These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas took me by surprise in the most amazing way! It is a historical fantasy, and the characters have special powers. The main character is also the perfect heroine, which made this book even more enjoyable. A Victorian setting adds a wonderful backdrop to this beautifully written novel.
Series: These Vicious Masks #1
Author: Tarun Shanker, Kelly Zekas
Also by this author: Championess
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: February 9, 2016
Rating:
Series Rating:
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.
Jane Austen meets X-Men in These Vicious Masks, the thrilling Victorian adventure from debut authors Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas!
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: These Vicious Masks, Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas
❀ A Mind-Blowing Fantasy
The old motto, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” is definitely fitting for These Vicious Masks. While the cover is quite gorgeous, it certainly doesn’t give off the vibe that it contains magic or powers of any kind. The fantasy elements in this book are a wonderful surprise and add a mind-blowing quality to the story. If you enjoy fantasy, this book will absolutely take you on an amazing journey!
❀ Likeable Main Character
As if the element of powers wasn’t incredible already, the main character in These Vicious Masks, Evelyn, is extremely likeable. Evelyn has three perfect traits in a YA heroine: she is smart, strong, and sassy. After her sister is kidnapped, Evelyn sets out to find her, despite her parents’ contradictions. That’s pretty gutsy, if you ask me. Also, Evelyn is the queen of sarcasm and sass. I love a good amount of sass in a book, and These Vicious Masks definitely left me satisfied.
❀ A Unique Setting
This book is set in Victorian London, which is a very interesting and unique time period. The descriptions of the fashion and just society in general are so beautifully written and paint a very vivid picture for the reader. Being whisked away to a Victorian ball and imagining oneself in the posh and elegant setting definitely provides the ultimate reader’s escape.
❀ Enjoyable Read
These Vicious Masks by Taurn Shanker and Kelly Zekas is a historical fantasy with powers and a likeable and sarcastic main character. The Victorian setting adds to the aura of the story and makes it very delightful to read. If you are a fan of books like Shatter Me, you will definitely enjoy this book, as both books have characters with powers.
Quotes: These Vicious Masks, Tarun Shanker & Kelly Zekas
“My hand clutched the cold railing, my feet tested every stair, and my breath refused to come as I climbed up and up through the black void. Like a beacon, the strange, dim second-floor landing called to me.”
About Kelly Zekas
Kelly is a writer and actor living in NYC. YA is her absolute favorite thing on earth other than cupcakes and she has spent many hours crying over fictional deaths. She also started reading Harlequin romances at a possibly too early age (12?), and still loves a good paperback romance.
About Tarun Shanker
Tarun is a writer living in Los Angeles whose idea of paradise consists of kung-fu movies, David Bowie and chai tea. Since completing his first horrible screenplay in high school, he’s written everything from one-act plays and film criticism to humor pieces and strongly-worded emails. He’s also magnetized, crushed and burned the hard drive where that first screenplay can be found.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.