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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
4.5 stars
This has been a joy to read. The last book left Evelyn having to mourn her sister's death, and well, there are much more twists in this book than I initially thought.
All the while still managing to make me laugh out loud every time. Especially the interactions between the three main characters. They clearly are the funniest bunch here.
As for the entire plot, I really didn't seem so many things coming. Except for that last twist as for who was the head. It was a bit on the easy side, but one which gave her plenty of motives too. Since there weren't a lot of characters from the nobility at the beginning of the story. But a lot of them, aren't what you would expect and some come as pleasant surprises instead.
Despite how light hearted and fun it seems on the surface, beneath it hides a lot more about the actual theme of the story. What should be done? Should someone make the decision to save just one person or a hundred? Should someone have the right to say who had the greater good? I really liked how those tragic moments within the entire story served to this theme. Even those moments have a much deeper depth when looked down.
Since they have X-men like powers in this situation, it has a lot about how this powers should be used. Who should run them? And really who was revealed to be the head at the end, also gives her insight towards this. It really is great to see that these authors have managed to answer these questions and leave it to us. With people with extraordinary abilities, it gives a lot of questions that needs to be answered.
As for Evelyn's decisions here, and how it reflects in the book title. I really enjoyed that Evelyn wasn't perfect, and well she sometimes made decisions not nearly as moral sometimes. And how she eventually realised that she isn't all that different from them. I really enjoyed that and the ending, where it left everything as a cliffhanger yet a lot for Evelyn to reflect upon at the end.
So overall, I really like this book for what it is, and how it balances the funny moments and really dark moments in this book. I always enjoyed a book with both comedic and dark elements, and well this does this really well.
I recommend this to those who like young adult novels set in the Victorian Era who want to see something rather different, and one which had plenty of comedic moments and dark ones too. So, I recommend it to anyone really. And those who have enjoyed the previous book.
This has been a joy to read. The last book left Evelyn having to mourn her sister's death, and well, there are much more twists in this book than I initially thought.
All the while still managing to make me laugh out loud every time. Especially the interactions between the three main characters. They clearly are the funniest bunch here.
As for the entire plot, I really didn't seem so many things coming. Except for that last twist as for who was the head. It was a bit on the easy side, but one which gave her plenty of motives too. Since there weren't a lot of characters from the nobility at the beginning of the story. But a lot of them, aren't what you would expect and some come as pleasant surprises instead.
Despite how light hearted and fun it seems on the surface, beneath it hides a lot more about the actual theme of the story. What should be done? Should someone make the decision to save just one person or a hundred? Should someone have the right to say who had the greater good? I really liked how those tragic moments within the entire story served to this theme. Even those moments have a much deeper depth when looked down.
Since they have X-men like powers in this situation, it has a lot about how this powers should be used. Who should run them? And really who was revealed to be the head at the end, also gives her insight towards this. It really is great to see that these authors have managed to answer these questions and leave it to us. With people with extraordinary abilities, it gives a lot of questions that needs to be answered.
As for Evelyn's decisions here, and how it reflects in the book title. I really enjoyed that Evelyn wasn't perfect, and well she sometimes made decisions not nearly as moral sometimes. And how she eventually realised that she isn't all that different from them. I really enjoyed that and the ending, where it left everything as a cliffhanger yet a lot for Evelyn to reflect upon at the end.
So overall, I really like this book for what it is, and how it balances the funny moments and really dark moments in this book. I always enjoyed a book with both comedic and dark elements, and well this does this really well.
I recommend this to those who like young adult novels set in the Victorian Era who want to see something rather different, and one which had plenty of comedic moments and dark ones too. So, I recommend it to anyone really. And those who have enjoyed the previous book.
Title: These Ruthless Deeds
Author: Tarun Shanker
Series: (if any) These Vicious Masks book 2
Rating:5/5 stars
Format: Ebook
Why'd you pick this book? Jane Austen meets X-men and this book is phenomenal
Summary: England, 1883. Recovering from a devastating loss, Evelyn has become determined to use her powers to save other gifted people from those who would study and oppress them. But when her rescue of a young telekinetic girl goes terribly wrong, Evelyn finds herself involved with a secret society devoted to recruiting and protecting people like Evelyn and her friends.
Like magic, Evelyn’s problems start to disappear. Her reputation is repaired, her friends are provided for, and her parents are thrilled at all her new suitors. She’s even been reunited with the dashing Mr. Kent and the reclusive Mr. Braddock (who is much less brooding now that the society is helping him to control his dangerous power). Yet, somehow Evelyn can’t help fearing that there is something sinister going on…
Favorite and Least Favorite part: The society isn't what it seems and Shanker handles the drama exquisitely. Murder, espionage and super powers abound. There is nothing wrong with this book. Even the romance is handled well.
