When I started reading this book I was in a different mindset/emotion journey of healing. At the time this book is something I needed to read, and enjoy. I feel like this book is not for everyone, or if you are in a different part of life you may not find it healing, inspiring, or worthy. Needless to say that is okay, for me it was.

This is a slower burn romance with easy names to read, the magic system, world building is minimal but enough to get the idea of what, how its used. Isobel has common sense and she realizes that maybe not everything she knows, read is accurate and challenges what shes known which is rare in many characters. There is mystery, finding where you belong and some twists to be expected. Just overall was a nice, relaxing read.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this book!

I really enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Isobel and Erik—it was well-paced and full of tension, making their dynamic so fun to follow. The characters are incredibly intriguing, and I’ve always been a fan of first-person narratives, so this book was right up my alley!

One thing I really appreciated was the inclusion of trigger warnings and a list of sexual scenes at the back of the book. It’s always great when authors consider their readers in this way. Speaking of the author—Sarah Marie Page seems like such a sweetheart! Her acknowledgments were absolutely adorable.

Beyond the romance and world-building, Isobel’s internal struggle was compelling. She has to balance her personal battles while trying to decide what’s morally right and what’s best for her kingdom, which added so much depth to her character.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read! I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy and get my hands on the second book when it releases (since it will be a duology!).

Illusion of Stars was a really fun read and I really enjoyed the story! Not a whole lot of spice, more fade to black scenes, but still, the anticipation was still worth it! I fell in love with the characters based on their personalities and the banter between them. If you enjoy slow burn, enemies to lovers, fade to black, unique magic system, and banter, this book definitely has it!

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook arc. This story was definitely a slow burn/ world building. While entertaining it didn’t really stand out to me.

While I really appreciated the concept of *Illusions of Stars*, it wasn’t 100% for me. That being said, I feel like it’s more of a “it’s not you, it’s me” situation than anything else. The book definitely has a lot to offer, but for some reason, it just didn’t completely click with me personally.

First off, the writing is solid. The author has a way with words that pulls you into the story, and I was impressed by how well the world-building and atmosphere were crafted. It’s clear a lot of thought went into creating a unique and immersive setting, and the pacing kept me engaged for the most part. The plot itself is fascinating, with twists and turns that kept me intrigued, and the premise had a lot of potential for depth and emotional exploration.

That said, I think the book’s style or tone just wasn’t what I was expecting. It felt like there was something missing emotionally for me, something that would have allowed me to fully connect with the characters and the stakes. While I enjoyed the story on a surface level, I didn’t feel the depth I was hoping for in certain key moments. Again, I think this is more about personal preference than a flaw in the book itself.

Despite that, I do think *Illusions of Stars* is a book that many readers will enjoy, especially if you like well-crafted plots with intriguing twists and engaging world-building. The writing is strong, and the concept is original, so I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. Even though it didn’t quite hit the mark for me, I can see how it would be a great fit for readers who enjoy this genre.

Banter
Enemies to Lovers
Romance
Magic
Mystery
and Characters that you will root for!

wow oh wow! The range of emotions I went through with this one! The characters had me in a chokehold! The world building is not too deep but enough that you get a sense of everything but even more so the characters were so well done and I loved watching Isy and Erik's relationship bloom.

A great first book my only negative is that book two isn't out yet!

Enemies to lovers? Slow burn? What’s not to like?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I follow Sarah Page on Instagram, and really loved her personal journey to getting this story out in the world so I was delighted to be accepted to read Illusion of Stars. Unfortunately, even after multiple tries I just could not get into it. The story starts slow and I didn’t seem to push through as a lot of other readers advised. I’m sad for it because the premise held such promise to me.

I loved this one. It was inspiring and healing, just as the author intended. What an important YA read for all ages.

I had requested this book on Netgalley some time ago, but because I ended up DNFing the book I didn't leave a full review. I honestly don't think anyone would enjoy this book and for me it rates at a solid 1 star. It was an easy DNF and I won't be trying again in the future.

I adored the magic system, the characters, and a plot line that handled hard topics in such a good way that didn't feel forced or distasteful. Unfortunately it does lose a star for me because it felt a bit juvenile with the writing at times. However I would genuinely recommend this to anyone looking for their next YA Fantasy read!

I absolutely loved this book and have been sitting on this review for far too long! I am now obsessed with the title as well 🥹😭

I love how relatable Isabel is with her awkwardness and loyalty. Very determined and smart. I like that she realizes the stories she has been told may not be true. I also love Erik and how he calls Isabel out for being the worst spy and a bad liar. Another shadow daddy. Hard exterior, soft interior. I loved that Erik and Isy make each other feel seen and feel like they both matter.

