Author: Aprilynne Pike
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult (fantasy)
Rating: 3/5 stars
Why I read it/how I found it: Read the first two books in the series, so I continued.
Description: Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.
But just as life returns to normal, Laurel realizes that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.
Review: Now, I'm not 100% totally and completely against love triangles. Sometimes, it's necessary to the plot (see Matched) and other times, it's in there but not at the focus of the overall plot (see The Hunger Games). However, in Illusions the love triangle is unnecessary to the plot, nor is it a subplot pulled up now and again. Despite there being danger present and a mystery to solve, the angst and drama of a stereotypical YA love triangle has dominated this book. In the first book, Wings, it was highlighted that it would come up, but at a side to the rest of the story. In the second book, Spells it became more pronounced, but...yikes. The love triangle drowned out this book. Halfway through I stopped, rolled my eyes at yet another internal dilemma as Laurel debated what she really felt. And the sad thing is, there is so much potential for rich mythology and retelling, of danger and mystery, but snogging and the balancing of the two guys' virtues and flaws overstepped that far too much. When the mystery and action do happen, this book is excellent. I enjoy the world that is created here and the unique take on faerie lore. And despite my dislike for the love triangle, Tamani's character helped me bare it with how round and interesting he is.
Recommendation: If you've read the other books and you have time, it's worth it to continue in hopes for a fourth book more focused on plot since it'll be the last one. Not pressing to read it, though.
Should I buy it?: Try a library or a friend first.
Other information: This is the third book in the Laurel series, the first two being Wings and Spells. One more book (the title yet to be announced) will also be coming out. Disney has bought the rights to the Wings movie and Miley Cyrus has been attached to it as Laurel (yeah, I'll be skipping this one, thanks). Aprilynne Pike's website can be found here.
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