Illusion by Paula Volsky Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Illusion
Book Review: Historical Fantasy--the Best of Both Worlds
Summary: 5 Stars
Illusions is my favorite fantasy book of all times (sorry Tolkien), because it is the French Revolution with a fantasy twist, and is the first book to make me understand what class indoctrination can create. Although you hate the injustice of the class system, you understand how hard it would be to change thinking patterns that are ingrained since birth and justify your entire lifestyle. The characters live in your head permanently, and your view on the world, racism, anti-semitism, and even sexism are forever altered. This is a must read.Book Review: I read this a while ago...
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read this book a few years ago, mostly because the cover art drew my attention. I'm not too well versed with fantasy; I didn't know what to expect. What I got was a thrilling story with genuine characters, so good that it's been in my memory since, and I'm now going to buy it. While there are certainly parallels with the french revolution, it's a story that only lightly touches on it... Instead of a bleak history lesson, this is a fresh, beautiful work. There are times when you can just about smell the food, feel the emotion, and become overtaken with despair. This is a *definite* must read!
Book Review: I skipped part of my work day to read this
Summary: 5 Stars
I really couldn't put the book down. It was absolutely amazing. A fantastic concept and very well executed. Somehow even when the main characters were being absolutely irritating, you felt sympathy for them and understood their attitudes and decisions. I can't believe this book is out of print! Fantastic!Book Review: Illusion
Summary: 3 Stars
Worldbuilding is the strength in this novel, set in an 18th century-like world rather than the tired generic medieval of too many fantasy novels. Some nice touches of steampunk, though underutilized, liven things up. The world is detailed, believable and interesting.Illusion is the story of a revolution, and the ugliness and evils of revolution are clearly well known to the author.
However, the stereotypical and somewhat one-dimensional characters (the heroine is spunky with a heart-shaped face, and so on) are a weakness. Though the plot moves along well, there are some holes in it (why do the nits of Nu-Nu only appear when it's convenient for the plot?). However, the author does show a pleasant willingness to be grim. The tone is a slightly distant third-person POV, which kept me from engaging as much as I would have liked to.
I recommend this book as an example of strong worldbuilding, even though I would have preferred more individual characters.
Book Review: Just read it!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the most amazing works of fantasy I've ever read! Paula Volsky has an amazing talent, and she uses it to the fullest extent here. Whether you like the French Revolution or not (and I love it), this book will draw you in and will not let you go. The characters are wonderful, round, believable. The dialog is witty, the politics enthralling. The city of Vonhar springs to life! Forget the brainless fantasy that most people write now, this is a book you'll love to read again and again. I certainly have.