The First ProphecySeed of Death and Dragon’s womb, suffering her fated tomb.She, our savior, the Fallen’s soul, shall shed her blood to make us whole.A vengeful Darkness she will arise, her love calls forth the Darkest tideYet, if her heart has ceased to beat, the world shall eclipse in Dark complete.——————–Pretend Ma told me the terrible things done to me were for the greater good. … me were for the greater good. That I would be a hero and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
I’m not so sure about that.
I am sure about that my time in this world is drawing to a close. I’m okay with that. I even wish for it, some days. Then I meet HIM. Mr. Glowy Eyes.
I’m also sure I’m a monster, and I’m CERTAIN that he’s so much worse than that. But he also shows me something important. Very important. Do you want to know what it is?
…
…
Are you still waiting?
I can’t tell you, silly rabbit. Who gives something like that away?
Mr. Glowy Eyes is waiting, too.
In the dark…
Under the bed…
I can’t promise he won’t eat you…
But I can promise you won’t mind when he does.
Please be advised: This book contains violence and other content which may be triggering to readers.
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I truly enjoyed this book and series. It was well thought out and kept you intrigued throughout the whole story. It is one of my favorite series to date.
Love this book! Dark, enchanting and engrossing! Love the characters and worldbuilding and cant wait for more.
The short and easy version – I Love This Book!
Now to the more detailed parts.
The world of your stereotypical Fae will not be found in this series. Everything you’ve come to know about them will be turned upside down. So brace yourself.
Elusion starts out with Iza, the MC, in a schoth prison. She’s been there most of her life. In the neighboring cell is Phobe, the perfect antihero, dominant, alpha male *swoon*. The first half of this book is spent with these 2 in the prison. There is limited interactions with others so we’re able to really get to know Iza and Phobe. Zoe’s ability to create characters that you want to know, that you want to be invested in is simply remarkable. The dual POV’s is also a huge plus, in my opinion. I enjoyed being able to get a glimpse into both of their minds.
The 1st half of this book takes you on a crazy ride. You’re thinking “WTF is happening?” part of the time, cheering for the little rebelling Iza and Phobe do in the face of their tormentors, and fretting for their well being. It is dark, but oh so good. You won’t be able to put it down.
The 2nd half of the book has a totally different vibe, it’s almost like 2 books in 1. Iza and Phobe are in the Earth realm. We get to learn a lot of the full story on things we only get a partial peek at in the 1st half. I personally enjoyed this part quite a bit. We get to see more of Iza’s personality. She can come across as a bit childish at times, but in actuality she’s got a child like enthusiasm for life, and is a little crazy. After being locked in prison and tortured since she was 12 I can totally get this side of her. Her walkabout is amusing. She learns more about who she is destined to be while discovering herself as well as her Feyries.
There are a few inconsistencies in what should be Iza’s lack of knowledge of Earth things. Many times she’s completely clueless, but occasionally she’ll come across something or talk about it with full knowledge. I’m not sure exactly how what she knows about and doesn’t is established. Granted, there were TV’s with human movies and TV shows in the prison, so perhaps she learned more than I originally thought from it. It’s not enough to take away from my enjoyment or detract from the story, just something I noticed.
For a debut book, or any other for that matter, this is exceptional! Zoe Parker has a lot of talent as a writer. The characters and world building are both rich and enticing. I expect great things from her as she grows and learns as an author. Definitely one to watch and follow her journey.
Everything I love and look for is here. Phenomenal characters and the stories they tell. Breath-stopping world building and raw emotions wrapped around it. Monsters. The longsuffering of a young but most definitely wise beyond her years Iza. The undying spirit and will…the wit and the raw darkness. But a very soft heart for kids and fellow monsters. I have never met such an amazing character. Istg Iza is one of the best, best heroines I have ever read about. Gosh I feel so redundant saying this but I am so undeserving of her awesomeness. I think I have ten or so reads before this but nothing pulled me out of my funk but this re-read.
Phobe, oh sweet jesus mary joseph but Phobe is THAT hero. The one who makes me feel like giggling to myself (on behalf of Iza) because he’s just so dang fine. Finer than fine wine. His and Iza’s chemistry is off charts it’s not funny. He’s definitely Iza’s equal in terms of awesomeness and complexity. To say that they make a good pair is the understatement of the year.
The story is a rollercoaster, really. One chapter, both main characters are suffering through the hands of the Light Feys. Building up slowly to that moment when Iza finally begins her journey through the said infamous story. Then to regroup separately. I am so looking forward to read Phobe be all soft and jelly when he finally joins Iza.
PS this read also calls out to me because I’m pretty thirsty when it comes avenging the repressed and the underdogs aka the few monsters lying low just to survive the hands of the cowards and the bullies
Going through a time in my life when I really wasn’t paying attention to anything and couldn’t read I picked up this book. I was riveted and didn’t put it down. It’s more about the story than the romance, or the acts that go with romance I should clarify. The tension is there one hundred percent.
Wow! So glad I tried this book. It starts out really dark, And at times it is hard to read the abuse they endure. However, in the midst of the abuse they care for each other as much as they are able. I loved watching Iza begin to open herself both to Phobe and her new world. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!