The Illusions

Thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are intriguing, and the stories overlap and interweave well together. By the end I was completely invested in what would happen.

It is quite slow in the middle, and I felt the story dragging a little and going around in circles a bit. But it really picked up towards the end.

There are a lot of characters to grapple with - especially in the beginning (the changing names - Harriet / Harry, Cecily / Cecil / Cec also don't help). But overall this was an enjoyable read.

I did make the mistake of starting this during a very busy weekend and so it took me longer to get into than it normally would have.

I struggled with the start of this a bit as there were quite a few characters and I was getting a bit lost as to who was who and how they were connected, but that didn’t last too long. It soon becomes clear and you end up having about half a dozen people to keep tabs on, which is a nice amount.

I really liked the character of George. I can’t fully explain why but he just shone off the page like a friend you’d like to have. Cecil was a difficult character to fully liker or dislike, but I am erring towards the former. She struggles and unfortunately you have to cast your morals aside to survive, which didn’t often put her in the greatest light, but I think she was a fabulous character. Eadie was lovely. A businesswoman trying to stand out in an industry of men. Skarratt was an unpleasant man. Full of generosity but his true colours soon start to shine. The Professor was interesting. Not a big role but standout all the same. And Valentin. I spent most of the book undecided about him, whether I could trust him. I wanted to, but he is a complex character, and yet I think his good nature won out for me in the end. I won’t go into too much detail about any others for fear of spoiling it too much. But whilst it took a while to get to grips with the different characters and how they linked, I think Liz has actually achieved a very clever piece of writing here.

In my opinion, not a huge amount of ‘stuff’ actually happens. It’s a lot of talk and planning and plotting and performing, which I enjoyed immensely. I like a book full of character exploration and development which this had in abundance. It’s not full-on thrilling action, it’s quieter than that, it’s about deception, truths and lies. And yet it’s no less intense and fun to read.

Whilst we know (or do we?) that magicians and conjurors are full of tricks and deception, Liz has managed to evoke a real sense of wonder and magic throughout the story.

I loved the feel of community and family throughout and how family is not necessarily who you are related to, but what you make of it, and that’s important. It’s actually quite emotive. I didn’t think it would be. But it’s deeper than I first imagined it would be and you may find yourself shedding a tear once or twice.

I love Liz’s little love letter to the theatre in her historical notes at the end. I am also a great lover of the theatre and have been attending ever since I can remember. And they are truly magical places to behold and she’s really captured that awe and wonder.

I love the focus on women in this book. The 1800s weren’t a great place for women at any time, but for women trying to run a business, own a house, practice ‘magic’…Liz has given them a voice, and their rightful place front and centre.

I am always impressed when an author can develop a story like this. With so many people, so many storylines, pasts and secrets and lies, relationships and friendships, histories and futures. To be able to keep up and to worm them all together so seamlessly is beautiful.

Possible spoilers

This was just incredibly good fun.
It felt a bit like going on an adventure.
Some wholesome characters, some slightly sinister ones (I almost expected moustache twirling) mysteries, moving pictures and magic.
The whole thing a build up to the show at the end,
What a show it was.
I was left with a big smile on my face .
Very enjoyable.

Any historical books with a touch of magic is definitely my favourite genre and liz Hyder has ticked those boxes for me again. Loved the meticulous research, the characters, the magic, the illusions, the talk of seances and poppets but not so much the detailed descriptions of early moving pictures, but that is purely personal taste. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advance review copy.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book. When I saw this book in my emails I was super excited and it did not disappoint me. I absolutely loved the first book and this ... well this is a strong second book. The characters, the plot and the world building all top notch. 4.5 stars

The gifts by this author was one of my favourite books from last year so I was extremely happy to be given an arc for this book and it did not disappoint!
This was a sheer delight from start to finish with vivid characters, magic, wonder and beautiful storytelling, told from 4 different pov which all come together to give us a romp of an adventure which is hard to put down
I loved every minute of this and Liz Hyder is fast becoming on of my favourite authors with her exceptional writing

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

Charming , quirky and magical, rather like most of the main characters 4.5 raised

I read this with a happy smile on my face, almost all the way through, except when shouting out "oh no! oh no! " whenever any of the likeable major characters (that’s most of them) seemed to be in any imminent danger, whether from normal happenstance, or malevolent intent, whether through supposed evil magic, or purely human evil intent

Hyder, from the start had me deeply engaged with (almost) all her characters, and warmly sympathetic towards their foibles, struggles, desires and humanity.

