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Reality's Illusion
Relationships are ugly, dark—destructive.
They aren’t fairy tales.
No happily ever after neatly wrapped in a shiny bow or sparkling diamond with a heartfelt engagement.
And in their end, love was nothing but a beautiful lie told to hide the ugly truth.
This is reality’s illusion.
They aren’t fairy tales.
No happily ever after neatly wrapped in a shiny bow or sparkling diamond with a heartfelt engagement.
And in their end, love was nothing but a beautiful lie told to hide the ugly truth.
This is reality’s illusion.
380 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2020
35 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Stephie Walls
51 books1,685 followersStephie Walls is a literary whore - she loves words in all forms and will read anything put in front of her. She has an affinity for British Literature and Romance novels and an overall love of writing. She currently has fifteen novels out, six short stories, and two collections; all provocatively written to elicit your imagination and spice up your world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 9, 2020
5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
This book is a complicated story to review so that I will make this review short. Go into this story blind, except for knowing the following. This story is a raw look at the soul of an artist that is dealing with real-life issues. There are the following content warnings: attempted suicide, depression, abuse, BDSM, and there is NO HEA. If you are looking for a beautiful, emotional, and moving story, then take a chance on this story.
Video review available in Week 2 Jan 5 – 11 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
This book is a complicated story to review so that I will make this review short. Go into this story blind, except for knowing the following. This story is a raw look at the soul of an artist that is dealing with real-life issues. There are the following content warnings: attempted suicide, depression, abuse, BDSM, and there is NO HEA. If you are looking for a beautiful, emotional, and moving story, then take a chance on this story.
Video review available in Week 2 Jan 5 – 11 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
January 12, 2020
Reality’s Illusion by Author Stephie Walls is an ugly cry story about love.
“Do you know how easy it is to break something hollow, Bastian? I’m worthless.”
I am writing this review after literally just having read “The End” of the novel. My head is all over the place, as are my heart and my emotions. I never thought I would read this type of novel from Author Stephie Walls. Love in her books is always grand. Many times characters go through pain to get to the beauty, but the outcome has always stayed true to the timeless love for which she is so well-known.
“Ironically, happiness was the true chimera—reality’s illusion—it was the one thing we all hoped for, but in fact, is impossible to achieve.”
While there is definitely a timeless love ending in Reality’s Illusions, it is not the expected, thus “illusion”. As I’m typing I want to call Sebastian and Sera the main characters. But in my heart, that’s not true. Sometimes the main character is the rudder that guides the boat, keeping it on track and pulling it back to its intended path when the vessel starts to deviate from its intended course. I think that was the case in this novel.
“In the end, we are all liars, tellers of the tallest tales. We masquerade as daydreams of whom we hope to become, weaving the intricate storylines we want the public to read. No one’s story is the one the cover presents to the reader because our false personas are the only truth we allow others to know.”
Author Stephie Walls wrote of eerily exquisite love: from up close, from afar, from a friend, from those we love. Love that bonds, love that shatters. Reality’s Illusion was exactly that, peeling back a curtain and waiting for the aftermath.
I really hope that the author will give us more of this story.
4.5 stars
“Do you know how easy it is to break something hollow, Bastian? I’m worthless.”
I am writing this review after literally just having read “The End” of the novel. My head is all over the place, as are my heart and my emotions. I never thought I would read this type of novel from Author Stephie Walls. Love in her books is always grand. Many times characters go through pain to get to the beauty, but the outcome has always stayed true to the timeless love for which she is so well-known.
“Ironically, happiness was the true chimera—reality’s illusion—it was the one thing we all hoped for, but in fact, is impossible to achieve.”
While there is definitely a timeless love ending in Reality’s Illusions, it is not the expected, thus “illusion”. As I’m typing I want to call Sebastian and Sera the main characters. But in my heart, that’s not true. Sometimes the main character is the rudder that guides the boat, keeping it on track and pulling it back to its intended path when the vessel starts to deviate from its intended course. I think that was the case in this novel.
“In the end, we are all liars, tellers of the tallest tales. We masquerade as daydreams of whom we hope to become, weaving the intricate storylines we want the public to read. No one’s story is the one the cover presents to the reader because our false personas are the only truth we allow others to know.”
Author Stephie Walls wrote of eerily exquisite love: from up close, from afar, from a friend, from those we love. Love that bonds, love that shatters. Reality’s Illusion was exactly that, peeling back a curtain and waiting for the aftermath.
I really hope that the author will give us more of this story.
4.5 stars
January 23, 2020
NO Spoilers
I can not stress enough how important it is to enter Bastian's story a blank canvas
Let the events guide you
The love - the loss
The desperation - the hope
The friendships - the jealousy
Return when you are done
When you've had a chance to process the gift you were given
This journey is a steady one. A bit slow in the beginning as we are introduced to the different canvases, given glimpses of the various mediums and finally we bare witness to the creation
"Priceless piece of art"
"Your life"
Emotionally Breathtaking journey of love and loss
I can not stress enough how important it is to enter Bastian's story a blank canvas
Let the events guide you
The love - the loss
The desperation - the hope
The friendships - the jealousy
Return when you are done
When you've had a chance to process the gift you were given
This journey is a steady one. A bit slow in the beginning as we are introduced to the different canvases, given glimpses of the various mediums and finally we bare witness to the creation
"Priceless piece of art"
"Your life"
Emotionally Breathtaking journey of love and loss
January 10, 2020
This book...where do I begin? It gripped me from the very beginning and left me with a lot to think about. It's raw and gritty and ugly, but it's REAL. Stephie wrote an amazing story and this will be one that stays with me forever.
"This is not a love story, it's a story about love." ~ Stephie Walls
"This is not a love story, it's a story about love." ~ Stephie Walls
January 24, 2020
Bastian has to come back to the living. It's time. He's grieved long enough when he sees his beloved's doppelganger on Facebook and decides to friend request her. He really had no idea the journey he'd go on with Sera because of that one simple friend request.
And I didn't know the journey they'd take me on. Thank God because if I had known beforehand, I probably would have declined to read this powerful, but heartbreaking look at love and loss. Just be sure to have a box or 10 of tissues while reading because you're going to need them!
ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.
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February 8, 2021
I don't tend to highlight passages in books, but this one required it. It's just so profound and haunting: "You’re not the author of her story, nor the editor. You were simply a reader. She chose to end the book with no epilogue or cliffhanger."
There isn't much to feel good about with this story. It is devastating and if you have triggers then walk wide circles. However, you will be missing out. As raw as this was, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. What kept it from being a 5 star read was the same problem I had with another book by Stephie Walls, and that was there is a lot of tell and not a lot of show. And that makes me miss the connection between the two main characters and the how/why of how they came together and got to the point that they did.
There isn't much to feel good about with this story. It is devastating and if you have triggers then walk wide circles. However, you will be missing out. As raw as this was, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. What kept it from being a 5 star read was the same problem I had with another book by Stephie Walls, and that was there is a lot of tell and not a lot of show. And that makes me miss the connection between the two main characters and the how/why of how they came together and got to the point that they did.
January 15, 2020
Reading Reality's Illusions by Stephie Walls left me reeling in my emotions as the last word was read. Love, loss, adoration, heartache, hope and fear, this book is packed full of so many emotions. Reality's Illusions is very original and I have never read a story quite like this that left me stripped bare by the end. I literally cried out on more than one occasion as the author took me to places that I never expected.
It is almost hard to put my feelings into words and it is best going in blind.
Bastian, Sera and Nate will all climb in your heart but be prepared to surrender a piece of it to the author as her story unfolds.
It is almost hard to put my feelings into words and it is best going in blind.
Bastian, Sera and Nate will all climb in your heart but be prepared to surrender a piece of it to the author as her story unfolds.
January 23, 2020
Every once in a while a story comes along that grabs your heart and won’t let go. Those are the words you’ll remember forever.
