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Illusionary
Dorothy got sucked into a tornado.
Alice fell down a hole.
Wendy flew to Neverland.
Kamryn? She tripped down the stairs.
Now, Kamryn Kensington finds herself in a strange new world. Within minutes of her arrival, she dodges an archer’s arrow and avoids getting sliced up by a cosplay reject holding a dagger to her throat. And that’s before the storyteller’s breath brings stories to life.
Home is the mission—to return to her family and pursue her life’s dream of art and travel. Yet the longer she’s in the Land of Ur, the harder it is not to feel for the people she meets. Even her artistic side can’t help but breathe in the beautiful wonder and magic of this new world. So when the Oracle hands her a different quest, she takes it on the condition he sends her home afterward.
No one thought to warn her of a jealous queen and her dragon minions. Or that, by helping her, the cute storyteller would go crazy. Or that her heart would rip in two when she left. Those would’ve been great facts to know ahead of time.
Considering that nothing in Ur is what it seems, the mission proves to be more than she ever imagined. But more than her own future will be in jeopardy if Kamryn doesn’t succeed.
Alice fell down a hole.
Wendy flew to Neverland.
Kamryn? She tripped down the stairs.
Now, Kamryn Kensington finds herself in a strange new world. Within minutes of her arrival, she dodges an archer’s arrow and avoids getting sliced up by a cosplay reject holding a dagger to her throat. And that’s before the storyteller’s breath brings stories to life.
Home is the mission—to return to her family and pursue her life’s dream of art and travel. Yet the longer she’s in the Land of Ur, the harder it is not to feel for the people she meets. Even her artistic side can’t help but breathe in the beautiful wonder and magic of this new world. So when the Oracle hands her a different quest, she takes it on the condition he sends her home afterward.
No one thought to warn her of a jealous queen and her dragon minions. Or that, by helping her, the cute storyteller would go crazy. Or that her heart would rip in two when she left. Those would’ve been great facts to know ahead of time.
Considering that nothing in Ur is what it seems, the mission proves to be more than she ever imagined. But more than her own future will be in jeopardy if Kamryn doesn’t succeed.
232 pages, Paperback
Published March 20, 2017
About the author
Desiree Williams
11 books42 followersDesiree Williams is a dreamer by day and chocoholic by night. She lives in the beautiful state of Kentucky with her husband and daughter, where she juggles life as a wannabe supermom. Desiree is a lover of food and avoider of dirty dishes. She delights in making people laugh and strives to bring hope and love with her wherever she goes.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 19, 2020
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/06GnGYW2HLw
Got to beta read this about a month ago and so good! Looking forward to rereading it when it releases.
UPDATED REVIEW:
I loved this book so much more the second time around. The storyline is still amazing and definitely soaked in every single detail as Kam described the beauty around her (especially at one very beautiful place).
One thing that I don't think I fully appreciated the first time around was the Oracle and a certain scene with Kam and Reese. Those scenes so strongly encouraged me and helped me want to strive to truly be a battle buddy for others. It also made me thankful that the Lord is always with us, even in what feels like our darkest hour.
For those who love urban fantasy with a mix of humor, I still hands down recommend Illusionary. It's a beautiful and thought-provoking story. Plus, the romance was just awesome (and definitely made me cry at the end).
Don't miss out on this one, fantasy readers!
Got to beta read this about a month ago and so good! Looking forward to rereading it when it releases.
UPDATED REVIEW:
I loved this book so much more the second time around. The storyline is still amazing and definitely soaked in every single detail as Kam described the beauty around her (especially at one very beautiful place).
One thing that I don't think I fully appreciated the first time around was the Oracle and a certain scene with Kam and Reese. Those scenes so strongly encouraged me and helped me want to strive to truly be a battle buddy for others. It also made me thankful that the Lord is always with us, even in what feels like our darkest hour.
For those who love urban fantasy with a mix of humor, I still hands down recommend Illusionary. It's a beautiful and thought-provoking story. Plus, the romance was just awesome (and definitely made me cry at the end).
Don't miss out on this one, fantasy readers!
