I don't even know how to put into words how much I liked this book!
The fantasy of it had me hooked from the beginning. The illusions, the tricks, the nine lives, the unpicking of the locks, the great challenges, all in present day New York!
I'm going to write a real review, but everyone even the slightest bit into fantasy as a genre needs to pick this book up.

REVIEW
cw: death, mentions of torture, war, addiction

Twenty-two-year-old Mari Locke grew up in Hell Gate, a home for lost souls in New York City. While some consider Hell Gate evil, she’s always considered the conjurers to be worse. Their illusions plunge the world into wars, famines, and plagues. She’s spent her entire life hiding from the conjurers because she has the rare ability to untie illusion.
On the night of her seventh death, Mari is thrust into the Hundred Year Games. A brutal, deadly event that decides which conjurer will rule the world for the next one hundred years.
Her ticket to the games is Finn Alterra, a half-conjurer, half-human with no chance of winning. Her orders: get him to the winner’s podium by whatever means necessary, steal the crown off his head, and kill him. If she succeeds, she’ll save the world and herself. But there are games within games and illusions on top of illusions in this world. Nothing is as it seems, and no one is who they claim to be. As Mari grows closer to Finn, the man she’s destined to kill, she begins to question what is illusion and what is real. And most importantly, if either she or Finn will leave the games alive.

I will preface this review by saying I don't read much fantasy, and even less romantasy, so I can't really compare My Dear Illusion to its contemporaries, nor can I judge whether the characters, world-building, and magic system are completely unique. What I can say is I found them all fascinating, and I was gripped until the last page. I requested this ARC because I LOVE Sarah Ready's writing, and I would read the telephone book if she wrote it. This book is almost as long as one at 906 pages, but those pages were well plotted, and I loved that the author really took her time to develop this imaginary world that coexists with New York City. There were some especially lyrical qualities to her writing in this book.
The first third of the book focused on the magic system, the history of the Hundred Year Games, and introduced the four conjuring houses and main characters. And then we were off, with the preparation for each game, and all of the subterfuge and plotting behind the scenes. On the way, Mari gets to know various conjurers better (and there are a LOT), either by necessity or accident, and these scenes only add to the richness of the world. I will try not to spoil any of the intricacies in this story, which means most of this review probably won't make much sense, but just know I want to talk to anyone who reads this book because there is SO MUCH to talk about!
I found Mari's backstory fascinating, and I really enjoyed all of the elemental characterisations. The two POV's really worked well together to show us what was happening within the games and the events outside, and between. Mari was such an interesting character, and I really appreciated the conflict between her emotions and her orders. My heart broke for her when she explained how she became a nine, and her fears of what happened afterwards. Her friendships with Griff and Justice, the other orphans at Hells Gate, were sweet, and I liked how she could still see Justice's duality, even though she worried about him. My heart ached for him several times, but Mari's recollections about when he was young made my heart break
Though this book definitely sways heavily in the favour of fantasy with romantic elements, I enjoyed the yearning between Mari and Finn, and the teeny tiny hints of the possibility of something more, even though there was the omnipresent threat of death hanging over both of them.
Finn was such an enigma early on, but I found the descriptions of his addiction really well-written, and I loved his sense of humour. I also loved the way his friendship with both Mari and his half-brother, Darin, developed. Darin also really grew on me, and the pizza scene made me giggle.
It would be impossible for me to talk in detail about the conjurers without giving away a lot of the plot, but the illusions were inventive and intriguing. I loved the idea that world events were shaped by which family held the crown, and how everything from the Dark Ages to one of the Renaissances could be tied back to the conjurers in power. It felt especially relevant that the four houses that were to fight in the Hundred-Year Games mirrored the upheaval in our world at the moment. I enjoyed learning more about the notable members of each house, and in doing so, most of the offspring surprised me. On the surface, there was at least a suggestion of evil in each of them, but the more we discovered, the more was revealed about each of their weaknesses, which often mirrored human traits such as friendship, loneliness, fear, poor health, and family expectation. My heart ached when we discovered how isolated Jacob Ward felt, but I liked him a lot, and all of the chapters with his elemental sidekick were fun. The crown that Mari was made to wear was so well-written, and the various games and traps were often gruesomely ingenious. But there were also some lighter moments, and Luvic Bard was hilariously mischievous at times. I cackled at the scene in the closet. The beach day was also a fun interlude to the games
But all of the games and subterfuge were leading to an explosive ending. The final duel and aftermath were exhilarating, and, while I guessed a couple of the twists early on, their reveals were just as satisfying as I'd hoped. But chapter eighty-three made me SOB! Seriously.
While this book was lighter on the romance side than I expected, once everything slotted into place, it made PERFECT sense, and I was only left desperate for the next book!
A truly engaging read. I cannot wait for My Beautiful Reality.

Overall Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.75
Heat Rating: 0.5

I really tried to get into this one, but it was ultimately a DNF for me. I felt like I was thrown into the story, and the explanation Mari was providing was so convoluted that I had no idea what was happening. I think if I had been able to stick it out, I might have come to appreciate it (at least, that’s what I’m gathering from other reviews) but I would rather focus my energy on another book at this time. I still love Sarah Ready as an author, though!

dnf @ 15%

As a big fan of Sarah Ready's romance stories, especially the ones laced with magical realism as I am a huge fantasy reader, I was eager to read this book when it was announced. Sadly, I found the writing style so painfully different from what I expect from this author. It was obvious Ready was attempting to be poetic with the writing and stylistic choices, but the initial world-building, outline to the stakes, and character foundations were too weak for me to find true interest in. I kept trying to read on, hoping it would spark some reason to invest into why this book was 900 pages long, but I was unsuccessful after 135 pages and realised this story just wasn't for me this time.

I am a big fan of Sarah Ready! But not this book.

Where to start. The detail in this book is overwhelming from the start. The introduction to the characters and the premise of the book take forever. This is a dark book with lots of death, betrayal, and lack of trust. Reading it has been torture.

I usually like to read and listen to Sarah ready books. This book has not been available in audio, so I was stuck with reading this very long story. I count on Sarah Ready books to make me laugh. I also enjoy the way she writes romance, her books are not just the old fashioned boy meets girl. I read Sarah Ready when I need a break from historical fiction. This book just did not work for me on so many levels!

What a ride! This is a different story than I have read from Sarah Ready before, but I enjoyed it just as much as her contemporary romances.

Mari is a complicated and interesting character. The moments that felt like she broke the fourth wall made it seem like she was telling me the story. Sometimes that style is a bit cheesy but here it worked well. I was drawn into the story very quickly and I didn't want to put it down.

This book is definitely long, and it is not the end of Mari's story, but it felt like it flew by. I loved the writing style, character growth and back stories, and the world building was great.

I can't wait for book two!

I’ve always been intrigued by Sarah Ready’s writing style. The concept of My Dear Illusion is unique and thought-provoking. Emotional investment in the story is almost a requirement, and this book delivered that and so much more.

Yes, the story was on the longer side, and a few pages could have trimmed it down. But aside from that, it stands out as one of the most original romantasies I’ve read. When you find yourself starting to like a character like Wind, you know you’re completely invested.

This book may not be for everyone, and I might even reread it before diving into the next installment once it’s released. Still, it was so worth it. It left me satisfied and fulfilled my constant craving for something unique in a story.

A story that will have you guessing and wondering who you can trust. Mari is trying to steal something so she can give it to her bosses. She is able to unravel illusions, unlike anyone else. This book has a little of everything and was enjoyable to read.

I liked how there was an another point of view in this book, which these chapters were beautifully written and fantastic. The banter and underlying love story were nice as well. The story leaves us with a doozy of an ending, which is perfect for leaving us intrigued for the next book.

I really like Ms, Ready’s books and can’t wait to read the next book. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

There were good things and bad.

Good things
-Sarah's style of writing is captivating as always
-the romantasy theme was unusual based on illusions
- the ending and climax come fast in the end

Bad things
- the length, too much world building that was a bit rambling at times, could definitely have shrunk by a few hundred pages
-the romance read more as a friendship vs. Something deep
-Definitely not a typical Ready read which may throw some of the audience off

#MyDearIllusion #NetGalley

My Dear Illusion is a captivating romantic fantasy that immerses readers in a world where illusion and reality intertwine. The story follows Mari Locke, a young woman with the rare ability to unravel illusions, as she becomes entangled in the Hundred Year Games—a brutal competition among conjurer families to determine the ruler of the magical world.
Ready crafts a richly detailed universe, blending elements of magic, mystery, and romance. The narrative is layered with complex characters, each harboring secrets and desires that drive the plot forward. Mari's journey is both thrilling and emotional, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the blurred lines between truth and illusion.
The novel's pacing is deliberate, allowing for deep character development and world-building. However, some readers may find the intricate details and shifting perspectives challenging. Despite this, the story's depth and the unexpected twists make it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and romance.

This is such a unique and mind-bending read. The world-building instantly pulled me in, dark, political, and layered with illusions that felt both dangerous and fascinating. Mari Locke is an incredible heroine with the rare ability to unravel illusions, and her forced entry into the deadly Hundred Year Games kept me hooked. I loved the tension between her and Finn Alterra, and the way their relationship blurs the lines between truth and illusion. I found the magic system and the twists worth it. The mix of romance, danger, and heartbreak left me eager for book two.

Mari is a 9. She has 9 lives and when she dies in her last life she will become the tool of a terrible being named Jagger. She knows her time is short since she is down to just 2 remaining lives. When Jagger sends her into the Hundred Year Games held by the conjuring families, she is sent into a dangerous world of intrigue that she does not understand. If she can help Finn win the games, she will win a boon from Jagger but if Finn loses so does Mari. Through danger, politics and family dynamics, Mari has to find a way to come out on top and protect the people she cares about. Can she survive or will she lose her last life?

I have to be careful about what I say in this review because I don’t want to give away any of the minor plot points that end up being major plot points at the end. I will say this story ends on a cliffhanger. The author creates a world of conjurers that live alongside the humans and other supernatural creatures. The world is complex and has a lot of moving parts. At times I felt like the author was trying so hard to be unclear to help the big ending that it was actually unclear what was happening. The example I was going to give might give away part of the story so I won’t give it. There are a LOT of characters. Every single one of them plays a role in Mari’s life and the conclusion of this story. One of the characters is the wind. I understand why that was done but it made the story very odd. The themes of family are well done as are the themes of self determination and free will.

This is a fantasy novel set in New York. The writing style is formal and sometimes stilted. There are quite a few passages about belief, the universe, and forces beyond your control. It is complex and obviously planned out. I didn’t really enjoy reading it because of the writing style. I think the author did a good job world building. I don’t know if I’ll read the next book in the series but I will read more from this author in the future because I normally like their books.

My Dear Illusion hooked me right from the start with its dark, twisting world of secrets and illusions. I loved Mari as a heroine—tough, conflicted, and constantly questioning what’s real. The Hundred Year Games are brutal and addictive to follow, and the slow-burn tension between Mari and Finn kept me turning pages late into the night. If you enjoy dangerous magic, high stakes, and morally gray choices, this one’s a must-read.

Sarah Ready is an auto-read for me, and with My Dear Illusion, she delivers a richly imagined fantasy that had me hooked from page one all the way through to the final, heart-stopping twist. I didn't even glance at the page count before diving in (900 pages!), but honestly, it didn't matter.

Set in a world where illusions shape reality and trust is a dangerous gamble, this story drops you headfirst into a deadly power struggle among conjurers' families who can warp the senses and rewrite reality itself. At the centre is Mari Locke, a young woman with a rare gift: she can unravel illusions. Raised in the shadows and haunted by her past, Mari is thrust into the brutal Hundred Year Games with a single mission: to get Finn Alterra to the winner's podium, steal his crown, and kill him. Simple. Except nothing is what it seems in this world, and no one, not even Mari, is exactly who they appear to be.

One of the things I loved most was how deeply layered this world is. The conjurer families, the Smiths, Wards, Clarks, and Bards, each bring their own flavour of magic, ambition, and danger. And as the Games unfold, the betrayals, shifting alliances, and reveals keep coming. Some moments genuinely caught me off guard—in the best way.

Yes, the book is long. It's a commitment. But not once did I feel like I was slogging through filler. The book kept me entertained. There was twisted politics, the magic system was interesting, and the complex emotional lives of the characters. Speaking of characters: Mari is fierce but fragile, and her inner battles are just as gripping as the external ones. And then there is Finn's arc, which is equally compelling, especially as addiction, vulnerability, and trust all come into play. But my personal standout? The Wind. I won't spoil anything, but what a character indeed.

