The Laughing Listener
November 2018
Format: ebook
*I was graciously given a free copy in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 4 Stars

When I was trying to plan out my fall reading schedule at the end of the summer, I swore off ARCs for a while. I wanted to finish Throne of Glass and read The Dark Artifices before the new books came out and I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle anything else. But when I saw the description of Illusions, I just couldn’t pass it up. An historical fiction LGBTQ+ romance about magicians?? SIGN ME UP. And I’m so happy I did because this was amazing!

I admit that I had a hard time getting into the format of it in the beginning. This is written with alternating journal entries between the two main characters Thomas and Saverio, which I wasn’t in love with at the start. I found myself wishing it was a first person narrative because I think that would have brought me into the story and setting more. But as I kept reading, I was captivated by these two characters and their world and it ended up not mattering.

The premise of this was so good! I never read any books with magicians and I loved it!! With the time period and magician’s secrets I got some real Prestige vibes from this, which is a compliment because I freaking LOVE that movie.



And the romance!! GAH! I loved it so much??? I was so nervous and wary of Saverio in the beginning because I just wanted to protect my small cinnamon roll Thomas. But when Saverio starts falling for him too it was so sweet! I really liked watching their relationship grow as they got closer. In the end, I even got a little misty eyed.

FINAL WORD

I loved this book! It’s a great romance and I really liked reading about magicians, something you never see these days. Definitely two thumbs up!!