If you like this book you might like: The Good Guys by Steven Brust
Author: Tarun Shanker
Series: (if any) These Vicious Masks book 2
Rating:5/5 stars
Format: Ebook
Why'd you pick this book? Jane Austen meets X-men and this book is phenomenal
Summary: England, 1883. Recovering from a devastating loss, Evelyn has become determined to use her powers to save other gifted people from those who would study and oppress them. But when her rescue of a young telekinetic girl goes terribly wrong, Evelyn finds herself involved with a secret society devoted to recruiting and protecting people like Evelyn and her friends.
Like magic, Evelyn’s problems start to disappear. Her reputation is repaired, her friends are provided for, and her parents are thrilled at all her new suitors. She’s even been reunited with the dashing Mr. Kent and the reclusive Mr. Braddock (who is much less brooding now that the society is helping him to control his dangerous power). Yet, somehow Evelyn can’t help fearing that there is something sinister going on…
Favorite and Least Favorite part: The society isn't what it seems and Shanker handles the drama exquisitely. Murder, espionage and super powers abound. There is nothing wrong with this book. Even the romance is handled well.
If you like this book you might like: The Good Guys by Steven Brust
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Holy smokes did this book take a very (very) dark turn. Still I found this book to be a quick and fun read with a fun narrator who continuously made me laugh. The ending left me shook, sad, and spooked. This series is well worth a read if you need something quick and fantasy-like.
I had loved These Vicious Masks, but for me, its sequel definitely felt flat. I don't have much to say, though.
I had fun at the beginning of the book, but the plot wasn't as exciting than in the first book, and they did the exact same thing than in Paper and Fire, which I really didn't like. I still liked to see more of the Society, despite that part being quite predictable. Meeting new characters with new powers was also quite interesting.
Nevertheless, I really didn't like the romance ! The love interest Everlyn chose is written as a Mr. Darcy, but I'm not sure it was done very well. I needed to see more of the historical setting, because it's Victorian England.
Anyway, I'm sad because the sequel didn't live up to the first book – which, once again, I loved – and I'm not sure I'm interested in reading the third book tbh (if there is a third book).
I had fun at the beginning of the book, but the plot wasn't as exciting than in the first book, and they did the exact same thing than in Paper and Fire, which I really didn't like. I still liked to see more of the Society, despite that part being quite predictable. Meeting new characters with new powers was also quite interesting.
Nevertheless, I really didn't like the romance ! The love interest Everlyn chose is written as a Mr. Darcy, but I'm not sure it was done very well. I needed to see more of the historical setting, because it's Victorian England.
Anyway, I'm sad because the sequel didn't live up to the first book – which, once again, I loved – and I'm not sure I'm interested in reading the third book tbh (if there is a third book).
Review in Italian: https://lalibreriadij.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/these-ruthless-deeds/
Thanks to Netgalley I received an advanced copy, and I could not be happier.
I read the first book, of which I found to be a trilogy, few months ago and if you follow me you'll know that it was an interesting and sliding read and I could have not be more pleased by it! I can say with certainty that the same thing also applies to this second chapter. I found immediately the ease of understanding and desire to follow the story and embrace all the characters that are not always given you by books in a series.
The story starts right away with a surprise, in the prologue, and I will not say more because it would be like to make spoilers for the first and second book together! Just know that the surprise is very welcomed. ^^
In this second book our protagonist and her friends, old and new, find themselves face to face with the Society of Aberrations that we already know from before, but with which we enter now really in contact (this place for special people reminded me so much of x-men and their school).
The love triangle is always there, present and kicking, but for the first time in my life as a reader I can not make peace with Evelyn's choice: I will not tell who he is, but I prefer the second choice! ^^
The ending is very unexpected and shocking, to be honest. I hope that the last book is the answer to everything both for Evelyn and for the Society in general (in any case I had long understood who was the head of the wicked ones, my skills as Sherlock are shocking!).
In any case, good second book that escapes from the trilogy curse (usually the first book is fantastic while the second and third leave to be desired).
Recommended? Of course it is! I hope that the series will soon published in Italy.^^
Thanks to Netgalley I received an advanced copy, and I could not be happier.
I read the first book, of which I found to be a trilogy, few months ago and if you follow me you'll know that it was an interesting and sliding read and I could have not be more pleased by it! I can say with certainty that the same thing also applies to this second chapter. I found immediately the ease of understanding and desire to follow the story and embrace all the characters that are not always given you by books in a series.
The story starts right away with a surprise, in the prologue, and I will not say more because it would be like to make spoilers for the first and second book together! Just know that the surprise is very welcomed. ^^
In this second book our protagonist and her friends, old and new, find themselves face to face with the Society of Aberrations that we already know from before, but with which we enter now really in contact (this place for special people reminded me so much of x-men and their school).
