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rclz's review
5.0
I really liked this and we need many more stories centered around Mircea. I would love it if we'd get some in the present time also. I love Cassie to death but I think Mircea needs a series of his own.
bookish_babe's review
4.0
So obviously if you have ever read any of Karen Chance's books before, you'd come to Masks with pretty high expectations and honestly, I think she delivered. Masks focus' on Mircea's life shortly after his transition when he was living in Venice. It was a great look at what ultimately shaped him into the man he is in the Cassie Palmer books and it was a great peak at what makes him tick. Masks is not quit as action packed as the Cassie books are, I wasn't really left with any of the 'edge of my seat' feelings but it was still a fun ride.
The ending definitely had me itching for more...the book is 406 pages long and I didn't want it to end. I'm now wondering if the photo album that Cassie finds in Curse the Dawn in Mircea's room is filled with images of who Mircea connects with at the very end of Masks? It would answer a lot of questions but at the same time, creates so many more. Where is this person now? Why haven't we seen them in the Cassie books yet? It's driving me crazy but in a good way. I cannot wait to see what Karen has in store for us next and I'm 100% on board for another Mircea book! I'd love to see his fight to power and how he gained his seat on the senate in the future! I'd also like to see what maybe happens to come of the side characters from Masks.
The ending definitely had me itching for more...the book is 406 pages long and I didn't want it to end. I'm now wondering if the photo album that Cassie finds in Curse the Dawn in Mircea's room is filled with images of who Mircea connects with at the very end of Masks? It would answer a lot of questions but at the same time, creates so many more. Where is this person now? Why haven't we seen them in the Cassie books yet? It's driving me crazy but in a good way. I cannot wait to see what Karen has in store for us next and I'm 100% on board for another Mircea book! I'd love to see his fight to power and how he gained his seat on the senate in the future! I'd also like to see what maybe happens to come of the side characters from Masks.
alice2000's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I really wanted to love this book, but in the end it wasn't to be.
It was fun to see how the Consul became the Consul and I'm hoping to see some of the characters introduced here shown in future books, but mainly I felt that this was an unnecessary pit stop.
I really wanted to love this book, but in the end it wasn't to be.
It was fun to see how the Consul became the Consul and I'm hoping to see some of the characters introduced here shown in future books, but mainly I felt that this was an unnecessary pit stop.
Spoiler
Re: Dory - I was also really confused for a bit in the beginning about why Dory wasn't with him, but it did resolve itself into he went to back home to get her mother and found her instead and then back to Venice.vaderbird's review
3.0
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
4.0
Masks is the first and only novel (so far) written entirely from the perspective of Lord Mircea. Granted, this entire novel is also set before he became a lord. This is the tale of how he learned to be a proper political vampire.
Originally this was supposed to be a novella, but it ended up growing and growing until it became the novel it is today. It's absolutely perfect for those that adore Mircea, and wouldn't mind seeing a whole lot more of him.
Masks is numbered at 6.5 in the series, and you should probably read it at that time. Not because there will be spoilers – it's set far back in Mircea's past, after all – but because that'll be the moment when you'll be the most ready to learn about our leading character. Or at least, that is how it worked for me.
Because I’m doing a reread with a group of people (the Karen Chance Street Team – message me if you want to know more about it) I’m also going to include the discussion prompts we’ve been using. That will be at the end of the review, so if you’re curious, check it out.
Warnings: There are a lot of heavier tones in Masks. Baby vampires without masters are caught, rounded up, starved and abused, and eventually sold into slavery. There are the obvious elements that come with that, but in Mircea's case there are also several moments that bring more into it. Like sexual assault, or concerns about consent.
This may be hard to believe, but this was actually my first time reading Masks, despite having read most of the rest of the series several times. I guess I just missed a few of the side novellas/novels. Woops.
I have to say that I really enjoyed Masks. There were moments that made me uncomfortable – like those I mentioned in the warning up above – but I'm fairly certain that was intentional. Vampire life isn't pristine and perfect, much as they might prefer us to think of it that way. It's messy, violent, and frequently dangerous.
It was fun seeing an all-new Mircea. Though I'll confess I had trouble caring about well...most of the relationships shown here. Probably because I knew that they didn't stick around, or at least that they're not as relevant in present time.
But it was brilliant to see how Mircea's character formed over time. What he was forced to go through, and how much of his core personality survived his being turned (granted he was turned into a vampire through slightly different means than normal).
You can really see Karen Chance's history degree being used in this novel, possibly more so than any of the others. Those little extra details really added up, making the whole novel feel more real and alive.
Extra Comments:
Tarot Card: None mentioned
Favorite chapter/scene/plot point: The main fight scene at the end is probably my favorite, and not just for the fight. I loved the political schemes that were coming to fruition (or failing) there. All the effort that went into it.
Favorite quote: “But it never ceased to amaze him how he always assumed that his situation was unique. That no one else knew his pain, understood his loss. And yet, he continually had evidence of the contrary.”
