Illusions of Fate

by Kiersten White

[ladygrey]

There were definitely things I liked about this book. It's a unique premise and different world building. It has very good characters. But it's also a Kiersten White novel.

White does several things well. She writes quick, easy reads. She mixes things up. Her characters are pretty good. But a part of the quick, easy variable is that she's a superficial author. So, as much as I like the characters and the world - I want more. I want depth, because this is a cool world. And I want nuance. I mean, Jessamin is supposed to be a strong heroine but she's kind of obtuse. It's a little annoying that every time Finn wants to do something nice for her, her response is "Stop controlling me!" Now, in real life there is a fine line between when a man gives you a dress because you are a trophy and he's defining your identity and when he gives you a dress as a true gift to pamper you and display your beauty. A story without nuance can't draw that line and so every gesture of protection takes on an intent of weakening her, every gift has to be resisted because she can't succumb to him. Until she realized her obstinance was hurting other people and then she seemed to understand the difference between being gracious and being controlled. She became much more bearable at that point.

Eleanor is fantastic and surprising and fun. I adored her. Finn is dashing and charming and funny. Even the bird is interesting.

And also, I liked that it was a stand alone novel so everything is wrapped up (very neatly and quickly). But again, I liked these characters (mostly) and this world. I wanted more - for it to be delved into and the magic explored and for scenes to take their time and the characters to dwell on moments.

But that's not what Kiersten White writes. Sometimes it works better than others. Mind Games, for instance was perfectly suited to her style and gave us complex characters with conflicting desires and choices and lots of action. This... would have been much better with... more.