Illusions of Fate in The Not-So Austen Bookclub

Apr 26, 2015 Miss Clark rated it it was ok

Shelves: fairytale-fantasy-sci-fi-mythology, cover-love

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 2.5 stars

So, may I draw your attention to the lovely cover? Beautiful. And it actually has some relation to the book. Bonus.

However, while the book is a fast read, it suffers from a severe lack of worldbuilding, pacing, and unconvincing relationships.

That said, I liked Jessamin. Mostly. She makes some poor choices, that just seem random, rather than rationally considered. I liked Finn, but I found his highhanded attitude toward Jessamin grating. I don't care for guys who meet a girl and then dec 2.5 stars

So, may I draw your attention to the lovely cover? Beautiful. And it actually has some relation to the book. Bonus.

However, while the book is a fast read, it suffers from a severe lack of worldbuilding, pacing, and unconvincing relationships.

That said, I liked Jessamin. Mostly. She makes some poor choices, that just seem random, rather than rationally considered. I liked Finn, but I found his highhanded attitude toward Jessamin grating. I don't care for guys who meet a girl and then decide that they get to make her choices for her simply because they know better or can protect them. Yeah, sure, maybe you do know more. Maybe you can more adequately protect them. Maybe you got them into this mess and feel responsible but you need to still respect them and realize that they still have a say. Ugh. Also, I needed far more of an understanding of his character and what happened to his parents. That was just crammed in there and if that aspect of the book had a more prominent part, I think it would have been much more interesting. The magic system just needed more explanation in general. Especially the shadow jumping and all that entailed. Yes, very romantic and all. But perhaps explain it in more than three sentences.

I admit I am easily intrigued by magical connections. I just like when it has purpose and an explanation. Ramifications and limitations.

The romance was ... ok. A bit rushed and a bit much for how well they knew one another.

Lord Downpike was a decent villain. At least he had a motivation.

I loved the bird! That bird was the best and then he sacrifices himself...

I rather wished that there had been more severe consequences when Jessamin's hands were hurt. Magic healing? Sometimes you need to suffer through it.

I felt like White wanted to do more with the colonization of Melei and the ensuing conflict and tensions between the islanders and Albion, but just failed to put any of the focus of the story there? Jessamin's father was from Albion, got her mom pregnant and then went back to teach in Albion. Jessamin grew up under the stigma of being a child fathered by an outsider who abandoned her and her mother. Her classmates and teachers treat Melei as uncivilized and silly, like an uneducated child in need of the guidance of a wise adult. The parallels to British Imperialism are not subtle, but if they were supposed to matter, they would have had to be drawn to the forefront of the story. As it is, they are extraneous baggage.

So, it was a fun, quick read, but has some issues which prevented me from really connecting with the characters. But I would not mind recommending it, so there is that.

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Jul 21, 2015 Amy rated it liked it

If you want an angst-y title, look no farther than Illusions of Fate. It doesn't get more dramatic than that. When I first picked up this book at the library, I took one look at the title and the emphasized word "FATE" written on the back and guessed it wouldn't be for me. However, the cover was pretty cool and the first paragraph proved enticing...
I kept reading. The book ended up being enjoyable. It wasn't thrilling necessarily, or particularly suspenseful. Like many fantasy novels it takes a ...more

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