The Illusions: The most captivating feminist historical fiction novel of the year

‘Sparkling with magic’ JENNIFER SAINT

‘A book to disappear into’ JOANNE BURN

‘Filled with wonders’ ESSIE FOX

‘Spellbinding’ LOUISE HARE

At a time of extraordinary change, two women must harness their talents to take control of their own destiny

Bristol, 1896. Used to scraping a living as the young assistant to an ageing con artist, Cecily Marsden’s life is turned upside down when her master suddenly dies. Believing herself to blame, could young Cec somehow have powers she little understands?

Meanwhile Eadie Carleton, a pioneering early film-maker, struggles for her talent to be taken seriously in a male-dominated world, and a brilliant young magician, George Perris, begins to see the potential in moving pictures. George believes that if he can harness this new technology, it will revolutionise the world of magic forever – but in order to achieve his dreams, he must first win over Miss Carleton . . .

As a group of illusionists prepare for a grand spectacle, Cec, Eadie and George’s worlds collide. But Cec soon finds herself facing the fight of her life to save the performance from sabotage – and harness the element of real magic held deep within her . . .

THE ILLUSIONS is the captivating new novel from the much-lauded author of THE GIFTS. Inspired by real-life illusionists and early film pioneers, this astonishing story of women and talent, magic and power, sweeps you into a world where anything is possible and nothing is quite as it seems . . .

Praise for THE ILLUSIONS and Liz Hyder

‘After her glorious first novel, The Gifts, Hyder has returned with another beautiful slice of historical fiction. The Illusions is charming and intriguing, sparkling with magic and romance’ Jennifer Saint

‘Hyder is a wonderfully accomplished storyteller. The Illusions is a magical tale of innovation, darkness and delight. A book to disappear into – I devoured it greedily’ Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock Cure

‘Filled with wonders in all forms, in real life and in the theatre, this is a story that will mesmerise and cast its spell. I loved it’ Essie Fox

‘With clever storytelling and a magpie’s eye for shine and enchantment, Hyder takes us to a world where magic, moving pictures and illusion mix – and where all are made better by human kindness’ Annie Garthwaite, author of Cecily

‘Spellbinding storytelling, wonderfully drawn characters and the thrill of the theatre make this book unputdownable’ Louise Hare

‘What a joy . . . It’s rich, magical, pacy, immense fun, and just entirely a glorious Victorian delight. I adored it’ Katie Lumsden, author of The Secrets of Hartwood Hall

‘Every bit as magical as the magic it describes’ Sonia Velton

‘Utterly beguiling – brimful of wicked, wonderful, glorious characters and sprinkled with actual magic’ Amanda Mason

‘Haunting, thrilling, wonderful. I loved it’ Stacey Halls

‘Your next obsession. . . Unique and captivating’ Cosmopolitan

‘A boldly feminist novel that lingers long after the last page’ Susan Stokes Chapman, Sunday Times bestselling author of Pandora

‘Imaginative, extraordinary . . . Brimming with historical detail and beautifully written, the soulful prose soars. It’s an insightful, mysterious read celebrating female friendship and solidarity’ Daily Express

‘A stirring tale of female empowerment, full of vivid imagery and evocative settings’ Observer

‘A glorious, evocative read, ripe for a movie adaptation. Victorian girl power? You bet’ Apple Books

‘Extraordinary. For any who loved The Essex Serpent, this is one that will sing to your soul’ Jackie Morris, The Lost Words