Dispel Illusion is the conclusion to Mark Lawrence’s Impossible Times trilogy. Like its two predecessors, this is a twisty tale with wonderful sci-fi underpinnings. But where this one truly excels is in giving an entirely satisfying conclusion to the various threads left hanging by the first two novels in the series. Lawrence has given us an ending to his trilogy that sticks the landing.

Like the previous two books in the series, Lawrence does a fantastic job of crafting the character of Nick Hayes. The first-person perspective is wonderfully written. In this novel we see events in various years throughout the timeline that has been established by the previous books. Lawrence uses this to great effect, showing us a character that is growing and changing, right before our eyes. The characterization has been spot on in the entire series, and this concluding volume is no exception to that. This is certainly true for Nick, but extends to the other characters as well. If you enjoy wonderfully crafted characters, this is definitely a series to enjoy. This volume has less discussions of quantum theory, relying on what has been established already in the series. This allows the discussion to turn more to questions of inevitability, fate, destiny, and how decisions have meaning—or not. But these very philosophical ideas are grounded in down-to-earth characters. The action never really lets up, either, keeping the pages turning until the very end. Beyond even this, the plotting and reveals in this one were amazing. I can’t give details because of spoilers, but everything—every single question—someone could possibly have left after reading One Word Kill is tied up. The way the plot intersects with what we already know, but still keeps us on the edge of our seats, is fabulous. I’m not sure what more I can say. I loved this one and was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Well done!

There isn’t much to dislike about Dispel Illusion, either. I might have liked to have seen just a little more resolution for some of the side characters—one in particular—but I don’t know that the story demanded it. Having stuck the landing so well, adding more might not have been wise. There was also an element to this one where I felt like, being the third in the series, the ideas weren’t quite as fresh as in One Word Kill, but again, that’s to be expected.

I highly recommend this novel. Lawrence gives a wonderful example of what it looks like to end a series well, in a satisfying manner, with all the threads wrapped up but without feeling too tidy. I loved this one, and if you’ve enjoyed the rest of the Impossible Times trilogy, I think you will too.

9/10

4.5/5 stars.

5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing