Masque (The Two Monarchies Sequence Book 5)

This book was extremely interesting- the main character was a bit eccentric in a delightful way and felt very well rounded. The characters in general were also varied and interesting. The world building was very detailed and consistent and the plot had lots of elements that kept me guessing: murder mystery, political intrigue, and beauty and the beast vibes. There were a couple scenes that were really gory (murder/aftermath) that would make this book at least pg-13 - not for kids. Also, this is the first book I’ve read in the series, and although there was history alluded to between characters, I felt that it stood alone quite well.

I saw this book recommendation on a blog and thought I would try it out--it is an adaptation of Beauty and the Beast and I have to say, it was fantastic! It is extremely well written and very imaginative. I love the original Beauty and the Beast and have tried to read as many versions of it that I can and I can honestly say that Masque is in my top 5. The characters are well written, the writing is extremely well done, and the setting was incredible. The circumstances that brought Beauty to the Beast's home were great...and unlike any other B&B story I have read. The setting is a fantasy realm with a hefty nod to 1800's manners and dress, though not enough detail is given to pinpoint an exact time period. Isabelle (Beauty) is probably my favorite Belle character I have ever read. She was incredibly intelligent and strong-willed, yet wasn't snarky or rude or inappropriate at all. Alexander (Beast) was also well written, but not as witty and exciting as Isabelle--still good, I just liked her better. The story is from her perspective, so she probably has the advantage. A great read that I will definitely recommend to my friends.--SPOILERS--More Thoughts:-I didn't really get how the bad guy was killed at the end...even though most of the magic wasn't spelled out, this was especially vague and I could have used a little more illumination-I wish there had also been a little more at the end of the book. I thought it was great how Isabelle broke the curse and the reasons she left his home I thought were a good point, but if felt a little bit like the scene was...unfinished?-There are references all over the story about past experiences with characters that were minor in this book but had enough personality that they felt like they should be main characters in another book...I haven't read Spindle yet and I know the author is working on another one in this series, but I REALLY hope that she tells all of the stories she keeps alluding to. It made me feel like I'm missing out on something. Some of the alluded-to-stories were helpful for defining character, but it was a bit much overall-This story was really clean--which I super appreciated--but the way the bad guy kills people is gross and the descriptions are slightly graphic...I probably won't let my kiddos read it until they are 13 or 14ish

This book is really two books, and it took a deliciously long time to read (ten hours straight). Plot: people are blowing up, as in their heads are blowing up, and Isabella wants to find who’s doing it. The leader of the police, called the Watch, tries to keep Isabella out of the investigation and far from danger, but he isn’t very successful. Naturally, they fall in love. There’s isn’t a cat-fight relationship, though. They get along very well, and Lord Pecus accepts Isabella’s meddling ways in a resigned manner.I really liked the characters: Isabella, the street urchins, Mr. Pecus, the sister. Isabella is bold and outspoken, in a ladylike way. She behaves as I imagine a dowager empress would. She is confident and comfortable in her position of authority.There were inconsistencies and “new knowledge” but not as many as in other books. The only thing I didn’t like was the violence. Head blowing is gory, and Gingell writes about all the bits and pieces in detail. And there are two detailed blowings. There is also a point where someone falls and is chopped in half. Ick.Beyond that, though, there was no torture, swearing, or sex. The plot and subplots were involved enough to keep me engaged. It was definitely a beauty and the beast retelling, but you didn’t feel like you’re reading a fairytale in the moment. The similarities are nicely background noise, like Marissa Meyers writes.All in all, I highly recommend the book to anyone who likes funny, witty characters, murder mysteries, and regency era magic. I don’t recommend the book to anyone who disliked Gingell’s Between series because of violence OR anyone who is looking for a steamy romance. There is romance but no steam.

Original, fun, engaging, murder mystery without being too gory, and a spunky protagonist that I adored. This was my first read in the series, and I plan to go back and read the rest now that I’ve discovered how fantastic it is! Learned quite a few new vocabulary words too.

When the head of one of the oldest friends of the narrator explodes, she experiences momentary sickness, but then quips and laughs and chases after the villain in high spirits. And plays little pranks to the watchmen who investigate. Always exquisitely dressed, of course, and beloved by all male characters in the book. The narrator's voice is funny, and sometimes you think she might have some feelings after all, but all in all, I found myself wishing for a less manipulative heroine with less witty remarks and pretty dresses and instead a bit more feeling.

I love this author and this book was no exception. I didn't realise when I bought it that it wasn't 1st in series, but rather an offshoot of the Two Monarchies Sequence and set after that series. It is a standalone book, but with references to the others, although this doesn't in any way interfere with the story telling. I loved this book and would recommend to all who like new twists on old fairy tales told well.

What a great book. What more can I say. It's a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast but with a twist. Murder, magic, mystery and lots more, and oh did it make me laugh. I truly enjoyed Masque. It was well written and I couldn't put it down. I was sceptical about ready a modern twist on a classic, but I was pleasantly surprised. Masque was an enchanting read, and painted pictures in my mind clear and vivid. I had no problems imagining what was happening. And to top it off, the cover is beautiful. All in all, a very good book. It gets my recommendation.

It was hard to put this book down. There’s a very lively imagination at work here, not to mention a great sense of humour. The use of the basic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast was ingenious and the details of life in the two imagined kingdoms utterly absorbing, not to mention the suspense of following the action to solve the mysterious murders taking place. Loved it!

A charming story. I loved it. A blend of fantasy and Victorian mystery, the first half reads more like a murder mystery than a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Mostly I would forget this was a retelling until something would remind me and I’d recognize the inspiration. The story doesn’t hold your hand but allows you to learn and experience this inventive world as you go.It’s full of wonderful witty characters. Especially Lady Farrah, clever and caring you can’t help but love her and her dry wit. Lord Pecus is everything the Beast should be, while still being charming. The supporting cast was wonderful, and makes me hope for them to appear in follow up stories.Now, I do think it could have done with some editing to make a cleaner story. But reading about Lady Farrah’s antics was so fun, I am not even sure where I’d cut it.And for a retelling of true love ever after…there was very little of that involved. Which I sort of expected more of a romantic type end at the very least, considering its source is a fairy tale but enjoyed that there wasn’t even a true love kiss in sight, until the end. It did end happily, and was as low key as the romance was throughout the book.c/p from my goodreads