In fact, if I have some slight reservation, it is that we pretty well know, from the off, just who are the ‘hiss the villains’ Thoroughly unlikeable and obviously not to be trusted by anyone with half a heart or half a brain, from the very get go.

Her far larger cast of utterly delightful characters all have obvious nobility and heroic natures, even if they have some foibles

Set at the tale end of the nineteeth century (1896) this has two major settings. One is that of the theatre, and, more specifically, follows 4 magicians, and their particular brand of magical illusion. Or perhaps, just, the possibility of magic itself, without illusion. The other is in the development of the art of photography, and, in particular, the very young development of the moving picture phenomenon, and how the use of the moving picture ‘illusion’ and the magician’s employment of illusion, might coincide.

This is also the trajectory of several love stories

As in the first adult book, The Gifts, which also dealt with the magical realm – but more obviously ‘supernatural’ magic – Hyder creates extremely strong, feisty, not to mention trail blazing female characters

Here, too my slight reservations. At times, I think the writer’s mid-twentieth century liberal values views are perhaps a little too universally given to her likeable group of heroic protagonists. This is particularly clear in their sexual attitudes and behaviours. I hate the term ‘woke’ as it has been tarred by the grimly unwoke as a term of abuse, but though there were always those who were far ahead of the thinking of their time, it is surely rare that every person of ‘goodness’, in earlier times, would have the more enlightened attitudes which one would hope many more of us would have, these days.

I noted this same reservation with The Gifts, but must also commend Hyder strongly in that though I knew it here, too, my analytical, critical faculties were suspended whilst I was actually reading, and have only arisen on reflection.

And my adoration of that tail end of the nineteeth expositions of the various wonderful acts of illusion, plus the excitement of the developing ‘moving picture’ story, was profound. This was a gorgeous, glorious, journey, and Hyder’s account, at the end of the book, on who and what were the springboards for her fabulous research and transforming imagination, was the cherry on the cake

I’ve emerged from a rich late Victorian magical submersion into a somewhat more mundane world

Firstly, I would like to thank the publisher for approving me to read a digital ARC of The Illusions by Liz Hyder. As always, the following views expressed are my own and honest opinions.

The Illusions by Liz Hyder is set in Bristol in 1896 and focuses on the farewell show of primo magician, The Professor. Preparations for the show bring together the main characters, Eadie Carlton, a projectionist and inventor, George Perris, a magician and successor to the Professor, Valentin, the Professor’s old friend and another magician, and finally, Cecily Marsden, an ex con-artist with a touch of magic about her.
This team along with their family and friends face many ups and downs along the way as they try to put on an outstanding show to celebrate the life and talent of The Professor. The biggest obstacle to overcome is the devious machinations of Roderick Skarrat, a jealous rival.

Thoughts:
The Illusions by Liz Hyder is historical fiction with a touch of whimsy and a dash of romance. From the very start I was pulled into this world of illusion and magic, and quite frankly I was loathe to leave it (so much so I spent several late nights reading). The author does a great job of building up the historical setting and capturing the wondrous world of performance magic.
I fell hard for the characters and became easily invested in each of their experiences and troubles. Each had their own talents and also flaws, which to me, made them feel more believable. Each had some secret or past that is gradually revealed as the story unfolds, rewarding the reader as they progress.
The book had a cosy feel-good vibe with fairly low stakes and yet still managed to build up momentum and tension as the day of the grand show drew near. The descriptions of the show itself did well to convey the awe of the audience and the adrenalin buzz of the performers.
I must admit I was concerned the ending would not live up to the rest of the book and I’m glad to report my worries were unfounded. The ending did well in tying up loose threads whilst also leaving the story open for us to imagine how the characters’ lives continued. I did predict a couple of the final reveals but in all honestly, I think I would have been more put out if I had been wrong.

I would highly recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy historical fiction. I enjoyed reading The Illusions so much that I have pre-ordered a physical copy, a rather nice Goldsboro Books edition to add to my bookshelves, as I know I’ll want to read it again. I’m also keen to read Liz Hyder’s other work, The Gifts.

There are some books that leave you feeling really good and elated when you’ve finished them; The Illusions is definitely one of those books. I’m sure most people love seeing magic and it was fascinating to learn about the early days of public magic shows and also about the beginnings of moving pictures. I loved all the characters in the book and how their relationships and friendships develop as the story progresses. Fittingly, as this is a book about the theatre and the stage, there is one very prominent “boo hiss” character who we soon come to hate. But a story like this needs a villain and we certainly get one here.
It was very interesting to read the Historical Note at the end of the book (and I urge all readers not to skip this). Fully meriting it’s five stars, it’s a book to lose yourself in and just enjoy the magic of it.

An immersive, atmospheric, captivating read that is a solid follow up to Hyder's first book The Illusions. Highly recommended!

A really fun historical novel, with some great magic thrown in for good measure! Some of the characters could do with a bit more fleshing out, but a great read.

Thoroughly enjoyed this "magical" book. Lots of characters to keep in mind, lots of sub-plots to pick over and a most dramatic closing sequence. In the end, highly entertaining and simply just great fun! What more can you ask for in a book? Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity of this A.R.C. and congratulations to the author, Liz Hyder.

I loved this book, and was drawn into it from the first page. I know Bristol well, so it was a treat to read a book set there. I also love anything to do with magic and illusion, so this book couldn't fail with me! I completely fell in love with the characters, and the story (predictable but with some real surprises) was a real joy. I will definitely recommend this book.

I was a big fan of the first adult book, the gifts, and so I had high expectations for this one.

It was a little different to the previous book, it felt more relaxed and less fantastical. The history element was nice and well researched.

Character wise they were pretty likeable, or unlikeable when required, but I have to say Cec was a little annoying and I found some of her choices unbelievable. I kind of felt like she was the kind of person who would tell and get help.

Otherwise though, this was a nice simple read. I had figured out the plot twist early on, but this didn't really spoil it for me.
Not extraordinary, but a good read, relaxing and easy to follow.

So where can I get a ticket to a show by these amazing Illusionists? That is my first thought after finishing this highly entertaining and original novel from Liz Hyder.
It took me a while to settle into the rhythm of the novel due to the number of characters and scenarios:
Cecily Marsden, our youngest illusionist, who is also an ex con-artist and may actually possess magic
Eadie Carlton, a projectionist and inventor
George Perris, a magician
The Professor, a famous magician
Valentin, another magician,
And associated family, friends and foes.
The tale tells us of the backgrounds of these characters and how they come together to create an incredible fairwell show for the Professor. Mixing fact and fiction, around the development of the early moving pictures, The Illusions, is a fast-moving and intriguing take that sweeps the reader along to the grand and satisfying conclusion.

It seems in late nineteenth century Bristol that you could not step outside your door without bumping into a magician, conjuror, medium, charlatan or illusionist. The place is positively humming with them, and despite there being showmen and honest entertainers, there are also those who would use tricks to defraud and give false hope to those grieving loved ones. There seem to be plenty of these, but there is also some more unexplainable magic and wonders of magic realism here. We have a cast of characters who belong to some of these, and more. The moving picture is in its infancy, and confuses and delights in equal measure. It will be brought into the drama and theatre of this tale.
I loved all the references to Bristol of a bygone time, as I knew it in my youth; the drama of the stage and the expectation and excitement of performance. The story very cleverly builds to a dramatic finale in the same way, and as always with illusions we are left not knowing what has happened before our very eyes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for the eARC of The Illusions.

The illusions is set in the late 1800s and I loved the grandness of the world. It felt richly described and the magic created mystery and intrigue as we deliver further into the story.
The writing on a whole was fantastic, the novel captured me from the start and I had a vested interest into the characters and the outcome of the storyline.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Illusions.

The Illusions by Liz Hyder
Publication Date 22 June 2023

In The Illusions the reader is welcomed into a world of magic, mystery and intrigue set in the late 1800s. I throughly enjoyed this lovely tale that captures the drama, excitement and grandness of the theatre and magic shows of the time.

For all there is the excitement of magic along with burgeoning romance along the way, there are also darker elements with twists and turns aplenty to keep the plot racing along until the spellbinding climax.

I was transported back in time while reading The Illusions and totally captivated as the story progressed and all the little threads were woven together. Liz Hyder really captures the atmosphere of the time period. I adored the little band of characters who found themselves bound together - and the odious Skarratt was a brilliantly portrayed villan!

I loved this book and would highly recommend to everyone who likes historical fiction with a sprinkling of magic, romance and strong female characters - Cecily and Eadie are a force to be reckoned with!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book, I found it very enjoyable and recommend it to lovers of historical fiction. Set in the late 1800's, it follows young Cecily as she moves from performing in shows with a man who rescued her from the streets to taking a bigger role within magic & Illusions taking place in Bristol. Life is never easy for Cecily, will she succeed?
The many important characters are very well written by Liz Hyder. The settings were realistic for the times. I easily found myself drawn into this magical world of illusion and magic. I wish i could watch one of these performances. Life in the 19th century without the technology of today means these illusions and the early moving pictures would have been quite intriguing to the audience.

