A review by aqsa_ayman
City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

3.0

I think the parallels between Talia and Italy are very cleverly done, especially with the author's brief note at the end that explains that the origin comes from the story of Romulus and Remus. Lucien's illness in his world adds some maturity to the story, and it makes it even easier to empathise with his need to escape.

I would say that this book is stronger in the first half as it starts to fall victim to some predictable and convenient plot points. It's especially frustrating that no action is taken against the main antagonist despite the multiple schemes that are played out.