silver_valkyrie_reads's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
LOVED this one all the way through! Having carelessly started with book five in the series, absolutely loved it, and then started the series from the beginning, this seems to be where the series really levels up to the greatness I expected from Masque. (Is it coincidental that this is the first book where Isabella is introduced? I can't tell...)
Honestly, I think this is similar to but better than Etiquette & Espionage.
Honestly, I think this is similar to but better than Etiquette & Espionage.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Death, Violence, Kidnapping, and Adult/minor relationship
akmorgan's review against another edition
4.0
Another highly enjoyable volume of W.R. Gingell's Two Monarchies novels. As per usual, the cast of characters are chock full of wit, charm and outright hilarity. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between the queen heir Annabel and her trusty advisor Isabella. If you enjoy fairy tales and fantasy stories, I'd highly recommend this series (although start with one of the earlier novels - either Blackfoot or Spindle).
punandprose's review against another edition
5.0
What a fantastic read! W.R. Gingell is such a talented author. Seriously. Her books are so much fun. This one I had a hard time getting into until about 30% in. And then I really started loving it around 40% in. Let me tell you, it is always so worth it to read her books. She has this quirky, witty way of framing her stories that, at first, might seem a bit convoluted. But then, if you persist, you're greatly rewarded with some of the best writing ever.
Annabel's journey starts in Blackfoot, and her character growth from that book to this one is unmatched. She starts taking initiative and figuring things out! And can I just say how much I simply adore Melchior and Isabella? They're both so much fun!
I give this five enthusiastic stars for all the wit and masterful storytelling and story unraveling.
Content
Clean language, clean content, some mild peril, and mild violence. Suitable for all ages that want to invest some time in a fantastic book. But you must read the first two novels.
Annabel's journey starts in Blackfoot, and her character growth from that book to this one is unmatched. She starts taking initiative and figuring things out! And can I just say how much I simply adore Melchior and Isabella? They're both so much fun!
I give this five enthusiastic stars for all the wit and masterful storytelling and story unraveling.
Content
Clean language, clean content, some mild peril, and mild violence. Suitable for all ages that want to invest some time in a fantastic book. But you must read the first two novels.
kira_delcaro's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this, though I might be bias because I have loved every book by WR so far. I loved Annabel being friends with Isabella, it was hilarious how they impacted each other.
ebgracie77's review against another edition
5.0
Another delightful book. Of the two monarchies sequence, the 2nd and 3rd almost act like a duology to tell the story of Annabel and Melchior/Blackfoot. Unlike the first that ends very unsatisfactorily as far as the delving further into Poly and Luck’s relationship, we get a better look at the Nan/Melchior relationship and get to spend time with them. Lots of fun adventure and clever world building and magic as well. Love the engaging conversations and fun interactions.
Also, I just realized that Peter is Poly’s dad!!!!! How fun! And tangled. I love how WR Gingell hides things in plain sight!!!
Also, I just realized that Peter is Poly’s dad!!!!! How fun! And tangled. I love how WR Gingell hides things in plain sight!!!
cmbohn's review against another edition
4.0
I'm liking this writer more with ever book. Loved the romance in this one!
toblerowl's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this, such a good fun read and I do love Annabel, Melchior and Isabella. This series has great characters and relationships. Very much gave me Diana Wynne Jones vibes, which is the highest of praise.
storiesforhisglory's review against another edition
5.0
Delightful
Oh this WAS fun. I was delighted to see Isabella again, and to watch Nan and Mel interacting with each other was a huge treat. Delightfully precocious and precious and adorable. And I think Alice makes an appearance with Raoul in Masque... plus now I want to reread Spindle and Masque. Ahhhhh, well done!
Oh this WAS fun. I was delighted to see Isabella again, and to watch Nan and Mel interacting with each other was a huge treat. Delightfully precocious and precious and adorable. And I think Alice makes an appearance with Raoul in Masque... plus now I want to reread Spindle and Masque. Ahhhhh, well done!
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