Master of Illusion

Murder. Magic. Music. Obsession.

Master of Illusion Book One follows the lives of childhood comrades, Angel and Elise, as they run hand in hand from a history of treachery, heartache and crippling abuse. Under the mask of exceptional talent and in the name of justice, they each grapple with their own damaged version of love and loyalty, while fiercely protecting their terrible secrets.

Set in the operatic era of 19th century France, talented dancer Elise is discovered by the eminent Opéra Français and is whisked away from a simple life to fulfil her dreams of becoming prima ballerina. Her path is forever changed the day she rescues the disfigured, amnesic genius—Angel—from a life of abandonment and mistreatment. Angel's obsessions define him: his emulation of the Phantom of the Opera coupled with a latent dark side develop into a fervent passion for a young soprano. Cast under Angel's charming spell, Elise assumes the role of his protector and nurturer—only to discover that she, too, wields powers of her own: persuasion and contrivance.

In their efforts to reach the pinnacle of operatic success, Angel and Elise are faced with the challenge of defining justice, love and self-acceptance. Through abandonment, Angel knows only one form of love—obsession; and Elise, whose purity lies in ruins at the hands of evil, is raped of her capacity for romantic love.

Can they fulfil their childhood dreams without blood on their hands?

**Winner of the Silver Medal for Historical Literature Fiction (Modern) in the 2014 Global Ebook Awards**

Anne Rouen is an award-winning historical fiction author whose writing is inspired by the opulent operatic era of 19th century France. This passion was ignited from delving into her own French heritage, and a lifelong love of historical fiction writing. And so, inspiration for the Master of Illusion series was born. Anne Rouen is the alter ego of Lynn Newberry: a country woman from the New South Wales New England region of Australia, who breeds Brangus cattle by day and is a dedicated, passionate horsewoman. The lady behind Anne Rouen has completed a specialist teaching degree in the Rural Sciences department of the University of New England, and has spent most of her life involved in the agricultural industry-twenty of them as an educator. Throughout her career, Lynn has escaped everyday demands through the hand of Anne Rouen. In August 2014, Anne's first ever published ebook was awarded the Silver Medal for Modern Historical Literature in Dan Poynter's Global Ebook Awards and both books in the Master of Illusion series have been nominated in a gamut of industry awards. Prior to this, Lynn received a Highly Commended in the Rolf Boldrewood Literary Awards 2011 for the short story 'The Scent of a Criminal'. With a broad range of interests, Anne Rouen writes a regular blog where she chats about her firsthand experience beating breast cancer and other current issues that are close to her heart.