I really enjoyed this journey with Isy, our quirky, funny apprentice physician. It gave me all the feels- one minute I was howling, the next I was on the edge of my seat, or near sobbing! The magic system was amazing. I loved and hated our characters! The PLOT twists were so good- some I definitely wasn't expecting! A beautiful story between enemies to lovers. And the ending..... Looking forward to the next book!
Great first book in the series

This book was absolutely captivating! I loved everything about it and will strongly recommend it to all my friends! A solid 5 star read

The Author’s note really hit home, and I went into this book already invested in seeing her knock it out of the park. I was blown away. Thank you for writing this story, and showcasing your strength and resiliency. I think everyone can relate to the feeling of not being good enough, and I loved seeing the cycle of perseverance being depicted in an impactful manner throughout this story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, which flows effortlessly through colorful world building and a solid plot. I fell in love with the characters through their banter, quirks, courage, and sheer determination. The entire story felt organic, and my favorite types of stories have the most fun side characters. I loved reading about Isy & Erik and their slow burn romance. It felt natural and not forced, which you tend to see more and more in today’s romantasy. While I usually don’t read fade to black, I really did enjoy this book.


Read if you like:
Enemies To Lovers
Fade To Black
Slow Burn
One Horse
Shadow Daddy
Unique Magic System
Banter
Revenge

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Forge Publishing for an ARC of Illusion of Stars by Sarah Marie.

Illusion of Stars is book one in a duology. We follow our FMC Isabel who is an apprentice to the Royal Physician. When tragedy strikes Isabel world is thrown upside down and there starts are adventure!

I really loved an Illusion of Stars. It has everything I'm looking for in a romatasy book! it's fast paced, the chemistry between our two lead characters is swoon worthy and best of all, our characters have depth! I can't wait for the second book to come out!

I really enjoyed reading Illusion of Stars! I thought that the magic system and elements of court intrigue were unique and fascinating. Isy is a lovable protagonist that you can't help but root for. The chemistry between Isy and Erik is amazing as well! I stayed up late reading this book because I couldn't put it down.

I had so much fun with this enemies to lovers book. I recommend you go into it blind (and don’t read the blurb on the back, because it does spoil a pretty shocking part, in my opinion.) I thought this book was beautifully written and the cover is gorgeous. Dramione vibes, but this felt different to me at the same time. 4 stars.

Loved this book. The main characters were amazing. I love the banter between the two of them. I really like the way the author wrote this book. This is one of my new favorite books this year. Definitely a must read.

4.5 ⭐️

This book was full of magic, mystery, murder, secrets, betrayals, twists, hopefulness, heartbreak, healing, humor, and romance. I will say that it felt a bit more upper YA than NA. The writing style made it an easy read overall, but some of the dialogue felt a bit juvenile at times (which is pretty much my only minor complaint). That said, there were also some lines that were written beautifully.

This book was more character-driven, but still had a compelling and solid plot. The MCs and supporting characters are very likeable. They were humorous, sometimes a bit mischievous, and good-hearted. The book featured good world-building that was seamlessly integrated into the story (rather than infodumping) and an interesting and kind of original magic system.

The romance felt a bit more like a subplot than I expected. It was more romantic fantasy than fantasy romance. That said, it was a sweet romance that was well-balanced with the plot. It was a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity situation with good build-up. I really enjoyed the banter in this book. It made me smile. The awkward flirting was also cute. The spice was fade-to-black, but still had some steaminess. Smut-loving readers may be a little disappointed by this; however, I honestly found it a bit refreshing considering that so many other romantasy books these days are filled with an overuse of spice to the point that it takes away from the story.

There were messages of learning to believe in yourself and recognizing your self-worth. I think this is something a lot of people can relate to and that some people might find this book healing for that reason. The FMC is stuck in a cycle of trying to prove her worth and trying to combat her internal monologue that she is “not good enough”. The MMC is also struggling with feeling like he matters and wanting to be seen for who he is. In trying to help the MMC see his worth, the FMC starts to see her own worth. The FMC and MMC repeatedly have “I see you” and “you matter” moments. It has “you drew stars around my scars” vibes. There is representation of anxiety, grief, self-harm, and unresolved childhood attachment issues. Bonus points for including my favorite microtrope: MMC helping FMC to breathe and calming her down from an anxiety attack. I thought there was a good balance of humor and lightheartedness with more emotional content.