February 28, 2017
I got to beta read this, and guys, it's amazing! Definitely add it to your to-read shelf! :-D
September 28, 2017
Though I didn't love this quite as much as I loved
Sun and Moon
, the romance was simply darling. <3 And I loved all the little nods to Robin Hood, Snow White, Pandora's Box, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland woven throughout! ^_^
April 4, 2017
I ADORED this book. From the second chapter on, I could hardly put it down. It made me laugh, cry, and even swoon on occasion. Kam is a fantastic protagonist: easy to relate to, a great sense of humor, and so much heart. And Reese! *sigh* I just loved his vulnerability and the way he was drawn to Kam in spite of himself. Williams' world-building was very cool, and the mysteries and plot twists kept me guessing and turning pages.
If you enjoy fantasy mixed with humor and romance, you will love this book!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author*
If you enjoy fantasy mixed with humor and romance, you will love this book!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author*
June 8, 2017
Got to beta read this about a month ago and it's amazing! Looking forward to rereading it when it releases :) :) :)
Started reading this for the second time in April 2017, but had a few books to review first so put this one aside. Am picking it up now end of May 2017 :)
Just wow, can't i PLEASE give this book more than five stars?!!!! This story is perfect, it's everything I want to read in a sweet fantasy with tons of unexpected adventure with a main character who is charming, loyal, and very sarcastic when in uncomfortable situations and yet when she has the chance to quit, she goes onward to honor the Oracle's request. Then you have the guy, Reese, who has been heartbroken and is easily suspicious yet he is the truest of heroes and desperately needs to reconnect with the Oracle. Torin, the best friend and archer in the story (oh my i love their Irish accents in the dialogue), who is fiercely protective but also the comic relief in the story with his charm and unrelenting observations.
I would read this story again and again just to be around Kamryn!! She's tough, loves her family (i was touched with tears more than once), is talented, brave, has a faith that makes her shine, and is much stronger than she thinks :)
"Yes!" Torin threw an arm over Reese's shoulder. "Smell that in the air? A grand adventure awaits."
There's references to Narnia, the Wizard of Oz AND Alice in Wonderland (Paloma's castle is incredible, HELLO!), JUST as the summary describes!! I didn't understand this brilliance until the second time around :)
"Oh, really?" She lifted her brows. Heat blossomed in her chest. "Would you like to know what else is unnecessary? How about being eaten alive? That's unnecessary. Or being dumped in a parallel dimension and shot at by strangers. Let's not forget that. Yeah, I'm looking at you, Torin." The archer's blond head disappeared from view. "Being taken from my home is unnecessary. Having no one who believes in me is unnecessary. Losing my grandmother to cancer is unnecessary." Her voice cracked again, tears clogging her throat.
Do NOT pass this book by, do not shrug it off because you ALREADY have an impossible to-be-read list, the next time you're on amazon GRAB this book! You'll be thankful you did, you'll fall in love with great characters, and you will not be the same once you've finished it, it's just that good. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for fantasy lovers, but I truly believe that readers who enjoy clean adventures and heartfelt characters who experience danger and ultimately freedom will love this story every bit as I did. I took a chance reading this book and it was one of the best reading decisions I could make, I am so blessed by this author and now I'm eager to read more of her books.
Started reading this for the second time in April 2017, but had a few books to review first so put this one aside. Am picking it up now end of May 2017 :)
Just wow, can't i PLEASE give this book more than five stars?!!!! This story is perfect, it's everything I want to read in a sweet fantasy with tons of unexpected adventure with a main character who is charming, loyal, and very sarcastic when in uncomfortable situations and yet when she has the chance to quit, she goes onward to honor the Oracle's request. Then you have the guy, Reese, who has been heartbroken and is easily suspicious yet he is the truest of heroes and desperately needs to reconnect with the Oracle. Torin, the best friend and archer in the story (oh my i love their Irish accents in the dialogue), who is fiercely protective but also the comic relief in the story with his charm and unrelenting observations.
I would read this story again and again just to be around Kamryn!! She's tough, loves her family (i was touched with tears more than once), is talented, brave, has a faith that makes her shine, and is much stronger than she thinks :)
"Yes!" Torin threw an arm over Reese's shoulder. "Smell that in the air? A grand adventure awaits."
