Definitely took a minute for me to get into, but it was an interesting adventure. At times the FMC fell a little flat for me, but overall the story was exciting and felt like it was setting up for a good second book.

I read an eARC of this story in 2024 and jumped at the chance to get to listen to the audiobook. Illusion of Stars was one of my favorite reads of 2024 and I want to experience it in all forms.

The audiobook was so well done! Jacci Prior did such a great job and was the perfect choice for Isabel. It was so fun to get to listen to this story come to life. I once again laughed, cried, smiled. It was perfection! There were so many good lines, but one of my favorites from this read through is below. I laughed out loud when I got to hear this line.

“Buttercup was indeed a b***h.”

This story was so beautifully written. I felt like the world building was done in such a great way where the reader doesn't feel overwhelmed by all the information. The magic system was interesting and unique to the story. The way that Sarah Marie Page shows anxiety and panic in the story really made the reader feel what the characters were feeling. The pacing was great and the book never seemed to lull, it kept moving forward in a way that didn't seem rushed.

"Isabel Moller, you are not allowed to kiss me, then awkward swim away."

I loved Isabel and Erik. Isabel is entirely relatable with the way that she was awkward yet endearing, smart, brave, determined, and the struggle that she has with believing in herself. Erik is a cinnamon roll MMC if there ever was one. He is swoon worthy, strong, and determined to prove that he's more than his power. The way Isy & Erik come together once they realize that they are both fighting for the same thing, self validation & acceptance, is beautiful and fully lends itself to a naturally developing slow burn romance. Plus their banter had me laughing out loud. The author did an amazing job of developing not only the main characters of this story, but the side characters as well. Signey, Bo, Kaspar, and Tyr were some of my favorites.

This story is perfect for anyone that loves fantasies full of angst, hope, witty banter, magic, political intrigue, believable and likeable characters, all with a side of romance. If anyone needs me, I'll be sitting here praying for the second book in this duology because I need more.

I struggled getting into this book. I had a very hard time with the narrator. Lovely voice, but not at all what I would imagine for this book, ends many words with “uh” for some reason, and struggled with male voices. The plot was *okay*. I felt like we were taken down a few different paths of possible plots and then -skrrt- on a different path. And instead of digging more into the characters and their relationships, there was a lot of filler. Lots of whimsical metaphors for things the FMC was seeing and feeling. But when we got into the good stuff, I was here for it. I would definitely read the next book, but I won’t be waiting on pins and needles for it.

I did not consume the same book that everyone else did apparently. I found this extremely thin and flat. The FMC was awful and very juvenile feeling and I genuinely thought the MMC/love interest was another character towards the end. This is not a slow burn, it's a 'no romance until the end" burn and even then it didn't make sense for the prior interactions. The romance has no chemistry and honestly gave me the ick at the end (re: interrogation tactics). The characters just have no life.

I really wanted to like it but I think it's a miss. There are too many formulaic romantasy books out there to spend time on one that's underdeveloped.

I will give credit that it picked up over the last....15% of the book but the pay off wasn't there for me.

Thank you to Netgalley for the audio ARC. I attest I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

I don’t know if this book will be for everybody but it was for me. Sarah’s use of briny, salty, ocean air imagery brought be back into the fantasy world of my childhood. It is exactly the kind of setting I have been yearning for. The world she has built sings to my soul and I am frothing at the mouth as we wait for the next installment.

Aside from the sense of nostalgia she had bestowed on me, this is a solid book. Is it perfect? No, there are for sure improvements that can be made but there is something innocent about her writing as well. It’s noticeable that this is a first published fantasy but it doesn’t take away from the magic. The romance feels pure and new. These moments of screaming off the bluffs and discussions of puffins bring a sweetness to the otherwise dark undertones of the book. I’m rambling a bit here but it’s safe to say that I really loved this book. It’s fresh, it’s innocent, it’s nostalgic, and it’s a fantastic read from start to finish.

“Do you know how to use a cup?” This perfectly sums up who the FMC, Isabel, is. She is quirky and awkward and so unintentionally funny. Sometimes awkward characters can give me secondhand embarrassment, but in this book, I found it so endearing.

I really enjoyed the magic system (illusion and secret magic boxes, etc). I don’t feel like it was like anything I have read before.

It’s a slow burn hate to lovers romance with fade to black scenes. The banter is so cute between the characters, you can’t help but root for them and fall in love with them.

We’ve all heard of the one bed trope, but how about the one horse trope? There is a scene there that was so awkward and funny, I found myself giggling!

The narration of this audiobook was fantastic and really brought the story to life!

I really hope there is a book two because that ending?!? I need to know what happens next!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Audio for an ALC in exchange for an honest review!

