Recent Reads (Round 2)

I just finished reading Masks by E.C. Blake and really enjoyed it. If you're interested in seeing what it's about, here's my goodreads review:

MasksMasks by E.C. Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

I wasn’t sure how I would like Masks due to the premise that everyone in the autarchy had to wear them once they achieved adulthood, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way Blake weaved the masks into the story. Everything about this book felt like it was deeper than you originally thought. The characters were well written and had pasts that you get glimpses of throughout the story that underlines what motivates the various characters. I also enjoyed the way Blake explains the various roles of the masks in society and how they are masks into the wearer’s soul so to speak.

As for the structure of the book, I thought Blake did a great job of grabbing your attention right at the beginning even though you didn’t fully understand the implications of what you were reading until much later. You are then introduced to your main character and are given the chance to not only witness what her life is like in the capitol and among society prior to her having to put on her mask, but you are also given the chance to see what her life is like after her masking. It’s a great contrast that really lets you understand the place and what the characters are faced with through their various choices and circumstances.

The middle of the book does a great job of setting up the environment and expectations the characters are going to have to deal with for the remainder of the series, while also giving you a lot more insight into the world in which they live. You gain a better understanding of magic, the role of the masks, and the different strata of society within the autarchy that you would not have glimpsed had the book solely taken place in the capitol. Additionally, I was impressed with how easily I was able to connect with the characters, and not just one, but the majority of the main players. You get invested fairly early on, and can’t help wanting to find out what will happen to them throughout the series.

I felt that the ending did a good job of tying up some of the loose ends in order to conclude this phase of the story, but there were definitely several questions left unanswered and a great deal more to see. I eagerly await book 2, though I know it will be a bit of wait since this book hasn’t officially been released yet.

Overall a great read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels and what is shaping up to be an epic journey.


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