The Illusions

The most captivating feminist historical fiction novel of the year

By: Liz Hyder

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Paperback | 27 January 2026

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<font size="+1"> What if you had real magic within you . . . ?</font>

The utterly spellbinding new novel from the celebrated author of THE GIFTS

1896. As a group of illusionists prepare for a grand spectacle, one young woman, Cecily Marsden, harbours a secret. For she possesses impossible powers - powers she little understands.

Meanwhile Eadie Carleton, a pioneering early film-maker, struggles for her talent to be taken seriously, and a talented magician, George Perris, begins to see the potential in moving pictures. But in order to achieve his dreams, George must first win over Miss Carleton . . .

As Cecily, George and Eadie's worlds collide, Cec finds herself facing the fight of her life to save the grand performance from sabotage - and harness the real magic held deep within her . . .

'Charming and intriguing, sparkling with magic' Jennifer Saint

'A book to disappear into' Joanne Burn

'Spellbinding. Unputdownable' Louise Hare

'Simply not to be missed' My Weekly

'Captivating and fascinating' LoveReading

'Filled with wonders' Essie Fox

'Enchanting' Freya Berry

'A glorious Victorian delight. I adored it' Katie Lumsden

'Every bit as magical as the magic it describes' Sonia Velton

'Utterly beguiling' Amanda Mason

Industry Reviews

'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

'For a truly immersive, can't-put-it-down read, The Illusions will whisk you to the late Victorian age with this story of two young women, Cecily, a con artist's assistant and Eadie, a photographer and early film maker trying to make it in a man's world. Cecily and Eadie's paths will soon collide in a kaleidoscope of magic, theatrics, illusion and love.' - Red magazine

'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

'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

'Captivating and fascinating... A fabulous second novel (for adults), firmly cementing Liz Hyder as an author to watch. Beautifully crafted, The Illusions steps into a world of trickery and deception, while shining a light on the importance of friendship and love.' - Lovereading Star Book

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