Interesting concept, but it just didn't work for me. There was no build-up at the beginning, the magic-science combination only made sense half of the time to me, and I didn't care about the fate of any of the characters. ( )

Edited review after the second reading:

I was listening to the author on a podcast recently where she described this book in not-so-glowing terms. Since I had different memories of it, I picked it up again out of curiosity.

I am probably in the minority when I say that I liked this book much more than her first. Wallwork gets sister relationships and does that and several other things really well in [b:Entwined|8428195|Entwined|Heather Dixon Wallwork|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618528980l/8428195._SY75_.jpg|13291399]. But this one is much more my style.

It does take her a while to hit her stride here. The beginning is slow, lots of telling instead of showing, and could use minor revisions, excisions, and/or additions. But, once she does, this book moves and moves quickly---in part, because the characters move(there's no letting things "act upon" us here). The action is snappy, if sometimes a tiny bit confusing*, there are some vivid characters (Divinity, Lockwood, Anna, Lady Florel), and the world is, for the most part, well-spun*. And I loved, loved, loved the message--- not too brash but there if you wanted it.

The elimination of most of the romantic potential was refreshing, and she truly has a gift of showing and describing things well. It would make a good beginning to a series, and I wish more people had breezed past the beginning to the action. And, in spite of the fact that the cover doesn't really describe a scene that I'm aware of, it's still gorgeous.

Do yourself a favor and check out her blog sometime. She's got a lovely sense of humor.


* this could be fixed easily ( )

I loved this story! I loved the idea and especially loved the Rivens! I was told by the author (cause I know her which makes me super awesome) that I would like this book if I liked Dr Who. I could totally see the Rivens being on Dr Who.
The only thing I didn't love about this book was how rushed it was. I'm always griping about how every book is a series these days, but this is one book that would have made a great series!
I wish I had been able to get to know the characters better.
A great book, a great plot! I look forward to more of Heather Dixon's books.
( )

This blurb is not the story. Here is the story- There is a plague that only kills women and the queen is dying from it. Jonathan's father is a well-known scientist and he has been called on to help. Jonathan's mother and sister get the disease. The woman who trained his father wants Jonathan to help her save another world. From things get really complex but now you have a better idea about the story. One of the things that I liked best about this book is that there is no romance in it. The main relationship is between Jonathan and his sister.The magic is really interesting and very different. Only some people can do magic but it eats away at them. It makes them very deformed in body which changes the way that people interact with them. They are both desired and rejected by society. This is an interesting and unique young adult novel.

I give this book a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library. ( )

Jonathan Gouden is an apprentice to his father, who is one of the best doctor/scientists in Fata Morgana. Jonathan is close to his sister, Hannah, and to his mother. He is planning on going to university to get his medical degree. Fata Morgana is located north and above London, where they do not get too many visitors. Until the day that the King of England shows up begging for a cure to the Venen. Venen is a mysterious disease killing all the girls and women. No ones knows where it came from. It is up to Dr. Gouden to try to find the cure. The King provides Dr. Gouden with a hallucinogenic drug called fantillium, which may hold the key to the cure. Jonathan soon discovers that the fantillium opens gateways to parallel worlds. The reader will find themselves in Nod’ol, which is a dark and scary world, destroyed by fantillium. Illusionarium is set in a steam driven society filled with airships and Victorian-like gadgets.

I think this book is a good addition to a high school steam-punk collection. The characters are pretty well developed, the dialogue is good, the setting is intriguing. Overall, the book is an enjoyable diversion. There is a romance that crosses worlds and a strong moral conviction that weaves its way throughout the story. There is nothing objectionable in the content for a high school student. The fantillium may have harsher repercussions than meth, but it is fictional.

This book would be a good choice for pleasure reading, a in person or online book club and would garner interest if put on display for students before a school break. It is a quick read. The cover will probably appeal more to girls, but the main character is a boy. The secondary character, Lockwood, would also be very popular with boys. There is fighting and action, mixed in with the mystery and romance. Personally, I enjoyed it and will be recommending it to my students. ( )