Book Review ~ The Illusionist's Apprentice

Publisher's Description

Not all illusions happen on the stage.

Wren Lockhart, apprentice to master illusionist Harry Houdini, uses life on a vaudeville stage to
escape the pain of her past. She continues her career of illusion after her mentor’s death, intent on burying her true identity.
But when a rival performer’s act goes tragically wrong, the newly formed FBI calls on Wren to speak the truth—and reveal her real name to the world. She transfers her skills for misdirection from the stage to the back halls of vaudeville, as she finds herself the unlikely partner in the FBI’s investigation. All the while Houdini’s words echo in her mind: Whatever occurs, the crowd must believe it’s what you meant to happen. She knows that if anyone digs too deep, secrets long kept hidden may find their way to the surface—and shatter her carefully controlled world.
Set during one of the richest, most vibrant eras in American history, this Jazz Age novel of illusion, suspense, and forgotten pasts is perfect for fans of The Magician’s Lie, challenging all to find the underpinnings of faith on their own life’s stage.
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First off, isn't this cover gorgeous?!  I first saw that this book was going to be coming out on CBD.com. I believe it was last month.  Anyways, I thought it sounded very interesting and then boom, I was able to get it to review.  I was so excited!  Any who, on to the review...

Honestly, this is a really good book.  I loved the different characters and there were so many twists and turns.  If you know me, I love a good faster paced book, and this book did not disappoint.  The pace was definitely to my liking. 

I am very picky when it comes to girls being the leads in books, but I actually didn't mind Wren.  She wasn't one of those "annoying" gals.  She has this mask that she hides behind, and isn't the kindest, but when it finally starts to slip...well you'll see. Though it does take her a long time.  Its really amazing how the author wrote her character.  Strong yet soft, smart yet broken.  I do think her back story was really sad and for a more mature reader.

Agent Matthews is the FBI agent she ends up working with and I liked him as well.  One thing about his character that you normally don't see in other characters in books (that I really loved) was how observant he is.  He is always watching everything and person.  Definitely a good agent as he also has some wicked driving skills.  He is a sweet guy who never gives up on Wren even when she isn't being nice to him.  And he also has a sad back story, although I think Wren's is sadder still.

I also loved that it was a book with a little of the famous magician/illusionist, Harry Houdini.  The time set was also wonderful as it is set during the 1920's.  Which was a lot of fun, especially when it came to the clothing.

As for sidekick characters they were a lot of fun too.  There weren't a ton of them, but that's ok as too many characters can be rather confusing.  The writing style was also very good and descriptive.  Not just setting the scene, but how the characters were feeling, body language, and such. 

Then of course, the mystery of the book.  It's like you are putting together a puzzle and you are only getting one piece at a time and at the end is when you can finally put it all together.  It is a lot of fun to try and guess and either be right or wrong and then another twist is thrown in.

I really loved this book.  I do wish it was a little longer though. It was classic and clean with some mystery, action, a little romance, and yes, magic.  Even though the word "illusion" is probably more fitting.  I definitely recommend it.  Though I would caution for younger readers as there is some mature content.

4 out of 5 stars

*I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.