Magical Reading: Two Summer Novels

Although Born of Deception, by Teri Brown, is the second in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Anna Van Housen, a psychic and illusionist, has left her native America to perform with a vaudeville troupe in London and become active in the Society for Psychical Research. Despite her high hopes for fame and success, everything seems to be falling apart. Anna is on the outs with boyfriend Cole and her fellow Sensitives (members of the society) are quarreling and some are even turning up dead. Set in the Jazz Age with great characters and a well-paced plot, Born of Deception weaves together historical details, mystery, and romance, making it a perfect read for the young magic lover. (Balzer & Bray/Harperteen, ISBN: 9780062187574; ages 13+)

Rosie Thomas's The Illusionists stars Devil Wix, who dreams of running his own theatrical show in Victorian London's East End. After teaming up with Carlo Bonomi, a fellow illusionist, Devil builds a troupe, which includes Eliza, a down-on-her luck artists' model. As Devil successfully produces the elaborate illusions that are bringing him fame, he finds his relationships much more difficult to manage. His partnership is deteriorating, and he doesn't understand the strong-willed Eliza, who seems to have fallen in love with him. Although Thomas's tale of illusion, murder, love, and self-reinvention is a little meandering, the vivid period details and cast of uniquely eccentric characters help keep readers caught up in the magic. (Overlook Press, ISBN: 9781468309904; adult)