Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
HarperTeen (2014), 288 pages
Description
An outcast since moving from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion, Jessamin meets the gorgeous, enigmatic Finn who introduces her to the secret world of Albion's nobility--a world of power, money, status, and magic--but Finn has a powerful enemy who only Jessamin can stop.
User reviews
LibraryThing member DarkFaerieTales
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Illusions of Fate was exactly what I have come to expect when reading something from Kiersten White. It was a fantastic book that was just pure fun!!!
Opening Sentence: Dear Mama, I am most certainly not dead.
The Review:
Jessamin moved to the country
Finn introduces Jessamin to a side of Albion she never knew existed, one filled with money, power, and surprisingly magic. Finn has some very dangerous enemies and there is a reason he doesn’t make attachments easily. But there is something about Jessamin that he just can’t resist and she is soon caught up in a brewing war that could destroy not only Albion, but also her own home country, Melei. Will Jessamin be able to outwit her enemies and save everything and everyone she loves before it is too late?
Jessamin is not really an original character, I have met many girls just like her that are smart, compassionate, and have a witty attitude. But it doesn’t seem to matter how many times this type of protagonist is used or how many different variations there are to it, I love it every time. Now that’s not to say that Jessamin doesn’t have her own original take to this staple character because she does, and that made me love her even more. I really liked that she is a minority with her dark skin and dark eyes in a country filled with fair skinned people. It made her stick out but she in no way felt inferior to anyone else and her confidence was addictive. Everyone she would come into contact with was drawn to her and that made me as the reader drawn to her as well. She is a problem solver and even though her life hasn’t been perfect she is always striving to make it better. She is stubborn and has a mind of her own, but she has a kind heart. She is a very well rounded character that I instantly loved.
Finn was a mysterious boy that I fell for right away. He is very smart, but he also has a shy side to him which was really endearing. He is quite the charmer when he wants to be but his life has not been an easy one. There are parts of his past that are heart breaking and he has spent the last few years keeping everyone at a distance, then he meets Jessamin. Their connection is instant and magical. I loved the witty banter they would throw at each other every opportunity they got and they were seriously so cute together. They treat each other as equals and I really liked that. Finn gives Jessamin the respect she deserves and even though he wants to protect her, he lets her make her own choices. Finn was a very swoon worthy guy and he was perfect for the story.
Illusions of Fate is exactly what I have come to expect every time I read a book by Kiersten White. It was filled with adorable romance, gut wrenching humor, engaging characters and swash buckling adventure. From the first page, I was instantly hooked and I loved every minute of this devastatingly beautiful story. I love when a book can make me smile and I can honestly say that I had a smile plastered to my face the whole time I read this. I can’t even count how many times I found myself doubling over with laughter or sighing because I felt so giddy from the romance. The plot was intriguing as well, which just made the whole thing that much better. To sum it up, this book was just pure fun. There hasn’t been a book White has written that I haven’t loved and this is once again another great story from her. She is just one of those staple authors that I can always depend on and I can honestly recommend all of her books to anyone that wants a quick read that is impossible to put down. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!
Notable Scene:
“You made it to do with her, though, didn’t you?” Eleanor looks pointedly at the ground where my shadow pools at my feet. “Can I see it? Wiggle around or something. I’ve never actually seen someone shadowed before! It’s so romantic!”
“It is nothing of the sort! It’s…” I glance at Finn, who is avoiding my eyes. “ He was just spying, and…” Romantic? Preposterous. But suddenly I am desperate to understand. “What does it mean? He wouldn’t explain it to me.”
“Open your mouth, Eleanor, and I will cut out your tongue and use it as fertilizer for my personal herb garden.”
“But she should know!” Eleanor whines, pulling my back to the couch across from Finn. “It’s adorable.”
FTC Advisory: Harper Teen provided me with a copy of Illusions of Fate. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Illusions of Fate was exactly what I have come to expect when reading something from Kiersten White. It was a fantastic book that was just pure fun!!!
Opening Sentence: Dear Mama, I am most certainly not dead.
