Captivating and fascinating... Deeply dark velvety depths combined with a vibrantly challenging tone ensure a thrilling historical tale set within the world of illusions... a LoveReading Star Book.
LoveReading
Set amidst the birth pangs of the cinema, this entrancing period novel from the author of The Gifts pitches a trio of unforgettable characters into a dangerous world of magic and spectacle.
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, best-selling author of Atalanta and Ariadne
Liz Hyder has crafted another wonderful novel, this time set in Victorian Bristol, magic and technology merging in these early days of moving pictures. Spellbinding storytelling, wonderfully drawn characters and the thrill of the theatre make this book unputdownable.
Louise Hare, author of Miss Aldridge Regrets
Inspired by the invention of early moving film and its potential to create 'tricks' and magic on the screen, now Liz Hyder will transfix you with her novel, The illusions. In Liz's world, she conjures up two remarkable young women who navigate a path in this astonishing new world through their involvement with shysters, pretenders, and ingenious live stage illusionists — all leading to a grand finale of breath-taking theatre magic. Filled with wonders in all forms, in real life and in the theatre, this is a story that will mesmerise and cast you in its spell. I loved it.
Essie Fox, author of The Fascination and The Somnabulist
Liz 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
The Illusions is 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 On Wilder Seas
A magical tale told with deft skill. Delightful, entertaining, engrossing with a gorgeous finale… a total delight of a book. A sparkle-filled escape from the grey of our current world. Liz Hyder is a natural storyteller and spins the bright components of this story with a conjuror's skill. Hugely enjoyable.
Nicola Davies, author of The Song That Sings Us
It is in every way quite magical.
Julie Owen Moylan, author of That Green-Eyed Girl
What a joy… It's rich, magical, pacy, immense fun, and just entirely a glorious Victorian delight. Plus, no one writes a love story subplot like Liz Hyder. I adored it.
Katie Lumsden, author of The Secrets of Hartwood Hall
An utter delight! The novel is an illusion in itself and I'm very envious of Liz' sleight of hand. She orchestrates a large cast with such ease and although the canvas of the novel is broad, she has an ability to focus on the details that give us an almost immediate intimacy with her characters. It's such a page-turner and the building of the plot and the denouement is glorious. It is filled with light and optimism and joy and feels like a book we need right now. I also have a *slight* girl crush on Cec.
Caryl Lewis, author of Drift
With a plot as intricate and deftly handled as its characters' stage shows, The Illusions is a celebration of magic, friendship and romance. Hyder's Victorian Bristol is rich with nefarious tricksters, astonishing ambition and extraordinary women, who made me believe in the impossible. One of those truly wonderful stories which, while reading, make the rest of the world disappear!
Amy Beashel, author of Spilt Milk
From the astonishment of early moving pictures, to the wonder of the mysterious talents that lie within, The Illusions is every bit as magical as the magic it describes. I loved being drawn into this vividly imagined world of romance and ruination, scoundrels and showmanship; all leavened, of course, by kindness.
Sonia Velton, author of Blackberry & Wild Rose
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
