4 ☆

this book is marketed as enemies-to-lovers, and whilst that is true on a broader level, the enemies side of things, between the two main characters, didn’t really hit the spot for me. i love their relationship and the back and forth between them, but the ‘dislike’ probably lasted a few pages, if that, so if you’re a huge enemies-to-lovers fan, just be aware of that going into this book

this book is about isabel, a physician, wanting to become the royal physician. she is from a little town and thinks of herself as a nobody, so she’s trying to prove herself. as the story unfolds, there’s a murder and instead of proving herself, she wants to make the death of someone she loved, to matter, so she sets out to befriend the enemy to try and learn their secrets and report back. erik, a kings son, who has never felt worthy is whole life, is the person she needs to befriend. she acts as a guide for him and his men, and her quest for vengeance begins.


『 tropes 』
• enemies-to-lovers
• slow burn
• magic system
• murder
• world building

『 plot 』
i enjoyed the plot, it was fun to read and was very fast paced and an easy world building to understand. there were times where it felt rushed, but for me, that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. i loved the magic aspect in this story, and the mystery surrounding the lovers box. it was interesting to see how it affected people differently and what they had to sacrifice. i loved that we only ever got a glimpse of erik and isabel’s pasts, it always kept me wanting to read on to find out more and try and figure them out.

『 characters 』
i enjoyed the characters, mostly. i do feel some of them lacked depth, like they were just filler characters and didn’t really bring anything to the story. erik, isabel and signey kept me in this book. i loved the relationship formed between erik and isabel. i liked that isabel could get erik to open up and softened with her. signey was an enigma, i both hated and loved her and i can’t wait to read more about her in the second book. i did like bo and kasper, but i feel like they needed more depth. katrina was ok, i loved her in the beginning, her friendship with isabel was sweet and they had each others backs, but towards the end i feel like that friendship wasn’t important? which didn’t make a lot of sense to me.

『 overall 』
i enjoyed it, it had me hooked from the first page, and had me wanting to know everything.. i’m glad there is going to be a second book and i look forward to seeing where the author takes these characters and how the story develops.

Such an amazing book. I was hooked from the first page, emersed in a beautiful, fantastical world. The characters were so wonderfully written and their chemistry was excellent. The plot was incredible, thrilling the entire time. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to all fantasy readers. Cannot rave enough about how good this book was.

I definitely enjoyed but didn’t love this book. It is very definitely YA and hit a little young for my liking. There is quite minimal spice which is how I prefer my books. I think some of the modern language in a more primitive world threw me out a little at times.
Isabel is quite frankly a dreadful spy and it was quite difficult to fully buy into her attempts although this is somewhat part of the story. I did like Erik and the other Volgaard and the evolution of the relationship between them and Isabel. Some of the tricks she played on them were pretty funny.
I will definitely read the second in the duology when it is released thanks to the major cliffhanger ending!

I really enjoyed this book so much, the characters and the unique magic system add in the banter between Isy and Erik which was so highly entertaining and gave some of my favourite moments.

It did take me a little while to fully get into as the pacing was a little slow in the beginning and I found it took a little longer to fully connect with the characters but once I did I completely became engaged in their story and found it such an enjoyable read. The chemistry between Isy and Erik was filled with so much tension and angst from their very first meeting, I always love enemies to lovers and this one didn’t disappoint.

I can’t wait to see what comes next and I highly recommend this little gem of a romantasy if you love a enemies to lovers filled with all the tension and angst without any of the spice and a really interesting plot.

Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for the digital arc.

Wonderful debut from a new author. Sarah Marie Page's The Illusion of Stars does a wonderful job of balancing high stakes fantasy with light-hearted moments of fun and humor.