One of the most heartbreakingly beautiful books I’ve ever read.
Do yourself a favor and go in blind. ❤️
One of the most heartbreakingly beautiful books I’ve ever read.
Do yourself a favor and go in blind. ❤️
January 24, 2020
Talk about an emotional rollercoaster ride!! I knew very little about this book when I decided to read it but I've read other books by the author and have never been disappointed and this one was no exception. It was tragic and dark and painful.....I couldn't put it down.
January 26, 2020
Some authors have the ability to make me read every single book written by them without even reading the blurb or other reviews. And this lady is one of them. Her books have been some of my favorite ones and being a greedy girl I want them all.
Stephie Walls is the author that I'm talking about. Her books have been my downfall, emotionally speaking, because she can make me cry my eyes out or laugh hard. Her words had taken my heart out, crushed it and settled it back together. She has one powerful writing.
Reality's Illusion is her latest release and explores the lives of Sera and Bastian.
Sera is a sculptor. She loves to get lost in her art. She has endured a lot of pain by the hands of the one who should love her unconditionally.
Bastian is a painter, an artist. He's in so much pain that no-one can help him. Losing someone you love can bring anyone to his knees. On social media, he found his peace, because when he sees a ghost...
I'm a mess right now. I'm sad, I'm mad, I'm furious. I don't have words that can explain the way I'm feeling right now.
This book just...How can I talk about this? Because honestly, I'm at a loss of words.
Perfect plot, very well written, super engaging, super dark, super intense and it was a hard reading.
The way this author created these characters and the way she made them talk was so intense, that I felt it inside my bones.
I honestly feel like my heart was ripped from inside my chest, crushed and step on it and then put back inside again.
I don't know how I'm able to think at the moment because my ideas are all fuzzy and my heart is so heavy inside my chest that I'm having trouble breathing at the moment.
Everyone knows that life is not always rainbows and unicorns.
We all know that life is hard, we have problems but we have to try to solve them, and when we can't sometimes we just give up and pray for better days.
I had to stop a few times because I couldn't read anymore. I was crying so hard that I couldn't see the pages.
What I can say is that this book is not for the faint of heart. This book will gut you and will mend you at the same time.
This author has proven time and time again why she's one of the best. She knows how to put her heart and soul inside each book and she knows how to make us read more and more.
Her books will crush us, will make us laugh, will make us cry but in the end, you will love every single word written by her.
Stephie... I don't know if I'm mad at you or if I love you more.
You have created another masterpiece and the people who can't understand you... Tough luck.
You had told me that this book was going to be heavy but dayum...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Stephie Walls is the author that I'm talking about. Her books have been my downfall, emotionally speaking, because she can make me cry my eyes out or laugh hard. Her words had taken my heart out, crushed it and settled it back together. She has one powerful writing.
Reality's Illusion is her latest release and explores the lives of Sera and Bastian.
Sera is a sculptor. She loves to get lost in her art. She has endured a lot of pain by the hands of the one who should love her unconditionally.
Bastian is a painter, an artist. He's in so much pain that no-one can help him. Losing someone you love can bring anyone to his knees. On social media, he found his peace, because when he sees a ghost...
I'm a mess right now. I'm sad, I'm mad, I'm furious. I don't have words that can explain the way I'm feeling right now.
This book just...How can I talk about this? Because honestly, I'm at a loss of words.
Perfect plot, very well written, super engaging, super dark, super intense and it was a hard reading.
The way this author created these characters and the way she made them talk was so intense, that I felt it inside my bones.
I honestly feel like my heart was ripped from inside my chest, crushed and step on it and then put back inside again.
I don't know how I'm able to think at the moment because my ideas are all fuzzy and my heart is so heavy inside my chest that I'm having trouble breathing at the moment.
Everyone knows that life is not always rainbows and unicorns.
We all know that life is hard, we have problems but we have to try to solve them, and when we can't sometimes we just give up and pray for better days.
I had to stop a few times because I couldn't read anymore. I was crying so hard that I couldn't see the pages.
