My Dear Illusion is Sarah Ready’s dive into romantic fantasy, and it is nothing like any of the previous works she’s written. The story follows Mari Locke, who has the ability to untie illusions. When Mari is partnered with Finn, a half-conjurer and half-human, to compete in the Hundred Year Game, she has a difficult decision to make, kill Finn in order to save herself and the world or see past her convictions and illusions that the games are projecting and differentiate between what is reality and fantasy.

Mari and Finn’s chemistry was a slow burn, yet there were obvious signs of their connection and attraction to each other. Their character development and growth were both gradual and definite as the story progressed.

This was a thick book and packed with extensive worldbuilding, fantastical elements, and a cohort of characters. My Dear Illusion was such a fascinating and exciting read, and the ending left me impatiently anticipating the next book. Truly a satisfactory read and a stellar beginning to a promising new series.

Thank you so much to W.W. Crown and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

So My Dear Illusion totally pulled me in. It’s this fantasy romance where the main character, Mari, has this rare power to break through illusions, and she gets thrown into this intense competition called the Hundred Year Games. Think Hunger Games meets magic and royal politics.

She’s supposed to help this guy, Finn—who’s half-conjurer and kind of the underdog—win the whole thing… and then betray him. But of course, things get complicated because he’s not just charming, he’s actually a decent person, and their connection starts to feel real.

There’s so much going on—twists, betrayals, magical duels—and you’re constantly questioning what’s real and what’s not, which totally fits the theme. The romance is slow-burn but emotional, and the stakes just keep rising.

If you like fantasy with strong character dynamics and a little romantic tension, I’d definitely recommend this one.

I’m a huge Sarah Ready fan, so I knew I was going to love My Dear Illusion—but I didn’t expect to devour it in one sitting and then immediately want to reread it.

This story had everything I adore about her writing: witty banter, emotional depth, and characters that feel so real you want to text them when you're having a bad day. The romance was the perfect blend of slow burn and swoon-worthy moments, with just enough tension to keep me grinning (and maybe yelling at the pages a bit).

The characters had amazing chemistry, and even the quieter moments hit hard in the best way. Sarah just gets how to write messy, complicated people falling in love, and it’s never boring. I laughed, teared up, and finished the book with a full heart.

If you’re already a fan, this one absolutely delivers. And if you’re new to Sarah Ready—this is a perfect place to start. Loved it, loved it, loved it.


*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Mari grew up in Hell Gate hiding from conjurers because of her rare ability to untie illusions. She is thrusted into the hundred year games which decides who will rule the world. She is ordered to get Finn to win the crown and steal it afterwards by killing him.

More magical than the writer's Ghosted series. More romantic too. Love the twisty plot... the suspense.... Really enjoy Mari and Finn together.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

My Dear Illusion is the perfect blend of paranormal, romance and talented storytelling. The paranormal side keeps the reader guessing with it's twists and illusions of not knowing what is real. The romance is deep and builds until you don't want to let go. A new Romantsy that is highly addictive!

This story is a trap in the most beautiful way. I love how cleverly the story plays with perception. It’s layered and unpredictable, full of shifting truths, moral knots, and raw human emotion. The writing is tense and elegant, never letting you feel entirely safe; just the way I like it. And, the romance is aching and so angsty. I never wanted out. Loved it.