These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker, Kelly Zekas

These Vicious Masks (These Vicious Masks, #1)

by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas

Jane Austen meets X-Men in this thrilling Victorian adventure full of magic and mysticism, perfect for anyone who loves a confident, rebellious heroine, snappy dialogue, and a hint of romance.

England, 1882. Evelyn is bored with society and its expectations. So when her beloved sister, Rose, mysteriously vanishes, she ignores her parents and travels to London to find her, accompanied by the dashing Mr. Kent. But they're not the only ones looking for Rose. The reclusive, young gentleman Sebastian Braddock is also searching for her, claiming that both sisters have special healing powers. Evelyn is convinced that Sebastian must be mad, until she discovers that his strange tales of extraordinary people are true―and that her sister is in graver danger than she feared.

Chosen by readers like you for Macmillan's young adult imprint Swoon Reads, These Vicious Masks is an action-packed, genre-bending novel by debut authors Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas.

Reviewed by reveriesociety_ on

4 of 5 stars

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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.

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. I'm not saying I make any sense, but it still didn't sit right with me, that there wasn't any closure on this matter.

Even if she didn't end up with anyone (hey, that is totally cool too!), some closure about her thoughts on her feelings would've been great.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 25 December, 2015: Finished reading
  • 25 December, 2015: Reviewed