Illusionary: The unforgettable second installment of historical fantasy series, Hollow Crown

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I was sent a copy of this novel by the publishers to review, however this has no bearing on my rating or review. Then plot twist, Prince Castian, the monstrous prince who killed Dez, didn’t actually kill Dez, he only pretends to be a monster, he only let Ren mourn her love that he created the illusion of murdering for her to see, he’s actually the good guy! I love when authors can artfully connect their timelines and character motivations in a manner that is both intentional and helps to build character connections, gives us crumbles of foreshadowing, and overall enhances the reading experience. She is definitely one of the most complex fantasy characters I have ever read, she is plagued by her past deeds and how she is viewed as a villain by many people while attempting to be the kingdom’s saviour. Support me by using my affiliate links when purchasing books: Blackwell’s | Book Depository | Forbidden Planet | Waterstones.

Similarly at the start of this book, Castian and Ren work together to find Dez, Castian asks questions about his brother (because in the most obvious twist of all, Castian and Dez are brothers), he wants to know about this brother he thought he lost, he longs for his brother and Ren loves Dez too much to talk about him, neither stop and either consider Dez or how them getting together would effect any future relationship with Dez. Sometimes you find a duology where the first book sets up the world-building and plot so skillfully that the second book can expand upon them, develop the characters, and go in new directions that make it even better than the first. Waiting for this book is a unique form of torture, but while we suffer, we can always reread the first book and scream as we feast our eyes upon this cover! And as much as I loved meeting all these characters again or for the very first time (especially Leo who has a very special place in my heart), the focus is entirely to be put on Ren and Prince Castian. In one of the most valuable chapters in the book, J C shares his original approach to designing and building a modern illusion base.The complexity of her past, her role as both villain and saviour, is never forgotten, but underlies every one of her relationships. Overall, Illusionary is a fast-paced, thrilling sequel with a punchy finale that cements the brilliance of this duology. She is a girl of two worlds, but feels she fits in neither, and that really gets brought to life in this book. Go back to the Whispers who had already betrayed her once, or put her faith in the Prince who has ruthlessly hunted her people. Not only do we see characters such as Leo, Lady Nuria, and Dez again, but we meet new ones that have found their place in my heart.

They’ll love where the characters all end up and how neatly everything was tied together with a little bow, but I personally didn’t really enjoy it. In the previous novel, Ren reluctantly trusts Cas because she remembers he freed her from the palace. They both have been through a lot, and shared a bond from the beginning that made it hard not to believe they will find their way back to each other. But you know me, I’m a character driven reader at heart, and when the characters get me, there’s little than can be done to spare my soul.The latter is an absolute GIFT, starting off as funny as you’d imagine but turning into a really heart-warming scene. Release 2022 Read 2022 Review Book Review Death of a Character Death of a Parent Duology Emotional Abuse Goodreads Giveaway Hispanic Heritage Month Hollow Crown Series Illusionary Incendiary Journey Novel Latin American/Spanish Inspired LGBTQ+ Side Characters MacGuffin Novel Murder Y. It also shows the consequences of our actions and how they can greatly affect the past, present, and the future. Do I think the book coulda been a tad longer to wrap certain things up sure I do but all in all this book is perfection and I will be rereading this duology a lot it has quickly became a comfort read for me.

Illusionary features many more personal scenes for Renata as well as Castian, scenes of quiet contemplation rather than high stakes action at all times which was refreshing and built up tension perfectly. She'll have to control her magics--and her mind--to unlock her power and protect the Moria people once and for all. In book one Ren is in love with Dez to the point of willingly putting her life in danger getting herself caught to avenge him.I know that I reread Renata and Castian’s first in-person interaction from Incendiary after I finished this one and I would definitely recommend doing that. In their travels, they will reencounter with old friends, enemies and make new ones, if they are to finish their quest. The intrigues at court just put a different atmosphere to the story opposed to the long journey we witness in this one. Renata grows so much since the events of Incendiary, both emotionally and in regards to her power, and I loved seeing that progress. If you’ve been brought up in a toxic environment, like Ren has, it can take a lot of time to unlearn negative thoughts and conceptions about yourself.