There's references to Narnia, the Wizard of Oz AND Alice in Wonderland (Paloma's castle is incredible, HELLO!), JUST as the summary describes!! I didn't understand this brilliance until the second time around :)
"Oh, really?" She lifted her brows. Heat blossomed in her chest. "Would you like to know what else is unnecessary? How about being eaten alive? That's unnecessary. Or being dumped in a parallel dimension and shot at by strangers. Let's not forget that. Yeah, I'm looking at you, Torin." The archer's blond head disappeared from view. "Being taken from my home is unnecessary. Having no one who believes in me is unnecessary. Losing my grandmother to cancer is unnecessary." Her voice cracked again, tears clogging her throat.
Do NOT pass this book by, do not shrug it off because you ALREADY have an impossible to-be-read list, the next time you're on amazon GRAB this book! You'll be thankful you did, you'll fall in love with great characters, and you will not be the same once you've finished it, it's just that good. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for fantasy lovers, but I truly believe that readers who enjoy clean adventures and heartfelt characters who experience danger and ultimately freedom will love this story every bit as I did. I took a chance reading this book and it was one of the best reading decisions I could make, I am so blessed by this author and now I'm eager to read more of her books.
October 2, 2017
I enjoyed Illusionary, my first read of Desiree Williams. I loved the fairytale aspect, the faith theme, and the land of Ur. If you love fairytales and fantasy books check this one out.
May 11, 2017
Great read! Mrs. Williams really knows how to draw you into her world and hold you captivated! Highly recommended.
June 5, 2017
A tumble down the stairs lands Kamryn into a different world, the Land of Ur, where she meets a handsome storyteller who can bring stories to life. The storyteller takes Kamryn to the Oracle, who gives Kam a dangerous rescue mission to complete before she can get back home. But the mission proves to be much more than it appears to be in Illusionary, a novel by author Desiree Williams.
Awe. Some. Ness. I wasn't ready.
I mean, the book starts out cute and funny (and Kam is a pretty funny heroine throughout, by the way.) Then the parallel world escapades begin. I'll confess that it took me a while to catch up with the romance, as I didn't enter as quickly or deeply into "the feelings" as the heroine and hero did. And my overall interest waned a tad through some of the traveling and in-between parts.
But the story would stop me in my tracks in places, sometimes with a single, spoken word. "Heal." "Hope."
"But hope...now that's a mighty thing," Kamryn says. You've got that right, sister! And before and after a crucial twist, this story presents an assortment of other wonderfully woven themes: growing up and innocence, grief and illness and regret, finding out who you really are and what you're capable of. True bravery!
It's a fantasy tale like The Chronicles of Narnia in that it'll speak to you on multiple levels if you have the ears to hear it—but whether you go to those other levels or not, it's still a darn good adventure.
And I'll have you all know, I had to push past imminent tears to even write this review. Good grief, Desiree Williams...
_________________
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Awe. Some. Ness. I wasn't ready.
I mean, the book starts out cute and funny (and Kam is a pretty funny heroine throughout, by the way.) Then the parallel world escapades begin. I'll confess that it took me a while to catch up with the romance, as I didn't enter as quickly or deeply into "the feelings" as the heroine and hero did. And my overall interest waned a tad through some of the traveling and in-between parts.
But the story would stop me in my tracks in places, sometimes with a single, spoken word. "Heal." "Hope."
"But hope...now that's a mighty thing," Kamryn says. You've got that right, sister! And before and after a crucial twist, this story presents an assortment of other wonderfully woven themes: growing up and innocence, grief and illness and regret, finding out who you really are and what you're capable of. True bravery!
It's a fantasy tale like The Chronicles of Narnia in that it'll speak to you on multiple levels if you have the ears to hear it—but whether you go to those other levels or not, it's still a darn good adventure.
And I'll have you all know, I had to push past imminent tears to even write this review. Good grief, Desiree Williams...
_________________
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
June 7, 2017
Kamryn Is an everyday girl. She's a little lost when it comes to her future, but the present is fun, so why not enjoy it? Then a trip down the stairs sends her tumbling into a fantasy would called Ur. No matter how nice living there seems, or how cute the storyteller is, Kamryn still hopes to return home ot her family. The mysterious Oracle gives her the opportunity, on one condition - she has to complete a quest.