The Illusions by Liz Hyder
This novel is set in Bristol in 1896 and concerns the final show by a master illusionist known as the Professor. At the show he intends to name his successor and two people vie for this position. Edie Carlton is a pioneer projectionist and photographer who is experimenting with moving pictures after taking over her father’s shop following his death. She becomes nvolved with George Perris one of the young men who aims to be the professor’s successor. There are however many twists and turns along the way and the involvement of those who pretend to be able to commune with the dead.
Liz Hyder creates the word of these illusionists extremely powerfully and builds up the tension in the story. I became fully involved in the characters and their lives in particular Eadie’s struggle to survive in a male dominated world. Roderick Skarrat is a character it is easy to dislike and his treatment of poor Cecily is powerfully created.
The ending was very satisfactory and brought together all the loose ends. I found it a very satisfying book and will be recommending it at my various book groups.
Many thanks to the author, the publishers and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.

A magical read about the earliest iterations of magic shows and Victorian cinema. This was a well-researched and engaging novel with some serious feel good factor. Likely to appeal to fans of the Illusionist (film, unrelated) and the Greatest Showman.

Really enjoyed this brilliant tale crammed full of magic. Great characters, intriguing storyline and entertaining from start to finish. Thanks to Netgallley and Manilla Press for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A hugely enjoyable tale of the birth of moving pictures and magicians and love in all its guises. There are quite a few characters but they are quickly established and it’s a great tale of triumph over adversity with just the right amount of magic sprinkled in.

Lots of fun, and the setting is beautifully drawn. The characters are many and varied, but I quickly got to grips with who was who, and it was easy to jump between the different storylines which prevented the story from dragging. I don't think this novel is quite as rich as The Gifts (though almost nothing lives up to that novel, it is basically perfect!) and I wasn't quite as gripped as I hoped to be. However, my expectations were through the roof after reading The Gifts, and The Illusions, while not quite as brilliant, is far from average. I will read everything Liz Hyder writes!

#TheIllusions by Liz Hyder is an enthralling tale a tale of love, power, and endless possibilities.

Liz Hyder intricately blends historical and fictional components, creating an extraordinary narrative that pays tribute to the art of magic and the emergence of motion pictures. Hyder masterfully crafts memorable characters, captivating settings, and an original premise that makes the book ‘unputdownable’.

Bristol, 1896. After the sudden death of her con artist master, young Cecily Marsden is left questioning her own dormant powers. At the same time, female film-maker Eadie Carleton struggles for recognition in a male-dominated industry, while magician George Perris sees the potential for moving pictures to revolutionise the art of magic. As their worlds collide, Cecily falls in love with the world of theatre and magic, but must also fight to save a grand illusionist spectacle from sabotage and harness her own true magical abilities.

With its compelling characters, immersive world-building, and gripping storyline, "The Illusions" is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure story. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, fantasy, or both, this book is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you spellbound.

Thanks to #Netgalley Bonnier Books UK, Manilla Press for the Advance Review Copy

#pudseyrecommends #LizHyder #MovingPictures #Magicians #Bristol
#HistoricalFiction #WomenInFilm #MagicRevolution #Illusionists #RealMagic #Pioneers #19thCentury #LoveAndPower #booklover #bookstagram #bookworm #bookish #booknerd #readmorebooks #readingtime #readingcommunity #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookclub #bookaddict #bookobsessed #mustread #newbook #bookishlove #bibliophile #bookcollection #bookshelfie #booknerdigans #booksofinstagram #bookblog #ReadMoreBooks #readingwithdogs #dogreadingcompanion #readingbuddies #readingchallenge #bookstagram #ilovebooks #readinggoals #readingcommunity #bookaddict #readingtime #bookrecommendations #readingpals

I totally immersed myself in this book on a rainy Sunday afternoon and it was perfect. The mix of romance and magic was just right and the historical setting of Bristol seemed perfect. Oh how I wish I could have seen that final show. If this gets made into a film, I’ll be right there waiting.

If you love magic,mystery and a touch of the supernatural this is the book for you. I loved the fact that the central character was a young woman at the forefront of moving pictures who ran a business, made short films,constructed projectors and combined these talents with the world of magic. Great book and very entertaining.