What I can say is that this book is not for the faint of heart. This book will gut you and will mend you at the same time.
This author has proven time and time again why she's one of the best. She knows how to put her heart and soul inside each book and she knows how to make us read more and more.
Her books will crush us, will make us laugh, will make us cry but in the end, you will love every single word written by her.
Stephie... I don't know if I'm mad at you or if I love you more.
You have created another masterpiece and the people who can't understand you... Tough luck.
You had told me that this book was going to be heavy but dayum...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 13, 2020
I'm sitting here after reading the words THE END, and I'm trying to process what I just read. I have read almost all of Stephie Walls' work and she does take you on a realistic journey with her characters lives. And Reality's Illusion is no different. I once thought that I had read some of Walls' best work, that is until this book came into my life. And this was definitely a different kind of story for Walls.
Reality's Illusion has many different parts to it. There's having love and then kissing that love, and then finding life after the loss. It also brought you to see what others may hide can be their end.
Bastian's character had me gotten from the start.tje The loss he felt that made him shut down was one that many can relate to. Nate was the life line that kept him semi-going, a true friend in all aspects. And then a little spark of life was ignited in Bastian when Sare was introduced. You can tell that Nate wanted his friend to start living again, and when Bastian started he stayed by his side.
Share was the voice of the Prologue and with her words you could feel the brokenness that was inside. I just knew that her story wasn't going to be a fairy tale. And then seeing things from Bastian's eyes I knew I was right.
"As much as her joy brought me light, her pain created darkness."
You could tell that all Bastian wanted was to be the light in Sare's life. This was especially so when he discovered little bits of her life. He just didn't know how deep the damage ran. Even with him showing that he cared, he knew she needed to be the one to see the light.
"You can't rewrite history, and you can't write destiny. Her fate was sealed long before she ever meet you. You're not the author of her story, nor the editor. You were simply a reader. She chose to end the book with no epilogue or cliffhanger. You have to accept that."
When the end of this book came I saw why there was a little arguments with it. But, truly I can see that the ending that was given was the one that the characters said was needed. I can see that Walls had to take herself to a place that was dark, but was human all the same. Not every story is a fairy tale. That's not what real life is. Life can be dark and light, and all the shades in-between. And this is what Walls was able to capture in Bastian's stroy. Will this be a story for everyone, no. But, it is one that I know will stay with me for awhile to come.
Reality's Illusion has many different parts to it. There's having love and then kissing that love, and then finding life after the loss. It also brought you to see what others may hide can be their end.
Bastian's character had me gotten from the start.tje The loss he felt that made him shut down was one that many can relate to. Nate was the life line that kept him semi-going, a true friend in all aspects. And then a little spark of life was ignited in Bastian when Sare was introduced. You can tell that Nate wanted his friend to start living again, and when Bastian started he stayed by his side.
Share was the voice of the Prologue and with her words you could feel the brokenness that was inside. I just knew that her story wasn't going to be a fairy tale. And then seeing things from Bastian's eyes I knew I was right.
"As much as her joy brought me light, her pain created darkness."
You could tell that all Bastian wanted was to be the light in Sare's life. This was especially so when he discovered little bits of her life. He just didn't know how deep the damage ran. Even with him showing that he cared, he knew she needed to be the one to see the light.
"You can't rewrite history, and you can't write destiny. Her fate was sealed long before she ever meet you. You're not the author of her story, nor the editor. You were simply a reader. She chose to end the book with no epilogue or cliffhanger. You have to accept that."
When the end of this book came I saw why there was a little arguments with it. But, truly I can see that the ending that was given was the one that the characters said was needed. I can see that Walls had to take herself to a place that was dark, but was human all the same. Not every story is a fairy tale. That's not what real life is. Life can be dark and light, and all the shades in-between. And this is what Walls was able to capture in Bastian's stroy. Will this be a story for everyone, no. But, it is one that I know will stay with me for awhile to come.
January 19, 2020
The death of his wife, his muse, his life destroyed everything that he was.
Darkness descended and life ground to a halt.