Illusionary was awesome! A bit of a hidden gem, in my opinion. I read the books description and just had to read it. And it didn't disappoint, not in the least. It was hilarious and spontaneous while touching on some deep subjects. The characters were lovable, and the ending had my heart melting for more reasons than one. I loved this imaginitave retelling of Peter Pan! It had me laughing and swooning and wishing I could be there in real life. I have to read another of the author's books soon - I'm told they are just as good.
There were one or two things that could have used work, though. I loved everything to do with the plot, yes. It the bit about the "evil queen" didn't add up. Her motivation wast flushed out very well. She was just kind of there. It worked for the plot because of the big reveal I'm not sharing, but she still could have been written better. Similarly, most of the minor characters seemed two-dimensional. They were there and needed and useful, but they needed a little more life. Again, it sort of worked in some ways ... but not completely.
Still, I loved Illusionaryand long for another part of Kamryn's story. So beautiful! I recommend it to fans of YA Christian fantasy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own, and I received no compensation for providing them.
Illusionary was awesome! A bit of a hidden gem, in my opinion. I read the books description and just had to read it. And it didn't disappoint, not in the least. It was hilarious and spontaneous while touching on some deep subjects. The characters were lovable, and the ending had my heart melting for more reasons than one. I loved this imaginitave retelling of Peter Pan! It had me laughing and swooning and wishing I could be there in real life. I have to read another of the author's books soon - I'm told they are just as good.
There were one or two things that could have used work, though. I loved everything to do with the plot, yes. It the bit about the "evil queen" didn't add up. Her motivation wast flushed out very well. She was just kind of there. It worked for the plot because of the big reveal I'm not sharing, but she still could have been written better. Similarly, most of the minor characters seemed two-dimensional. They were there and needed and useful, but they needed a little more life. Again, it sort of worked in some ways ... but not completely.
Still, I loved Illusionaryand long for another part of Kamryn's story. So beautiful! I recommend it to fans of YA Christian fantasy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own, and I received no compensation for providing them.
February 24, 2020
This story is fun and lighthearted yet tackles the topic of depression. The characters are lovable and their interactions are funny and endearing. Kam is a spunky 19 year old who doesn’t want to grow up who meets a very serious storyteller and his tribe of rambunctious boys in the fantastical land of Ur via her fall down the stairs. To return home, she must complete a mission given to her by the elusive Oracle. Sparks fly, laughter ensues amid serious moments of reflection and growth and the battle of good verses evil. It’s a beautifully blended reflection of life. And that ending? So perfect.
It’s a Peter Pan meets Wizard of Oz love story set in our contemporary world and the enchanting land of Ur that only a storyteller could create. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then definitely check this out!
It’s a Peter Pan meets Wizard of Oz love story set in our contemporary world and the enchanting land of Ur that only a storyteller could create. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then definitely check this out!
August 15, 2020
4.5 So close to blowing me away
Hints of Neverland and Wonderland, but in a whole new world, and just the right payoff in the Real World.
Hints of Neverland and Wonderland, but in a whole new world, and just the right payoff in the Real World.
April 7, 2017
This is a really good book! Desiree Williams is swiftly becoming one of my favorite authors, and this book doesn't disappoint. I fell in love with every character. Keep writing!!!
June 12, 2017
This is not a bad book perhaps, but it was just a complete miss for me personally. I don’t really care to read about emotionally scarred heroes, even worse if he’s ‘been-burnt-in-love-before’ type and progressively worse if it involved a very serious relationship, not just old fashioned dating. Not my thing at all. I find it very tiresome to read about such heroes resolving their various emotional issues and the resulting dynamics between a hero and a heroine because of this, whatever the message to the reader is i.e. life’s a grand adventure, second chances, etc.
The other aspect that sunk much of Reese’s appeal for me is that he was very eager to fall in love before, a little thoughtless approach that showed a lack of discrimination on his part in his love choice. It always seems like such men just grab the first available girl crossing their path to settle down. While later the ‘burnt’ types go for another extreme where they become so torturously skittish it’s a pain to read. So maybe this is not fair to Reese, but this was a mile wide miss for me too. Also, he felt a little flat as a character, though perhaps there’s a valid reason for this .
Kamryn was nice and sometimes quite entertaining character, especially for the contemporary heroine. She had her own issues to work through, but I think she had a better defined personality than Reese.