The Review:
Jessamin moved to the country
Show More
of Albion to study at a prestigious school. With her dark complexion and stubborn attitude she has never really fit in at her new school, but that doesn’t stop her from being the best. She misses her home country, Melei, terribly but she will never get an opportunity like this again, so she is making the best of her situation. She is working hard at a hotel to make ends meet and spends all of her extra time studying. She doesn’t have time for romance but then she meets the gorgeous, Finn, a mysterious man that is a member of Albion’s nobility.Finn introduces Jessamin to a side of Albion she never knew existed, one filled with money, power, and surprisingly magic. Finn has some very dangerous enemies and there is a reason he doesn’t make attachments easily. But there is something about Jessamin that he just can’t resist and she is soon caught up in a brewing war that could destroy not only Albion, but also her own home country, Melei. Will Jessamin be able to outwit her enemies and save everything and everyone she loves before it is too late?
Jessamin is not really an original character, I have met many girls just like her that are smart, compassionate, and have a witty attitude. But it doesn’t seem to matter how many times this type of protagonist is used or how many different variations there are to it, I love it every time. Now that’s not to say that Jessamin doesn’t have her own original take to this staple character because she does, and that made me love her even more. I really liked that she is a minority with her dark skin and dark eyes in a country filled with fair skinned people. It made her stick out but she in no way felt inferior to anyone else and her confidence was addictive. Everyone she would come into contact with was drawn to her and that made me as the reader drawn to her as well. She is a problem solver and even though her life hasn’t been perfect she is always striving to make it better. She is stubborn and has a mind of her own, but she has a kind heart. She is a very well rounded character that I instantly loved.
Finn was a mysterious boy that I fell for right away. He is very smart, but he also has a shy side to him which was really endearing. He is quite the charmer when he wants to be but his life has not been an easy one. There are parts of his past that are heart breaking and he has spent the last few years keeping everyone at a distance, then he meets Jessamin. Their connection is instant and magical. I loved the witty banter they would throw at each other every opportunity they got and they were seriously so cute together. They treat each other as equals and I really liked that. Finn gives Jessamin the respect she deserves and even though he wants to protect her, he lets her make her own choices. Finn was a very swoon worthy guy and he was perfect for the story.
Illusions of Fate is exactly what I have come to expect every time I read a book by Kiersten White. It was filled with adorable romance, gut wrenching humor, engaging characters and swash buckling adventure. From the first page, I was instantly hooked and I loved every minute of this devastatingly beautiful story. I love when a book can make me smile and I can honestly say that I had a smile plastered to my face the whole time I read this. I can’t even count how many times I found myself doubling over with laughter or sighing because I felt so giddy from the romance. The plot was intriguing as well, which just made the whole thing that much better. To sum it up, this book was just pure fun. There hasn’t been a book White has written that I haven’t loved and this is once again another great story from her. She is just one of those staple authors that I can always depend on and I can honestly recommend all of her books to anyone that wants a quick read that is impossible to put down. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!
Notable Scene:
“You made it to do with her, though, didn’t you?” Eleanor looks pointedly at the ground where my shadow pools at my feet. “Can I see it? Wiggle around or something. I’ve never actually seen someone shadowed before! It’s so romantic!”
“It is nothing of the sort! It’s…” I glance at Finn, who is avoiding my eyes. “ He was just spying, and…” Romantic? Preposterous. But suddenly I am desperate to understand. “What does it mean? He wouldn’t explain it to me.”
“Open your mouth, Eleanor, and I will cut out your tongue and use it as fertilizer for my personal herb garden.”
“But she should know!” Eleanor whines, pulling my back to the couch across from Finn. “It’s adorable.”
FTC Advisory: Harper Teen provided me with a copy of Illusions of Fate. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
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LibraryThing member Ginger_reader22
This is going to be a short review but that does not by any means reflect on my opinion of the book, in fact it is the complete opposite, for this book left me completely and utterly speechless.
Jessamin hasn't fit in since she left her island home of Melei. In Albion everything seems dreary, cold
While Finn will stop at nothing to protect Jess from the imminent dangers that come with his world Jessamin will be forced to choose between the life she's known and the life she deserves.
Keirsten White is a genius. The way she writes leaves you breathless and disoriented but in the best possible way. Her unique stories mixed with her enticing worlds and endless wit create a divine tale.
I pray that this is not the last we will see of Jessamin and Finn, I loved their story and the beautiful world it was set it.
Until next time,
Ginger
In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review.
My review is my honest opinion.
