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The Illusions

The most captivating feminist historical fiction novel of the year

Liz Hyder author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Bonnier Books Ltd

Published:4th Jan '24

Should be back in stock very soon

The Illusions cover

Set in 1896, The Illusions follows Cecily as she uncovers her magical powers while battling sabotage during a grand performance.

In The Illusions, we are transported to the year 1896, where a group of illusionists is poised to deliver a grand spectacle. At the center of this enchanting tale is Cecily Marsden, a young woman who harbors a secret: she possesses extraordinary powers that she struggles to comprehend. As the curtain rises on this magical world, Cecily's journey unfolds, revealing not only her hidden abilities but also the challenges she must face to protect the performance from sabotage.

As Cecily navigates her newfound powers, she encounters Eadie Carleton, a trailblazing early filmmaker determined to gain recognition for her talent. At the same time, George Perris, a skilled magician, begins to see the potential of combining his craft with the emerging world of moving pictures. The intertwining paths of these three characters create a rich tapestry of ambition, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams, all set against a backdrop of wonder.

As the story progresses, Cecily must confront the fight of her life, harnessing the real magic that lies within her. The Illusions is a spellbinding exploration of self-discovery, the power of friendship, and the magic that exists in every one of us, waiting to be unleashed. With captivating prose and a vivid historical setting, this novel invites readers to believe in the impossible and to discover the magic that can transform their lives.

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 *

ISBN: 9781786581891

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 28mm

Weight: 371g

400 pages