The love triangle is always there, present and kicking, but for the first time in my life as a reader I can not make peace with Evelyn's choice: I will not tell who he is, but I prefer the second choice! ^^
The ending is very unexpected and shocking, to be honest. I hope that the last book is the answer to everything both for Evelyn and for the Society in general (in any case I had long understood who was the head of the wicked ones, my skills as Sherlock are shocking!).
In any case, good second book that escapes from the trilogy curse (usually the first book is fantastic while the second and third leave to be desired).
Recommended? Of course it is! I hope that the series will soon published in Italy.^^
*I read this in January 2017. I read it as an arc. As always, this is my honest opinion. This is book 2. These Vicious Masks review is on my blog. This review and others can be found at www.TheTerribleBookBlogger.wordpress.com.
Confession: I read this book in the midst of a really busy week because I could not hold off my excitement. I absolutely adored These Vicious Masks and the cliff-hanger ending made me scream and cry and it was perfect. So, obviously, my expectations for These Ruthless Deeds were high. This book needed to be as witty and fun as the first book, but the stakes in this book are higher, so it had to achieve both successfully…and it did.
Obviously, if you haven’t read These Vicious Masks this review of the second book will be spoilery to events from the first book. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
This book had me in love and hooked from the first sentence in the first chapter. In fact, I loved it so much, I’m going to share it, because it made me laugh.
*Note, this is a quote from the uncorrected arc, and is subject to be different in the final copy. However, I don’t think it will because it’s genius.
“This was a terrible plan.”
“Evelyn, it’s your plan.”
The wit is strong with this one, and it’s nonstop through this book. The dialogue is what sold me in the first book, and it continues in this one. The banter between Evelyn and Mr. Kent and Mr. Braddock still remains perfect and snarky.
It’s nice seeing this characters develop and seeing new ones introduced. I feel like everyone has a solid reason to be present, and their motivations are their own. Each character has a purpose within the story. It’s a rather seamless narrative.
If you enjoyed Mr. Kent’s truth telling ability…boy is it so much fun! I will forever love Sebastian Braddock (I mean, come on, he’s the prettiest), but Mr. Kent has a special place in my heart as well. It’s rare that I love characters as much as I love Evelyn, Kent, and Braddock, but this is what happens when you have defined characters with personalities outside of each other.
Overall, I adored this book, and I cannot wait for the next one.
Confession: I read this book in the midst of a really busy week because I could not hold off my excitement. I absolutely adored These Vicious Masks and the cliff-hanger ending made me scream and cry and it was perfect. So, obviously, my expectations for These Ruthless Deeds were high. This book needed to be as witty and fun as the first book, but the stakes in this book are higher, so it had to achieve both successfully…and it did.
Obviously, if you haven’t read These Vicious Masks this review of the second book will be spoilery to events from the first book. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
This book had me in love and hooked from the first sentence in the first chapter. In fact, I loved it so much, I’m going to share it, because it made me laugh.
*Note, this is a quote from the uncorrected arc, and is subject to be different in the final copy. However, I don’t think it will because it’s genius.
“This was a terrible plan.”
“Evelyn, it’s your plan.”
The wit is strong with this one, and it’s nonstop through this book. The dialogue is what sold me in the first book, and it continues in this one. The banter between Evelyn and Mr. Kent and Mr. Braddock still remains perfect and snarky.
It’s nice seeing this characters develop and seeing new ones introduced. I feel like everyone has a solid reason to be present, and their motivations are their own. Each character has a purpose within the story. It’s a rather seamless narrative.
If you enjoyed Mr. Kent’s truth telling ability…boy is it so much fun! I will forever love Sebastian Braddock (I mean, come on, he’s the prettiest), but Mr. Kent has a special place in my heart as well. It’s rare that I love characters as much as I love Evelyn, Kent, and Braddock, but this is what happens when you have defined characters with personalities outside of each other.
Overall, I adored this book, and I cannot wait for the next one.
I...
Oooh, I'm sort of frustrated.
Because this series is fun and entertaining, but man did it make some narrative choices that I just don't agree with.
And with that ending, I'm just not really satisfied about where I think the final book in the trilogy is going. Which is disappointing. The story as a whole has some really neat ideas and it's just not going in the direction I think it should.
Now, the final book could surprise me. And I'll certainly be reading it. But I'm taking off at least half a star on this because of my issues with it. Maybe even a whole star later, depending on the conclusion. But for now, 2.5 stars it is.
Oooh, I'm sort of frustrated.
Because this series is fun and entertaining, but man did it make some narrative choices that I just don't agree with.
