Illusions by Aprilynne Pike Series: Wings #3
Published by HarperTeen on May 3rd 2011
Pages: 375
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
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"I don't do patrols, I don't go hunting, I just stick close to you. You live your life. I'll keep you safe," Tamani said, sweeping a lock of hair from her face. "Or die trying."
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 is returning to normal, Laurel discovers 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.
After reading Spells I have to admit I was not excited to read Illusions. I thought Wings was unique and offered a different spin of your typical Fey story, but Spells fell short for me. However, I’m happy to say, I did enjoy Illusions much better.
We begin with Laura at the beginning of senior year of high school. She is attempting to lead a normal life despite the troll attacks from the last book. Right from the start this book kicked off with Tamani enrolling as a foreign exchange student at her school. Obviously, this complicates her and David’s relationship. In addition to this, Klea has asked Laura to look after a mysterious Fey named Yuri.
The plot in Illusions was very interesting this go round. However, I have three major pet peeves about this book.
1. The Love Triangle
To a certain extent, I can tolerate love triangles, especially when they noticeably help move the plot along. But in Illusions the love triangle turned into an all out pissing contest between Tamani and David. I could feel the testosterone rolling off the pages. And David! I was so tired of him whining about Laura. But I have never liked David very much because his character feels underdeveloped to me. This is book 3 and I still don’t feel like we actually know much about him. Tamani is a much more interesting love interest and their connection/relationship makes sense.
2. The Mystery surrounding Yuri
Our characters are supposed to be trying to figure out which season Yuri aligns with, but for most of the book they are too busy fawning over Laura, while Laura thinks about college and acts as a referee to the two hormonal, teenage boys. I felt like most of the chapters were pretty useless to the book. And by the end of the book, Yuri’s season is pretty much the only thing we’ve found out. The premise was so interesting and I kept turning pages hoping to find out more about Yuri, but all I got was David and Tamani glaring at each other. Or, Laura yelling at David and Tamani. Or, David and Tamani duking it out in the school’s hallway. It got old really fast. I felt like Pike had a lot of potential with this book and she wasted it to prolong a series that has no business having a “book 4.”
3. The Ending
Don’t worry I won’t spoil it for you. But I will tell you that after all that anticipation on finding out what Yuri is, you find out and the book just ENDS. I actually turned the page and thought, “No way was that the ending!” I felt ripped off. I suffered through all the relationship drama and this was how I was rewarded?! Talk about a letdown.
Will I read book 4? Yea, I probably will in hopes that Pike pulls it together.
Steph Sinclair
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Anon
Umm…it’s Yuki and Laurel.