Title: Elusion
Author: Claudia Gabel & Cheryl Klam
Series: Elusion #1
Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Mystery
Format: Hardcover, 400 pages
Release Date: March 18th 2014
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Source: eARC received by Publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

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Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.

Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.


Science Fiction books are usually not my thing because they can get very complicated and techy and that can throw me off my reading rhythm to a point where I do not understand what is going on. I was afraid of this going into Elusion but I am happy to say that this book blew my expectations away. I really enjoyed this book!

What I think I loved the most about this book was the characters. Regan, our narrator was a great character. She was funny, sarcastic and trustworthy to a fault, even if she shouldn't be. There was also Patrick and Josh. Although I am not one for love triangles I did like this one because it was a complicated one. Both of these boys had aspects that I loved and also aspects that I did not love and for me that is a great way to get me interested in characters. I do not want them to be perfect because that is not relatable.

The mystery aspect of this novel was the reason I read this book in one day. Elusion is a virtual world that was created by Regan father who passed away months before this book began. In this virtual world you can visit anywhere you like and feel all the sensations along with them. But there are some that believe that there is a darker, more addictive side to Elusion that no one is telling then about and in here lies the mystery. Regan begins to suspect that maybe Elusion isn't as perfect she thought it was and the more she delves deeper the more her world changes forever. I loved the mystery element so much because I honestly could not tell you what was going to happen next.

I had a few issues about this book as well, one was the world building. Although the world was described quite well, there were elements that were left untouched and I found that to be distracting at times. There would be a line about the pollution in the air and how all building had special filters etc. but it was never explained as to why the world was like this and how the pollution could effect the characters. There was also some moments where I though it got to techy for me because I couldn't understand what they were talking about. But that didn't happen that often.

If you know me, you know I hate cliffhanger endings and I am sad to say that this one does have one. I honestly was hoping there would be more to the book but sadly it ended there and now i have to wait for the next book because I would really like to know what happens to these characters and to Elusion is a whole.