Jessamin hasn't fit in since she left her island home of Melei. In Albion everything seems dreary, cold
Show More
and unwelcoming. That is until she meets Finn, he makes everything seem brighter and more alive. But while Finn radiates light, darkness follows close behind him. Lord Downpike will do everything in his power to get what he wants from Finn and if that involves using Jessamin as leverage than that's just what he'll do. While Finn will stop at nothing to protect Jess from the imminent dangers that come with his world Jessamin will be forced to choose between the life she's known and the life she deserves.
Keirsten White is a genius. The way she writes leaves you breathless and disoriented but in the best possible way. Her unique stories mixed with her enticing worlds and endless wit create a divine tale.
I pray that this is not the last we will see of Jessamin and Finn, I loved their story and the beautiful world it was set it.
Until next time,
Ginger
In compliance with FTC guidelines I am disclosing that this book was given to me for free to review.
My review is my honest opinion.
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LibraryThing member kmjanek
White’s new novel had me from the beautiful illustration on the cover to each chapter having a blackbird stare at you while turning the page. Jessamin is from the island of Melei, which is a colony of Albion. She has earned/bribed her way into a boarding school and found a room at a local hotel,
The setting is very reminiscent of Victorian London, but in an alternate reality with different names. Jessamin is a colonist, thus a second class citizen. She only came to Albion to get an education. Her father, who is a professor at her school, got her in but doesn’t really support her in any other way. Finn is breaking all the rules of nobility by associating with Jessamin, but he inadvertently got her involved in his world. This book is a blend of historical fiction, magic, romance and adventure. Jessamin is the narrator and it reads like realistic fiction. White created a few likeable characters that will grow on the reader and the evil Lord Downpike is a well portrayed as a villain. I disagree with the Kirkus review that says the characters are stereotypical because the twists at the end were quite unexpected to me. I would say that this book would be appropriate for most high school libraries. There is nothing controversial that stood out to me. I love that Jessamin was smart, good at math and logic, took her studies seriously and was brave in the face of danger. This book could be used for free reading and would fit well with fantasy and paranormal book displays in the school library. I really enjoyed this fantastical world. It was a gripping, fun read that is perfect for vacation or summer reading.
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where she also works part time. She has mostly kept to herself until she bumps into Finn (Lord Ackerly) and her world changes. Her introduction into this magical world began with torture and then she was thrown into the world of nobility, which was very unexpected. This new world is full of magic, political intrigue and deception. Jessamin does not have any magical powers, but she has the brains to think herself out of seemingly impossible situations.The setting is very reminiscent of Victorian London, but in an alternate reality with different names. Jessamin is a colonist, thus a second class citizen. She only came to Albion to get an education. Her father, who is a professor at her school, got her in but doesn’t really support her in any other way. Finn is breaking all the rules of nobility by associating with Jessamin, but he inadvertently got her involved in his world. This book is a blend of historical fiction, magic, romance and adventure. Jessamin is the narrator and it reads like realistic fiction. White created a few likeable characters that will grow on the reader and the evil Lord Downpike is a well portrayed as a villain. I disagree with the Kirkus review that says the characters are stereotypical because the twists at the end were quite unexpected to me. I would say that this book would be appropriate for most high school libraries. There is nothing controversial that stood out to me. I love that Jessamin was smart, good at math and logic, took her studies seriously and was brave in the face of danger. This book could be used for free reading and would fit well with fantasy and paranormal book displays in the school library. I really enjoyed this fantastical world. It was a gripping, fun read that is perfect for vacation or summer reading.
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LibraryThing member anyaejo
3.5 stars. The first half rocked my socks with creepy magic and a great MC. The ending just didn't pull the cool parts together and neatly wrapped things up, ugh. I didn't cry when I should have and I wasn't shocked by the big reveal :(.
LibraryThing member waclements7
I really liked this book. I remember that I also liked "Paranormalcy," by the same author, because it wasn't the same as the rest of the YA novels emerging on the same subject. This isn't the typical YA novel, either. It reminded me, a little, of "Howl's Moving Castle." Partially, I think, because
I liked it because it took a lot of the areas I'm interested in, magic, fantasy, politics and political maneuvering as well as the cost to those involved, and it had likeable characters and a very unlikeable villain. I loved Sir Bird and his bookishness. I liked that the romance didn't overwhelm the plot, but was there just enough to keep it interesting--I also liked the aspect of shadowded and what that meant, and how Finn wasn't as indifferent as he seemed. Trying not to give too much away. I also really liked how Jessamin had a true friend in Eleanor, and how in a society that looked down on women as possessing any true intellect or value, they both found their ways around that presumption and were both quite clever and intelligent young women.
