Today I’m joining in the blog tour for Desiree Williams’ newest book, “Illusionary,” a story that is just as impressive as its perfectly pink and purple cover. 😀
About Illusionary:
Dorothy got sucked into a tornado.
Alice fell down a hole.
Wendy flew to Neverland.
Kamryn? She tripped down the stairs.
Now, Kamryn Kensington finds herself in a strange new world. Within minutes of her arrival, she dodges an archer’s arrow and avoids getting sliced up by a cosplay reject holding a dagger to her throat. And that’s before the storyteller’s breath brings stories to life.
Home is the mission—to return to her family and pursue her life’s dream of art and travel. Yet the longer she’s in the Land of Ur, the harder it is not to feel for the people she meets. Even her artistic side can’t help but breathe in the beautiful wonder and magic of this new world. So when the Oracle hands her a different quest, she takes it on the condition he sends her home afterward.
No one thought to warn her of a jealous queen and her dragon minions. Or that, by helping her, the cute storyteller would go crazy. Or that her heart would rip in two when she left. Those would’ve been great facts to know ahead of time.
Considering that nothing in Ur is what it seems, the mission proves to be more than she ever imagined. But more than her own future will be in jeopardy if Kamryn doesn’t succeed.
My Review:
This book surprised me. It was not really what I was expecting it to be— but I mean this is the most positive of ways. Like, wow. It is awwwesome.
So the story starts like other our world/other-world mixed books, with a heroine from our world finding herself in another world, then soon realizing she needs to do some rescuing. As cliche as this may sound, this book is quite unique, and had at number of surprises. Honestly, the ending was nowhere close to how I originally thought it would be.
As for the characters, I’ll first speak about the heroine, Kam. She was so stinking relate-able to me. She suffers from struggling to grow up, but not in a Peter Pan “I Never Want To Grow Up” way. It’s more like she wants to grow up, yet she does not want to relinquish the simple joys of youth. This is SO ME. I’ve never seen a character with this sort of struggle before, so I just loved this aspect of Kam, and how she came to terms with how to proceed with her future despite wanting to grip the daylights out of hold on to her past. She also has a funny sense of sarcasm, and how I do love sarcasm (Probably not a good thing, but I like it. #ialsoalmostuseitdaily).
Reese, Torin, The Duchess, and the boys (a.k.a. the treasures) were also fun, and were great additions to further the feel of the story. I have to say I had some pretty sad feels, though, when I found out who the treasures really were. Like… 😥
The world of Ur is also an interesting place. I especially liked the descriptions of the Duchess’s palace.
*thinks of more to write*
It is actually hard to review this book without spoiling too much, so I’m just going to wrap it up with a few last words:
This story is totally worth a read, especially for those who like a Christian YA that has a great underlining message that does not feel preachy, but instead crushes your heart with emotions. It is a fantasy, yes, but there absolutely is stuff that contemporary, 21st century people can relate to. I loved how the story blended together, and am pleased with myself for deciding to give it a try. *pats self on shoulder* I do plan to read more from this author, and totally recommend that you pick this one up. I give it a rating of four and a half.
Book Review Ratings:
5. Great Book!
4. I liked it!
3. Okay.
2. Did not like it.
1. Did not finish.
Purchase Links:
About the Author:
Desiree Williams is a dreamer by day and chocoholic by night. She lives in the beautiful state of Kentucky with her husband and daughter, where she juggles life as a wannabe supermom. Desiree is a lover of food and avoider of dirty dishes. She delights in making people laugh and strives to bring hope and love with her wherever she goes.
You can find out more about Desiree and her books at www.desireewilliamsbooks.com
Social Media Links:
Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Goodreads / Newsletter
Giveaway!:
Desiree has graciously offered to give away the following prizes: a “Make everyday an adventure” pillow, “Don’t Grow Up! It’s a Trap!” metal sign, book cozy, signed paperback of Illusionary, notebook with pens, sketch book with colored pencils, and a “Eat Cake for Breakfast” travel cup.
The winner of the grand prize giveaway will be selected on Monday, Jun 12th at approx. 9 AM (EST). The winner will be announced on my Facebook and Twitter pages.
Giveaway Link:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Blog Tour Schedule
June 5th Launch Day – HOPE through the Pages
Spotlight – Rachel Lopez
Book Review – Jebraun Clifford – Dream. Write. Repeat.
Interview – Jilligan’s Island
June 6th Book Review – Indie Book Reviews
Spotlight – Christian Book News
Interview – Bookworm Mama
June 7th Book Review – Zernia Blossom’s Books
Book Review – Prismatic Prospects
Interview – Dolphin18cb
June 8th Book Review – Lands Uncharted
Book Review – Seasons of Humility
Interview – Liv K. Fisher
June 9th Book Review – She Hearts Fiction
Book Review – Chrissi Reads
Spotlight – Dreams of Faerytales
Guest Post – Jannette Fuller
June 10th Wrap-Up Post – HOPE through the Pages
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She Hearts Fiction <3 