Illusionarium
Author(s): Heather Dixon
What if the world holds more dangers—and more wonders—than we have ever known? And what if there is more than one world? From Heather Dixon, author of the acclaimed Entwined, comes a brilliantly conceived adventure that sweeps us from the inner workings of our souls to the far reaches of our imaginations.
Jonathan is perfectly ordinary. But then—as every good adventure begins—the king swoops into port, and Jonathan and his father are enlisted to find the cure to a deadly plague. Jonathan discovers that he's a prodigy at working with a new chemical called fantillium, which creates shared hallucinations—or illusions. And just like that, Jonathan is knocked off his path. Through richly developed parallel worlds, vivid action, a healthy dose of humor, and gorgeous writing, Heather Dixon spins a story that calls to mind The Night Circus and Pixar movies, but is wholly its own.
Review(s):
“Steampunk fantasy set in a futuristic London features . . . fantasy elements, plot twists, and dramatic crescendos . . . The lovable characters and the story’s originality will appeal.”
Praise for Entwined: “Full of mystery, lush settings, and fully orbed characters, Dixon’s debut is both suspenseful and rewarding.”
“Dixon balances the suspense with generous helpings of humor and sparkling dialogue…[A] charming, romantic story, told with a light touch.”
“This steampunk adventure catapults across two fascinating, dangerous worlds with mild horror, some humor, and suspense. …Jonathan’s first-person narration is compelling, candidly relating triumphs and missteps alike.”
“The snappy dialogue, intriguing cast, and well-developed worlds make Dixon’s sophomore effort a lush and original story.”
“Dixon casts Jonathan not as a pinup daredevil but as an ordinary, decent person who does some extraordinary things along the way. Her steampunk world is vibrantly imagined, and the page-turning quality of Jonathan’s wry narration will have readers fully invested in his story.”
ISBN: 9780062001054