Thank you for this book, here is my 50 Word Review.

I was quickly drawn into a world of magic and illusions, power, lies, romance and friendship in this atmospheric historical novel. I sunk deeper into late Victorian Bristol with its vivid characters and potential for change. Not too dark or too light, this novel had near perfect momentum and tension.

Huge thanks to the publisher for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review. This was a gripping, magnificent mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A wonderfully, magical story set in Bristol in 1896. I love the illusionist kind of feel and the magician element was very well written - sophisticated and not cheesy at all.

There are multiple POVs which is right up my street - some love, tragedy, sadness, violence and a lot of heartwarming scenes.

Overall, an enjoyable, cosy and magical read which I would recommend. I have The Gifts on my TBR so will be picking that one up shortly too!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for my copy of the e-book.

Ah what a lovely, magical tale. Liz has a way of writing strong likeable characters and Eadie and Cec did not disappoint. We're taken back to Victorian Bristol and a time of Magic, Illusion, Spirituality and the advent of moving pictures. The story is of old magicians and their illusions, and a new breed of magicians and the technology they are able to use to amaze audiences. We follow The Professor and his Protégé George as they plan a final show so that the Professor can hand over the reigns to George. There is the jealous, devious Mr Skarratt who wants to be the next big magician, and he sets out to thwart the show.

This story weaves spirituality and magical realism into a rich victorian backdrop. Exploring issues that are still relevant today and basing some of the adventures on real life events kept me reading into the night. But most of all I loved the friendships and relationships in this novel. A heart warming read.

A really enjoyable book where once you got started it was hard to put it down. The magical elements were subtle and yet set the book apart from historical fiction, adding fun but also suspense. A 4 as initially it was harder to get into, as a lot of characters are introduced quickly, but once the plot started it was thoroughly engaging.

— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: The Illusions
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Liz Hyder
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Historical Fiction
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 22nd June 2023
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 19th May 2023
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5

”All done by kindness.”

The Illusions is a marvelous historical fiction novel with aspects of magical realism and roots in true historical figures. This book acts as a love letter to theatre and creative collaboration.

Based in Bristol during 1886, The Illusions is set in the period of time where animated pictures were a new phenomenon and magicians played a large part in pushing the magic and brilliant inventiveness or this technological advance.

This story really gave me everything. It was incredibly well written and so provocative. There were tones of sadness, violence, mystique, tenderness, and a heartwarming found family dynamic that really hits its stride towards the end of the story.

Speaking of the end of the story; the ending was so fabulous and climactic. I enjoyed it immensely.

