Very well written book for me. It was a different format and I think others would enjoy this story a lot!

Beautifully written in a unique format that made it hard to put down! It reminded me of The Paper Magician which is one of my favorite series!

Very well written. I enjoyed reading this book. I almost DNF it but I gave it another chance to which I am glad that I did.

This twist of fate for these young teens are pushed and pulled to find each other’s secrets. As each character is pulled toward the other romantically, we are dragged along as well. Turning every page just to keep up with the story. I found myself being surrounded by the world and the characters, loving it as I went .

The pacing was a bit slow for my taste with very little action. The change in narrator perspective was a little jarring, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I enjoyed this book!

After reading the description of this book I got The Night Circus and Gentlemen's guide to vice and virtue vibes and those are two of my favorite books. However, this was quite the disappointment. First off, I did not like the way this book was formatted at all. The letters made it really hard to connect to the characters because we never get to read about them interacting with one another, just the aftermath and and them recounting the events. There was this disconnect I could not get over. Also I was not a fan of the writing style. It felt very juvenile and repetitive. The plot felt underdeveloped and I wanted more magic and less romance. Overall, not a fan.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I had a hard time diving into Illusions. It took me awhile to find a flow of the writing and I could not connect with the characters.

I'm sure this would be a fantastic book for others, and I plan to try again in the future.

I didn't like the style of the writing and felt like what drew me in wasn't used as much as it should of been. It has the overused fake dating trope which I LOVE but this book just rubbed me the wrong way. Not because the CHARACTERS were bad but I hate the whole homophobia the other characters were giving off.

I initially struggled with the format in which the story was told, but as soon as I got into it, I was sold.

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Illusions was not the story I was expecting when I first received it. The writing consists entirely of letters and diary entries. Yeah, I did not see that coming and this is my first book written in such a style. That being said, this was a unique experience for me.

I really enjoyed the overall storyline and the relationship between Thomas and Saverio. The writing style allows you to truly connect with the characters and their thoughts. Sadly, this writing style also left you lacking information about the world and the magic. This lack a detail did leave me a bit unsatisfied but did not take away from my enjoyment of the story. The ending of Illusions did invoke a few tears out of me. It is not sunshine and rainbows at the end but instead bittersweet.

I was conflicted about how I would rate this story. While I thoroughly enjoy the basis of the story and the characters, the writing style put me off a bit. I found myself losing track at times and having to go back at certain points while reading. It did not take away from the story, but I did find it to be a nuisance. Overall, I did enjoy my time reading this and in the end, I feel that is what matters the most.

Rival Illusionists, one more talented than the other, two apprentices eager to learn from the best but willing to do what it takes to be better than the rest - makes you wonder who will be superior to end up on top, right? On the surface, that's the kind of story you'd expect when it comes to a tale about fading illusionists. The author, though, takes a turn on your average illusionist tale by instead of focusing on the magical aspect, she relied heavily on the romance between the two apprentices, Thomas and Saverio. 

Thomas, apprentice to the famous illutionist Neville Wighton the Great, holds the secret to his success - Thomas is actually the real one with magic. Except, Thomas doesn't want to have anything to do with his abilities. Neville's rival, Paolo il Magnifico, is tired of being slighted and seeks to discover the secret by sending his apprentice to seduce Thomas. Only, what at first was originally a seduction with nefarious means, slowly transforms into a "goals" romance.

 The majority of this book is told through various diary entries between the characters Thomas and Saverio, photos, letters, and newspaper clippings. You can see the transformation of Thomas and Saverio's feelings as well as their struggles and it brought me on the verge to tears at time. This is a historical LGBQ+ romance novel worth delving into!

The best way to spend an afternoon inside by the fire is with a good book. Luckily, I had this one.
The main characters are all magicians. This means the unexpected should be expected. Told through journal entries, newspaper stories and such, you get a unique picture of the characters and their adventures. The author takes a story line that could have been boring and adds magic so you find yourself continuing to turn pages to find out where the story goes next. While not a super great book, you will not regret spending a long afternoon reading Illusions.

This book was as good as I hoped it would be. I loved the writing style and the way the story alternated between two POVs. It allowed me to understand what was going on with both the main characters. Although, some parts were predictable, I still enjoyed reading them and I think it was a fantastic story overall. It's definitely something everyone should pick up.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

3.5 stars

This is a difficult book to rate and review. I feel like my emotions were on a roller coaster. I started out a bit apprehensive, fell in love with the format and the characters, started getting bored, interest sparked again!, then annoyance, with a satisfying ending. So, let me run you through this.

This book is told mostly (like 90%) as diary entries written by Thomas and Saverio. I really liked this since it always feels a bit unique to me. I liked how we got their honest opinions about situations and each other and then could see how the other thought about an exchange. This made some entries long, some only a few lines long, and long spaces of time when they don't feel like writing their thoughts down. There are also some letters, newspaper headings, and a few others images once in awhile which made the reading experience so fun. I love little things like this.

