Illusionarium

What if the world holds more dangers—and more wonders—than we have ever known? And what if there is more than one world? From Heather Dixon, author of the acclaimed Entwined, comes a brilliantly conceived adventure that sweeps us from the inner workings of our souls to the far reaches of our imaginations.

Jonathan is perfectly ordinary. But then—as every good adventure begins—the king swoops into port, and Jonathan and his father are enlisted to find the cure to a deadly plague. Jonathan discovers that he's a prodigy at working with a new chemical called fantillium, which creates shared hallucinations—or illusions. And just like that, Jonathan is knocked off his path. Through richly developed parallel worlds, vivid action, a healthy dose of humor, and gorgeous writing, Heather Dixon spins a story that calls to mind The Night Circus and Pixar movies, but is wholly its own.

But in a world of shared nightmares and dangerous conspiracies, can one ordinary boy’s imagination be enough to save everyone he loves?

• Reluctant Hero: Follow Jonathan, a quiet medical apprentice who discovers he has a rare and dangerous talent for bending reality itself.
• Parallel Worlds Adventure: Journey through richly developed alternate realities, from a steampunk aerial city to the decaying grandeur of Nod’ol, a world built on lies.
• Airship Adventure: Experience a breathtaking gaslamp fantasy filled with royal airships, sky-high chases, and conspiracies that threaten the entire empire.
• High-Stakes Fantasy: With a deadly plague infecting his own mother and sister, Jonathan must find a cure before it’s too late for everyone.

Far, far north, in the cold aerial city of Fata Morgana, apprentice scientist Jonathan is preparing to leave for university.

He doesn't know about fantillium, the newly discovered chemical that allows people to share hallucinations—sometimes wondrous ones, sometimes appalling.

He doesn't know he holds the rare skill to control the hallucinations—to become an illusionist.

He doesn't know that fantillium can also open gateways to parallel worlds. Or that he will soon begin an epic journey, crossing cities and worlds, to save his family, his friends, and his very reality.

He doesn't know any of that . . . yet.

And when he does, will his compass continue to point true north? Or will it break apart?

Praise for Entwined: “Full of mystery, lush settings, and fully orbed characters, Dixon’s debut is both suspenseful and rewarding.” - Booklist (starred review)

“Dixon balances the suspense with generous helpings of humor and sparkling dialogue…[A] charming, romantic story, told with a light touch.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Steampunk fantasy set in a futuristic London features . . . fantasy elements, plot twists, and dramatic crescendos . . . The lovable characters and the story’s originality will appeal.” - School Library Journal

“This steampunk adventure catapults across two fascinating, dangerous worlds with mild horror, some humor, and suspense. …Jonathan’s first-person narration is compelling, candidly relating triumphs and missteps alike.” - The Horn Book

“The snappy dialogue, intriguing cast, and well-developed worlds make Dixon’s sophomore effort a lush and original story.” - Booklist

“Dixon casts Jonathan not as a pinup daredevil but as an ordinary, decent person who does some extraordinary things along the way. Her steampunk world is vibrantly imagined, and the page-turning quality of Jonathan’s wry narration will have readers fully invested in his story.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)