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acedimski 's review for:
Illusionary
by Zoraida Córdova
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Did Illusionary deliver everything I hoped for after [b:Incendiary|52888729|Incendiary (Hollow Crown, #1)|Zoraida Córdova|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1568058171l/52888729._SX50_SY75_.jpg|56956163] put me through a rollercoaster of feelings? Yes, yes it did.
After I finished Incendiary last year, I couldn't wait to finally hold the sequel in my hands. The court intrigue, the rebells, the magic system, the worldbuilding, the characters - I loved it all. It may have taken me longer to finally read this book, but it doesn't change the fact that this duology will stay close to my heart. I adored this book!
In contrast to the court setting of the first book, we find ourselves on an adventurous journey in the sequel. While I did enjoy the various places this book takes place, I do have to say that the plot didn't convince me as much as it did in the previous installement. The intrigues at court just put a different atmosphere to the story opposed to the long journey we witness in this one. Still, I found myself adoring every single page of this book, and this was mainly because of the characters.
Not only do we see characters such as Leo, Lady Nuria, and Dez again, but we meet new ones that have found their place in my heart. And as much as I loved meeting all these characters again or for the very first time (especially Leo who has a very special place in my heart), the focus is entirely to be put on Ren and Prince Castian.
Ren, who was already one of my favorite heroines in the first books, did good to defend that title. Her character development was beautifully executed in this books in terms of finally learning who she really is, as well as learning to control her power. I had a lot of fun following her, seeing how she opens up her heart, fighting for what is right, and putting herself at risk for the ones she loves as well as the people that can't defend themselves. Castian, who managed to steal my heart with very few scenes and just glimpses at his personality, had me fall in love with him already in the first book. Those feelings just got stronger and stronger with each passing page in Illusionary. While I was sure he wasn't the villanious and murderious prince he wants people to believe him to be, it was incredible to see his true face... and swoon.
Both, Ren and Cas, were my favorite part of this book. Of this series. Everything about their relationship is just beautiful, and let me tell you that my heart is aching in all the best ways possible for them. They both have been through a lot, and shared a bond from the beginning that made it hard not to believe they will find their way back to each other. Let me tell you, I had high hopes, and those were all met. Their banter, the tension, their bond... *chef's kiss*.
Overall, this sequel delivers what we needed after what fantastic book Incendiary was. We get character development, friendship, redemption, a beautiful romance that left me aching for more. Despite the fact that the plot wasn't able to convince me as much as it did in the first installement, I had a great time coming back to this world, and following these characters on their journey - phyically and emotionally.
Did Illusionary deliver everything I hoped for after [b:Incendiary|52888729|Incendiary (Hollow Crown, #1)|Zoraida Córdova|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1568058171l/52888729._SX50_SY75_.jpg|56956163] put me through a rollercoaster of feelings? Yes, yes it did.
After I finished Incendiary last year, I couldn't wait to finally hold the sequel in my hands. The court intrigue, the rebells, the magic system, the worldbuilding, the characters - I loved it all. It may have taken me longer to finally read this book, but it doesn't change the fact that this duology will stay close to my heart. I adored this book!
In contrast to the court setting of the first book, we find ourselves on an adventurous journey in the sequel. While I did enjoy the various places this book takes place, I do have to say that the plot didn't convince me as much as it did in the previous installement. The intrigues at court just put a different atmosphere to the story opposed to the long journey we witness in this one. Still, I found myself adoring every single page of this book, and this was mainly because of the characters.
Not only do we see characters such as Leo, Lady Nuria, and Dez again, but we meet new ones that have found their place in my heart. And as much as I loved meeting all these characters again or for the very first time (especially Leo who has a very special place in my heart), the focus is entirely to be put on Ren and Prince Castian.
Ren, who was already one of my favorite heroines in the first books, did good to defend that title. Her character development was beautifully executed in this books in terms of finally learning who she really is, as well as learning to control her power. I had a lot of fun following her, seeing how she opens up her heart, fighting for what is right, and putting herself at risk for the ones she loves as well as the people that can't defend themselves. Castian, who managed to steal my heart with very few scenes and just glimpses at his personality, had me fall in love with him already in the first book. Those feelings just got stronger and stronger with each passing page in Illusionary. While I was sure he wasn't the villanious and murderious prince he wants people to believe him to be, it was incredible to see his true face... and swoon.
Both, Ren and Cas, were my favorite part of this book. Of this series. Everything about their relationship is just beautiful, and let me tell you that my heart is aching in all the best ways possible for them. They both have been through a lot, and shared a bond from the beginning that made it hard not to believe they will find their way back to each other. Let me tell you, I had high hopes, and those were all met. Their banter, the tension, their bond... *chef's kiss*.
Overall, this sequel delivers what we needed after what fantastic book Incendiary was. We get character development, friendship, redemption, a beautiful romance that left me aching for more. Despite the fact that the plot wasn't able to convince me as much as it did in the first installement, I had a great time coming back to this world, and following these characters on their journey - phyically and emotionally.