I read about a half of the book until where Kamryn, Reese and Torin went to the Oracle’s hut and afterwards feeling a little bored and lacking patience I skimmed the rest, because more or less I guessed everything and was not too anxious to read about Kam and Reese falling in love or encounters with his ex-lover and her army running around . Not a fan of ex-mistresses, lovers and what not crawling out of the woodwork, though here it was probably expected; a book seems to descent into the true realms of soap opera after that anywhere I read. And there’s always some catfight real or metaphorical for the hero between a heroine and his ex. Another miss. Can live without reading about that.
Also, I found it quite jarring and unnecessary the crude phrase used by Reese’s friend to describe his girlfriend cheating almost at the end. It was graphic enough for me to equal a visual, but perhaps I’m oversensitive, still why he didn’t say simply that she slept with the guy, or cheated instead.
In conclusion, I have to say that Reece's emotional and personal issues and the love story itself are pretty strongly and inseparably tied up with the whole world building and storyline. So even if this is a very imaginative take on all said issues, I can't enjoy reading about that world or other things going on in it, because it all comes back to the same source and things I dislike. Rather a case of love me, love my dog.
If someone else likes such narrative they’d probably enjoy reading this book very much.
I rated it one star according to Goodreads rating system ‘I did not like it’, it was not to my taste, but I was not evaluating objective merits of the book. This can be the right book to other readers.
The other aspect that sunk much of Reese’s appeal for me is that he was very eager to fall in love before, a little thoughtless approach that showed a lack of discrimination on his part in his love choice. It always seems like such men just grab the first available girl crossing their path to settle down. While later the ‘burnt’ types go for another extreme where they become so torturously skittish it’s a pain to read. So maybe this is not fair to Reese, but this was a mile wide miss for me too. Also, he felt a little flat as a character, though perhaps there’s a valid reason for this .
Kamryn was nice and sometimes quite entertaining character, especially for the contemporary heroine. She had her own issues to work through, but I think she had a better defined personality than Reese.
I read about a half of the book until where Kamryn, Reese and Torin went to the Oracle’s hut and afterwards feeling a little bored and lacking patience I skimmed the rest, because more or less I guessed everything and was not too anxious to read about Kam and Reese falling in love or encounters with his ex-lover and her army running around . Not a fan of ex-mistresses, lovers and what not crawling out of the woodwork, though here it was probably expected; a book seems to descent into the true realms of soap opera after that anywhere I read. And there’s always some catfight real or metaphorical for the hero between a heroine and his ex. Another miss. Can live without reading about that.
Also, I found it quite jarring and unnecessary the crude phrase used by Reese’s friend to describe his girlfriend cheating almost at the end. It was graphic enough for me to equal a visual, but perhaps I’m oversensitive, still why he didn’t say simply that she slept with the guy, or cheated instead.
In conclusion, I have to say that Reece's emotional and personal issues and the love story itself are pretty strongly and inseparably tied up with the whole world building and storyline. So even if this is a very imaginative take on all said issues, I can't enjoy reading about that world or other things going on in it, because it all comes back to the same source and things I dislike. Rather a case of love me, love my dog.
If someone else likes such narrative they’d probably enjoy reading this book very much.
I rated it one star according to Goodreads rating system ‘I did not like it’, it was not to my taste, but I was not evaluating objective merits of the book. This can be the right book to other readers.
June 5, 2017
**Added to Favorites Shelf**
I read a lot of good books. This one though. Just wow. My mind is blown. I'm in love with the story, the characters the writing. All of it.
The characters were well written and you really just enjoy them. I don't want to be too Spoliery. But they way they cross over (You'll understand at the end) Was AMAZING. I honestly Didn't see it coming at all. Or the ending for the fact. I was crying a good 15% of the last part of the book.
The Visuals for the scenes and Ur was amazing. GAH. The storyline guys. THE STORYLINE. Oh my gosh. I loved it. I read 3/4 of this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down and kept telling myself one more chapter, one more, and then I finished.
I loved the Christian and GOD aspect. I was thinking during the book that maybe, that was who the character was, and I was glad I was right. (For those that aren't religious, I promise it isn't overbearing in the book, you will still enjoy it!)
If you get a chance to read this book please please please do. You won't regret it!
