I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker, Kelly Zekas Published by Macmillan ISBN: 9781250078025
on February 9th 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Love & Romance, Fantasy & Magic, Historical
Pages: 352
My rating:
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Synopsis
Evelyn has no interest in marriage and even the dashing Mr. Kent can't make her want to live up to society's expectations. She'd much rather assist her beloved sister Rose in becoming the world's first female doctor. But everything changes the night she meets Sebastian Braddock – not only is the reclusive lord both vexing and surprisingly attractive, he's also quite possibly mad, and his interest in Rose is galling. So when Evelyn wakes up to discover that Rose has disappeared, she immediately suspects Sebastian.
But then she discovers that Sebastian's strange tales of special powers are actually true, and that Rose's kidnappers have worse in mind for her than simply ruining her reputation. Surrounded by secrets, lies, and unprecedented danger, Evelyn has no choice but to trust Sebastian, yet she can't help but worry that Sebastian's secrets are the most dangerous of all...
In a world where book blurbs tend to be effectively deceiving, a book that actually delivers what the blurb promises is rare. These Vicious Masks is one of those lucky guys. I couldn’t agree more with it being considered at mix between Jane Austen and X-Men. Actually, the description is spot-on.
Some Things I Loved
The Heroine
The story introduces us to Evelyn, who is a witty brat, and she deserves all the love! Seriously, take notes everyone. Although she comes off as frustrating a lot of times, my favorite trait of hers is how she just refuses to give up even when she has two guys that are falling over themselves to do the work for her (for varying reasons).
In some cases, this really annoyed me because she was stupidly throwing herself into dangerous situations. Although, on the other side, I kind of understand why she did it. Her parents had stopped supporting her. Her sister’s reputation and hers in line. Two men who aren’t entirely trustworthy. I guess I could easily see myself saying ‘consequences be dammed, I gotta find my sister’ in her position.
The Backdrop
Victorian London. Not a fun place to live in if you have problems with following society’s rules. Regardless, the entire thing was so well-written in this aspect that I almost forgot I do not like Victorian London. From how the characters spoke, to of what they spoke and place description.
In addition, it’s amazing how the supernatural element is woven in without representing a whole other aspect. It’s all part of the setting.
What I didn’t Love as Much
Romance? Or the Lack of Romance?
This isn’t normally a problem. I do like romance in my books, but if there isn’t any, well, I won’t throw a fit because of it. But it is a problem if there are too many things pointing at the existence of significant romance, and then being disappointed.
The synopsis doesn’t state that Evelyn might end up with someone, but I kind of feel deceived by the story itself. It’d be fine if there was sequel confirmation, but for now, I’ve been left hanging in this department. And it’s not fun!
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