The thing is, I went into this expecting a decent amount of magic, which isn't what happened. This is more of a historical romance. Until I came to this realization, I was able to change my expectations a bit, but I still was a bit bored at times. Their journals are mostly about their growing feelings for each other -- which is so cute and a joy to read at times, but considering we know that Saverio has started his seduction with nefarious purposes it is easy to see where the romance conflict is going. Perhaps because I knew where it was going I really thought a lot of this book dragged on.
Another point is, I really REALLY liked the characters. I loved that through their love and support of one another they are able to grow, but I felt like the characters lost who they were. I loved Saverio's confidence, yet it seemed to get lost to other parts of the story.

The last 15% .... I think the only thing I can say is if you get that far to read all the way to the end. I was about to get SO. Mad. I'm glad I read all the way to the end which ended the book on a high note for me, but that tiny part almost had me dropping my rating to a 2. Although even the ending felt too... implausible? Perhaps I just don't know enough about that location and time period's views.

So, would I recommend this? Yes. If you want a cute romance between likeable characters who actually show growth and emotion with a pinch of magic thrown in, then you should really give this a try. I am glad I read it. I'll probably wait for more reviews before I read the author's next work, but I definitely WILL be checking up on it.

I received an ARC copy from netgalley for my honest review, so thank you netgalley and publishers for offering me this book! ♡
The cover and title is what originally drew me to this book.
Dear Thomas,
I know you're angry. It's true, I was sent to expose your mentor as a fraud illusionist, and instead I have put your secret in jeopardy. I fear I have even put your life in jeopardy. For that I can only beg your forgiveness. I've fallen for you. You know I have. And I never wanted to create a rift between us, but if it means protecting you from those who wish you dead—I'll do it. I'll do anything to keep you safe, whatever the sacrifice. Please forgive me for all I've done and what I'm about to do next. I promise, it's one magic trick no one will ever see coming.
Love,
Saverio
This was my first book by this author. It was alltogether an easy read. ♡ I give this book a
4.5 star rating!

What a uniquely written, piece of heaven!

Illusions is written in the form of journal entries, posters, letters, newspaper snippets, and I absolutely loved that. There were lots of original poems spread throughout the story, and God they were absolutely marvelous.

A sea of people, one face I see,

A world of sounds, one voice I hear.

A pair of eyes that lands on me,

A moment held forever dear.

A chance encounter, a twist of fate,

Two paths that now are crossed.

My mind left in a dreamlike state,

Now finding what was lost.

If the characters were annoying, and the plot was boring ( P.s; they weren’t), I would have still loved this book because of the beautiful writing style. Thomas is so soft and talented, and this beautifully translated in his journal entries and poetry.

I feel lighter, I feel weightless, I feel free!

Thomas is hiding a dark secret. Something that makes him shy away from opening up to people and trusting them; something that makes him see every action as an act manipulation. But then Saverio captures his attention and breaks down the walls that he has built around his heart, brick by boring brick.

Do I not know any better by now? Have I not learned my lesson through each new blow that life has dealt me? I am irreversibly cursed.

Saverio is charismatic and charming, and though his intentions were only to use Thomas to get where he wants, he ends up falling in love and fighting for Thomas’ affection.

Somehow, his fear was all the more endearing. It showed to me just how hard this all was for him but that, to him, I was worth the effort.

Both characters were on a journey with the same final destination, despite the different paths taken. Thomas had to break down the walls of trust issues to be able to fall in love, and Saverio had to take off the mask he has created that prevents him from attaching to just one lover and devoting his love for them.

Illusions is a magical historical fiction about finding oneself, love, betrayal, and forgiveness. The monsters starring this story are humans of greed, who will go into dark extremes to gain what they need. I absolutely adored Illusions, and fell in love with our young poet, Thomas. We share a lot of traits and have similar wars thrown into our paves.

This is one of the best historical fiction books I have read this year, along with Of Captivity & Kings by E.Y Laster, and I can’t wait to read more of Madeline’s books.

I want to start recommending my favorite reads to my friends, and for Illusions, I chose Kevs @ItsKevsNegron! This the type of romance I see you raving about on twitter, and I think you are going to enjoy it.

Illusions was a good read. The plot was there, the characters were interesting, but it was a bit slow at some points that I wish were a little bit quicker. Otherwise a great book!

It is always a good time to dissolve into a book about magicians...so excuse me while I *flail* for this one. It felt like the Prestige (that is such a good and super dark movie??? everyone should see it go go) but softer and more focused on the romance. But afjskla I absolutely crave more magician-centric books, pls universe.