**The Author gave me a copy but I choose to write a review. This Review is completely honest and is my own opinions of the book*
I read a lot of good books. This one though. Just wow. My mind is blown. I'm in love with the story, the characters the writing. All of it.
The characters were well written and you really just enjoy them. I don't want to be too Spoliery. But they way they cross over (You'll understand at the end) Was AMAZING. I honestly Didn't see it coming at all. Or the ending for the fact. I was crying a good 15% of the last part of the book.
The Visuals for the scenes and Ur was amazing. GAH. The storyline guys. THE STORYLINE. Oh my gosh. I loved it. I read 3/4 of this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down and kept telling myself one more chapter, one more, and then I finished.
I loved the Christian and GOD aspect. I was thinking during the book that maybe, that was who the character was, and I was glad I was right. (For those that aren't religious, I promise it isn't overbearing in the book, you will still enjoy it!)
If you get a chance to read this book please please please do. You won't regret it!
**The Author gave me a copy but I choose to write a review. This Review is completely honest and is my own opinions of the book*
June 6, 2017
Kamryn is such a fun heroine. Even though she’s been thrown into a strange land, she rises to the occasion with determination and a saving sense of humour. And I enjoyed her artistic bent that sees the beauty in everything around her. And Reese? What a swoon-worthy hero. The romance was satisfying without being too sentimental or mushy.
The imaginary Land of Ur was also well-developed. I had no problem imagining it’s forests, castles, Jolly Harbor, and other places (don’t want to give away too much!) because of all the descriptions that kept my mind spinning.
Beautiful truths like sacrifice, bravery, and true love just add to this wonderful story.
If you love fantasy, romance, and adventure (with a few twists along the way!) then you will enjoy this book!
The imaginary Land of Ur was also well-developed. I had no problem imagining it’s forests, castles, Jolly Harbor, and other places (don’t want to give away too much!) because of all the descriptions that kept my mind spinning.
Beautiful truths like sacrifice, bravery, and true love just add to this wonderful story.
If you love fantasy, romance, and adventure (with a few twists along the way!) then you will enjoy this book!
December 11, 2018
Lost Girl
Kamryn would do anything not to grow up and follow a boring career path. She dreams of being an artist, but doesn't know how to tell her family. She's the family screw-up, but in another world, there's a Storyteller that desperately needs her, and all the courage she can gather.
A sweet, whimsical tale, with allusions to well-known children's stories. Fun characters, an imaginative world, and a satisfying story end.
Kamryn would do anything not to grow up and follow a boring career path. She dreams of being an artist, but doesn't know how to tell her family. She's the family screw-up, but in another world, there's a Storyteller that desperately needs her, and all the courage she can gather.
A sweet, whimsical tale, with allusions to well-known children's stories. Fun characters, an imaginative world, and a satisfying story end.
May 8, 2019
I loved another series by Desiree Williams, but I couldn't finish this story. It was very immature and crass. The main female character used strong slang, and language a four year old would use. Come on, we are mature and should talk like we are, and that we have some sense of modesty and privacy in our speech. There was also a vague Christian theme to the story. Other than the slang and the immature language it was a clean story.
May 16, 2017
I loved this book. You can really see where the author was influenced by The Wizard of OZ, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. The characters really make this book, especially Kamryn, Resse, and Torin.
Other then one typo, this book is great. I am ready to read about their next adventure.
Other then one typo, this book is great. I am ready to read about their next adventure.
April 30, 2020
Just fantastic! What a brilliant storytelling mashup of multiple fairytales. Hit all the right notes for me: non-annoying/non-TSTL heroine, broody yet understandable hero, adventure, world-hopping, emotional, beautiful. Highly recommend.
September 12, 2017
Fun, hopeful, enjoyable journey. Reminiscent of Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland.
August 19, 2020
4.5 Stars
December 3, 2017
Illusionary by Desiree Williams is a New Adult Fantasy novel (the main character is 19 years old, I am counting this as NA and no one can convince me otherwise!) about a young woman who trips and falls into another world. Literally.
Once there, she meets a band of boys, lead by a young man with unusual powers, and goes on a quest to save the ‘Maker’ of the world. Hilarity, sweetness and wonder ensue. This novel was an unexpected pleasure for me. I fully expected to enjoy the premise, but was surprised at some of the ways it bucked clichés and stereotypes.