Spoiler
There's just... I don't see the point in having Rose still be alive. It was a gut-wrenching moment from the first book and it cheapens the whole thing considerably with this "twist". It was a bold choice to have her die and just stick to your guns, people. That and I feel like we overcompensated the other way at the end by killing off literally almost everyone else. What the fuck was that? I really think you could've dropped the whole Rose subplot, kept most of the rest of it, not have Goode go murderously insane, and have them all work together to reveal the Head of the society and stop them. Which would've been a good plot for book 3. And I just... sigh.And with that ending, I'm just not really satisfied about where I think the final book in the trilogy is going. Which is disappointing. The story as a whole has some really neat ideas and it's just not going in the direction I think it should.
Now, the final book could surprise me. And I'll certainly be reading it. But I'm taking off at least half a star on this because of my issues with it. Maybe even a whole star later, depending on the conclusion. But for now, 2.5 stars it is.
Even better than the first. Having no respect for mornings, I stayed up until 3am to finish it. No regrets.
This book was awesome. No other way to put it. I don’t even know how I only heard about this series now and I will definitely get my hands on a paperback version of both instalments.
The story starts with the main character Evelyn and her search for gifted people who are struggling with their powers or simply hiding them out of fear. At the same time, she needs to make sure that she gets to them before the Society of Aberrations does. It’s not a group one should trust… right? With her parents back, Evelyn has to protect herself in two fronts, from the Society and her parent’s intent to marry her off.
I fell in love with this book even though I didn’t have the fortune of reading the first volume These Vicious Masks. It is fast-paced, pack with action, not a dull moment in sight. Intrigue at every corner, I was sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation. I really couldn’t guess who to trust or to be suspensions of, even though most of the characters are simply amazing. Twists and unexpected events would make anyone hold their breaths.
The time-period is simply perfect and definitely one of my all-time favourites. The colours, the dash of steampunk, the language and the manners are so beautifully described I got goosebumps. The style of writing is perfect, words feel like silk when I read them in my mind, it’s breathtaking and hypnotic. Oh, and did I mention highly-addictive?
Evelyn is an amazing character and she definitely became one of my all-time favourites. She is one badass lady, with a strong character, spirit and smart mind. She is the picture of independence, the complete opposite of what society requires of a woman in that period. She is the proof that we can break free of society’s rules and how we can break them in style and with grace. Despite everything though, she still feels the need to make her parents proud, and does her best to please them even if she doesn’t agree with their traditional views and beliefs. That’s another thing this character is great: even coming from a family with high social status, Evelyn is kind and treats everybody equally and she truly wants to make a difference in the world, no matter the cost. Her powers are incredible, so, another reason I like her, of course.
Utterly brilliant is the only way to describe this amazing novel. I will be ordering the first volume and the second one for good measure because this is definitely a series worth following and having in the bookshelf!
I want to thank Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate in this book tours in exchange for an honest review!
The story starts with the main character Evelyn and her search for gifted people who are struggling with their powers or simply hiding them out of fear. At the same time, she needs to make sure that she gets to them before the Society of Aberrations does. It’s not a group one should trust… right? With her parents back, Evelyn has to protect herself in two fronts, from the Society and her parent’s intent to marry her off.
I fell in love with this book even though I didn’t have the fortune of reading the first volume These Vicious Masks. It is fast-paced, pack with action, not a dull moment in sight. Intrigue at every corner, I was sitting at the edge of my seat in anticipation. I really couldn’t guess who to trust or to be suspensions of, even though most of the characters are simply amazing. Twists and unexpected events would make anyone hold their breaths.
The time-period is simply perfect and definitely one of my all-time favourites. The colours, the dash of steampunk, the language and the manners are so beautifully described I got goosebumps. The style of writing is perfect, words feel like silk when I read them in my mind, it’s breathtaking and hypnotic. Oh, and did I mention highly-addictive?
Evelyn is an amazing character and she definitely became one of my all-time favourites. She is one badass lady, with a strong character, spirit and smart mind. She is the picture of independence, the complete opposite of what society requires of a woman in that period. She is the proof that we can break free of society’s rules and how we can break them in style and with grace. Despite everything though, she still feels the need to make her parents proud, and does her best to please them even if she doesn’t agree with their traditional views and beliefs. That’s another thing this character is great: even coming from a family with high social status, Evelyn is kind and treats everybody equally and she truly wants to make a difference in the world, no matter the cost. Her powers are incredible, so, another reason I like her, of course.
Utterly brilliant is the only way to describe this amazing novel. I will be ordering the first volume and the second one for good measure because this is definitely a series worth following and having in the bookshelf!
I want to thank Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate in this book tours in exchange for an honest review!