Review – These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas

Title These Vicious Masks (These Vicious Masks #1)

Author Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas

Description from Amazon

England, 1882. Evelyn is bored with society and its expectations. So when her beloved sister, Rose, mysteriously vanishes, she ignores her parents and travels to London to find her, accompanied by the dashing Mr. Kent. But they’re not the only ones looking for Rose. The reclusive, young gentleman Sebastian Braddock is also searching for her, claiming that both sisters have special healing powers. Evelyn is convinced that Sebastian must be mad, until she discovers that his strange tales of extraordinary people are true―and that her sister is in graver danger than she feared.

Initial Thoughts

I kinda stumbled upon this book by accident. I was looking for a new audiobook and I have had good luck with series lately on Audible so I thought I would give this one a try. Also, it was pitched as Jane Austen meets X-Men and what could be more fascinating than that?

Some Things I Liked

• The banter! I adored the witty banter between all of the characters. It’s so Jane Austen in that regard. Everyone has the best responses to everything said to them.
• The writing style – I really liked that this story is narrated from Evelyn’s POV. It really makes her discoveries in regard to her sister, Rose’s, disappearance that much more interesting. There are characters throughout the story who know more than Evelyn, but, I liked that as the reader, I found those things out when she did.
• The setting – I may or may not have mentioned this before, but I love Victorian England. The setting in this story is so well done.

One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About

• The romance. I totally get that this is Victorian England and ladies are prim and proper but the romance factor in this book was a little lacking. I thought there would be more of a storyline for it since the book basically opens with Evelyn and Rose’s mother telling them they need to find suitor’s ASAP. I was disappointed with the lack of romance.

Series Value

I think there is a really interesting story developing in this series. I love the X-Men feel of the abilities our main characters possess and I think it opens many doors for future storylines. I will definitely continue with this series.

Final Thoughts

This was a quick listen for me. I started Monday morning and am already finished. I liked the series well enough to want to continue with it and I hope to see certain areas of the plot develop more as the series progresses.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

• Love, Lies, and Spies by Cindy Anstey – if you liked the Jane Austen vibes and you like main characters who keep secrets from each other, give this book by Cindy Anstey a try.
• A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn – again, if you like the setting, Jane Austen worthy banter, and mystery in this book, give the Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn a try.
• Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco – again, if you like the setting, the banter, and strong willed female lead characters, do yourself a favor and check out this series by Kerri Maniscalco. You won’t be able to put it down.