For starters, the main character, Kamryn, is anything but a damsel in distress. Too often books with this premise opt for a helpless damsel who pathetically cowers in a corner or shyly won’t talk much. Kamryn, while ill-prepared for the land of Ur, has backbone and spunk. Not only does she make friends quickly, she stands up for herself and immediately starts making plans to take self-defense classes whenever she can get herself back home. All this is not to say she isn’t a well-rounded person with her own weaknesses, but when she does suffer from doubts or sadness she handles it well and bounces back. As such, she felt real and relatable.
Williams does an excellent job world-building here, not too much, but just enough to supply my brain what it needed and my imagination was easily able to fill in the rest. Matter of fact, the world-building here was so smooth and seamless, I barely noticed it. Personally, I much prefer this route as a character-centric reader/writer. The land of Ur is an interesting, bright and varied place. I thought the creatures that Williams created to fill this land were fascinating and, if it weren’t for the rather disturbing nature of some of them, would love to see illustrations.
Let’s talk about our supporting characters briefly. The band of young boys, hugely reminiscent of Peter Pan‘s Lost Boys, were a fun addition to the story. I loved how they put Kamryn in a Wendy-esque light, especially since she left 2 young nephews behind in the real world. Each boy was easily discernible and memorable, and I was a little sad that they didn’t feature a bit more in the story.
Paloma added a dollop of interesting to the tale, reminding me of a cross between the Glenda the Good Witch and The Red Queen…yeah, try to figure that one out. I liked that she was eccentric and also quite stubborn, but seemed to have a good heart. We can’t leave out Torin, of course, who seemed to be both a mentor figure to Reese and a brother. I wished for more background on his character, and a little more interaction between him and Reese. He seemed to be the grounding character in this tale of a magical and distant land, and he did it in a warm and persuasive fashion.
Okay, what we have all been waiting for; Reese. I have read a lot (and when I say a lot, you better believe it means a ton) of fantasy books with romantic subplots, which is to say: I’ve met quite a few swoon-worth male leads. Here is the highest compliment I can give this type of character:
Reese stands out. Not because he is extra handsome, or extra flirty or even extra bad-boy. Instead, he stands out because of his weakness. No, he is not a weak, wimpy guy. Far from it. However, he does experience within the plot of this book, moments of extreme physical weakness. Rather than act like a jerk or being super distant, he is able to rise above these moments and work through. That is true strength. Not only that, but the twist in this story reveals a true hardship, both mental and physical that he must conquer. And he goes for it.
I came away from this novel respecting Reese, and admiring him. Sure, he has his swoon-worthy moments, and those are fun, but more than that, he seems to be ‘just what a young man ought to be’ (yeah, there might be a little Bingley in him-Jane Austen fans unite!).
I don’t want to spoil any of the twists and turns within this novel, because I enjoyed the guessing game so much myself. A few of them I was able to figure out early on, a couple pleasantly surprised me. It had definite ties to The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan, but Williams made it her own, and original. This novel was fun, entertaining, and though-provoking — the perfect afternoon diversion out of reality. I loved the time I spent with her characters, and I’m definitely looking forward to discovering more of her books.
Once there, she meets a band of boys, lead by a young man with unusual powers, and goes on a quest to save the ‘Maker’ of the world. Hilarity, sweetness and wonder ensue. This novel was an unexpected pleasure for me. I fully expected to enjoy the premise, but was surprised at some of the ways it bucked clichés and stereotypes.
For starters, the main character, Kamryn, is anything but a damsel in distress. Too often books with this premise opt for a helpless damsel who pathetically cowers in a corner or shyly won’t talk much. Kamryn, while ill-prepared for the land of Ur, has backbone and spunk. Not only does she make friends quickly, she stands up for herself and immediately starts making plans to take self-defense classes whenever she can get herself back home. All this is not to say she isn’t a well-rounded person with her own weaknesses, but when she does suffer from doubts or sadness she handles it well and bounces back. As such, she felt real and relatable.
Williams does an excellent job world-building here, not too much, but just enough to supply my brain what it needed and my imagination was easily able to fill in the rest. Matter of fact, the world-building here was so smooth and seamless, I barely noticed it. Personally, I much prefer this route as a character-centric reader/writer. The land of Ur is an interesting, bright and varied place. I thought the creatures that Williams created to fill this land were fascinating and, if it weren’t for the rather disturbing nature of some of them, would love to see illustrations.