I thought it was interesting that it addressed the issue of Colonialization and how acculturation of the "conquering" culture takes over the native culture to the point of exterminating valuable parts of it that are deemed unsuitable, primitive, or savage.
Others may have seen the ending coming. I didn't. It was interesting to see the effects of how being half Melian and half Albion were so different in two different people, simply because of who their fathers were.
The question of fate is an interesting one, and I liked how that worked into the story as well with the drawing of the cards, and the importance of dreams.
Some people thought the end was rushed. I didn't; I thought the pacing was good. Things do tend to speed up at the end of books, especially when people are about to be hanged and need to be rescued or proven innocent and the villain is about to win--things have to move more quickly, because things like that don't tend to happen slowly, they tend to happen all at once. To me, it's just the nature of the way the story flows. But that's just me.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a YA fantasy a little out of the norm, that isn't clichéd, and isn't dripping in romance but delivers it in tantalizing, delicious bits, this is the book for you. I won't say it's your cup of tea--you'll have to read it to find out why!
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it covered some of the same themes; the possibility of war, magic, and the changing nature of Lord Ackerly's home. I liked it because it took a lot of the areas I'm interested in, magic, fantasy, politics and political maneuvering as well as the cost to those involved, and it had likeable characters and a very unlikeable villain. I loved Sir Bird and his bookishness. I liked that the romance didn't overwhelm the plot, but was there just enough to keep it interesting--I also liked the aspect of shadowded and what that meant, and how Finn wasn't as indifferent as he seemed. Trying not to give too much away. I also really liked how Jessamin had a true friend in Eleanor, and how in a society that looked down on women as possessing any true intellect or value, they both found their ways around that presumption and were both quite clever and intelligent young women.
I thought it was interesting that it addressed the issue of Colonialization and how acculturation of the "conquering" culture takes over the native culture to the point of exterminating valuable parts of it that are deemed unsuitable, primitive, or savage.
Others may have seen the ending coming. I didn't. It was interesting to see the effects of how being half Melian and half Albion were so different in two different people, simply because of who their fathers were.
The question of fate is an interesting one, and I liked how that worked into the story as well with the drawing of the cards, and the importance of dreams.
Some people thought the end was rushed. I didn't; I thought the pacing was good. Things do tend to speed up at the end of books, especially when people are about to be hanged and need to be rescued or proven innocent and the villain is about to win--things have to move more quickly, because things like that don't tend to happen slowly, they tend to happen all at once. To me, it's just the nature of the way the story flows. But that's just me.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a YA fantasy a little out of the norm, that isn't clichéd, and isn't dripping in romance but delivers it in tantalizing, delicious bits, this is the book for you. I won't say it's your cup of tea--you'll have to read it to find out why!
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LibraryThing member clear_tranquil
I wasn't too sure about this book when I first started it. But it completely drew me in and I was wrapped up in this magical world. Great characters abound and the banter between some of them was top-notch and made me laugh at loud (which is a very rare thing). Great read!
LibraryThing member reader1009
teen fiction (magic, historical setting--England). This wrapped up rather easily and tidily (evil villain vanquished? ok! kingdom saved? alright!) but probably better than having to drag the plot out over unnecessary sequels. I do enjoy the author's characters and stories, so this served as a nice
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quick jaunt. Show Less
LibraryThing member jennybeast
Fastmoving, imaginative, magical world, with an outcast girl caught in the middle. A little steampunky, a little alt history, a little harry potter, and more than a little introspection from an immigrant girl in a hostile land. I enjoyed Jessamin's fierce intelligence and her courage. More than
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that I admired her complete unwillingness to depend on others to protect her. I didn't entirely buy the ending, but I found the story otherwise quite enjoyable. Show Less
Awards
Association for Mormon Letters Award (Finalist — 2014)
Whitney Award (Winner — 2014)
Tome Society It List (2016)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
288 p.; 5.5 inches
ISBN
0062135899 / 9780062135896
Local notes
Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.
Blue foiled bird on black boards under the dustjacket.
Blue foiled bird on black boards under the dustjacket.