths and lies. And yet it’s no less intense and fun to read.

Whilst we know (or do we?) that magicians and conjurors are full of tricks and deception, Liz has managed to evoke a real sense of wonder and magic throughout the story.

I loved the feel of community and family throughout and how family is not necessarily who you are related to, but what you make of it, and that’s important. It’s actually quite emotive. I didn’t think it would be. But it’s deeper than I first imagined it would be and you may find yourself shedding a tear once or twice.

I love Liz’s little love letter to the theatre in her historical notes at the end. I am also a great lover of the theatre and have been attending ever since I can remember. And they are truly magical places to behold and she’s really captured that awe and wonder.

I love the focus on women in this book. The 1800s weren’t a great place for women at any time, but for women trying to run a business, own a house, practice ‘magic’…Liz has given them a voice, and their rightful place front and centre.

I am always impressed when an author can develop a story like this. With so many people, so many storylines, pasts and secrets and lies, relationships and friendships, histories and futures. To be able to keep up and to worm them all together so seamlessly is beautiful.

Possible spoilers

This was just incredibly good fun.
It felt a bit like going on an adventure.
Some wholesome characters, some slightly sinister ones (I almost expected moustache twirling) mysteries, moving pictures and magic.
The whole thing a build up to the show at the end,
What a show it was.
I was left with a big smile on my face .
Very enjoyable.

Any historical books with a touch of magic is definitely my favourite genre and liz Hyder has ticked those boxes for me again. Loved the meticulous research, the characters, the magic, the illusions, the talk of seances and poppets but not so much the detailed descriptions of early moving pictures, but that is purely personal taste. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advance review copy.