I was a bit confused by the title for a while since there wasn’t really anything to do with night, stars, or celestials; however, once you finally learn where the title comes from, it’s perfect. 😍

This is the first book in a duology. I’m Definitely looking forward to book 2 especially after that cliffhanger ending!!!Overall, this was a great debut by the author. She seems very sweet and humble and I wish her much success!

Thank you to Sarah Page, Netgalley, and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

*side note: this book had somewhat similar vibes to Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent so if you liked that one, you’d probably like this one and vice versa!

I absolutely loved this book. The writing and characters were so fun to read about. I related to the main characters, sometimes and I felt like I was actually in the story. The story was also pretty easy to follow. There were parts where I was laughing out loud and others where I was on the verge of tears. In all, this was such a fun and fast read. I could not put this book down to go to bed and I think that speaks volumes on a books quality.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sarah’s writing style made it so easy to immerse myself into this story. There is a unique magic system where they are able to weave illusions. There is politics, humor, grief, adventure, and an enemies to lovers story. I loved that there were light and dark parts to this story. The romance and fantasy were written so well that one didn’t take over the other.

Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope and Isabel and Erik were true enemies. Isabel is set out for vengeance. She is smart, fierce, and awkward in the best way. Erik is stone cold and closed off, but that’s until we get to see his other side. The slow burn with them is palpable. I loved that they fought, created an unusual friendship, and the banter was superb.

Mini blurb: She’s a spy and he’s her mark. When her best friend is found murdered, all clues lead to the neighboring kingdom of Volgaard and a weapon they possess. Her mission is to infiltrate the enemy, woo Erik the general’s son, and steal the weapon. But the longer she’s there and the more she learns, her quest for vengeance has to fight with her attraction to the enemy.

Illusion of Stars has:
🖤 Enemies to lovers
💖 Slow burn
🖤 One horse
💖 She’s a spy and he’s her mark
🖤 Forced proximity
💖 Banter
🖤 Dramione coded
💖 Fade to black spice

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for giving me this ARC!

A very enjoyable read! There were some pacing issues in the beginning, but the characters, plot, and themes more than made up for it. I'll definitely be checking out any other books Sarah Marie Page writes!

✨Illusion of Stars✨ by @sarahpagestories is one of the most anticipated new releases of the season, and it certainly did not disappoint!

This moody beauty has elements such as:

🗡️ Viking Vibes
🐴 One Horse
🧭 Found Family
✨ Witty Banter
⛰️ A Spy & Her Mark
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
🌊 Slow-Burn
🖤 Fade to Black Closed Door Romance

✨ This book honestly blew me away! This isn't the type of book you devour, but rather savor slowly, letting the story seep into your heart. Sarah Page's debut novel is heartbreaking, captivating, and as deep & alluring as the ocean itself. This isn't what I'd consider light reading, but rather an immersive experience!

✨ One of my favorite parts of this story is her characters' ability to weave illusions, from creating misty forests to making simple inkings on a map, I found this to be very unique and intriguing!

✨ Sarah Marie Page's storytelling voice is eloquent, rich with emotion and grit. She's a bit of an illusion weaver herself, as her world building is so detailed, you'll find yourself transported there among the pages, feeling what her characters feel and struggling right along with them.

✨ Isy, an aspiring physician to the king, finds herself instead a spy against a neighboring kingdom with volatile intentions..But the thing is, Isy is a terrible spy! She's always saying the wrong thing, putting her foot in her mouth & second guessing herself. Her anxiety is palpable as she bumbles her way through these unforeseen circumstances, where everything she's worked so hard for hangs in the balance. But her perseverance and refusal to give up in spite of her failures was endearing and inspiring, while her humorously anxious awkwardness makes her a down to earth & relatable heroine.

✨ Despite this story's serious tone & political intrigue, there are quite a few laugh out loud moments..From Isy's clumsy spy antics to the witty banter between Isy & Erik..Their back & forth relationship was so much fun to watch play out!

✨Thank you @sarahpagestories for the opportunity to read your book! It was an amazing read, and I would highly recommend it!

🌟✨🌟✨🌟

This book was provided as an arc but all opinions are my own.

#illusionofstars

Isabel is just a girl who longs to be the Royal Physician of her kingdom. While currently an apprentice, she spends most of her days taking care of the queen or with her nose in a book learning of new cures for the king. That is until the fate of the kingdom is in her hands.

Instead of helping the sick and injured she is now on a journey as a guide for a neighboring kingdom. She has two tasks: woo Erik (the dangerous and gorgeous Generals son) and to find the weapon that can change everything. But as their adventure goes on, is she really wooing him, or completely falling in love?

Thoughts 💭
I really enjoyed this story. The beginning started off a little slow which is normal for fantasies in my opinion. However, once you get past the beginning, it speeds up!

The magic system is pretty wild. Really enjoyed how the magic worked in this story. It was different than most books I’ve read.

The author did a wonderful job on the characters. Each one had depth. Both MCs have a pretty dramatic past that I believe explains why they are who they are.

If you want a quick fantasy read, I highly recommend picking up this book. I’m excited to read the next one in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sarah Marie Page for allowing me early access to read this wonderful book.

I absolutely loved this story as it IMMEDIATELY held my attention, and am so sad that I have to wait for the next book! This is a romantasy, fade to black scenes, but don’t let that stop you if you love super spicy books! The slow burn romance and tension was chef’s kiss. The plot was always moving forward and constantly had me on my toes. The story and magic system was really unique and I loved it so much!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: Fade-to-Black

I DEVOURED this book! This is book 1 of a duology, and I’m already excited for the next one even though this one just released today! Did I also mention this is a debut novel? *gasp* 😱

Isabel the FMC is in the running to be the next royal physician. She hopes that achieving this position will finally make her feel like she’s enough after her father abandoned her. When one of her friends is found m*rdered, Isabel’s life is flipped on its axis. Now her country’s enemy, the Volgaard’s, have formed a pact with the king in order to explore their territory. To avenge her friends d*ath and help her country, Isabel is pressured into acting as a guide for the Volgaards. But only so she can spy on them and see if she can figure out what great weapon they hold. But enter Erik our MMC and Volgaard, who does not want a guide and is not going to make her mission easy. Oh did I also mention she is the WORST spy??🫣

You should read this if you like…

✨Dramione Coded Characters
✨Enemies-to-Lovers
✨Forced proximity
✨Slow Burn
✨Spy/Mark

I liked the author’s writing. The writing is compelling and lyrical. The characters were intriguing and mysterious. I liked the setting of Windswept Island. Something sinister is happening in the kingdom. The royal physician is trying to save the queen and finding the cure for the mad king. While other mysteries and unexpected happenings surrounds Isabel. You can expect mysterious deaths, strange magic, stash of letters, unexpected truth, secrets and banter. The ending will shock you in this book. I am looking forward to read next book.


Thanks to the Author and Publisher.

The Illusion of Stars was a fantasy tale of betrayal, found family, and found love.

Isabel works as an aspiring Royal Physician alongside her friends. When one of them turns up murdered, Isabel is offered a chance to act as a spy for their visiting ”enemy”: The Volds. Isabel’s journey turns into a story of found friendship and family, as she travels with the Volds to their country, getting close to their leader, Erik.

There is an unexpected turn of events when a magical trinket box, one that delivers letters magically, reveals the home she left was invaded and under attack. Her friends, under attack. The journey back home proves to be a ruse and Isabel is betrayed by someone close to her, someone she trusted. All in the name of power and magic.

Erik, the leader of the Volds camp she was with, is kidnapped and the only way to save him is to sacrifice herself in his place.

I’m trying to make this as spoiler free as possible, but it’s proving difficult so I’ll stop here!

I enjoyed the story very much but it definitely was lacking *something*. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but maybe it was the YA undertones. This was a fade to black, meaning zero explicit scenes, and that was okay to me. I enjoyed the intimacy of the characters this way.

DNF around 20%
This was a little slow and there were some things that were confusing to me, especially towards the beginning. I’ve seen some great reviews for this book, so I may try again later, but at this time I am not interested in continuing the story.

I enjoyed this romantasy novel immensely. It was hard focusing on work earlier today because I wanted to get back to the novel. It was a nice blend of traditional tropes and defying tropes. I eagerly await the sequel of this duology.

I will be adding this as a suggestion to two of my book clubs. I thought the themes were really engaging and I enjoyed the atmosphere.