The story takes place from the point of view of the FMC, Isabel. Isabel starts this book trying to assert herself and achieve the job of royal physician, despite dealing with feelings of inadequacy that stem from childhood experiences. The course of her life changes when her childhood friend Hans is murdered. She is tasked with spying on a group of Volds - hostile enemies from a neighboring country that have come to her country's shores. Acting as a guide as they explore her country, she tries to make contact with her handler, but Isabel is quite possibly the worst spy known to existence. Instead of spying, she finds herself making friends, fighting attraction, and being swept up in a much larger plot of destruction. While Isabel starts off as this seemingly naïve character, she has these moments were you see her strength and deviousness. I can't wait to see that grow in second book.

I also hope we get Erik's , the MMC, POV in book two. He is a sweet cinnamon roll that tries to act morally grey, but is truly just looking for connections in a world that has largely rejected and used him. The romance between the two is build from a place of people understanding and seeing each other on a level that no one else has taken the time to do. It was fun watching them feel each other out has they danced around each other.

The story moves along quickly before exploding into a dramatic cliffhanger conclusion. Definitely going to need to know what happens next!
4.5/5

Illusion of Stars
Sarah Marie Page

What can I say? Sarah Marie Page, you took all of my favorite tropes, mixed them together in a bowl and added some magic to create this masterpiece! I listened to this ARC in one sitting and needed a ridiculous amount of coffee to get through work the next day. Absolutely worth it. Isabel- A clever, witty healer who is a terrible spy and a tad stabby. Seeking vengeance for her murdered friend and saving her defenseless nation. Erik- An exceptionally powerful enemy from Volgaard who can use magic to make you see whatever he wants. The banter is snarky, the slow burn is steamy, the magnetic pull is tense and there’s only one horse. There are so many twists and turns and I chewed through this story like it was candy. This book is one to look out for, it is going to be on everyones rec lists. 5 stars.

I went into this not knowing a thing and I was so surprised by how great it is! The chemistry between the main characters is fantastic and it is witty and exciting. I couldn’t put it down. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good romantasy/fantasy. Will be adding to our library.

This was a completely fantastic story that pulled me in with humor and sarcasm from the beginning! Amazing character development and relationship building, fantastic banter and wit, and expert story crafting went into this book. It was heartbreaking, hopeful, and so purely magical. You will not regret going on this adventure.

Isabel is a feisty and strong character who, like many of us, feels her own self doubt around her like a cloak. She wants so badly to be enough for everyone around her, and any small failure feels like falling off the edge of a cliff. Her journey with self doubt and self harm is one that we don't see often in fantasy, and I liked the way her story was told with that as a part of who she is at the very fabric of her core.

Erik is a soldier through and through. He's magic. He's powerful, and he's....an idiot. He drags Isabel along as their guide under the agreement that it will help keep peace between their people, but what started as pure annoyance becomes something so much more. Erik also fights with being enough for his father, for his kingdom, and for being seen as Erik and not just a solder or a powerful Sender.

They find that as they get to know one another, they're not all that different. Have they finally found someone to see them for them and not the power or skill they possess? But then, of course, we have secrets, betrayal, and murder sprinkled throughout the book. There were a few moments where my jaw dropped and I was so shocked at the twist! I never saw it coming, but then it brought the rest of the pieces back together to form the picture of reality.

I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.

I went into this blind…and I was pleasantly surprised! This romantasy had me by a chokehold, and I can confidently say it’s one of my new favorites!

The chemistry between the MMC and the FMC was everything.

“You are seen. You are enough.”

From a person who is nobody to the person who is becoming a great author of the Future!!!

This is one of those books you find by pure accident and then after reading stay with you for a lifetime.

I requested this book because of two things; the cover and the description. Then I started reading it. The book gripped me from the first scene and I could not stop reading it. The Story, the plotline, the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, the struggles of FMC and MMC....everything was perfection.

This story is perfection. 5 stars from me. I loved it so much and now I need to have it on my shelf....

I wrote a detailed review on my blog. do check it out.

I went into this book pretty much blind and I was so pleasantly surprised. Straight away I fell in love with the banter between Isabel and the original characters, which of course just only increased and got better once she was in enemy camps. I honestly think a good book is made in the side characters, it’s easy to make us fall in love with the main characters, but when you’re rooting for everyone else too it just adds that extra level.