This audio started out strong. Isabel is a healer for the Royals and has to do things like keep the King from running around naked and rubbing the Queen's sore feet. (It's very strange lol). When her friend is murdered, she goes on a mission of revenge. The magic system in this story is pretty cool and I think worth the read. The characters though felt a little more juvenile than New Adult, so while I enjoyed the story, it was a little young feeling for me. I think a ton of people will love this audiobook though and I think it's worth it to check it out and find out if it's for you.

“Illusion of Stars” is the first book in “The Enmity of Hearts Duet”.

I received an ALC from Dreamscape Media via Netgalley but I also read the e-book available in Kindle Unlimited. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is an enemies-to-lovers romantasy with a slow-burn romance.
Isabel is a royal physician turned spy with the mission to seduce Erik, Volgaars’s general son (who is also an enemy). The story is told almost entirely from Isabel’s perspective in first person. She is a strong character and I loved following her story.

The audiobook is narrated by Jacci Prior and Rusty Mewha and both managed to make me get lost in the story. I have to say that in this case the audio enhanced the reading experience. I recommend listening to a book while reading if possible.

Overall I liked the beautiful writing, world building, magic and the twists. Also, the ending made me look forward to the next book.

An interesting concept, though not entirely original as the “faerie portal” is a common trope in fantasy. While this book is intended to be new adult it read very young and juvenile to me. The characters felt fairly shallow.

This was my first ARC audiobook from NetGalley, and it did not disappoint!
The story had excellent world-building that pulled me in right from the start. The phrase "hold the door" kept me guessing until the very end—it was such a clever hook!
While the book had a YA vibe, it offered a good mix of suspense, intrigue, and a hint of romance. There was a noticeable spice buildup, but unfortunately, it remained in the realm of closed-door moments.
The narrators were fantastic and did an incredible job bringing the characters to life. The plot itself was gripping, with engaging twists and turns that kept me thoroughly invested in the story’s progression.
One standout element was Isabelle’s internal monologue—it added depth to her character and made her relatable. I also loved the banter between characters, which provided several laugh-out-loud moments!
The book starts with a confession letter from Isabelle and gradually takes us through her journey. I loved how the story begins at the end and slowly unravels her path to that point.
Overall, this book was fantastic—a steady, captivating journey with strong character dynamics. I cannot wait for book two!

While I really appreciated the concept of *Illusions of Stars*, it wasn’t 100% for me. That being said, I feel like it’s more of a “it’s not you, it’s me” situation than anything else. The book definitely has a lot to offer, but for some reason, it just didn’t completely click with me personally.

First off, the writing is solid. The author has a way with words that pulls you into the story, and I was impressed by how well the world-building and atmosphere were crafted. It’s clear a lot of thought went into creating a unique and immersive setting, and the pacing kept me engaged for the most part. The plot itself is fascinating, with twists and turns that kept me intrigued, and the premise had a lot of potential for depth and emotional exploration.

That said, I think the book’s style or tone just wasn’t what I was expecting. It felt like there was something missing emotionally for me, something that would have allowed me to fully connect with the characters and the stakes. While I enjoyed the story on a surface level, I didn’t feel the depth I was hoping for in certain key moments. Again, I think this is more about personal preference than a flaw in the book itself.

Despite that, I do think *Illusions of Stars* is a book that many readers will enjoy, especially if you like well-crafted plots with intriguing twists and engaging world-building. The writing is strong, and the concept is original, so I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. Even though it didn’t quite hit the mark for me, I can see how it would be a great fit for readers who enjoy this genre.

Illusion of Stars is everything we're looking for in a YA romantasy book.

This story is character driven, has a solid plot, lyrical writing, fade to black romance, and has great banter.

If you have ever felt too small, unseen, or not good enough, this book may speak to you. Isy and Erik are so relatable and easy to like. You root for them from day one. I particularly like how Isy gets back at Erik's men- full belly laughs. There is a cliff hanger, so be ready for that one.

All in all, this is my first "read" from Sarah and I will be immediately searching for anything and everything else she has written.

2.5 Stars, Rounded up to 3.

Illusion of Stars is the first book in a new romantasy two book series geared toward the new-adult/upper YA audience. It was my first book by Sarah Marie Page, and I listened to the audiobook.

The main character, Isabel, is a healer and a royal physician in her kingdom. Her friend, Hans, is wrongfully murdered and she seeks vengeance against an opposing kingdom by trying to woo Erik, the son of one of their powerful generals. While spying on Erik for her kingdom, Isabel uncovers a unique system of illusion magic and shape shifting snakes called hell hounds, among other ways magic is used. Secrets plans are discovered, and Isabel begins to fall in love with Erik, making her mission more complicated.

The overall message is that Isabel begins as a fearful girl, Erik says “I see you. You matter,” her confidence in herself grows, and she starts to believe she is somebody.

