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menshevixen's review against another edition
5.0
Could Isaac and Penn have some sort of happy ending together?
The newest fantasy from [a:Chace Verity|15296101|Chace Verity|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1599413675p2/15296101.jpg] dares to say yes to happy endings--happy endings for queer characters, happy endings for characters who make mistakes, and most of all happy endings for characters often ignored by mainstream fantasy or excised from traditional conceptions of fairy tales.
A companion novel to [b:Dithered Hearts|46041338|Dithered Hearts|Chace Verity|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1559163428l/46041338._SY75_.jpg|70026329] and a re-imagining of Snow White, Illusive Wishes brings back Dexter, Frey, and Lord Gafford while dramatically expanding the world and lore of these stories. A fresh romantic duo in Isaac and Penn takes center stage to explore friendship becoming love; issues of boundaries and consent are given real and tactile form through the clever use of a magic mirror. A dizzying blend of familiar tropes and archetypes are reinterpreted with Verity's characteristic humor and big heart. I always love the delicious details ornamenting a Verity book, and the Embedded Palace is no slouch in that regard. The emotional realities of characters' sexuality and desire, favorite clothing and foods, combine with physical descriptions and set dressing to create a fairy-tale world that feels just within reach.
Sex-positive fantasy fans, readers seeking wider and deeper representation in the pages of their favorite genres, and anyone who likes to laugh while crying should add Illusive Wishes to their autumn book stack--the perfect dark fairy tale for October nights!
The newest fantasy from [a:Chace Verity|15296101|Chace Verity|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1599413675p2/15296101.jpg] dares to say yes to happy endings--happy endings for queer characters, happy endings for characters who make mistakes, and most of all happy endings for characters often ignored by mainstream fantasy or excised from traditional conceptions of fairy tales.
A companion novel to [b:Dithered Hearts|46041338|Dithered Hearts|Chace Verity|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1559163428l/46041338._SY75_.jpg|70026329] and a re-imagining of Snow White, Illusive Wishes brings back Dexter, Frey, and Lord Gafford while dramatically expanding the world and lore of these stories. A fresh romantic duo in Isaac and Penn takes center stage to explore friendship becoming love; issues of boundaries and consent are given real and tactile form through the clever use of a magic mirror. A dizzying blend of familiar tropes and archetypes are reinterpreted with Verity's characteristic humor and big heart. I always love the delicious details ornamenting a Verity book, and the Embedded Palace is no slouch in that regard. The emotional realities of characters' sexuality and desire, favorite clothing and foods, combine with physical descriptions and set dressing to create a fairy-tale world that feels just within reach.
Sex-positive fantasy fans, readers seeking wider and deeper representation in the pages of their favorite genres, and anyone who likes to laugh while crying should add Illusive Wishes to their autumn book stack--the perfect dark fairy tale for October nights!
sirvex27's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
qace90's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I received an advance copy from the author for review purposes, and am friendly with them on social media. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
This book is a delight and full of so much heart! I love fairy tale reimaginings, and the way Chace took Snow White and wrote all of this is phenomenal. I love Isaac and Penn and their friendship and their romance. I love the interpersonal dynamics with the secondary characters. Like, I just adored this book, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves fairy tale retellings, especially when they’re queer and full of found family, because this will absolutely satisfy!
Hopefully I’ll write a more coherent review after I get some sleep 😅
This book is a delight and full of so much heart! I love fairy tale reimaginings, and the way Chace took Snow White and wrote all of this is phenomenal. I love Isaac and Penn and their friendship and their romance. I love the interpersonal dynamics with the secondary characters. Like, I just adored this book, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves fairy tale retellings, especially when they’re queer and full of found family, because this will absolutely satisfy!
Hopefully I’ll write a more coherent review after I get some sleep 😅
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