But saying that, let’s not take away from Isabel and Erik 😍 I knew I’d love him from the moment we met him 😂 my poor tortured soul 🥺 I won’t spoil anything but UGH the ending. I need the next book now please.

Tropes in this book are some of my favourite:
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn
- one horse trope (briefly)
- knife to throat scene

4.5 Stars

This story was so beautifully written. I felt like the world building was done in such a great way where the reader doesn't feel overwhelmed by all the information. The magic system was interesting and unique to the story. The way that Sarah Marie Page shows anxiety and panic on the page by inserting words between paragraphs really made the reader feel what the characters were feeling. The pacing was great and the book never seemed to lull, it kept moving forward in a way that didn't seem rushed.

"Isabel Moller, you are not allowed to kiss me, then awkward swim away."

I loved Isabel and Erik. Isabel is entirely relatable with the way that she was awkward yet endearing, smart, brave, determined, and the struggle that she has with believing in herself. Erik is a cinnamon roll MMC if there ever was one. He is swoon worthy, strong, and determined to prove that he's more than his power. The way Isy & Erik come together once they realize that they are both fighting for the same thing, self validation & acceptance, is beautiful and fully lends itself to a naturally developing slow burn romance. Plus their banter had me laughing out loud. The author did an amazing job of developing not only the main characters of this story, but the side characters as well. Signey, Bo, Kaspar, and Tyr were some of my favorites.

This story is perfect for anyone that loves fantasies full of angst, hope, witty banter, magic, political intrigue, believable and likeable characters, all with a side of romance. If anyone needs me, I'll be sitting here praying for a book #2 because I need more.

This is so beautifully and thoroughly written. This book gave me all the, "You drew stars around my scars" Taylor Swift vibes ✨️ and I was HERE FOR IT. I felt like I was a part of this story, not just reading it. This was a slow-burn romantasy book, and the main characters are enemies-to-lovers who start out on opposite sides but realize each other isn't the enemy. They help each other heal, grow, and evolve together. The banter between them is fantastic, and their chemistry is undeniable. As soon as I finished this, I immediately had to look up if the author is writing a sequel (she is!) and I will be eagerly waiting to read it! 🤍📚

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC of Illusion of Stars, in exchange for an honest review.

"Illusion of Stars" by Sarah Marie Page turned out to be such a gem. I have to say, the slow-burn connection between Isabel and Erik is one of the highlights for me. I'm a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers story, and this one does it so well. At first, it took a bit to get going, but once the plot picked up, I was hooked.

Isabel’s internal dialogue and self-doubt really resonated with me. She’s trying so hard to be a spy and avenge her friend’s death, but she keeps getting caught, which adds this layer of vulnerability to her character. It made her feel so real and relatable.

And then there’s Erik. I really liked his character. He’s complex and has this depth that makes the evolving relationship with Isabel so engaging. The way their dynamic changes and grows is so well done—it’s frustrating, emotional, and ultimately very satisfying.

Overall, "Illusion of Stars" is a beautiful mix of fantasy and emotional storytelling. It’s one of those books that sneaks up on you, and before you know it, you’re completely invested. Highly recommend!

This book is magical and had so much depth. I loved how much we got to see the main characters grief process and her internal struggles. It was beautifully written, and I felt like I was engulfed in the magic at times. I wanted a little more details on the magic system and why some had magic and others did not. I think this was a beautiful start to a duology and can’t wait to read the next book. I need to know what happens!

Thank you to Sarah and NetGalley for an eARC of this book!

