Heir of Illusion Read Along | Week Three
Welcome back to week three of our Heir of Illusion read along featuring Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor.
This week has been intense. Maybe it’s my hormones (if you’re over 40, you understand me. If you’re not…you will).
This chunk of story packed a wallop of emotions, and it landed hard. I spilled some tears. Watching Ivy break open for Thorne and then pull back once they’ve finally connected creates a bittersweet tension.
If you’re reading along with us, our April fantasy book box featuring Weavingshaw by Heba Al‑Wasity is now available, and it’s another great pick for fantasy romance readers.
Fate, Rivalry, and the God of Death
Before we dive too deeply into the emotional moments, let’s go back to where we left off last time—with the reveal of Thorne as the God of Death and that Ivy will become the new queen shortly after.
I have to say that I love the tension between Thorne and Baylor.
“She’s yours now, but she will be mine.”
This mixes beautifully with the conversations around fate. Thorne not being able to change his? I think it has something to do with him being fated to be with Ivy—but also possibly fated to kill her.
This trope has been popping up more often in fantasy romance, and it’s a nice twist: someone is fated to die…yet somehow, they come back.
That’s where I’m leaning right now with the fated elements of this story.
And of course, there’s the other possibility—she’s his fated mate. There’s no escaping that.
Thorne and Ivy’s Growing Connection
I love how Thorne admitted his fascination with Ivy started the moment she threw her blade at him.
I mean…we could see it.
Even if he has misstepped out of ignorance about her situation more than once.
Having him swoop in to save her in the alley? Loved it. And the fact that he had a guard watching her—even if she didn’t need it—I do appreciate the gesture.
And the moment when he realizes his touch doesn’t hurt her?
The agony when she thought he was dying. The moment when he realized she had touched him. And the way he admits it would destroy him to hurt her?
LOVE.
Most of what I’m seeing from Thorne is good man energy, which is refreshing in a genre full of morally gray shadow daddies.
Yes, he’s cocky. Overconfident. Determined to be Ivy’s white knight.
Yes, he’s acting very much like a god.
And yes, he’s getting things wrong.
But he never disrespects her.
It almost feels like he wants to worship her—and honestly, I’d love to peek inside his head. I’m always a sucker for that in a single-POV fantasy romance.
The Collar, Baylor, and What’s Coming Next
That said, his plan to get her collar removed is definitely going to backfire.
Not just in the immediate fallout with Baylor, or the attack from Kaldar.
There’s something bigger brewing.
I’m convinced something more personal and devastating is coming for Ivy because of what Thorne did.
But I did love the moment when he touched her under the table—the pure joy he must have felt at finally being able to do so.
Brilliant.
The Secret Beneath the Castle
One of the most fascinating reveals in this section is the captive god being held beneath the castle in the tunnels.
The God of Illusion.
I’m pretty sure this has to be Ivy’s mother.
It’s never said directly, but the clues feel pretty obvious. The mention of gods secretly sending their heirs away, and the comment about Ivy having her father’s eyes?
That definitely feels like setup.
You know…on top of all the other hints that Ivy is the true heir.
And now I’m really wondering what’s going to happen when Ivy finally gets her hands on that sword.
Final Thoughts & Next Week’s Finale
And that’s where we are heading into the final stretch of Heir of Illusion.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about the story so far, so drop them in the comments below.
Next week, we’ll be finishing the book.
Until then—happy reading!
And if you’re looking for your next fantasy read, don’t forget to check out our April book box featuring Weavingshaw while it’s available.
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