Illusions by Aprilynne Pike

Illusions is the third book in the Wings series.  I realized, as I searched for my reviews of the other two books (Wings and Spells), that I hadn't reviewed them.  So I guess I'll just do a quick little overview of what these books are about.

The main character, Laurel, discovers, in Wings, that she's a faerie when a flower blooms on her back.  She's introduced to Tamani, a faerie who also happens to be Laurel's guard.  Tamani has been in love with Laurel for the longest time, but Laurel has a boyfriend, David.  In Spells, Laurel spends a summer in Avalon, the faerie realm, learning her spells and faerie lore.  She grows closer to Tamani, but denies that her feelings are more than friendly.  As she learns more about what it means to be a faerie, she also discovers that deadly trolls are out to get her.  She comes to depend on both David and Tamani to keep her safe, but finally begs Tamani to let her go.

In Illusions, the trolls are still causing problems for Laurel and Avalon, and new student, Yuki, seems shifty.  Laurel wonders almost instantly if Yuki is a faerie, and is she is, what court does she belong to?  And does she even know that she's a faerie?  Things seem fishy, especially since mysterious Klea introduced Yuki to Laurel.  Laurel isn't sure about Klea's motives, but she knows not to completely trust her.

This third installment found Laurel even more torn between Tamani and David.  Honestly, it was grating on my nerves.  Just pick someone already, Laurel!  Quit leading both boys on.  It's obvious to me that Tamani is Laurel's guy, and Laurel might finally be realizing that.  Or not.  She just can't make up her mind.

Illusions had some boring, drawn-out parts (every time Laurel talked about using her faerie magic to find out what kind of faerie Yuki is, I wanted to pluck my eyes out), but overall it was an okay read.  The discovery as to what Yuki and Klea are wasn't all that shocking, but it made a good stopping point.  I definitely think these books could have been condensed...I mean, is a fourth book really necessary?  Regardless, I'll read the final book so that I know how the story wraps up.  I won't be waiting on pins and needles, but I'll read it.

2.5/5

One final thing...what's up with the Illusions cover?  It seems so different than the other covers, especially the title font.  Not so sure I like it.  The reflection of the flower in the water is cool, but the font looks horrible.  Just my opinion.

Other ratings:

Wings: 4/5

Spells: 3/5

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.  (Goodreads)

It seems that I waited months for this book to be released.  My sister, Kira, was lucky enough to read this one before me, and she, like the entire blogosphere, it seems, highly recommended it.  So I was ecstatic when my library hold finally arrived!  Upon starting the book, I was immediately pulled into Beatrice's world.

Beatrice has been raised in the Abnegation faction her entire life.  Known for their selflessness, the Abnegation don't think twice about giving up their seat on the bus or helping the homeless ("factionless").  Selflessness definitely isn't second nature to Beatrice, though.  It is during her aptitude test that Beatrice discovers something unique about herself, something which will lead her to make a surprising choice at the Choosing ceremony.  Told not to divulge her secret to anyone, Beatrice must now find a way to fit in with her fellow initiates.  I can't say too much more about which faction she chooses because the majority of the book takes place within that faction, and to say too much would spoil the fun.

It is within her chosen faction that Beatrice meets Four.  At first, I found the chemistry between the two lacking, but that was soon resolved.  I loved the part in the book when Four invited Tris into his simulation.  This was the point where we, as readers, learn so much about Four and what he's experienced in his life.  I love that he's a character with imperfections.  And I love the way his name is explained.

Four and Tris discover a secret plot to overthrow the government, and it is this discovery that drives the rest of the book.

Overall, I found Divergent to be a lot like The Hunger Games.  Personally, I liked The Hunger Games more, but Divergent definitely has a lot going for it.  The action, the romance, the character development...all were very well done.  There were a couple of parts in the book that I didn't find as exciting (a lot of time was spent on Tris' initiation trials), which is why I'd actually fall somewhere between a 4 and a 5.  But, I'll just say 5 to keep it simple.  The ending was amazing, and I am really looking forward to continuing the journey with Tris and Four.

5/5