MVP (not including Cassie): Well Cassie isn't in this one, so she couldn't be even if I wanted her to be. I'm going to assume not Mircea, because he is the main character here. I loved Antony and his determination despite the odds, so I'm going to go with him I think.
Favorite Political Quote: “Power is more than strength, Mircea. It takes more than that to be a leader. More of... whatever it is you have, and I don’t.”
Interesting bits I noticed this time 'round: First time reading! So everything I guess!
What further research did this book inspire (historical, mythological, etc): Nothing yet, but that'll probably change.
Unanswered questions: None
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Originally this was supposed to be a novella, but it ended up growing and growing until it became the novel it is today. It's absolutely perfect for those that adore Mircea, and wouldn't mind seeing a whole lot more of him.
Masks is numbered at 6.5 in the series, and you should probably read it at that time. Not because there will be spoilers – it's set far back in Mircea's past, after all – but because that'll be the moment when you'll be the most ready to learn about our leading character. Or at least, that is how it worked for me.
Because I’m doing a reread with a group of people (the Karen Chance Street Team – message me if you want to know more about it) I’m also going to include the discussion prompts we’ve been using. That will be at the end of the review, so if you’re curious, check it out.
Warnings: There are a lot of heavier tones in Masks. Baby vampires without masters are caught, rounded up, starved and abused, and eventually sold into slavery. There are the obvious elements that come with that, but in Mircea's case there are also several moments that bring more into it. Like sexual assault, or concerns about consent.
This may be hard to believe, but this was actually my first time reading Masks, despite having read most of the rest of the series several times. I guess I just missed a few of the side novellas/novels. Woops.
I have to say that I really enjoyed Masks. There were moments that made me uncomfortable – like those I mentioned in the warning up above – but I'm fairly certain that was intentional. Vampire life isn't pristine and perfect, much as they might prefer us to think of it that way. It's messy, violent, and frequently dangerous.
It was fun seeing an all-new Mircea. Though I'll confess I had trouble caring about well...most of the relationships shown here. Probably because I knew that they didn't stick around, or at least that they're not as relevant in present time.
But it was brilliant to see how Mircea's character formed over time. What he was forced to go through, and how much of his core personality survived his being turned (granted he was turned into a vampire through slightly different means than normal).
You can really see Karen Chance's history degree being used in this novel, possibly more so than any of the others. Those little extra details really added up, making the whole novel feel more real and alive.
Extra Comments:
Tarot Card: None mentioned
Favorite chapter/scene/plot point: The main fight scene at the end is probably my favorite, and not just for the fight. I loved the political schemes that were coming to fruition (or failing) there. All the effort that went into it.
Favorite quote: “But it never ceased to amaze him how he always assumed that his situation was unique. That no one else knew his pain, understood his loss. And yet, he continually had evidence of the contrary.”
MVP (not including Cassie): Well Cassie isn't in this one, so she couldn't be even if I wanted her to be. I'm going to assume not Mircea, because he is the main character here. I loved Antony and his determination despite the odds, so I'm going to go with him I think.
Favorite Political Quote: “Power is more than strength, Mircea. It takes more than that to be a leader. More of... whatever it is you have, and I don’t.”
Interesting bits I noticed this time 'round: First time reading! So everything I guess!
What further research did this book inspire (historical, mythological, etc): Nothing yet, but that'll probably change.
Unanswered questions: None
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
sherrios's review
3.0
I finally managed to get my hands on this and it was an utter delight! I've always enjoyed Mircea and found him one of the more interesting characters in the series, and getting a look into his early life was fascinating. I enjoyed the relationship between him and the Senator (and learning more about her, as well). I enjoyed him and Jerome and Bezia and Auria and Paulo. There was a lovely cast of characters.
On the downside, I wished there was more than just this brief time period. I wish we'd gotten to see his brothers, or more about Elena. The glimpse we got at the end of baby Dory was lovely, but I just wish there was... more.
On the downside, I wished there was more than just this brief time period. I wish we'd gotten to see his brothers, or more about Elena. The glimpse we got at the end of baby Dory was lovely, but I just wish there was... more.
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
It was just so great to have this look into Mircea's life before he became the senator that we know and enjoy so much in both the Cassie and Dory series!
laurla's review against another edition
-nice to have a glimpse into mircea's start. but shouldn't this be #0.something rather than # 6.5 in the series?
"you think you’re so different from us, because you lost a palace? a kingdom? i lost a kingdom, too. so did every man here. maybe our kingdoms were smaller, just a house we built with our own two hands, a wife we loved, a child. but do you think they meant any less? do you think we mourn their loss one bit less than you?"
"power took the place of morals, of law - of god, for that matter. everything revolved around whether you COULD do something, instead of whether you SHOULD. and no one seemed to have a problem with that."
"it makes me seasick!"
"you can't be seasick on land, silly."