I can't wait for the second instalment in 2026.

Thank you to NetGalley and W.W. Crown | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and W.W Crown for the ARC of this incredible book!
Wow! This was my first Sarah Ready and I was not disappointed. Each character managed to hold their own and the mysteries and betrayals were riveting. There are two perspectives in this book. Mari is sent into the 100 year games to be a body for Finn, a null Smith. Confused?
4 Families, a series of 4 Games every 100 years to determine who wears the crown and rules (humanity?) for the next century. But twists and turns make the reader start wondering who to trust as she navigates these games, families, and the deal she made Jagger (lets call him her boss for now).
The second perspective, and arguably the most interesting, is that of the wind. Mari can’t travel into the games, so having the perspective of the wind that can travel everywhere was a really creative way to tell those stories. My favourite game was the third, not just for the game itself but also the scenery. I want that castle.
The romance in this was definitely a slow burn, and I really appreciated it. It didn’t take away from the overarching plot and was just there as a sprinkle.
While the book was incredibly long, I felt that pretty much everything was necessary. The story was well written, everything got explained, and I had a great time.

Overall this is a great urban fantasy with a romantic subplot (emphasis on the sub). The elements of games and trials wasn’t unique, but the story and delivery made it a very unique book that I haven’t seen before. I can not wait for book 2!
4.5⭐️

I really wanted to like this book. I DNF'd it at 20%. I was having a really hard getting into the world building.

My Dear Illusion by Sarah Ready is a dark romantasy packed with magic, illusions, high-stakes games, and unforgettable characters. At nearly 900 pages, it’s an immersive ride with intricate worldbuilding and a unique dual POV including Mari and even the Wind’s perspective.

The slow-burn romance between Mari and Finn is full of tension and growth, and the supporting characters adds so much depth. While the beginning takes some patience, the payoff is incredible. This has mind-blowing twists, emotional highs, and a finale that leaves you desperate for book two.

A bold and brilliant series starter, perfect for readers who love their romantasy dark, emotional, and epic.

I am a huge fantasy/romantasy reader and I love epic fantasy, all the worldbuilding, and character development that comes with it. I fully went into this book expecting to love it but I was immediately bogged down with so much descriptive prose that it made it very difficult for me to connect with the world and the characters. The premise is very appealing with a contest called the Hundred Year Games to decide the next conjurer to rule the world and I love the setting of an alternate New York City, but the pacing was kind of hit or miss for me, which led to me ultimately DNF'ing this book at almost 20%.

If you are a fan of games, paranormal fantasy, and complex characters, then I think you would really enjoy this!

Thank you to Netgalley and W.W. Crown for the eARC for review consideration - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

This book. Wow. Where do I begin? First of all, the way the author writes and tells a story is unlike anything I’ve read before. I really enjoyed it. The main character speaks to you, the reader, as if you’re in the story. The other perspective you get throughout is from the wind who is a character in this book. There are a lot of twists and turns - some you see coming and some you don’t. You spend most of the book waiting for the reveals but I warn you, you’re not prepared for all of them. Really blown away by this book.

Not much spice, I’d say low-medium.
Dangerous competition to rule.
Orphaned heroine.
Secret identities.
Illusions galore.

Read it, now!

4.25⭐️

I loved the concept of this book and the story that was underlying the excessive amount of pages. It was hard to get through some parts of the book as the pacing ebbed and flowed due to long stretches of imagery and description. The author is great at giving detailed descriptions and providing wonderful imagery but I felt like it was just too much and took away from the plot of the book. There were also some loose ends here and there that didn't seem to be explained.

That said, I really did enjoy the story but it just felt disjointed between chunks of descriptions before we got back to the story. If you love descriptive writing and poetic imagery then this book is definitely for you! That type of writing is generally not what I lean towards, which might be why it was a little harder for me to get through those parts. However, I am so glad that I did! The world was so intriguing with the magic and illusions. The characters really shine in this book and make you come to care for them. I loved Mari so much and yes the romance isn't as obvious as you would expect in a "Romantasy" book but I felt that it was more subtle but still with a tension between the main characters.

I will definitely be continuing with the second book but I do hope that it is slightly shorter. I love the descriptiveness but it does need to be slightly trimmed down.

Thank you to NetGalley and W.W. Crown for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!