Illusions of Fate

by Kiersten White

ISBN: 9780062135896
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: September 9th 2014
Number of Pages: 288
Source: Local Library
Goodreads Summary: Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.

My Rating:  

Kiersten White never fails me! I love every book I've read by her (I only have one left to read - The Chaos of Stars) This book is a wonderful mix of romance and magic with underlying tones reminiscent of colonial times.

Jessamin (such a unique name, which has part of my name in it, so it pretty much rocks) has left her beloved island home of Melei to come to the county of Albion to gain an education (though women can't study math & science, which is what she really is interested in!). She runs into a spot of trouble and a handsome young lord, Finn, steps in to help her.

She is then dragged into this battle between Finn and Lord Downpike, the Minister of Defense.

 

"Yes, sir, I am hiding from two mad magicians, one of whom tortured me, and the other of whom wishes to set me up in a beautiful estate with servants and anything I require." - Illusions of Fate, 101

In addition to all the magic (I love the back story of the royal families), there is this quite a bit of blatant commentary on colonization.

In one of her classes, the teacher (also Jessamin's father, who of course refuses to acknowledge her presence) asks his students what top "improvements" have been made through colonization. The answer?

"Improved infrastructure. Eradication of pagan superstitions and beliefs. Education. Increased safety with Alben police forces and state protection. Introduction of advanced medical discipline." - Illusions of Fate, 11

To this, Jessamin asks,

"What about the steep rise in infant morality for the period of twenty years after colonization. Taking Melei as an example, death rates among infants went from one in ten to one in five and have only recently begun to taper off." - Illusions of Fate, 11

There are references to the dark color of her skin and even her temperament: 

"You have all the spirit and passion they've been careful to breed out of Alben women."- Illusions of Fate, 70

We have the lovable characters of Sir Bird (who freaked me out at first, but he grew on me!) and Eleanor! She was my favorite character I think. Playing the dumb blonde but really is one smart cookie ;)

Lots of romance but I love the fact that Jessamin insists on being independent. She doesn't need a man to take care of her and that is that. Her interactions with Finn made me smile.

Overall, an excellent STANDALONE book featuring my favorite things: magic & romance!

*Interesting fact: Albion, is the oldest name for the island of Great Britain!