"i can if my stomach says i can!"
"we have all eternity and this is what we do with it? refine our cruelty?"
"its in the moments when we don't have time to think, that we show who we really are."
"but the bad things - they can be fought. they can be fought, and we can win!"
"sometimes."
"a lot of the time. but even if we don't, it feels so good just to try."
"you think you’re so different from us, because you lost a palace? a kingdom? i lost a kingdom, too. so did every man here. maybe our kingdoms were smaller, just a house we built with our own two hands, a wife we loved, a child. but do you think they meant any less? do you think we mourn their loss one bit less than you?"
"power took the place of morals, of law - of god, for that matter. everything revolved around whether you COULD do something, instead of whether you SHOULD. and no one seemed to have a problem with that."
"it makes me seasick!"
"you can't be seasick on land, silly."
"i can if my stomach says i can!"
"we have all eternity and this is what we do with it? refine our cruelty?"
"its in the moments when we don't have time to think, that we show who we really are."
"but the bad things - they can be fought. they can be fought, and we can win!"
"sometimes."
"a lot of the time. but even if we don't, it feels so good just to try."
classicista's review against another edition
3.0
I like the balance of Eros and Ares in this one. It's apparently a prequel, I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
annastarlight's review against another edition
2.0
There is a reason why I never read series out of order, and Masks proved that yet again. Though not part of the Cassandra Palmer narrative, Masks tells the story of Mircea, a recurring character in the series.
The story is set in fifteenth century Venice. Mircea is a masterless vampire, and therefore unprotected. When his luck runs out, he gets bought by an influential vampire to be a courtesan.
Usually I can pin-point the exact reason that ruins a book for me. It can be glaring plot holes, terrible characterisation or just butt-awkward writing. With Masks, I can only sum up some random elements that I didn't enjoy. The issue I had with this book was mostly that there weren't enough parts that I did like, rather then there being too many things I didn't like.
Masks doesn't make any concessions for readers unfamiliar with the Cassandra Palmer world. We meet Mircea, who is apparently a vampire, but never do we get any descriptions how a vampire looks. Do they have fangs? There are no mentions of fangs, but they do bite people. Are they sparkly? Pale? Or do they look like ordinary people? As someone that is new to the universe, I need those kinds of pointers to see the characters.
And it wasn't just visual input that I was missing. I had no idea what the limits of the vampires were. It is stressed at several points that a vampire needs a family to survive, but how this would work isn't explained. Why would Mircea go to Venice? It's said that this is the only "open port", but what does that mean? At no point he decides to get on a boat to some place different, so why would he go there at all?
I didn't care much for Mircea as a character. He mostly comes off as a rather selfish and odd guy. Maybe this is part of his vampire-ness, or that's just the way he is. The plot didn't engage me very much - plenty of key happenings are told as a flashback because Mircea was knocked out once again. His vampire friends seemed very fickle and childish, constantly bickering amongst themselves. Masks shows a rather depressing view of vampires: if we would all live centuries, this free for all oppressing kill-and-fuck-fest would be the result?
For fans of the Cassandra Palmer series, Masks might shed a light on the past of a beloved character. For readers unfamiliar with the world, this is not the place to start.
The story is set in fifteenth century Venice. Mircea is a masterless vampire, and therefore unprotected. When his luck runs out, he gets bought by an influential vampire to be a courtesan.
Usually I can pin-point the exact reason that ruins a book for me. It can be glaring plot holes, terrible characterisation or just butt-awkward writing. With Masks, I can only sum up some random elements that I didn't enjoy. The issue I had with this book was mostly that there weren't enough parts that I did like, rather then there being too many things I didn't like.
Masks doesn't make any concessions for readers unfamiliar with the Cassandra Palmer world. We meet Mircea, who is apparently a vampire, but never do we get any descriptions how a vampire looks. Do they have fangs? There are no mentions of fangs, but they do bite people. Are they sparkly? Pale? Or do they look like ordinary people? As someone that is new to the universe, I need those kinds of pointers to see the characters.
And it wasn't just visual input that I was missing. I had no idea what the limits of the vampires were. It is stressed at several points that a vampire needs a family to survive, but how this would work isn't explained. Why would Mircea go to Venice? It's said that this is the only "open port", but what does that mean? At no point he decides to get on a boat to some place different, so why would he go there at all?
I didn't care much for Mircea as a character. He mostly comes off as a rather selfish and odd guy. Maybe this is part of his vampire-ness, or that's just the way he is. The plot didn't engage me very much - plenty of key happenings are told as a flashback because Mircea was knocked out once again. His vampire friends seemed very fickle and childish, constantly bickering amongst themselves. Masks shows a rather depressing view of vampires: if we would all live centuries, this free for all oppressing kill-and-fuck-fest would be the result?
For fans of the Cassandra Palmer series, Masks might shed a light on the past of a beloved character. For readers unfamiliar with the world, this is not the place to start.