So this is Historical Fiction...but with MAGIC. Thomas is a magician, but like a real one. But his indentured to this asshat of a magician master. It's set in 1899 and everything is very Proper and British and Tea. Sav is Italian and the opposition's apprentice and his goal is to steal Thomas' secrets...except he falls in looooove instead. Look that's totally predictable, but who even minds?! It was adorable and heartwarming. Their relationship was this excellent mix of slowburn x insta-attraction. And I love how Sav failed at HIS OWN PLAN to not get emotionally involved in this lol lol Sav.

It's told in journal entries. It gives you a pretty close look into what both boys are thinking too.

The magical elements were simply splendid. Like making enchanted gardens in bookstores and turning paper into birds and just !!! I really loved how soft and sweet Thomas magic was. Under his master, he's forced to do things that are loud and showy (while not being about HIM, bc it's all about his master pretending the powers are his) but on his own Thomas is the softest cinnamon son.

Thomas is so soft and Sav is an absolute confident cocky waffle. And I completely love that combo in any circumstance ok. Thomas' arc is AMAZING though. He really grows up over the book and I love it when he shows his unforgiving side mwahha. It is very much focused on their romance, which gives it good time to develop and didn't feel insta-y...but I gotta admit I was hoping for more magician and illusion shows and things, but that really wasn't the focus.

Ok but truthfully...I wanted more from it.
I think this is the journal entries format? For me, it just kept me at such a distance. The whole story is told...all in retrospect so the boys often spoil the climatic moments before they even happen because they have to recap. 0_0 Being given an outline of events in this old-fashioned posh tone just made me feel like I was always waiting for the story to get meaty and real. But...yeah no. I also don't think it's really YA? I mean, Sav is like in his 20s, and they're both living out of home for most of it, independent and working and etc. I just feel YA explores what it is to reach for adulthood, but Sav/Thomas were already there? Just musing.

And the ending was incredibly heart-pounding and fantastic. It will leave you turning pages with frantic speed!

This is full of magicians and fake-romances-turning-real and queerness and heart-pounding endings. so so many elements I loved. I just wish it hadn't been done in journal entries and felt more like an outline of events. Buuuut, recommend? Yes for sure! Desperate for more books like this.

The description of ILLUSIONS grabbed me--stage magicians battling it out to be the best at their craft and a secret romance between competitors. The historical setting and focus on illusionists captured my imagination.

ILLUSIONS is written in epistolary format. As such, the diary entries often feel like summaries. The characters have already lived through the events of the novel, and the diary entries highlight that fact. I found it difficult to suspend my disbelief that anyone would write such a detailed diary entry or remember exact dialogue.

While ILLUSIONS may have worked better for me if the diary entries were combined with sections of immersive POV throughout, I did enjoy the characters. I felt for them and for the difficulties they faced. ILLUSIONS is worth working through the slow beginning to get at the heart of the novel.

Recently in October I had to watch "The Ilusionist" for school and this book reminded me of it so much but better since it has a more deep and moving love story.

"And though I may still have to hide from those who would intend me harm, I can at least stop hiding from one person in particular... Myself."

Illusions is about Thomas and Saverio, both apprentices of famous magicians but for different reasons. The story starts when Thomas' magician perfoms an impossible trick that makes Saverio's magician seem less expectacular, that's why Saverio has to find a way to discover the secret and Thomas seems the quickest way to get to the magician. Obviously, there is a romance between them but it also gets dark because it is set in the 1800s when it was badly seen for people to love other people of the same gender.

The first aspect to highlight about Illusions is the way it's written, instead of having chapters this book is divided by journal entrys which was amazing for me because it meant we got to see the true and deepest feelings from both of our main characters.

"O, the things I tolerate to portray the ultimate illusion: love."

Firstly, I loved Saverio's character. I think he was my favorite even though Thomas wasn't that far away either. What made Saverio unique was his depth, he felt so real and I was able to relate to him through most of the book. He had to deal with so many things, you know when you tell a lie and then you have to tell more lies to cover up for the first one? Well, that was Saverio's life for a long time in this book which was so sad because he's so much more than lies.

"But where would I go? What would I do? And who would I be in this new place?... I have thought on my earlier questions and have come up with my answers: Anywhere. Anything. And anyone."

Thomas, on the other hand, was such a cinnamon roll. So sweet and caring for everyone around him even though most of them didn't deserve it. I also loved the great development he had throughout the story. At the beginning he was so good that it made him weak but by the end he was more confident and empowered but without leaving his compassion behind.

Although the magic element was very interesting, I would have liked to know more about it. This story centers around the romance and then everything else is just a small addition. That's one of the reasons this book can't have a 5 stars from me and also because the ending was kind of predictable, I only got lost for a short period of time and then I knew how the ending was going to be again.

All in all, I would 100% recommend this book if you're looking for a m/m sweet and deep romance which you can't help but fall in love with them and their relationship as you see them grow. However, if you're looking for a romance/fantasy story this may not be for you since it so focused on the romance aspect.