Illusionary
(Book)

The second half of the Hollow Crown duology is a thrilling page-turner, continuing where the first book left off and closing the main storyline in an epilogue spanning a decade after the events. Where Incendiary (2020) focused on revenge and some political intrigue, Illusionary takes Renata to distant lands and even the high seas with pirates and hidden islands, meeting people of all stripes and figuring out who she is throughout her adventures, especially as her magical skills become dangerous to wield. Every twist and turn along the way, as well as a nicely paced enemies-to-lovers romance, will keep readers absolutely hooked. In this sequel, Córdova fleshes out the history of the Moria people, whose memories and stories were long thought lost by the Whispers, the band of rebels to which Renata used to belong. Her vivid descriptions through the first-person narrative give a clear picture of the fantasy lands and their peoples, bringing them fully to life. With gorgeous writing, loads of action, and a surprising but satisfying ending, Illusionary has it all in spades. Lovers of high-fantasy series featuring fierce heroines, like those by Sarah J. Maas, Kristin Cashore, or Tomi Adeyemi, will not want to miss it.

"Hope is as slippery as memory." In the aftermath of a devastating betrayal by the rebellious Whispers, Renata Convida--a magic wielder with the power to steal memories--chooses to leave everything behind to travel alongside the infamous Prince Castian, her oldest friend and her greatest enemy. Together they go in search of the Knife of Memory, a mystical weapon they hope will be the answer to defeating Castian's father, the tyrannical King Fernando, and bringing peace to their kingdom, which has been torn apart by the oppression of Renata's people, the magical Moria. The more the duo traverse the world, over land and across seas, making enemies and friends along the way, the more they realize that the bonds between history and memory are intrinsically connected but hopelessly severed. As Renata's mental clarity starts to fall apart under the weight of so many minds whose memories she has stolen, her turmoil increases: If she loses herself, can she accomplish what needs to be done to save her people? Adventure, romance, and magic entwine in this fierce sequel infused with assured writing, lovable characters, and a taut plot that merges multiple threads about accountability, surviving trauma, and building a new life as well as a new nation. A breathtakingly romantic plotline that speaks of survival, forgiveness, and friendship is the cherry on top of a story full of brown-skinned people in a world inspired by Spain. A fantastic duology ender. (map) (Fantasy. 14-adult) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

*Starred Review* The second half of the Hollow Crown duology is a thrilling page-turner, continuing where the first book left off and closing the main storyline in an epilogue spanning a decade after the events. Where Incendiary (2020) focused on revenge and some political intrigue, Illusionary takes Renata to distant lands and even the high seas with pirates and hidden islands, meeting people of all stripes and figuring out who she is throughout her adventures, especially as her magical skills become dangerous to wield. Every twist and turn along the way, as well as a nicely paced enemies-to-lovers romance, will keep readers absolutely hooked. In this sequel, Córdova fleshes out the history of the Moria people, whose memories and stories were long thought lost by the Whispers, the band of rebels to which Renata used to belong. Her vivid descriptions through the first-person narrative give a clear picture of the fantasy lands and their peoples, bringing them fully to life. With gorgeous writing, loads of action, and a surprising but satisfying ending, Illusionary has it all in spades. Lovers of high-fantasy series featuring fierce heroines, like those by Sarah J. Maas, Kristin Cashore, or Tomi Adeyemi, will not want to miss it. Grades 8-11. Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.