Five years later and he glimpses a fleck of light in the girl that could be his true loves double.
Can he find a way into her life, whilst pushing back the shadows in his world..?
Oh my gosh!! I did not expect the book to take the path it did..
There was certainly no pussyfooting about in this and I loved it for that.
I loved the depth of his feelings, of her dire situation, the illusion she created yet the reality he saw.
This is the kind of read that will leave your heart heavy in your chest, and your face blotchy from all the tears you cry.
Tears for her, tears for him, and tears for the one constant in his life.
I'm absolutely devastated by what I've just read, but it couldn't be written any other way if to remain true to the characters, and I see this even though I'm a complete mess right now.
It is a gritty read, darkness lingering around every corner. There are no everlasting roses here. Just thorns creeping closer with every page you read.
Stephie Walls officially obliterated me but know something I would happily let her do it all over again because its worth the pain, the sadness and the emptiness I now feel.
There is beauty in suffering will you see it too I wonder..
Darkness descended and life ground to a halt.
Five years later and he glimpses a fleck of light in the girl that could be his true loves double.
Can he find a way into her life, whilst pushing back the shadows in his world..?
Oh my gosh!! I did not expect the book to take the path it did..
There was certainly no pussyfooting about in this and I loved it for that.
I loved the depth of his feelings, of her dire situation, the illusion she created yet the reality he saw.
This is the kind of read that will leave your heart heavy in your chest, and your face blotchy from all the tears you cry.
Tears for her, tears for him, and tears for the one constant in his life.
I'm absolutely devastated by what I've just read, but it couldn't be written any other way if to remain true to the characters, and I see this even though I'm a complete mess right now.
It is a gritty read, darkness lingering around every corner. There are no everlasting roses here. Just thorns creeping closer with every page you read.
Stephie Walls officially obliterated me but know something I would happily let her do it all over again because its worth the pain, the sadness and the emptiness I now feel.
There is beauty in suffering will you see it too I wonder..
January 17, 2020
“Do you know how easy it is to break something hollow, Bastian? I’m worthless.”
This book was different from other Stephie Walls books that I have read. I am having a hard time writing a review for this, not because I didn’t like it (I mean gave it a 5 star rating), but because it was so well written and such a hard topic to write about. The following are content warnings regarding this book: attempted suicide, depression, abuse and BDSM. I don’t want to give too much away and ruin it but if these topics are a trigger I do not recommend this book but if you love a well written, gritty, heartbreaking, emotional read you found it! This is a story about a man named Bastian and how he is stuck after his wife’s death and doesn’t know how to move forward. He eventually comes in contact with a woman on Facebook named Sera who helps him overcome his grief along with his beat friend Nate. This friendship leads down a path that is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
This was an amazing and well written book and I highly recommend, unless one of the above are triggers.
“Ironically, happiness was the true chimera—reality’s illusion—it was the one thing we all hoped for, but in fact, is impossible to achieve.”
This book was different from other Stephie Walls books that I have read. I am having a hard time writing a review for this, not because I didn’t like it (I mean gave it a 5 star rating), but because it was so well written and such a hard topic to write about. The following are content warnings regarding this book: attempted suicide, depression, abuse and BDSM. I don’t want to give too much away and ruin it but if these topics are a trigger I do not recommend this book but if you love a well written, gritty, heartbreaking, emotional read you found it! This is a story about a man named Bastian and how he is stuck after his wife’s death and doesn’t know how to move forward. He eventually comes in contact with a woman on Facebook named Sera who helps him overcome his grief along with his beat friend Nate. This friendship leads down a path that is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
This was an amazing and well written book and I highly recommend, unless one of the above are triggers.
“Ironically, happiness was the true chimera—reality’s illusion—it was the one thing we all hoped for, but in fact, is impossible to achieve.”
January 22, 2020
Started off as a 3.5/4 but by the second half it was without a doubt a 5. It is so beautifully written.
