Book details
Mask of Shadows (Mask of Shadows, 1)
Description
"I love every aspect of this amazing book-a genderfluid hero, a deadly contest, and vicious courtly intrigue. Get! Read! Now!" -Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling authorI needed to win. They needed to die.Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class-and the nobles who destroyed their home. When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand-the Queen's personal assassins, named after the rings she wears-Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge. But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.This heart-pounding YA story of magic, danger, and revenge is perfect for readers looking for: epic books for tweens and teens gay and lesbian fantasy and science fiction gripping stories with queer and gay magic and sorcery gender fluid representation and gender diversity dazzling world-building and relatable charactersPraise for Mask of Shadows:A Bustle Most Anticipated YA of 2017!"Compelling and relatable characters, a fascinating world with dangerous magic, and a dash of political intrigue: Mask of Shadows completely delivered. Fantasy fans will love this book."-Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling coauthor of My Lady Jane"An intriguing world and a fantastically compelling main character make for a can't-miss debut. Miller's Mask of Shadows will make you glad you're not an assassin-and even gladder Sal is."-Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken and Now I Rise"It is fabulous. Go forth and read the Hunger Games-like craftiness and intensity, Kaz Brekker-ish determination and moral questionability, and utterly charming romance." - LGBTQ Reads"Uber bloody and action packed, Mask of Shadows is the book for anyone who loves a heavy dose of grit and gore with their fantasy." - TeenVogue.comDon't miss the highly anticipated second book in the Mask of Shadows duology, Ruin of Stars, and Linsey Miller's standalone YA fantasy Belle Révolte, both available now!
Age
14-17
Text complexity
beginner
Length
352 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging Representation: 'Mask of Shadows' features a gender-fluid protagonist, Sal, providing a refreshing perspective and representation that is not commonly found in the fantasy genre. This can be both enlightening and empowering for readers who are seeking diverse characters and narratives.
- Unique World-Building: Linsey Miller creates a rich and detailed fantasy world with its own set of rules, magic system, and political intrigue. Readers who enjoy immersing themselves in new and unique settings will find the world of 'Mask of Shadows' captivating.
- Thrilling Plot: The book offers a fast-paced and action-packed storyline that includes auditions for a deadly competition to become a royal assassin. The high stakes and constant twists keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next.
- Themes of Revenge and Identity: At its core, 'Mask of Shadows' explores deep themes such as revenge, identity, and self-discovery. As readers follow Sal's journey, they are prompted to consider the complexities of identity and the lengths one might go to in order to right past wrongs and carve out a place in the world.