Book Watch: BORN OF ILLUSION by Teri Brown

Born of Illusion by Terri Brown is expected to release on June 11, 2013.

I'm sure you are very familiar with the saying:  "Don't judge a book by its cover."  I think that applies directly to this upcoming book.  At first glance, it doesn't really tell you much except that it is historical fiction, which can be alluded to the attire of the cover girl.  The typography also add to a 1920's kind of feel, to me at least.  However, if you dig a little more you find out that is YA Paranormal Fiction based in the 1920's.  Sounds pretty great, right?  As I was looking around for a book to select for this post, I came across a multitude of dystopian, post-apocalyptic, and science fiction YA books.  I love those just as much as the next, but I'm need a break from those.  I think Born of Illusion fits that bill.

Anna Van Housen has a secret. A gifted illusionist, Anna assists her mother, the renowned medium Marguerite Van Housen, in her stage show and séances, easily navigating the underground world of magicians, mediums, and mentalists in 1920’s New York. As the illegitimate daughter of Harry Houdini—or so Marguerite claims—sleight of hand illusions have never been a challenge for Anna. The real trick is keeping her own gifts secret from her opportunistic mother. Because while Marguerite’s own powers may be a sham, Anna possesses a true ability to sense people’s feelings and foretell the future. 

But as Anna’s powers intensify, she begins to experience frightening visions of her mother in peril, which leads her to explore the powers she’s tried so long to hide. And when a mysterious young man named Cole moves into the flat downstairs, introducing Anna to a secret society that studies people with gifts like hers, she is forced to confront her past and rethink everything she’s ever known. Is her mother truly in danger, or are Anna’s visions merely illusion? And could the great Houdini really be her father, or is it just another of Marguerite’s tricks? 

From Teri Brown comes a world bursting with magic, with romance, and the temptations of Jazz Age New York—and the story of a girl about to become the mistress of her own destiny.

Definitely on my TBR list.

-Mariela


Born of Illusion by Teri Brown
ISBN-13: 9780062187543
Expected publication: 6/11/2013 by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Children's Books
Pages: 384
Age range: 13 - 17 Years