—Kayleigh🤍
@ Welsh Book Fairy🧚‍♀️✨

‘The Illusions’ is a long book with a large cast of characters. As the story goes on you learn which of these characters are important and which are secondary and the relationships between the important characters become clear. At the start of the book, though, the characters are introduced one by one and it is not at all obvious what they have to do with each other.
The first person we meet is Arter Evans but he dies quite early on. The character who matters is his assistant, Cecily Marsden, always known as Cec. Cec appears soon after Arter, but the opening paragraphs are entirely from Arter’s viewpoint and this makes it difficult to immediately relate to Cec – a difficulty increased by introducing her in terms of what she has learned of magic, rather than how she feels about it.
No matter. A few pages later, Arter is dead and Cec flees to “the one person in all of Bristol that might be able to help”. So we meet Skarratt. There’s a hint that Cec does not like Skarratt. She's right not to – he’s a thoroughly unpleasant piece of work – but we do not know why she dislikes him so much or, indeed, why he is the one person who might be able to help.
No matter (again), for we leave Cec and are introduced to Eadie. She is picking at a loose thread on her dress. She is, we are told, nervous.
I am not one to insist that it is always a crime to ‘tell’ rather than to show, but it would be nice to occasionally see things internalised. If we were in Eadie’s head we would see that she was nervous. We would not have to be told that she picked up a loose thread “nervously”, nor that she is “reassuring herself” that she does not need to be frightened.
Perhaps there simply isn't time to get into Eadie’s head, for we are about meet another character, George Perris. They are both there for a séance. Eadie intends to expose such seances for the frauds they are. (I never quite worked out how but I may just not have been paying attention.) Perris’s approach is more direct. He breaks up the séance, causing real distress to the sitters. Eadie is angered by this and berates Perris but, already, she can’t miss that he is “one of the most handsome men she's ever seen”.
Somewhere in the roomful of characters at the séance there is another significant person in the story, but don’t try to work it out because now we are in Paris at a performance by Valentin, who is seeing visions of a woman called Olivia who…
You see why I was frustrated at this point.
Once the characters have come together and we know the relationships between them, everything makes a great deal more sense. The plot is quite complicated but revolves around a feud between Skarratt on the one hand and Valentin and George on the other. Valentin and George are putting on a magic show intended to cement George’s reputation as the greatest magician in England, while Skarratt is set to wreck it largely out of spite and jealousy. Fortunately for George both Valentin and Cec possess real magical powers with which they are able to foil at least some of Skarratt’s evil plans.
The story draws in the early days of moving pictures (Eadie is developing new techniques, though we learn little of the technology), and a complicated series of relationships as the characters (except the loathsome Skarratt, of course) sort themselves out into romantic couples.
The descriptions of tricks from the Golden Age of magic are fascinating, though I fear the author is often as misdirected as the audience. The thing about magicians is that they often seem to do things that appear impossible. This doesn't mean that they actually do impossible things, but some of the descriptions of the tricks here clearly are impossible. This means that the distinction between the tricks that are being done by expert magicians are difficult to distinguish from those which are being done by expert magicians who are also possessed of genuine magical powers. That, I think, weakens a central element of the idea behind the book. By the end (no spoilers) stuff is happening that is clearly absolutely impossible. In fact, so impossible that you would think even the audience would notice. But perhaps they, like us, are lulled into a false sense that it's all just a magic show by the number of impossible tricks they have witnessed from regular magicians. It's still odd that Valentin is prepared to do some of these tricks given that he is supposed not to be letting his friends know about his magic powers. Never mind: it’s a dramatic ending to the book.
The failure to show us how the characters feel, rather than just to tell us what they are feeling meant that they never really came alive for me. As a result, I found my interest slipping. On the other hand, I was drawn back in by the plot, which zips along. I had the impression that it was written more for younger readers who may be less worried by the rather two dimensional characters and more interested in the plotting, which is fair enough. If that’s you (or a young friend) you may well enjoy this book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Set during the time when photography and moving pictures were just beginning to breakthrough the character were loosely based on several people who lived and worked in the industry around this time. I love reading about magic and learnt quite a bit about it in this book. I also loved the supernatural/impossible aspects too.

Thank you to Netgalley for this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was my first book with this author and I really enjoyed it. I loved the suspense and magic and all the thrills within it. I wouldn't normally read a book like this but I chose it out of my comfort zone and it did not disappoint at all. Highly recommended.

I loved the opening chapters of this book - it opened a new world with an 'other' worldly feel to it. The story begins in Bristol in 1896 on a dark, stormy night when Cecily is following her master home. A freak accident brings down some scaffolding and kills him but Cecily believes she may have had something to do with his death and she wonders if she has powers she doesn't understand.
Meanwhile, in other parts of Bristol, an old magician is dying and wishes to pass on the baton of his success to a younger man and in a different area of town, Eadie Carleton is experimenting with very early moving pictures and creating cameras on which to record movement.
There are several stories going on early in the book and it takes a little concentrating to work out all the characters, however their connections to each other soon become clear and with in a short time it is clear who is who.
This is an interesting read. The author has created a very believable time and place through weaving actual historical figures with those from her imagination. The seances and mesmerists of the time are evoked by the cheating, manipulative character of Roderick Skarrat, creating a fascinating villain. The class differences are well portrayed as Eadie must work for a living while she and George entertain the wealthy. Cecily is the most interesting character and I would perhaps have liked more about magical abilities that are eluded to in the opening chapters, but it was not to be. Still a good read, full of historical detail, stagecraft and illusion.

This book was very good although I struggled with there being so many characters and the swapping and changing of scenes. This is in no way a reflection on the author as she is extremely talented. Having lots of characters and changes in location and story lines was too confusing for me.

This novel evoked in me childhood memories of books such as The Famous Five or Swallows and Amazons, where an endearing group of friends help each other through life and its adventures. I felt as safe and warm as a seven year old embarking once again on an alluring journey with cohorts captured in the pages of my book.
A novel of light and magic awaits you!