Let me just start by saying you are going to want to have some tissues handy for this one 😭😭 I don't know what I was expecting when I signed up for Reality's Illusion but it definitely wasn't this.
Bastian is just so incredibly lost and desperately needed to talk to someone, ANYONE, about his grief. Sera seems perfectly put together on the outside, but you soon discover she is hiding secrets and pain of her own. And Nate, he is literally the best friend anyone could possibly hope for and I really feel for him.
This was one sombre, intense read and Stephie Wells definitely wasn't lying in the blurb when she said "No happily ever after neatly wrapped in a shiny bow or sparkling diamond with a heartfelt engagement." Basically the whole second half of this book leaves you feeling immense heartache for all of these characters.
You have been warned 😭😭 but having said that I absolutely recommend checking it out!
Let me just start by saying you are going to want to have some tissues handy for this one 😭😭 I don't know what I was expecting when I signed up for Reality's Illusion but it definitely wasn't this.
Bastian is just so incredibly lost and desperately needed to talk to someone, ANYONE, about his grief. Sera seems perfectly put together on the outside, but you soon discover she is hiding secrets and pain of her own. And Nate, he is literally the best friend anyone could possibly hope for and I really feel for him.
This was one sombre, intense read and Stephie Wells definitely wasn't lying in the blurb when she said "No happily ever after neatly wrapped in a shiny bow or sparkling diamond with a heartfelt engagement." Basically the whole second half of this book leaves you feeling immense heartache for all of these characters.
You have been warned 😭😭 but having said that I absolutely recommend checking it out!
January 22, 2020
This one was difficult for me, in a good way. Full of emotion throughout the entire story. Stephie Walls takes us on one powerful journey. Love, pain, heartache, loss, hope, sorrow, I could go on and on with the emotions experienced throughout this book and you'll experience all of these emotions right along with our characters.
Reality's Illusion was definitely a book that holds it's own category. I've never read anything like it and it left me utterly speechless as I finished it. Go into this read blind, I promise you that it is so worth it.
Bastian, Nate and Sera will suck you in and captivate you. They'll put you through the ringer as far as emotions go, but be open to those feelings for it's a captivating story worth reading.
Exquisite job!
Reality's Illusion was definitely a book that holds it's own category. I've never read anything like it and it left me utterly speechless as I finished it. Go into this read blind, I promise you that it is so worth it.
Bastian, Nate and Sera will suck you in and captivate you. They'll put you through the ringer as far as emotions go, but be open to those feelings for it's a captivating story worth reading.
Exquisite job!
January 23, 2020
This is a beautiful and emotional story about love, loss and everything in between. It is not only about the deep all consuming romantic love but also a love between friends that knows no bounds. It is about the pain of losing love and the depths of despair it can bring as well as the journey to come back from that loss. It is understanding who will love you through the devastation and who will love you only through the good times. It is a journey about finding peace in whatever way possible, even if you wish it could be otherwise, to deal with the hand that life has dealt you.
Bastian, Sera and Nate’s journey will rip your heart out, but it is definitely a journey you don’t want to miss.
Bastian, Sera and Nate’s journey will rip your heart out, but it is definitely a journey you don’t want to miss.
January 24, 2020
I’m speechless. I’m at a loss for words. My heart loved Bastian and broke for him all at the same time. In his words “ We’re all broken. Everyone of us. Some of our cracks are just more visible than others.” To have loved two women Sylvia and Sera so strongly and deeply and then to crash and burn and hit rock bottom. Bastian started to live again and tried to move forward in life. What he felt emotionally for both women and what he had to go through was beautiful and it was ugly and it was dark and deep. Bastian’s best friend Nate is someone everyone needs by their side. The love of a best friend that will NEVER leave. That will bang on your door all hours of the day or night and tell you to pull your head out of your ass and hold you up when you need them too or tell you your doing a great job and slap you on the back. That is what everyone needs, someone that always looks out for you. I wasn’t sure at first if I would like this book. I knew that Stephie was gonna take me on a journey and I didn’t know if I was ready emotionally for that journey and what the outcome was going be. This book will leave you speechless and heartbroken and make you cry but it will also allow you to appreciate the ones that love you and their determination and their never ending friendship.
