There are so many amazing things I could say about this book, I don’t even know where to start. Set in the wonderful era of the 1920’s and right in the heart of New York, this story is charming, suspenseful and incredibly thought-provoking. To some people, “historical fiction” feels synonymous with “boring” but Teri Brown does a truly excellent job at making this story the complete opposite.
Plot Overview
Anna Van Housen has spent her entire life thus far traveling with her mother, who is a renowned medium and mentalist. Very gifted in magic and illusions herself, Anna helps her mother with her stage shows as well as her private seances.
Despite working very closely with her mother, Anna has managed to keep one thing from her: her powers. While her mother may be a fake, swindling the rich and desperate for large amounts of money, Anna has true abilities which she does her best to suppress and hide from everyone around her.
Though she makes every effort to hide these gifts, as she and her mother finally decide to actually settle down in New York, her powers begin to grow stronger and more prevalent, and she meets a mysterious young man who might just know more about Anna and her secrets than he lets on. As she and this boy grow closer, Anna is about to discover that she might not be alone in her plight.
My Thoughts
My overall impression of this book? Absolutely brilliant! The aura of magic that sits over this book is almost tangible. The story just grabs you by the neck and simply refuses to let go.
Incredibly Fascinating Mother-Daughter Dynamic
The relationship Anna has with her mother is very unique. I would honestly love to see what a psychiatrist would have to say about it. On the one hand, they’ve always depended on each other. Especially as a child, Anna, of course, needed her mother to provide food and shelter, etc. As Anna got a little older, she discovered her talents in performing magic and quickly became the opening act of her mother’s show. While her mother was the main attraction, Anna was always a crowd pleaser. It was because of her entertainment factor and the crowds she would draw that her mother needed her as a part of her show and a part of the business that went along with it.
Her mother also needed an assistant to help her successfully perform the illusions required to make her seances look real. What better assistant than your daughter who is already good at magic tricks, right? Well, the seances are a major cause for friction in their relationship. Her mother insists on them, and practically forces Anna’s participation. Anna is unhappy with them because although they bring in a good amount of money, Anna feels incredibly guilty conning sad, desperate people who’s loved ones have just died.
It’s because of this, as well as her mother’s generally very self-centered nature that the state of their relationship hangs precariously by a single thread. It’s perfectly fine in the public eye and yet, just under the surface, it’s ready to explode at any given moment.
It was really quite fascinating, seeing the progression and development of this relationship.
The Most Magical Atmosphere
This book creates a new world all its own. It really does, it’s written so eloquently that you just get lost in it. The 1920’s were such an intriguing and enchanting time already, that the addition of sleight of hand, illusions, and ultimately real power, just add to the absolute magic of the whole story.
The mystery that is created by the life that Anna and her mother lead is enhanced by the places the story is set in. There are scenes in dark, sketchy alley ways, all the way to high profile, expensive restaurants where the richest people in New York are able to do whatever they want; even if that includes serving and drinking alcohol during the prohibition. It makes me a little jealous of Anna, but also grateful that her life isn’t mine at the same time. She has a lot of responsibilities, and her life isn’t that of a normal 16-year-old girl. Ultimately though, she has to make a choice to create the life that she truly wants.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a little excitement, a few chills and thrills, a touch of creepy and a whole lot of suspense and magic, then this should be at the top of your reading list. Overall a wonderful story with some really amazing and complex characters. I got completely lost in this story and I wasn’t able to put it down even when I tried. A book to remember for sure, one that is definitely going on my read-again list.
Have you read Born of Illusion? I’d really love to hear your thoughts! Let me know in the comments below 🙂
Want To Read?
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I’m not sure if I would go for historical fiction. I’m a book lover but I read more to young adults, thriller, crime, sci-fi and mystery.
I think the only books I’ve read on magic are those of Sarah J Maas Queen Of Shadows or Trudi Canavan’s Black Magician series. It seems this book that you reviewed carry a darker theme than those I read.
It’s true that historical fiction isn’t for everyone, but this one doesn’t really focus too much on the actual historical aspect. I would probably classify it as a young adult novel as well. It fits in with that style of writing.
Glad you were able to give an honest opinion though! Not everyone is going to love everything, there’s no doubt about that.