Illusion by Martina Boone Pages: 480
Published by Simon Pulse on October 25, 2016
Series: Heirs of Watson Island #3
Genres: Young Adult, Southern Gothic, Fantasy & Magic
Source: Paperback ARC from Publisher
Also in this series: Compulsion, PersuasionBarrie must rescue her beloved and her family from evil spirits in the masterful conclusion to the Heirs of Watson Island trilogy.
Caged by secrets all around her and haunted by mistakes that have estranged her from Eight Beaufort, Barrie Watson is desperate to break the curse that puts her family in danger—without breaking the beautiful magic that protects Watson’s Landing. To do that, she must heal the rifts that have split the families of the island apart for three hundred years, unravel the mystery of the Fire Carrier and the spirits he guards, and take control of forces so deadly and awe-inspiring they threaten to overwhelm her.
With the spirits that cursed Watson Island centuries ago awake and more dangerous than ever, she finds an unlikely ally in the haunting and enigmatic Obadiah, whose motivations and power she still can’t read—or trust. His help comes at a price, however, plunging Barrie into a deadly maze of magic and wonder, mystery and intrigue that leads through history to places she never imagined she could go.
Ahh, I can’t believe the Heirs of Watson Island Trilogy is done. I loved Illusion, it might be my favorite book out of all of them, and this was one heck of an ending. The hard part about this trilogy is that with each of the books it is getting harder and harder to write spoiler free reviews. Martina Boone has created such a detail rich world that is so woven is layers and layers of secrets and mysteries that it is almost impossible to say something about book 3 without giving something away. Needless to say, you need to read this series in order. So if you have not read Compulsion or Persuasion yet, stop reading this review right now and go start reading this series. You will love it!
I can see this trilogy, appealing to so many different kinds of readers. It will appeal to fans of romance, mystery, as well as fans of creepy/dark books. It is labeled as a southern gothic. I can’t say that I have had too much experience in this particular genre, but if they are all like the Heirs of Watson Island trilogy, I need to start reading more of them. This series had so many layers and such a depth to its’ story.
You really had to pay attention or you would miss something, both in Illusion and in this trilogy. Each of the books really builds and builds so read each page carefully. A few times I felt myself getting swept up in the story and reading quicker and quicker to find out what was going to happen next and then before I knew it I felt a little lost, like I had missed something. When I picked up Illusion, it took me a moment to get back into the swing of things and to remember what each of the three families “gifts/curses” were. But once I did, I was once again completely swept up in the magic that Martina Boone weaves with her words.
The story is crazy good, and it just keeps unfolding. Right when you think there couldn’t possibly be any more, there is. I loved this series so freakin much, and I have to say the ending is pretty great. It is not often that I feel like a series or trilogy is wrapped up perfectly, and this one is! I think that is why Illusion is my favorite book in the bunch. I just want to re-read this series right now.
Bottom line: You need to read this series. If you haven’t go out and grab Compulsion right now. If you have read the first two books, Illusion is not going to disappoint. I loved Barrie and Eight. Freaking loved them. Not only that but I love how vivid and rich this series feels. I can feel the mansion, the fire, the spirits, and all the tensions among the families. Not to mention the suspicion and distrust that was a tangible force on every page. Martina Boone is amazing at subtly and character building and atmospheric writing. She has created three incredible families, one incredible world and a kick butt story. The Heirs of Watson Island is one of my favorite series. It is great from start to finish. 
Other books in the Heirs of Watson Island Series:
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Desiree
Added to my TBR on GR! Thanks for the chance! 🙂
Diane Elizabeth
Thanks for the review and the generous giveaway. I’m really looking forward to reading this series.
Megan
This is on my TBR and it’s a problem that I need to fix. I read the first and LOVED it. The setting, the characters and the story all fantastic. I can especially picture the setting because I live in NC and have been to SC a lot and it’s a gorgeous state.