January 21, 2020
This book was PHENOMENAL!!!! I highly suggest you go into it completely blind, but be aware that it is a raw, honest and exquisitely written book about the truth of grief. "This isn't a love story, it is a story about love" no truer words have been printed. Not all stories have a happily ever after and Bastian's story end as it needs to. It is so hard to write a review that does this book justice without giving anything away. Not many books bring me to actual tears, however this one did and more than once. This is one of those books that you read that just stick with you for a long time to come. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book for an honest review.
January 22, 2020
This was an unexpected story from Stephie Walls, it’s so different from what I’ve read before and while that’s not a bad thing, it certainly took me by surprise.
This book looks at relationships through a dark and gritty lens. It took Sabastian and Sera’s story and set it on its head.
The characters were complex. They had problems and fears. This isn’t a tale for the faint-hearted. It will strip you bare. I was compelled to keep reading even though there were moments where I wanted to just stop and hide. This is a thoroughly thought-provoking story that will linger in my mind for a long time.
This book looks at relationships through a dark and gritty lens. It took Sabastian and Sera’s story and set it on its head.
The characters were complex. They had problems and fears. This isn’t a tale for the faint-hearted. It will strip you bare. I was compelled to keep reading even though there were moments where I wanted to just stop and hide. This is a thoroughly thought-provoking story that will linger in my mind for a long time.
January 14, 2020
What to say after finishing this book. I love reading the words given to us by this author because her stories are real, the paths the characters take are real and very relatable, and sometimes that real is ugly and takes turns we weren't prepared for and sometimes everything doesn't end up the way we, as readers, would want. This book is everything for a reader, the heart and soul an author puts into writing these words comes across so vividly in the characters and their story being told. This is not an easy book but then again life is not always easy. Well done!
January 26, 2020
If you are looking for a sweet love story with a happy ending, Reality's Illusion is not the book for you. Although, it is truly a story about love in many forms, the ending will cut straight to your soul. It is a haunting and passionate tale of one man's struggle to to find meaning in his life after the death of his beloved wife.
Stephie Walls has skillfully written this epic contemporary tragedy with purpose and commitment to truth. Reality's Illusion is a beautiful creation set in the world of high art. Every detail from the setting to the clothing the characters wear and the art they create is presented to engage the senses of the reader.
The book itself is a dark work of art. Its dark tones are lightened by the friendship, humor, and love displayed between the main character and his best friend. That one relationship is pure gold. It shines, blinding readers with its beauty even in the pitch black of the most intense moments of this haunting story.
Stephie Wall's depiction of the tortured life of a brilliant artist is one I will not soon forget. It scrapes the deepest parts of my soul with its passion and pain. The exploration of love expressed in so many different forms is fascinating and riveting. Although Reality's Illusion is quite different from what i have come to expect from this author, it is a good indicator that her career as a writer will be long-lived.
Stephie Walls has skillfully written this epic contemporary tragedy with purpose and commitment to truth. Reality's Illusion is a beautiful creation set in the world of high art. Every detail from the setting to the clothing the characters wear and the art they create is presented to engage the senses of the reader.
The book itself is a dark work of art. Its dark tones are lightened by the friendship, humor, and love displayed between the main character and his best friend. That one relationship is pure gold. It shines, blinding readers with its beauty even in the pitch black of the most intense moments of this haunting story.
Stephie Wall's depiction of the tortured life of a brilliant artist is one I will not soon forget. It scrapes the deepest parts of my soul with its passion and pain. The exploration of love expressed in so many different forms is fascinating and riveting. Although Reality's Illusion is quite different from what i have come to expect from this author, it is a good indicator that her career as a writer will be long-lived.
