Illusion by Paula Volsky Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Illusion
Book Review: Deep, engrossing fantasy take on the French Revolution
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a book about metamorphasis and the change of a petty, spoiled "exaulted" (noble) girl named Eliste. Illusion is obviously a fantasy take on the French revolution, so it's fairly clear what is going to happen...but so what--that doesn't reduce the suspense any. A reader interested in history will easily be able to pick out the parallels of in characters, the guillotine, and the palace at Versailles.
I couldn't put this book down. You will want to read Illusion in one sitting, partially because it's so gripping, partially because you can't bear to leave the character until the situation gets, at least, slightly better. The middle of the book reminded me of nothing so much as a nightmare, the kind where you are always afraid, always running, where all your family and the people around you are caught or killed. Thankfully, three-fourths of the way through, the books lightens a little, and the ending is somewhat optimistic.
Volsky's world is richly textured and totally immersive. Illusion perfectly captures the terror of a revolution, the anger of the masses, the rioting, and the revolution's metamorphasis from idealistic to dictatorial. It is an engrossing fantasy take on the French revolution and well worth your time.
Book Review: Engaging and orginal
Summary: 4 Stars
This book was refreshingly original. It reminded me of a mix of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer with a fantasy twist. I like how the main character grows and matures throughout the book.
*******SPOILER*******
My only complaint is that the romance was wrapped up very quickly within the last 1 page. The author builds up a nice romantic tension throughout the book and then it ends rather abruptly.
I would have liked to see the hero show a little more emotion when the heroine declares she loves him!
Book Review: Excellent
Summary: 4 Stars
I was a little concerned before reading this- I'd studied some on the French Revolution and thought this just might be a little too close. In a way it was, but in a way it wasn't. It had the interest and flavor, but the story was thoroughly engrossing, the characters interesting, the writing excellent. The plot moves along swiftly. My only complaint is that the whole novel seems to be written with a probably unnecessarily upper-class air. Were a character the narrator it would have been more appropriate. Still, a wonderful read and highly recommended.Book Review: Exhilarating
Summary: 5 Stars
A truely magical and wonderful experience. I picked this book up in a trift shop by chance, and started to read it not that long ago. The book is engrossing, to the point where you don't want to put it down. If you do, it just won't get off of your mind.The setting of the story takes place during the French Revolution when times were chaotic and no one could be trusted. Enter Eliste vo Derrivalle, daughter of an Exalted. The Exalted class is a class of high ranking people who can use magic at their disposal, yet for some reason, Exalted magic is becoming weaker and weaker with every generation.
This book is all about the trials and struggles that Eliste has to go through from being in court and then suddenly dumped on the streets. She does get help along the way though from Dref, the serf whom she loves, to her Uncle Quinz, who is a master of Exalted magic.
A truely exciting book to read. Something I highly recommend.
Book Review: Great one book fantasy
Summary: 5 Stars
These days it's hard to find a good fantasy tale that only spans one book, but this is definitely one of my top recommendations. The world that PV creates is amazing and her character development is great, you can really empathize with them.