Monday, June 9, 2014

ARC Review: Born of Deception

Born of Deception (Born of Illusion, #2)Author: Teri Brown
Publication Date: June 10, 2014
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Series: Born of Illusion # 2


Budding illusionist Anna Van Housen is on top of the world: after scoring a spot on a prestigious European vaudeville tour, she has moved to London to chase her dream and to join an underground society for people like her with psychic abilities. Along with her handsome beau, Cole Archer, Anna is prepared to take the city by storm.

But when Anna arrives in London, she finds the group in turmoil. Sensitives are disappearing and, without a suspect, the group’s members are turning on one another. Could the kidnapper be someone within the society itself—or has the nefarious Dr. Boyle followed them to London?

As Cole and Anna begin to unravel the case and secrets about the society are revealed, they find themselves at odds, their plans for romance in London having vanished. Her life in danger and her relationship fizzling, can Anna find a way to track down the killer before he makes her his next victim—or will she have to pay the ultimate price for her powers?

Set in Jazz-Age London, this alluring sequel to Born of Illusion comes alive with sparkling romance, deadly intrigue, and daring magic.


It is an absolutely perfect moment.

Blissful. I feel blissful.

I melt. I have no defenses against someone who is very handsome and so very sincere and who cares about me very much. But I can’t help but feel that coming to London has somehow changed our relationship, and not necessarily for the better.


I can’t help but take one more glance at his body before I follow Calypso up the steps. His eyes aren’t vulnerable now. Only haunted. 

Anna Van Housen has finally accomplished her dream: a chance to perform in her own magic show. Not only does she get to perform magic, but she has also been offered a chance to travel around Europe with other performers. Their first stop is London. All seems to be going according to plan for Anna; she gets to meet more Sensitives like herself and the she is in love with, Cole Archer, is actually in London as well. However, when Anna gets to London she learns that Sensitives, just like her, are disappearing and no one knows why. Anna is admittedly intrigued and wants to solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim!

Very much like the first book in the series, this book was beautifully written and provided an intricate look at life in the 20’s. The magic is always alluring and makes me feel like it could be real. These books feel like they should take place inside a black and white photo: timeless and classic. I was happy to see Anna’s career as a musician grow and blossom, and I also enjoyed reading about the secret society in which she belonged. I felt like Anna’s life was swiftly changing and that as a character she adjusted quite well. Not only does she seem to be more comfortable in her skin, but she also adjusts to her powers more efficiently and it is clear to see that they are growing as well.

I felt that this book is more mysterious than the last with many more dangers that lay ahead. Teri Brown’s writing a suspense and warmth all built into one. Anna’s spends a lot of time getting to know people from the society in this book, and they are all mysterious and intriguing at the same time. Anna’s relationship with Cole also continues this book and we have a few new twists that are thrown into the mix as far as these two are concerned. I don’t want to spoil anything!


***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Balzer & Bray in exchange for my honest review*** 




1 comment:

  1. I haven't had the chance to read this series yet, but i really want to. I love the quotes you chose

    Great Review!

    Michelle @ Book Briefs

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