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Masks and Shadows Stephanie Burgis 9781633881327 Books

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Masks and Shadows Stephanie Burgis 9781633881327 Books

I have wanted to read Stephanie Burgis' Masks and Shadows ever since I found Stephanie was working on a novel set at Eszterhaza, in Hungary (a pivotal setting in my debut!). That might have been even before the book was announced. In any case, I've loved Stephanie's Kat, Incorrigible books, and was hoping for more of the same with this.

I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Though considerably darker than the Kat books (not surprisingly, since this is adult and those were middle grade), Stephanie shows her same deftness with character and setting. Though this book rotates through several POVs to convey the complex political and magical conspiracies, it remains grounded around two POVs, those of Charlotte, widowed sister to Prince Nikolaus's mistress, and Carlo, the Italian castrato invited to attend the grand estate. For those unfamiliar with Eszterhaza, it was known as the Hungarian Versailles--the fabulously wealthy Eszterhazy family (here, Anglicized to Esterhazy) built the estate on what was essentially swampland. For years, Haydn lived her while he composed operas exclusively for the family. In the 19th century, the estate was later abandoned, and while it has been restored and you can visit it, it's not exactly on the beaten path. But even today it's a gorgeous estate with a fascinating history.

But I digress. Charlotte was my favorite of the characters--I loved that she was subdued and understated and just beginning to find herself as an adult, having spent most of her adult life caring for an ailing (and significantly older spouse). Life at the estate is not at all what Charlotte envisioned, as the estate fills with a variety of characters, all visiting with ulterior motives: a Prussian spy; dangerous alchemists with questionable allegiances; the Princess Eszterhazy, who takes a liking to Charlotte despite Charlotte's relationship to her husband's mistress; young lieutenants making rash promises, and much more. Though it took me a while to untangle the different allegiances, the plot builds to a fast-paced, dark climax.

Worth reading for the setting alone--a criminally neglected place and time--but more so for the fascinating cast of characters, a stirring romance, and heart-pounding excitement.


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Masks and Shadows Stephanie Burgis 9781633881327 Books Reviews

When I found out that Stephanie Burgis was releasing a new novel, and not only that it was an adult novel set in 18th century Hungary, but centered around operatic theater with fantasy elements and alchemy in the mix, I got a little excited. I loved her Kat Stephenson books (Kat, Incorrigible), and I love a good historical novel in any genre, so I knew before I ever opened the book that I would probably love it.

I was not disappointed.

Masks & Shadows is an expertly written tale, divided into three acts to mimic the structure of the operas it so lovingly portrays within its pages, and it does so in such a seamless way, it’s absolutely masterful. The world of Eszterháza Palace is a vibrant one, filled with larger than life characters, and all the political, social, and romantic intrigue such a venue requires. The main characters, Charlotte and Carlo, both have a deep love for music and opera, and they are evenly matched, if at odds in the beginning of the story. And the rest of the characters provide such an entertaining supporting cast, dealing in both dangerous and magical plots, it was hard to put the book down once I began.

From a romantic view of music and theater to the dangerous sociopolitical conspiracies and secret magicks within its pages, this book leaves nothing out. And with a heavy dose of romance, it’s everything I could ever ask in a book. It left me laughing at times, heart racing at others, and by the time I finished, I genuinely cared about these characters, the lives lost along the way, and the unknown ever-after that awaited them beyond the final pages.

A fantastic historical romance that I would recommend to anyone who loves forbidden romances, social intrigue, and dastardly villainous plots, wrapped up in a world with a love of music at its heart.

Five stars.
I have wanted to read Stephanie Burgis' Masks and Shadows ever since I found Stephanie was working on a novel set at Eszterhaza, in Hungary (a pivotal setting in my debut!). That might have been even before the book was announced. In any case, I've loved Stephanie's Kat, Incorrigible books, and was hoping for more of the same with this.

I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Though considerably darker than the Kat books (not surprisingly, since this is adult and those were middle grade), Stephanie shows her same deftness with character and setting. Though this book rotates through several POVs to convey the complex political and magical conspiracies, it remains grounded around two POVs, those of Charlotte, widowed sister to Prince Nikolaus's mistress, and Carlo, the Italian castrato invited to attend the grand estate. For those unfamiliar with Eszterhaza, it was known as the Hungarian Versailles--the fabulously wealthy Eszterhazy family (here, Anglicized to Esterhazy) built the estate on what was essentially swampland. For years, Haydn lived her while he composed operas exclusively for the family. In the 19th century, the estate was later abandoned, and while it has been restored and you can visit it, it's not exactly on the beaten path. But even today it's a gorgeous estate with a fascinating history.

But I digress. Charlotte was my favorite of the characters--I loved that she was subdued and understated and just beginning to find herself as an adult, having spent most of her adult life caring for an ailing (and significantly older spouse). Life at the estate is not at all what Charlotte envisioned, as the estate fills with a variety of characters, all visiting with ulterior motives a Prussian spy; dangerous alchemists with questionable allegiances; the Princess Eszterhazy, who takes a liking to Charlotte despite Charlotte's relationship to her husband's mistress; young lieutenants making rash promises, and much more. Though it took me a while to untangle the different allegiances, the plot builds to a fast-paced, dark climax.

Worth reading for the setting alone--a criminally neglected place and time--but more so for the fascinating cast of characters, a stirring romance, and heart-pounding excitement.