Let’s talk about our supporting characters briefly. The band of young boys, hugely reminiscent of Peter Pan‘s Lost Boys, were a fun addition to the story. I loved how they put Kamryn in a Wendy-esque light, especially since she left 2 young nephews behind in the real world. Each boy was easily discernible and memorable, and I was a little sad that they didn’t feature a bit more in the story.
Paloma added a dollop of interesting to the tale, reminding me of a cross between the Glenda the Good Witch and The Red Queen…yeah, try to figure that one out. I liked that she was eccentric and also quite stubborn, but seemed to have a good heart. We can’t leave out Torin, of course, who seemed to be both a mentor figure to Reese and a brother. I wished for more background on his character, and a little more interaction between him and Reese. He seemed to be the grounding character in this tale of a magical and distant land, and he did it in a warm and persuasive fashion.
Okay, what we have all been waiting for; Reese. I have read a lot (and when I say a lot, you better believe it means a ton) of fantasy books with romantic subplots, which is to say: I’ve met quite a few swoon-worth male leads. Here is the highest compliment I can give this type of character:
Reese stands out. Not because he is extra handsome, or extra flirty or even extra bad-boy. Instead, he stands out because of his weakness. No, he is not a weak, wimpy guy. Far from it. However, he does experience within the plot of this book, moments of extreme physical weakness. Rather than act like a jerk or being super distant, he is able to rise above these moments and work through. That is true strength. Not only that, but the twist in this story reveals a true hardship, both mental and physical that he must conquer. And he goes for it.
I came away from this novel respecting Reese, and admiring him. Sure, he has his swoon-worthy moments, and those are fun, but more than that, he seems to be ‘just what a young man ought to be’ (yeah, there might be a little Bingley in him-Jane Austen fans unite!).
I don’t want to spoil any of the twists and turns within this novel, because I enjoyed the guessing game so much myself. A few of them I was able to figure out early on, a couple pleasantly surprised me. It had definite ties to The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan, but Williams made it her own, and original. This novel was fun, entertaining, and though-provoking — the perfect afternoon diversion out of reality. I loved the time I spent with her characters, and I’m definitely looking forward to discovering more of her books.
January 10, 2019
I loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a
hard time putting this wonderful book down!
hard time putting this wonderful book down!
April 25, 2017
So many feels! I don't know where to begin.
First of all this story is a book worms dream. So many references! There is no one book that this riffs but rather it is an ode to all the classics of childhood. Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland all get their nod.
Kamryn Kensington is a wonderfully relate-able heroine. She may be an adult in years but like many she still struggles with 'adulting.' Her passion's and dreams are taking her in a different direction than her older sister would have her go. Unfortunately, when the two siblings butt heads it's Kam's head that takes the hit. Right at the bottom of the stairs. When she wakes up in the land of Ur she has some questions. What she gets is a mission from a very shifty Oracle, but few answers.
Together she and Reese, an all powerful storyteller, set out to rescue the Maker of Ur so hopefully he can send her home. No yellow brick roads here though, this journey takes them all over the map, and deep into places inside themselves that they both would rather avoid.
I loved the adventure and snark but most of all I loved the message. Adulting is not the same as maturing and growing up is just an illusion.
First of all this story is a book worms dream. So many references! There is no one book that this riffs but rather it is an ode to all the classics of childhood. Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz, and Alice in Wonderland all get their nod.
Kamryn Kensington is a wonderfully relate-able heroine. She may be an adult in years but like many she still struggles with 'adulting.' Her passion's and dreams are taking her in a different direction than her older sister would have her go. Unfortunately, when the two siblings butt heads it's Kam's head that takes the hit. Right at the bottom of the stairs. When she wakes up in the land of Ur she has some questions. What she gets is a mission from a very shifty Oracle, but few answers.
Together she and Reese, an all powerful storyteller, set out to rescue the Maker of Ur so hopefully he can send her home. No yellow brick roads here though, this journey takes them all over the map, and deep into places inside themselves that they both would rather avoid.
I loved the adventure and snark but most of all I loved the message. Adulting is not the same as maturing and growing up is just an illusion.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews