Title: Illusionarium
Author: Heather Dixon
Published by Greenwillow Books
Year: 2015
Format Read: Kindle
Pages: 368
Language: English
ASIN: B00M70YWS2
Dates Read March 29 to April 8 2022
This is probably my first steampunk novel. The book was mentioned on a few blogs so I decided to read it. The author has some other novels that seem exciting, so I may read those later. After reading this fantastic story, I was surprised that there were less than 100 reviews on Amazon. It was a deep and fascinating story with wonderful worldbuilding. Reading this book was almost like watching a movie- not all novels can make me feel this way. Also, I never knew what to expect next, and it was a quick read. The world is based on 19th century England with detailed steampunk elements such as airships and unique technology. I appreciated Dixon’s innovative words and concepts such as orthogonagen, polarage, fantillium, the Venen, Illusionarium. The book is in first-person, and the protagonist Jonathan Gouden narrates the story. The narrative voice is realistic; you can tell he is a teenager, very intelligent, a bit awkward, and still trying to figure out some sentiments. I enjoyed his footnotes, an extra creative touch. To me, all of the other main characters have vibrant and unique personalities as well. Some of the characters are based on real people from 19th century England. Not only does the writer build the steampunk world that I just described, but also she builds an alternative world as well which is a derelict and dysfunctional version of Jonathan’s world. This is the world that the villain who brings the Fantillum comes from, along with the Venen. That world serves as a warning, and the characters have to make moral choices. There is a lot of meaning packed into the plot of this original young adult novel. There are a few twists and not all are happy, but eventually the main heroes find the right way, and it is a good ending.
A Love So Wordy 