January 22, 2020
What this book will do to you is beyond words. I honestly dont have words to describe the gripping tragic tale that you will embark on while reading this. This story will break your heart. From the beginning it's dark and sad. Theres times when Bastian has light back in his life. I sit here crying as I write this. This is a book you will want to read with tissues. As in the warning before the start "Grief is the price we pay for love" Queen Elizabeth II
I recieved an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I recieved an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
January 22, 2020
Relationships are ugly, dark—destructive.
They aren’t all fairy tales with a happily ever after.... Reality's Illusion by Stephie Walls is one of those stories.
I can't even begin to tell you the emotions that poured from my heart when I was reading Reality's Illusion. This isn't a story of rainbows and butterflies. It's dark, raw, gritty, yet tragically beautiful. Stephie Walls captivated me with her words and storyline. A storyline that is tragic with tragic consequences. A story with complex and emotional characters. This story I know will stick with me for years to come.
They aren’t all fairy tales with a happily ever after.... Reality's Illusion by Stephie Walls is one of those stories.
I can't even begin to tell you the emotions that poured from my heart when I was reading Reality's Illusion. This isn't a story of rainbows and butterflies. It's dark, raw, gritty, yet tragically beautiful. Stephie Walls captivated me with her words and storyline. A storyline that is tragic with tragic consequences. A story with complex and emotional characters. This story I know will stick with me for years to come.
January 22, 2020
Reality's Illusion
Stephie Walls
5 Stars
Wowza!! Phenomenal! It is very deep, raw, emotional, and very powerful story. A story that leave you totally speechless.
"...sculpting is an escape. It’s a place where people can’t reach me— they can’t touch my soul. I live in that world to escape reality. My reality is a self-induced h***."
"Ironically, happiness was the true chimera—reality’s illusion— it was the one thing we all hoped for, but in fact, is impossible to achieve."
It is very well written! One click.. you won't regret it!
Stephie Walls
5 Stars
Wowza!! Phenomenal! It is very deep, raw, emotional, and very powerful story. A story that leave you totally speechless.
"...sculpting is an escape. It’s a place where people can’t reach me— they can’t touch my soul. I live in that world to escape reality. My reality is a self-induced h***."
"Ironically, happiness was the true chimera—reality’s illusion— it was the one thing we all hoped for, but in fact, is impossible to achieve."
It is very well written! One click.. you won't regret it!
January 10, 2020
I’m at a loss for words. I admit that halfway through I thought what is happening here. Then seeing the harsh reality through the artist’s eyes grips me and left me deep in thought. A powerful story you need to just let yourself feel and get lost in. The author wrote another fantastic story that will stay with me for a long time. One read that you don’t want to miss. There are trigger warnings throughout so be aware.
January 18, 2020
Wow, well what can I say, what a powerful story.This story will stick with you long after you have finished it. The author writes an exceptional real story about these characters. The story is real and very relatable. This is a powerful story that will leave you lost forwords. Reality's illusion is a dark, tragic and breath taking read, which will stay with you long after you put the book down.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
January 24, 2020
*An ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review*
I honestly don’t know where to begin other than to start by saying that this read is the kind of read that will have your emotions everywhere. I feel, well...my heart aches. It’s one of those reads that will have you completely gutted with your emotions completely exposed. If you looking for a read that is charged with emotions, you just found it
I honestly don’t know where to begin other than to start by saying that this read is the kind of read that will have your emotions everywhere. I feel, well...my heart aches. It’s one of those reads that will have you completely gutted with your emotions completely exposed. If you looking for a read that is charged with emotions, you just found it
January 13, 2020
The author manages to tell a powerful story that leaves you at a loss for words. It’s a darker look at the harshness of reality as seen through an artist’s suffering. It weaves a tale without happy endings but instead tells a stark truth. There are trigger warnings but this one story you will continue to think about, long after you put down your kindle.
January 21, 2020
Another amazing book from Stephie. Just like other reviews, it’s best if you go in blind with this one, there really isn't too much to say without spoiling it. It will grab you from the first chapter. All the feels, heartbreak, love, friendship, and loss. It’s not a love story but a story of love. Have tissues ready. One of the best ugly cry books I’ve read. I highly recommend it.
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