Heir of Illusion Read Along | Week Two
Welcome back to week two of our read along featuring Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor. This week got a little juicy, didn’t it?
We have the mystery of the whispering sword, more clues that Ivy is the Heir, and a lot of running around searching for the thief of this magical blade.
If you’re following our monthly fantasy romance read along, this is also your last chance to grab our March book box featuring Songbird of the Sorrows by Braidee Otto before it disappears.
Thorne and Ivy’s Chemistry
Let’s start with my favorite part: Thorne and Ivy’s back and forth (btw, thorns and ivy…oh my goodness, is that not meant to be? Love the play on words there). I love how they needle each other, poking and prodding until they get to some of the real stuff—to get past some of the real stuff.
Again, I am absolutely in love with how protective Thorne is of her. And Remy, too. The way those two eye each other and their general familiarity creates a spot-on point of tension without turning it into a love triangle. I really like this relationship and how it fits the overall feel of the book.
Because, let’s be honest, Remy is kind of awesome. We don’t see a lot of him on page, but his influence and the way he’s been steady in her life is a big win for Ivy and her character.
Character Dynamics and Emotional Confessions
It also creates a great mirroring effect for how Thorne is around her and how we’re likely going to see his protectiveness flourish during this book—and the rest of the series.
We all know the first book usually has the biggest hook and the most growth, though, right? So this should be an interesting build as we progress.
Oh! And his confession to her after she witnesses that young mom’s death. Her murder. God, the senselessness of it.
I’m sure this is what we’re meant to feel from that moment, even though it’s mostly a plot device to get our two main characters to open up to each other.
I love that it’s Thorne who shares his past this time, especially since he heard her small confession to the thief’s wife during their interrogation—about what it’s like to be trapped by someone you thought you loved.
The Magic, the Blade, and the Fallen Star
The whole touch thing is finally coming into play. I’m pretty sure I remember that he can’t be touched because his touch will kill others.
I wonder how that’s going to manifest in the story since he’s already had a bad reaction to her almost touching him at least twice so far.
Oh, the tension. I love how it builds.
And then there’s the conversation she had with Darrow about the fallen star—about not touching the blade and what it does to those who touch it.
Perfect setup for what’s coming, even though I’m not 100% sure what that is yet.
Heir of Illusion Theory: Ivy and the King
Beyond my prediction that Ivy is the Heir, I can just feel how she’s about to be engaged to the king instead of the mistress who thinks she’s going to be queen.
I mean, it’s obvious, right?
A powerful and well-bred weapon. The one who’s been at his side the whole time. The one who doesn’t actually want him.
She’s going to be put in that awful position without realizing it—until the shoe drops.
That Ending Reveal (Week Two Cliffhanger)
Speaking of shoes dropping…
Thorne is not just a reaper.
He’s the GOD OF DEATH.
What?!?
That is just…awesome. I love this kind of twist.
And of course, that’s exactly where we ended. You know I love to accidentally pick a cliffhanger stopping point.
I am so energized to keep reading this. For things to get worse—so much worse—before they get better.
Bring it on, Ms. Taylor.
Final Thoughts & Next Week’s Reading
Okay, well, those are my thoughts on week two of our Heir of Illusion read along.
What do you think so far? Let me know in the comments below.
Next week we’ll be reading through Chapter 36.
Until then—happy reading!
And if you want to join the fun, it’s the last chance to grab our March book box featuring Songbird of the Sorrows before it sells out.
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