Behind Every Illusion by Christina Harner
Summary:
When soft-spoken Tatiana turns eighteen, she begins to experience unusual changes. Suddenly, she can read minds, sense emotions and move at a speed that far surpasses anything she’s known before. When her physical features begin to change as well, Tatiana tries desperately to keep her new abilities a secret. Amidst tragedy, unimaginable transformations and an unexpected friendship, Tatiana has to learn to reveal the girl hidden behind her illusions and what it means to face the world in order to preserve not only the forest but her very existence.
My Review:
I had the pleasure of meeting Christina fairly recently when she and an old friend of mine made a trip to Georgia. We instantly connected and started dishing about books and things we loved to see in them.
I was first introduced to this book by my friend Susie – I saw the cover and instantly knew I wanted to read it. Meeting Christina pushed me over the edge and I picked up BEHIND EVERY ILLUSION with anticipation and the knowledge that a good story would be sure to come.
I wasn’t disappointed. For a first novel the story flows really well, the characters are well-developed and the message is clear. I’ve always been a fan of fairies and fairy-tales and it only makes sense that a fairy would be hurting with the ways we heart the earth and do so little to make things better.
Tatiana was the perfect introvert; afraid of breaking out of her shell and clinging to family, those she knows best. I was intrigued by her relationship with her brother, Isaac and felt a kinship with her older sister Bethany almost immediately.
One of the things I really loved about this book was also the one that that is criticized most. I love that Christina took the time to fully flesh out the story and that every detail was meticulously laid out for us. Unfortunately it had the by-product of making the book just a tad too long. It’s a very delicate balance but I have full confidence that in her next book in the series, Christina will take that advice to heart and provide us with another beautiful, interesting and meaningful look into preserving the earth – along with a fantastic dose of fantasy.