This book is hands down my favorite read of not just 2024, but the last couple of years at LEAST. I DEVOURED this book. I couldn’t get enough of the story, the writing, the characters…everything was just so perfectly executed. Illusion of Stars has:

⚔️Enemies to lovers
❤️‍🔥Slow burn
🤏Forced proximity
✨Unique worldbuilding
🔎Mysteries & spying
👑Political intrigue
🗣️Incredible banter

Isabel’s character arc was so rewarding to see and I absolutely loved the creative way this story is told. Erik’s calm and collected demeanor was a fantastic counterpart to Isy’s sweet chaos. All of the characters in this book have incredible depth and I enjoyed my time immersed with them.

I seriously will be thinking about this book for a long time. Definitely in my top 5 reads of all time. Sarah has crafted such a rich and enchanting world with Illusion of Stars that it’s hard not get to swept away. If you’re reading this and looking for a sign to read this book, this is your sign. Read. This. Book!!!!

I want to thank Shadow Forge Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to read an advanced copy of Illusion of stars by Sarah Marie Page comes out in July.
….
It took me a bit to get into the story but once I did I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between Erik and Isabel is seen from the start. I fell in love with Erik immediately he was supposed to be the bad boy but he was always so attentive to Isa’s needs that even she didn’t realize. Isa is a physician to the queen and doesn’t see herself as anything special when they send her to be a scout and spy on the Volds. She’s got one goal, to show everyone she is good enough to be the physician to the king. the plot twist! I am screaming at the ending how cruel to end it like that!!! I can’t wait for the second part of this story. I am very much hoping to get my hands on that arc as well.
#shadowforgepublishing #NetGalley

Unfortunately this was a DNF at 20%.

I usually find most slow starts tend to be due to world building but this wasn’t the case. I wanted to love the book due to the reviews however I just found the start too boring to push through.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4
The story follows Isabel, an apprentice physician on her newly independent island home of Sanok. Following the arrival of the Volgaard army and the death of her best friend, she is tasked with accompanying the Volgaard's to act as a spy and woo the general's son, Erik.

I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.

Firstly, the things I loved: the underlying message the author is trying to convey (you're not a nobody, you matter), the simple yet gorgeous cover, the use of medicinal plants, the characters were lovable enough, and the way she describes heartache and grief that comes with loss. It was so beautifully written, it had me holding my breath.

The world-building is where I really struggled. I was left confused from the start and felt nothing really fit together (e.g., clothing style, language use). The magic was a random aspect and never really addressed when it was first discovered by Isabel. I feel like this should have been a big plot point.
The overly descriptive writing on every single page was also a big issue for me. It really took away from the actual plot.

For a New Adult book, the romance and banter between Isabel and Erik were very juvenile. I would think it would be better suited to the YA category..

The last 20% or so of the book really picked up and redeemed itself in my eyes. The plot finally came through, and it was entertaining enough. I'm hoping the plot holes will be addressed, and the author will continue to grow in their writing.
Due to the strong finish, I will definitely be adding the second book to my TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Forge Publishing for an eARC copy of Illusion of Stars by Sarah Marie Page.

First and foremost, I finished this book in two days and I need the second book now. Sarah Marie Page left me on an illegal cliffhanger and I've never been so upset about a cliffhanger ending in my life. I also want to state that I will 100% being buying a physical copy of this book so I can read it again prior to the second book releasing.

The story follows Isabel, an 18 year old physicians apprentice whose dream is to become the kingdoms royal physician. She spends her time healing her Queen's feet and looking for a cure for the King's ailment. It takes but one little slip up to send her out into the wilds with the Volgaard, tasked to find their weapon and woo their head general. Leading her on a journey that not only helps her find herself, but the reality of what is truly going on around her.

I cannot say enough of how well the plot moves, it flows so nicely and doesn't slow down to world build or to explain back stories. Everything is explained when it needs to be. It draws you in, then leaves you dangling and craving what is going to happen in the end. Isabel is relatable and unlike other novels, she is real and raw. It makes you feel all her emotions and you feel like you are her. Not that you're following her story, but you are Isabel and you are trying to do what you think is best. Even if everything you've known is wrong.

You will be laughing, crying, and angry all at once. But if you don't pick up this book, you will be missing out.