Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a dazzling labyrinth of cons, masked vigilantes, political scheming, and intricate magical systems - all set in a gorgeously realized, Venice-inspired city. With a clever con artist protagonist, twisting plotlines, and morally gray characters, it's perfect for fans of epic fantasy who love rich worldbuilding, slow-burn intrigue, found family dynamics, and a touch of romance. If you crave sophisticated storytelling with queer-friendly representation, lush atmosphere, and layers upon layers of secrets, you'll have a blast unraveling its mysteries.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Those looking for a quick read or crystal-clear worldbuilding right from the start might struggle here - the plot is complex, the cast is sizable, and there's a steep learning curve with names, magic systems, and in-world lingo. Some found the pacing slow, especially in the beginning, and wished for more guidance through the novel's many intricacies. If you prefer your fantasy straightforward or get frustrated by keeping track of multiple subplots and POVs, this one might feel overwhelming.
About:
The Mask of Mirrors in the Rook & Rose series by M.A. Carrick follows the intricate plot of a con artist named Ren trying to infiltrate high society in a medievalist city. The narrative delves into political intrigue, dynamic sword fights, and a collision of classes and secrets, all while exploring themes of gender and sexuality acceptance. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including Ren, a crime lord, an aristocrat, and a masked vigilante, as they navigate a world filled with ulterior motives and long cons. The book is praised for its detailed world-building, complex characters, and engaging storytelling style that keeps readers hooked till the end.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for the book include themes of violence, political intrigue, potential triggers around colonialism and oppression, and mental health issues.
Has Romance?
There are romantic subplots, but they take a backseat to the main story, delivering a medium presence of romance.
From The Publisher:
"Lush, engrossing, and full of mystery and dark magic," The Mask of Mirrors is the unmissable start to the Rook & Rose trilogy, a dazzling fantasy adventure by Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms, writing together as M. A. Carrick. ( BookPage )
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD. MAGIC FAVORS THE LIARS.
Ren is a liar and a thief, a pattern-reader and a daughter of no clan. Raised in the slums of Nadežra, she fled that world to save her sister. Now, she has returned with one goal: to trick her way into a noble house, securing her fortune and her sister's future.
But in the city of dreams, her masquerade is just one of many. Enigmatic crime lord Derossi Vargo, stony captain of the guard Grey Serrado, dashing heir Leato Traementis, and the legendary vigilante known as the Rook all have secrets that could unravel her own.
And as corrupt nightmare magic begins to weave its way through the city of dreams, the poisonous feuds of its aristocrats and the shadowy dangers of its impoverished underbelly become tangled-with Ren at their heart.
Praise for the Rook & Rose trilogy:
"Immersive…a feast to savor slowly." -BuzzFeed
"For those who like their revenge plots served with the intrigue of The Goblin Emperor , the colonial conflict of The City of Brass , the panache of Swordspoint , and the richly detailed settings of Guy Gavriel Kay." - Booklist (starred review)
"Utterly captivating." -Shannon Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass
"This novel will catch hold of your dreams and keep you from sleeping." -Mary Robinette Kowal, author of The Calculating Stars
"Wonderfully immersive-I was unable to put it down." -Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter
"Exactly the fantasy adventure novel you're craving." -Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne
Ratings (33)
Incredible (9) | |
Loved It (13) | |
Liked It (8) | |
It Was OK (2) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (130):
Read It (33) | |
Want To Read (84) | |
Did Not Finish (3) | |
Not Interested (10) |
What can you read after
The Mask of Mirrors?
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