The Illusions
The most captivating feminist historical fiction novel of the year
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What if you had real magic within you . . . ?
The utterly spellbinding new novel from the celebrated author of THE GIFTS
1896. As a group of illusionists prepare for a grand spectacle, one young woman, Cecily Marsden, harbours a secret. For she possesses impossible powers--powers she little understands.
Meanwhile Eadie Carleton, a pioneering early film-maker, struggles for her talent to be taken seriously, and a talented magician, George Perris, begins to see the potential in moving pictures. But in order to achieve his dreams, George must first win over Miss Carleton . . .
As Cecily, George and Eadie's worlds collide, Cec finds herself facing the fight of her life to save the grand performance from sabotage--and harness the real magic held deep within her.
About this Author
Liz Hyder has been making up stories for as long she can remember. Bearmouth, her debut young adult novel, won a Waterstones Children's Book Prize, the Branford Boase Award and was chosen as the Children's Book of the Year by The Times. The Gifts, her acclaimed debut adult novel was published in 2022. She has a BA in drama from the University of Bristol and was, once upon a time, a member of the National Youth Theatre. Originally from London, she has lived in Shropshire for over a decade.
Reviews
After her glorious first novel, The Gifts, Hyder has returned with another beautiful slice of historical fiction.The Illusions is charming and intriguing, sparkling with magic and romance. - - Jennifer Saint
For a truly immersive, can't-put-it-down read, The Illusions will whisk you to the late Victorian age with this story of two young women, Cecily, a con artist's assistant and Eadie, a photographer and early film maker trying to make it in a man's world. Cecily and Eadie's paths will soon collide in a kaleidoscope of magic, theatrics, illusion and love. - - Red Magazine
Hyder is a wonderfully accomplished storyteller. The Illusions is a magical tale of innovation, darkness and delight. A book to disappear into - I devoured it greedily. - - Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock Cure
With clever storytelling and a magpie's eye for shine and enchantment, Hyder takes us to a world where magic, moving pictures and illusion mix - and where all are made better by human kindness. - - Annie Garthwaite, author of Cecily
Captivating and fascinating... A fabulous second novel (for adults), firmly cementing Liz Hyder as an author to watch. Beautifully crafted, The Illusions steps into a world of trickery and deception, while shining a light on the importance of friendship and love. - - Lovereading Star Book
Filled with wonders in all forms, in real life and in the theatre, this is a story that will mesmerise and cast its spell. I loved it. - - Essie Fox
Spellbinding storytelling, wonderfully drawn characters and the thrill of the theatre make this book unputdownable. - - Louise Hare
Enchanting in every sense. A seductive, glimmering tale of magic and movies. - - Freya Berry, The Dictator's Wife
Set in Victorian Bristol with a cast of characters that are a feast for the senses. It is in every way quite magical. - - Julie Owen Moylan, author of That Green Eyed Girl
An enchanting tale of rivalry among magicians and film pioneers in a world on the cusp of change. Here, trickery, envy and deceit are no match for raw talent, love - and most of all, kindness. Hyder's talent for crafting compelling page-turners inhabited by charming, vibrant characters is a skill worthy of one of her illusionists; her passion for the magic of theatre leaps from every page. A total joy. - - Nikki Marmery, author of LILITH
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