It took me a while to get into the story as the foundations needed to be in place. The setting and time period add to the drama. The jealous, friendship and romance are all entwined. Eadie and George are the central characters but the rest of the troop are rounded characters and have interesting stories of their own.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Illusions, it has fantastically flawed characters that make them very believable. The plot kept me on my toes, hoping for certain outcomes and wanting others not to happen, I loved the ending, it wasn't a total surprise but it made me very happy. Cec was my favourite character, I think that she'll find her new life hard; finding and believing acceptance from her friends, learning to develop her new powers, learning to believe in herself, it could easily go very wrong for her. I hope there is another book, so I can find out what Liz Hyder has planned for her.

Only just started reading in this genre and I’m glad I’ve read this one. Such a beautifully written magical story. Love the author’s imagination too.

What a magical experience awaits those who read Liz Hyder’s latest novel The Illusions. The plot essentially revolves around two women Cec and Eadie both of whom are irrepressible and ultimately loveable. Set in Bristol in 1896 in a time of early moving pictures and renowned illusionists and magicians, it is a brilliantly evoked period and the descriptions of the illusions are intricate and fascinating. I found this a captivating book with both a love story and a thriller at its core. Thanks to Bonnier Books for the ARC.

This book is an enchanting read. There is so much inspired by real life, particularly when it comes to the work of the stage illusionists. Because of it, Liz Hyder has created a rich, believable world that is easy to immerse yourself in. A real touch of magic.

This was simply magical! The description of the magician's performances were so detailed that I actually felt like I was in the audience, watching the scene play out on stage ... my mind was blown just like any audience member with the illusions described, there is definitely a touch of the impossible here!

A well-researched story couched in history, telling the fascinating story of the development of 'moving pictures' and the art of magic, explored through the relationships between a select group of people. I adored George, Eadie, Valentin and Cec equally, and praise Hyder for not only spotlighting female pioneers but ensuring they are central to her story. Perhaps this was not quite accurate for the time of the story, but nevertheless women's contributions have been overlooked and it is wonderful to see them taking centre stage - quite literally!

Highly recommend - you will certainly be astonished!

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

Liz Hyder is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. This is such a richly drawn book, full of history and magic. I enjoyed it greatly.

This really is delightful, and continues the promise of 'The gifts'. There's the odd anachronistic stylistic clunk, but overall I enjoyed it hugely. It is, if you like, feelgood, but not in a brainlessly fluffy way. Loved it.

This is a truly magical book, full of intrigue, romance and a touch of the ‘impossible’. This book took me by surprise by how invested I would become with every character from the different points of view. Usually, there is at least one pov I am less interested in. Here this was the complete opposite. Every character, including the side characters, had an exciting story to be told. There is something about The Illusions that completely enchanted me, and it is definitely now one of my favourite historical fiction reads. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.

Loved this! The multiple POVs kept me intrigued, and the setting was utterly magical. Plus I live close to Bristol, so reading a book set there was an added treat. And the dawn of cinema is always going to be fascinating. Definitely recommend this!!

Once again, Liz Hyder wrote a marvellous and magic book full of imagination and interesting characters that make the reader wonder and suffer at the same time, all in the name of magic!!!
Cleverly written and presented, full of kindness and hope, is a story not to be missed.

I loved this! It was intriguing and full of interesting characters and strong women.

I’m really enjoying historical fiction set around theatres or performances at the moment and this fit the bill. I’d say this is up there with my other recent favourites The Whispering Muse and The Square of Sevens.

I liked the various difference relationships between characters as there were multiple stories to become invested in. I really liked both Valentin and Cec and George and Eadie, but even the more peripheral characters weren’t just there as filler and had their own challenges and resolution, it was a very satisfying read.

I’d definitely read more from this author and highly recommend this book.

{AD|GIFTED} Set in nineteenth-century Bristol, THE ILLUSIONS explores the mesmerising, yet sometimes cut-throat, world of magicians. Alongside this, the author entwines the practice of photography and animated pictures, drawing from the contemporary breakthroughs in these areas. The book can be categorised as magical realism but the true magic is only a very small component of the story.

I loved the beautifully complex characters as they were all fully fleshed out and authentic. They are fictional but borrow from real-life historical figures. The women especially were a joy to read as they were smart, ambitious, and memorable. Cec was a particularly charming character and some of my favourite moments were her interactions with Valentin. Her journey was probably the greatest in the story. I also thought Eadie was a fascinating character, a businesswoman trying to carve her place in a world built by and for men. Her relationship with her brother Louis was wonderful and I was completely engaged by her growing romance with George.

