Mundie Moms

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

ILLUSIONS OF FATE by Kiersten White, Book Review

I am so excited about this book's release today! This was a book I originally reviewed back in July (here), but I felt the need to celebrate it's release by re-posting my review, because, YES, this book is really good!


By: Kiersten White
Published by: Harper Teen
Released on: 9/9/14 - TODAY
Source: arc from publisher to review
5 stars- I LOVED IT!
Get it from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
"I did my best to keep you from crossing paths with this world. And I shall do my best to protect you now that you have."
The people of Albion are different from anyone Jessamin has ever known: harsh, uptight, and obsessed with wealth and rank. Jessamin knew as much when she left her sun-drenched island home to attend school in their gray, dreary country. But she had no idea how different they truly were.
She never thought she would discover a house with doors that open onto a hundred corners of the city or a book that spends its days as a bird. She certainly never expected to become a pawn in a political and magical power struggle between the sinister Lord Downpike and the handsome, charming Finn Ackerly. And she never so much as imagined she'd win Finn's affections—or that one day his shadow would follow her every step.
Fortunately for Jessamin, fate has other ideas. . . .

A Kiersten White masterpiece! I loved this book. It had all the right elements of magic, fantasy, romance, fate, and mystery. Set in an enchanting world of intrigue, excitement, danger, and tea! Yes, I just said tea. This book has an appealing historical setting that added to my love of this story. 

White has done a fabulous job at creating a society set apart by class, dominated by men, and given all the things you'd except from a Victorian historical setting. There are rules to be to followed and things that are excepted by proper standing citizens within the society. As you know, I love a character who goes against the grain, and makes it a point to create her own path. Jessamin does that a more. She proves that she is a fiercely independent, incredibly intelligent, courageous, strong girl. 

Considered an out cast because of her heritage, she's not openly accepted within her new society. I love that, that doesn't hold her back. No matter how many times she's told her doesn't belong, that never deters her from seeking a better way of life and an education. Nor does she need a man to help her, or tell her what to do. Did I mention she's feisty? lol Just me, it's for a good reason. I liked the way White allowed me to get to know Jessamin. The more I got to know her, the more I understood her. She is definitely one of those strong, fabulously crafted heroines that I love in my YA books. With everything that's about to rock her world, Jessamin definitely needs to keep her wits about her, which is hard to do around Finn.

I loved Finn! I'll just say, he's perfect. Yep, I used the world perfect. He is one of those characters whom you impatiently want to get to know, but love the process in which the author slowly unravels the mysteries about them. He is a man of high standing, intelligent, strong, and extremely loyal. I admired the fact that no matter what, he never waivers on his beliefs and what he loves and feels is right. His cunning and craftiness has kept him and those he's loves protected. Now he finds he's inadvertently brought Jessamin into the dangerous, magic world he's always been apart of.

One of my favorite things about this story is the romance between Finn and Jessamin. It was everything I love in a well written romance. It was sweet, exciting, and perfectly paced. *sigh* Like seriously perfect. Finn and Jessamin are a match made in YA romance heaven. They both bring out the best and support each other through their faults. I loved it. I loved the way Finn slowly broke down Jessamin's judgemental barriers she had (which was for good reason). The way in which he embraced her stubborn side made for a few laughable moments. 

The world building is awesome. I liked how the setting played apart in this story. I loved the way White slowly unraveled the magical elements/world, revealing little bits at time. By doing so, it made it hard for me to figure out what was going on and allowed me to discover truths at the same time Jessamin did. This story was not a predictable one, and I loved the air of mystery and excitement it has.

 I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story was told. I never once got bored with the story, or wandered how many more pages till the end. Instead I kept hoping that more pages will appear at the end so the story didn't have to end. I enjoyed being able to sit and read a book with a steady moving plot line that completely fascinated me. Normally I love a fast paced storyline, but this time around that wasn't the case. Illusions of Fate has a well paced plot line that steadily moves along. It was wonderful and completely fitting for this story. Had it been a fast paced one I'm not sure I would be declaring my love for this book right now, because it would have ruined the way the story was told. 

Everything that White gave me in this story was fabulous! From the story telling, to her lively characters, vivid world building, and exciting story line, I loved it all. I laughed, I cried, I cheered on the characters, and completely fell in love with everything this book gave to me. Oh and that shocking twist?! Yep, didn't see that one coming. That was a good one too. It leads to a surprise ending..... why did this book have to end!?! I want more!

This is definitely a book that lived up to all my acceptation's. This is Kiersten White's best book! Seriously. I can't talk about the story without mentioning this cover. Not only is it one of my all time favorite book covers, that is the most fitting cover for this story! Speaking of covers, I love the raven sitting on the branch that is at the beginning of each chapter. The ravens play a huge part in this story.

This is one fabulously packed book of awesomeness. PICK IT UP TODAY!!!

The Iron Trial by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare; Launch Party TONIGHT at Books of Wonder


Guess what new Middle Grade book is out today!?! That's right, Holly Black & Cassandra Clare's The Iron Trial!! You can join the release party fun TONIGHT at Books of Wonder! Can't make it to NYC? That's okay. They've got you covered. You can contact them to pre-order your signed copy and they'll not only send it out to you (world wide), you'll be entered to win a signed copy of Cassandra Clare's upcoming release, The Bane Chronicles! Get all your information for how to order and about tonight's LAUNCH PARTY HERE


New Releases for September 9th, 2014

Happy Release Day to the Following YA & MG books

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