Review: Illusions



Illusions (Wings #3)

Author: Aprilynne Pike
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: 3 May 2011
Pages: 375



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.


Luna's Take:

It feels like I'd been waiting for the third installment in the Wings series for forever and a day, so you can probably guess just how psyched I was to finally have this in my hands! Ever since the first book, I'd been completely hooked into both Laurel's human world and the fantastical realm of Avalon.

Safe to say, this book did not disappoint. Tamani crosses the threshold into the human world by posing as a typical high school student, all for the purpose of being able to act as Laurel's guardian up close (and personal!). One of the main reasons I think Pike really impressed in this book is the fact that she fleshes out most of the characters so they become more 3-D to readers. Personally, I felt that Tamani's character was lacking a bit of description and personality in Wings and Spells. Before, it seemed to me that all he obsessed about was Laurel this, Laurel that, did Laurel have breakfast today because that's an essential meal in every faerie's life, etc. Not to say that he wasn't overly-protective of her in this book, because he was, but his motivation and willingness to execute his goals are much more evident to us. We are able to read some passages from his POV, as well.

The main problem at this point is the appearance of Yuki, who is a foreign exchange student later revealed as a rogue faerie in the human world. Tamani and Laurel, among others, are baffled by her existence, especially since Laurel is the only known scion. They do their best to tread on water around Yuki, fearful of their predictions on how much she might know or not know about themselves, and this mystery lasts throughout the majority of the novel, making the plot thicken considerably.

The passion between Laurel and her two favorite leading men is absolutely smexy, too. At times, it's true that the love triangle can be a bit maddening, but most times, it's pure hilarity to witness Laurel's constant internal struggle to choose between the two.

I would definitely recommend this to all fans of Pike's previous two books, and if you haven't picked up on this series yet, be sure to get your own copy of Wings! Scoot scoot!

Rating: 5/5