The main thing that shone through this book though was the warmth and kindness of this group of characters. They shared so much love and friendship that led to some truly emotional scenes. No matter how dark things got, they kept hoping for brighter times and strove to bring some of that light into the world themselves. A beautiful story of friendship, magic, love, and hope. Highly recommended.

Bristol, 1896. Cecily Marsden (Cec) is the young assistant to an ageing con artist and her life is turned upside down when he suddenly dies. As she has powers that she little understands, she blames herself for his death.

Meanwhile Eadie Carleton, is a pioneering early film-maker of talent, struggling to be taken seriously in a male-dominated world, and a brilliant young magician, George Perris, begins to see the potential in moving pictures. George believes that if he can harness this new technology, it will revolutionise the world of magic forever, but to achieve his dreams, he must first win over Miss Carleton.

As a group of illusionists prepare for a grand stage spectacle as a memorial to one of their number, Cec, Eadie and George's worlds collide. But as Cec falls in love with the bustling realm of theatre and magic, she faces the fight of her life to save the performance from sabotage, and to do so she must harness the element of real magic held deep within her.

Once you have all the various characters set firmly in your head, you are swept along by this engaging historical fiction, which is both a testament to the pioneers of film, and a love story to the theatre. Clearly underpinned by masses of research, which it wears lightly, the historical and technical facts never bog down the story, the action or the characters.

Woven in with the plans for the ground-breaking stage spectacular, are several romantic relationships, (and as always, the course of true love never does run smooth), as well as a delicate thread of real, genuine magic.

This is an enjoyable, well written, and well plotted novel, with characters you love dearly, and some you genuinely love to hate. Liz Hyder skilfully weaves her own magic, drawing together all the various threads and wrapping everything up into a satisfying and truly heart-warming conclusion. I loved it!

Thank you to Bonnier Books and Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was good fun and gave a slice of the period without being too serious or didactic. Its magic theme did not particularly attract me at first, but I was won over by the story-telling and the combination of two girls' lives, told separately at first but dovetailing as the novel went on. The stories are different but linked by the magicians that dominate the narrative, although it is the women in the plots that finally engineer the triumph of good over evil - with a little help from the kindness of magic that runs through the book. The actual story was not particularly new or innovative, but was such a gentle and interesting tale, relying on the fortunes of the two female protagonists, that it did not seem to matter. Overall a magical read.

Magical tricks and delights!

March 1896 Bristol is where the book starts.
Arter Evans and Cecily Marsden, Ces, are scraping a living, until tragic circumstances changes Cec’s life.
From now onwards Cec meets a various range of characters. New people who come into her life for better or worse?

For me reading this book gave me so much pleasure, and I enjoyed it immensely. From the first few pages I knew it was going to be a good book, one I would remember.
I loved the authors descriptive writing style. I could feel the characters coming alive within the pages, and in my head. Exciting, interesting.
A book about people who entertain for a living, conjuring, magical tricks and delights.
I absolutely loved it!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about this book are entirely my own.

A lovely quirky story full of eccentric and loveable characters in the lovely setting of late Victorian Bristol with plenty of skullduggery, magical events and plot twists, it's a joy to relax and read such an entertaining story. There are people choosing to create their own family from friends and staying close together when events threaten to overwhelm them, and there is some lovely debunking of the usual characters you might expect to find in such a story. A really feel-good novel with lots of period detail and imagination at play.

An enchanting tale of friendship,love, deceit, magic and disappearance.

Our protagonist Cec is such a likable character and I loved seeing how She grew as a person. Both in confidence, abilities and knowledge of her own power and magic.

Set in the late 1800s, we are transported to a time where magicians egos and own goals drove them to underhanded dealings. Often this put themselves and others at risk.

All the characters were perfectly created and the story line was captivating, humourous, surprising and magical. Perfect!

This is a strange book in some ways. It’s quite slow at the beginning, with a host of characters and I wasn’t entirely sure what was going on. But then I treated it as a journey; a mystery trip where the destination is unknown. With no expectation as to how it was going to pan out or end, I was then swept into the whole story.

It’s really a number of stories which overlap. It’s great fun and I imagine the research is meticulous. It’s very different from. My usual read, but I found it intriguing, refreshing and a thoroughly enjoyable romp.

What a lovely, entertaining story. For all it's about magic and illusions it felt like a very honest thing to read. I very rarely read the acknowledgements at the end of a book, but I even enjoyed doing just that-learning something on the way. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A plot with some good twists and turns, good characterisation and atmospheric description.
It pulled me in straight from the get-go!
Highly recommended.