Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller
This book felt not quite finished to me like I was reading a second or third draft instead of the final product. I loved the idea! The entire premise, from setting to plot to characters, felt like something I could become obsessed with. I really enjoyed Sal as a narrator and the Left Hand were all great characters as well! I love a book that jumps right into the action, I love a royal court setting, and I especially love a kill-or-be-killed type competition. Unfortunately, the execution just didn't quite hit the mark for me. The stakes felt too low despite Sal's life being in danger literally the entire time and the plot felt a little clunky, some things dragging and others flying by with not enough detail. I still enjoyed the reading experience but I don't think I'd pick up a sequel.
(2/5 stars)