The story includes a lot of mental health references/struggles and grief was written really well. Good pacing and a larger plot line, not just romance. I found it interesting that it’s written as a confession and we find out why later. Magic system was really cool.

Loved the friendship between Erik, Bo and Kasper. True loyalty and love there, the banter was hilarious. Loved seeing Isy’s friendship with them all develop. Signey was grumpy yet cool as well, I expect to see more of her next book. TBH didn’t trust/like Stefan from the beginning. Shady. Didn’t end up loving Katrina.

I’ve purchased 3 copies now because I believe in this story so much and want to share with my friends! Cannot wait to see what happens in book 2 after that cliffhanger 😭

Not-so-sneaky-spy 👀
Snake tattoo 🐍🤭
Fade to black 🫑
Found family 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒

Thank you to NetGalley, Shadow Forge Publishing & Sarah Marie Page for the ARC. This opinion is entirely my own.

amazing! i love the romance aspect and the world building was lovely. will absolutely be reading from this author again ❤️

DNF.
This review is heartbreaking for me to write because I was looking forward to this book so much!

I had just joined NetGalley and was looking through the "most requested" books when I saw this. The cover was beeeaaauutiful. Sarah was blowing up in the indie world too and if you know me, you know I love looking for my next Indie Gem. I was expecting to love this because there are literally FIVE people who don't like this book out of over a thousand. But I just can’t get into it no matter how hard I try. 😭😭 And I have tried. I was stunned when I read the first page.

The writing style is the problem; its choppy and suffers from a severe case of tell instead of show. It's hard to follow and is seemingly random. The characters felt dry and juvenile and almost...robotic and unnatural. I don't know anyone that talks or thinks like that. It almost reads like a middle grader tried to write an adult novel before really learning how to read and write proper English. And-I don't get it! People love this book, and I tried several times to see what they were seeing, but I just...don't. Which is crushing because everything about this book intrigued me. It should have been perfect. It was Indie, Dramoine vibes, gothic aesthetic, borders on NA. Oh yeah that's the other thing, you have to pay extra to get the spice scenes.

What? Why? That makes no sense.

The fact that I am this late for an ARC should speak for itself. Save your time with this one.

This one was so beautifully written. The character development, the tropes, the world building… it was all brilliant.
I can’t wait to read more!

I gave this 4.5 ⭐️ !

I really enjoyed this book full of unique magic, political intrigue, action and romance! It was well paced and I enjoyed the writing style! The characters were well written and I loved the chemistry and banter between Isy and Erik! I can't wait to read the sequel!

A wonderful book with mystery, politics, romance and an amazing magic system.
I enjoyed this book immense, which I hadn't expected to be honest.
And the pace? Phenomenol!
The writing? Amazing!
The characters? Swoony!

4.5 ⭐️

Illusion of Stars is a captivating blend of humor, heart, and magic that draws readers in from the start. The character development and relationship dynamics are expertly crafted, with Isabel—a strong yet self-doubting protagonist—navigating her insecurities and the weight of self-harm. Her journey is refreshingly raw, offering insights into her struggles that resonate deeply.

Erik, the soldier with a heart, is equally complex. His initial annoyance with Isabel evolves into a genuine connection as they grapple with their identities and the expectations placed upon them. Their banter is sharp and engaging, making their gradual understanding of one another both humorous and poignant.

Though the beginning felt a bit slow, the meticulous world-building sets the stage for the rich story that unfolds. The revelations and twists are expertly timed, leaving readers shocked yet satisfied as they fit the pieces together.

The writing is beautifully poetic, filled with lines that linger long after reading. Themes of love, self-worth, and the journey toward acceptance shine through, making Isabel’s inner voice resonate with many. The relationship between Isy and Erik is authentic, capturing the awkwardness and depth of their evolving bond.

With a compelling narrative and emotional depth, Illusion of Stars is a magical adventure that leaves you eager for the next installment. Fans will find themselves reflecting on the story’s healing and inspiring moments, particularly the haunting prophecy that promises more to come.

While I definitely found the story and characters interesting at first, I quickly started losing interest once the romance began taking center stage. I feel like this is more of an issue with romantasy not being a genre for me, rather than this being a bad book. The romance between Isabel and Erik came off as rather bland and because of that, I couldn’t become truly invested in the story. The side characters were all very fun, though!

Overall, the writing was decent and the plot had potential. This was unfortunately a case of “it’s not you, it’s me.”

I really wanted to enjoy this but it started so slow and the fmc wasn't likeable. I can see others enjoying but it wasn't for me.