These Vicious Masks

Description

Evelyn is bored to death of society and even the dashing Mr. Kent can't change that. But when her beloved sister Rose is kidnapped, Ev suddenly has much more excitement that she'd ever wanted. Desperately searching all of London with only Mr. Kent to help, she has no time for distractions, especially ones like Sebastian Braddock - not only is the reclusive gentleman both vexing and surprisingly attractive, he's also quite possibly mad. Then she discovers that Sebastian's strange tales of special powers are actually true. Surrounded by secrets, lies, and unprecedented danger, Evelyn has no choice but to trust Sebastian, yet she can't help but worry that Sebastian's secrets are the most dangerous of all...

Mild-mannered assistant by day, milder-mannered writer by night, Tarun Shanker is a New York University graduate currently living in Los Angeles. His idea of paradise is a place where kung-fu movies are projected on clouds, David Bowie's music fills the air, and chai tea flows freely from fountains. tarunshanker.com Kelly Zekas, an NYU graduate, writes, acts, and reads in New York City. YA is her absolute favorite thing on earth (other than cupcakes) and she has spent many hours crying over fictional deaths. She also started reading Harlequin romances at a possibly too early age (12?), and still loves a good paperback romance. These Vicious Masks is their first novel.

Striking a strong balance between romance and mystery, this novel captures society's rules just as well as it does the unbelievable powers of the main characters. Readers will easily be swept up in its fast pace and sympathetic narrator, who is filled with both self-doubt and resolve to do anything to protect those she loves. This is a perfect pick for someone who wants a little magic in their Victorian novels, and its combination of historical fiction and mysticism will remind readers of Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle trilogy. --Booklist This tale has brisk pacing, plenty of action, and a heroine with more than her fair share of girl-power confidence. --School Library Journal "This is a great read, compelling and addictive. Well written and great character development you cannot stop reading. I was spellbound from the beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey!" --Sue Speakman, Swoon Reader "My favorite thing about this book is the dialogue. The authors intricately composed period-style phrasing with a modern-day wit that is incredibly nuanced and thoughtful - very well done. I was successfully transported by the characters in a way that rivaled my indulgence in Harry Potterland." --Cayla O'Connell, Swoon Reader "So much fun! Like a story by one of the Bronte sisters or Jane Austen, except the characters are much more self-aware and genre-savvy." --Duncan Pflaster, Swoon Reader "I need book two!! Where is book two This sucked me in right away (it was a terrible idea to start reading on a break at work - I could barely bring myself to go back to work) and kept me engaged the whole way through. Some really great characters. (Also any book that mentions self-defenestration wins). But seriously, can I read book two now " --Erin Keskeny, Swoon Reader