Born of Illusion - by Teri Brown (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For fans of Libba Bray and Anna Godbersen, this thrilling historical suspense novel is the story of a budding magician who has spent her life playing sidekick to her faux-medium mother--and trying to hide the fact that she possesses magnificent powers.

As the illegitimate daughter of Harry Houdini--or so her mother claims--gifted illusionist Anna Van Housen easily navigates the underground world of magicians and mediums in 1920s New York, though the real trick is keeping her true gifts secret from her opportunistic mother. But as Anna's powers intensify, she experiences frightening visions that lead her to explore the powers she's tried so long to hide.

Lovers of historical fiction and stories filled with romance and intrigue will fall for Born of Illusion and its whip-smart, savvy protagonist.

In a world built on illusions, what happens when the only magic that's real is the one she must keep secret?

• Family Secrets: Anna's mother claims she's the daughter of the great Houdini, but the truth behind her parentage is a secret she'll risk everything to uncover.
• Roaring Twenties Atmosphere: Step into the dazzling and dangerous world of 1920s New York, from underground speakeasies to the grand stages of Broadway, where illusion is everything.
• Psychic Powers: As her powers grow, Anna is haunted by terrifying visions she can't control, forcing her to confront the magic she's been taught to fear.
• A Slow Burn Romance: A mysterious and handsome stranger has secrets of his own, and trusting him could be either the key to her freedom or her ultimate downfall.

From the Back Cover

Anna Van Housen has a secret.

A gifted illusionist, Anna assists her mother, renowned medium Marguerite Van Housen, in her stage show and séances, easily navigating the underground world of magicians, mediums, and mentalists in 1920s New York. As the illegitimate daughter of Harry Houdini--or so Marguerite claims--sleight-of-hand illusions have never been a challenge for Anna. The real trick is keeping her true gifts secret from her opportunistic mother: because while Marguerite's own powers may be a sham, Anna actually can sense people's feelings and foretell the future.

But as Anna's powers intensify, she experiences frightening visions that lead her to explore the abilities she's tried so long to hide. And when a mysterious young man moves into the flat downstairs, introducing Anna to a society that studies people with gifts like hers, she begins to wonder if there's more to life than keeping secrets.

From Teri Brown comes a world bursting with magic, with romance, with Jazz Age temptations--and the story of a girl about to become mistress of her own destiny.

Review Quotes

"Characterization is a strength in this first-person narrative, in which the setting, New York City in the 1920s, is so richly drawn as to become a character in itself .... Will appeal to fans of Libba Bray." - Kirkus Reviews

"I suppose I could wax on about this book's strengths--its magic, romance and exquisite historical detail--but the bottom line is: Teri Brown's BORN OF ILLUSION is the most thoroughly enjoyable novel I've read all year." - Lauren Baratz-Logsted, author of THE TWIN'S DAUGHTER

"Teri Brown creates a world of magic and deception, romance and intrigue. This book sparkles with dark arts." - Melissa Walker, author of UNBREAK MY HEART and SMALL TOWN SINNERS

"Anna's strong personality and her complex relationship with her mother (who mixes love with professional jealousy), as well as a slightly supernatural romance, provide lots of teen appeal. " - The Horn Book