Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for the review. 4/5 Stars.

I remember reading Incendiary and almost DNFing it, but I ended up loving it. This was the same for Illusionary. I still LOVE the magic system. Ren healing from her trauma was BEAUTIFUL and the growth ALL of the characters demonstrated made this worth reading, and it ended the story lines well.

Saying that, I felt the ending was just RUSHED -- especially with the addition of the epilogue. I was like...this seems very unrealistic but I'll take it. The writing was beautiful though, and Cordova writes AMAZING worlds. I wish I could visit all the places she describes.

Also (as you all MUST want to know...ROMANCE) so <spoiler> yes there is romance between Cas and Ren and it kept me going throughout the novel. The slow burn was REAL again but it was SO WORTH it. </spoiler>

Illusionary was beyond my expectations for the second in a doulogy. Picking up right where Incendiary left off, Renata is trying to figure out what needs to be done to save the world she loves and has to do so with the man she hates the most. This is a roller coaster and a beautiful ride. I loved the banter, the hate, the love, the pirates! There are so many fantastic pieces to this story and it is filled with layers that pull on all the emotions. The characters are both well written and well developed. I really enjoyed the first book, but this second one is the one I will be reading again and again. I will continue to think about Nati, Cas, Leo, Dez and the rest of these characters. I cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next! Thank you negalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a wonderful sequel to the first book, filled with adventure, pirates, magic, and a love story. The relationship between Castian and Renata was very well developed and the tension between them just flew off the page. I loved seeing Renata's character development. It's such a nice treat to have relationships, character development, and adventure given equal space.

What a fantastic story! I couldn't put it down. Action-packed while still not sacrificing character development.

#Illusionary #NetGalley #Edelweiss

Illusionary is the second book in the Hollow Crown series. The first book is wonderful and the second does not disappoint. It is not a filler book. It pulls you into the story right again from the start. Fans of the first will be over- joyed at the continuation.

This book was fabulous.
It opens where Incendiary left off- Ren and Cas trying to save the kingdom. They embark on a journey to find a mythical weapon with the hope of ending King Fernando's rule.
We get to see more of the world here and get to meet some great new characters. Who doesn't love pirates? Readers also learn a lot more of the history of the Moira and Puerto Leones.
Action packed and full of adventure, this is the perfect conclusion to the story.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an early copy for review

This book instantly hooked me in with its amazing and captivating narrative. Where Incendiary focused on court intrigue and building up the character's emotions, Illusionary delivered in bringing that tension between the two characters.

One of the book's highlights is seeing how Renata works through her trauma and insecurities. In Incendiary, we have a girl consumed by fear of what and who she is. But in Illusionary we go on a journey with her as she comes to accept herself and what she is able to do.

Prince Castian and Leo were my favorite cinnamon rolls ever. I adored every single thing they did. Leo is a friend everyone should aspire to have and his colorful self brought life to every page. And Prince Castian is simply the best. I loved how we got to know the true Castian in this book.

Overall, Zoraida's masterful writing, attention to detail, strong characters, and intense emotions brought forth an epic conclusion to a fantastic duology!

ALL THE STARS!