I liked the idea of this book, but I found the writing style and plot difficult to enjoy. I didn’t connect with the characters either. I enjoyed the parts about Isabel and her healing herbs and talent as a physician. I didn’t like Erik; he had a cocky attitude and acted like a playboy. I did enjoy the twist at the end of the story.

This book was first person POV of Isabel, the main female character. The wording, expressions, and internal musings were often immature and seemed more like lower YA or just poor writing. Examples include talking about farting, flicking people off, and a crazy king that exposed himself. It felt over the top like a farce.

For a fantasy novel, I found the world building lacking, yet the use of world-specific vocabulary was frequent. I often got lost in the story, but not in a good way. A more focused plot, and less of Isabel’s similes and verbose descriptions would have been better. Overall, this book wasn’t for me.

Content: Moderate use of strong language. Kissing and mildly descriptive making out with implied intimacy, but it’s completely fade to black. Multiple LGBT side characters mentioned, but not part of the primary plot.

Notes on Audiobook Narration: There is only one female narrator for 99% of the book, with a male voice used the last 4 minutes of the book. Just in case you see two names listed on the audiobook, I wanted to mention this fact so you know it’s not a typical dual POV narrated book. The female narrator’s voice is well done and varied for each of the characters. Due to my trouble following the plot and vocabulary, I think this book would be better as a physical copy over the audiobook.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this audiobook. My review is my honest opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

This book was pretty chaotic and juvenile. I had a difficult time following the plot and understanding the reasoning for most of the actions taken. The main character was difficult to like after the events at the beginning of the book.

I did really like the narrators and thought they did a really great job with the portrayal of the characters.

Such a unique and enjoyable fade to black fantasy read! The narrator sucked me into the story and I barely came up for air. You get a little bit of everything in this book, enemies to lovers, one horse, betrayal, magic, adventure, mystery, found family. I look forward to what happens next!

3.5 rounded up. I received an audio ARC for this book. The narrator did a great job, very easy to understand at an increased speed.

This is classified as 'new adult' but felt very young adult. There's some innuendo and some making out and the rest is mostly just implied. But the banter and writing style felt like it was meant for a younger audience. The main characters are like 18-20.

I did enjoy the book. The main character is a lovable hot mess. The book ends on a cliffhanger so I'll be looking out for book two.

The story was wonderful. The magic was interesting. I enjoyed the character development. The narrators were perfect for the story and I cannot imagine it being told by anyone else

From the first chapter, I was hooked. The ending of that chapter makes you go, "Wait, what?!" and when you eventually get to a comment about a "stormy-handsome Vold," you know it's on. It has your enemies to lovers, your court intrigue, and "who can you trust?" moments. I enjoyed the magic system, including types of magic and magical items and the FMC's sense of humor. For being a closed door romance, the tension still *tensions.* Honorable mention goes to when one of the main characters practices being a better liar. Iykyk.

With one of our main characters left in peril at the end, I'm curious to see what happens in part 2 of the duology

I was so excited to see that an audiobook was available for this title! There are two narrators listed, but this is not a dual/duet narration. The male narrator does one chapter from the MMC's POV at the end. If you've read the book, you will understand why this makes sense. It also makes me very excited for what could be coming for narration in book two! The narration is clear, and I was able to speed it up without issue.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an ALC of this audiobook for an honest review.

I would like the thank the publisher for giving me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.

Um. I'm sorry. WHAT?! HOW ARE YOU GOING TO END LIKE THAT?! WHERE IS BOOK TWO?!?!?!?!

Isabel, one of the royal physicians, spends her days tending to the dying queen and the mad king (who may or may not attempt to streak down the halls). But when her best friend is found murdered, with evidence pointing towards the neighboring kingdom of Volgaard, she ends up being sent on a mission: infiltrate the enemy, woo Erik -- the general's illusion-wielding son -- and steal the dangerous weapon they've been keeping hidden. As she spends time with her enemy, Erik and her begin to grow closer together until, eventually, she'll have to make a choice -- continue on her path to vengeance, or find out the truth of what happened that day.

I absolutely cannot believe how much I loved this. There's a lot of talk by Isabel about good enough/deserving of things and I think this book tackles that point so well. The characters were so relatable with their realistic issues and fears, and I think what people are going to love about this is the very nature of the book deals with the idea that we are deserving of love, of being seen for who we are, and that to me was beautiful. I loved the romance between Erik and Isabel, especially since this was a legit enemies/hate to love situations where they legit hated each other. Like, there was absolutely no insta-love going on here. Fantastic writing, beautiful world building. Now please excuse me while I go cry over the fact that I don't have the sequel in my hands already.

Beautifully descriptive writing and a heroine you can't help but root for. Would recommend for fans of Rebecca Ross or anyone looking for a new character driven fantasy romance addiction.