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416 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2014
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Over, under, around, or through, there’s always a way . You don’t give up and you never give in. They can scar your body and take your freedom, but only you can surrender your heart and soul.
Nothing is worth compromising yourself for. Stand fast and stand true. Always.
“The Ambrose Malachai will never be forgotten. But it’s up to you as to how he’ll always be remembered.”
“My worst fear? Being like everyone else. So I usually battle it with my extraordinary powers of awesomeness.”
“Life hammers us all. Too many times we become things we never thought we’d be. For many reasons.”
And if Nick were to do that, it would end his life, too. He and the last Sephiroth were tied together. The ultimate evil and the ultimate good. Yin and yang. — Nicholas Gautier
Illusion starts basically with an extended version of Inferno's epilogue. Nick in a body not his own at a prom surrounded by not quite right versions of his friends and allies. My initial reaction is the same one Kody has what did Zavid do? Prompted by the “Is that all you wanted?” “Honestly? I would give any and everything to have a normal, average life.” exchange between Zavid and Nick at the end of Inferno. It's not Zavid's doing and it's only in the endgame we find out who did it. While Nick is stuck in a different dimension Kody, Caleb and latest ally Zavid are dealing with the latest drama, the ušumgallu, think the apocalypse. A giant f*** you failsafe from the first Malachai. The only person who can end it is Nick at full power. They need to find a way to switch Nick back and fast. What follows is an exploration of what might have been but wasn't because of the old mantra, free will. We see the changes and learn some history, mostly about Kody.
It was fun to see what Sherri did to change the world. Seeing some characters gone because they were no longer needed for Nick, others have changed sides. But it was nice to see some old friends like the wonderful Madam Selena, it's great to see the Devereaux ladies kicking ass. Even if they may have tipped the scales somewhat. Seeing Cherise treated as the prized queen we all know her to be. Some of the little changes, some of the bigger ones, all the familiar characters who are the same but not. It is a smart world, it doesn't feel wrong just not right.
A bit of a spoiler but not a lot is the reason why Ambrose didn't remember Kody. She wasn't there is his life. Kody is younger than him, Ambrose killed Kody. She is now travelling through time in an attempt to end the Malachai line. Kody finally gives us confirmation of Mennie's true identity, there has been plenty of illusion to it but no outwrite confirmation. There are quite a lot of moments in here that make me want to read some of the DH books. Seth is an impressive creature his is a Dream-Hunter and Hellchaser book and is a long way up on my tbr anyway but after reading how he ended up in the position he did? Yeah, now I really want to read it. I know Cadegan has a book, I want to find it. Anyone willing to turn from Thorn is worth knowing.
Nick’s my friend and I don’t have many of those. No offense, I don’t want to lose him. And I definitely don’t want to tell his mom we let him get lost. — Caleb Malphas
Another random dump of things I noticed
• "What are you?”
“Mostly confused and, honestly? A lot scared.”
Karma laughed. “At least he’s not stupid.” That is a fair thought when you are around the Devereaux clan.
• “With every god a Chthonian kills, it weakens them… ”
Savitar nodded. “A few centuries ago, I had a really bad day.” When he didn’t elaborate, Nick prompted him.
“And what did you do?”
“I. Had. A. Bad. Day.” Damn.... Savitar what did you do?
• “In case you were injured, I didn’t want you to wake up alone. I know from experience that they can be really rough when they bring you in.”
“The slobbering hell-monkeys?” Ash let out a nervous laugh.
“Yeah. Good term for them.” Teenage Ash is adorable. And no one can let any harm come to him.
• The Magnus Stone is a helluva thing. Also the Mashuani tablet is the source of the Malachai prophecy.
• Savitar reminds me of another Sherri character. Nero from The League. I can't way why exactly. It's just a thought that came to me during one of his conversations with Nick. I could hear Nero, it might be the sage thing. And Savitar is a moral character.
• “The Ambrose Malachai will never be forgotten. But it’s up to you as to how he’ll always be remembered.” Christ Adrian. I guess death gave you some perspective on legacy. I mean he's not wrong but that's a lot to throw at Nick.
• "“Your parents want their baby home, son. And this —” Caleb touched his mark. “Is their Tactical Trunk Monkey.” Scowling at the term, Nick dreaded the answer in the worst sort of way. “What’s a Tactical Trunk Monkey?” Caleb made another grimace. “In a couple of years, you’ll know exactly what I mean. For now, think of it like a homing beacon from hell.”" Reminds me of another less than flattering League reference TAM, Tactical Assualt Monkey (Hauk didn't hate it, Sumi and I have questions). Though this is definitely a reference to something Noir and Azura related.
• Good lord Xev is an attractive being. Aren't they all though. Still can't beat Zavid, it's the tortured soul and purple eyes.
I've seen in at least one review that this is the best CoN book. I can't disagree with this. It is at least the most mind-blowing to this point. Finding out Kody's parentage blew my mind and then made me want to cry. There was some catharsis in Nick and Adrian's conversation. And we get to meet the ever-important Xev. Zavid is a hel hound after my own heart, lock the screaming useless human in a wardrobe. I've discovered I find it quite had to write reviews for CoN and I'm not entirely sure why. I really do love this series and I guess if you've got this far you'll likely keep reading.
Over, under, around, or through, there’s always a way. You don’t give up and you never give in. They can scar your body and take your freedom, but only you can surrender your heart and soul. Nothing is worth compromising yourself for. Stand fast and stand true. Always. — Styxx
A representative gif: