#OrlandoLex read - well well well. I greatly enjoyed this book! Evelyn and I would get along swimmingly I think. I didn't quite guess the secret, but was pleased none the less. ( )

I got about halfway through and my ambivalent feelings about this story remained. Too... flat, I think -- flat characters, plot a little weak, I suspect a highly unrealistic love triangle emerging, and a painfully obvious betrayal, but I just don't care enough to read more. It could be me. I seem to be developing higher standards in my fluff, and not a lot is pleasing me right now.

This must be how girls go mad: It’s the only alternative to boredom.

These Vicious Masks was one of my most anticipated novels of 2016 and, while it wasn't quite what I was expecting, it was a fantastic read.

It is 1882 and young Evelyn is bored. Bored of society and balls and bored of Byronic bachelors being thrown in her path. What Evelyn needs is an adventure, though having her younger sister taken to London in the night by a strange man was not what she had in mind. With the help of the dashing Mr. Kent, the infuriating Mr. Braddock and her newfound powers, Evelyn will sacrifice everything to get her sister back safe.

As far as the characters go, Evelyn is everything a Victorian lady unfulfilled in her station should be- bold, determined and with a cutting tongue that she puts to good work. Mostly against her two potential love interests. I must say, I do hate love triangles. But in this case, at least it wasn’t overshadowing the whole story. There was no reducing Evelyn to something to be had and there was no major “pissing contest” among her suitors and I have to say, I’m glad for it.

Getting into the story was a bit of a struggle, as, for some reason, I was thrown by how quickly we were thrust into the action. I feel like there wasn’t enough time to get to know the characters, especially Rose. That being said, I didn’t find myself skipping over boring dialogue or waiting for something to happen. After the first few chapters, we are treated to revelation after revelation, stopping only for a brief trip to the theatre, though for all we learn, there is still so much unanswered about These Vicious Masks’ universe and I cannot wait to learn more.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and the universe it is set in has shown some great promise for the sequels. I can’t wait! ( )

While I usually love historical romance, this one just isn't doing it for me. I do love the heroine's snark and wittiness, but something just isn't hooking me for this series. Me thinks the lady dost protest too much. And she is clueless about Mr. Kent. For all she is supposed to be so smart, she definitely doesn't have the social smarts going on, and that annoys me. Sigh. I'll keep up with the series for my library, but probably won't finish it myself. ( )

Witty dialogue, two love interests, a mystery, and teens with seekrit powers. A good choice for fans of Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices series, I think. Also a good fit for fans of [b: The Girl in the Steel Corset|9166877|The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles, #1)|Kady Cross|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1297987541s/9166877.jpg|14046028], though I'd say it's got better writing than that series. It's a quick read with a clear set up for more to come, and it should be easy to booktalk for summer reading this year.