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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Took a lot of turns I wasn't expecting and the ending was pretty earth shattering. I feel like I can't really say how good this one is until I read the third and see how the entire shape of the story pans out. All the elements I loved from the first were in this one but Sebastian was pretty absent. Not that I minded since I prefer Mr. Kent. I just want him to be happy! Excited to see where this goes but will also be sad to see it end.
I was very excited to get my wish granted through Netgalley to be able to read this. These Vicious Masks was one of my favorite surprises to come out last year, so this was pretty high on my list to read when it came out. It did not disappoint.
Evelyn Wyndham and the usual suspects are back. She's still grappling with the revelation that it was she who possessed the great sought after healing powers, the reason her sister Rose was taken and lost to her. Our dark and brooding anti-hero Sebastian Braddock has disappeared, blaming himself for the harm his power of well, let's call it the un-doing of life, causes to those around him.
Mr. Kent is still in love with her, and cue the entrance for The Society of Aberrations, the very same society who unknowingly funded research for the doctor who kidnapped and experimented on her sister. Can she trust them? Should she trust them? After everything they have contributed to.
They claim to be a sector of the government, paid through and supported, of like minded people with special abilities through the ages for the betterment of the country. Are they just trying to use her?
These Ruthless Deeds, will take you much deeper into this underground world of those with abilities, which are just as strange and varied as you can imagine. Extreme danger, humor, an attempt to escape victorian society at all turns, by Evelyn of course. For what lady would truly want to spend a lifetime with a man who wanted to be a humble meteorologist? Sounds dreadful.
It's a fast paced, dark and wild ride all the way to the last page.
And has me wishing I had Mr. Kent's power, oh the terrible things I would do with information.
I'll be waiting on the edge of my seat for word of what comes next.
Evelyn Wyndham and the usual suspects are back. She's still grappling with the revelation that it was she who possessed the great sought after healing powers, the reason her sister Rose was taken and lost to her. Our dark and brooding anti-hero Sebastian Braddock has disappeared, blaming himself for the harm his power of well, let's call it the un-doing of life, causes to those around him.
Mr. Kent is still in love with her, and cue the entrance for The Society of Aberrations, the very same society who unknowingly funded research for the doctor who kidnapped and experimented on her sister. Can she trust them? Should she trust them? After everything they have contributed to.
They claim to be a sector of the government, paid through and supported, of like minded people with special abilities through the ages for the betterment of the country. Are they just trying to use her?
These Ruthless Deeds, will take you much deeper into this underground world of those with abilities, which are just as strange and varied as you can imagine. Extreme danger, humor, an attempt to escape victorian society at all turns, by Evelyn of course. For what lady would truly want to spend a lifetime with a man who wanted to be a humble meteorologist? Sounds dreadful.
It's a fast paced, dark and wild ride all the way to the last page.
And has me wishing I had Mr. Kent's power, oh the terrible things I would do with information.
I'll be waiting on the edge of my seat for word of what comes next.
For Those Who Enjoyed: X-Men, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, The Dark Days Club, Frankenstein, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, The Parasol Protectorate
I received an early release copy of These Ruthless Deeds from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve decided to review these two together, because I finished the first book immediately before the second and wouldn’t have had time to post a review of These Vicious Masks before the release date of These Ruthless Deeds. Plus, I think my love for the first book gives a richer context to the second.
As a fanatic of both Victorian literature and magical powers, I was so giddy getting into These Vicious Masks. What made it even more enticing was the silly, tongue in cheek way the characters and dialogue was written. It’s like a solid mix of Joss Whedon and Jane Austen in terms of sassy, witty rejoinders. There’s a stereotypical dark and brooding love interest which the protagonist keeps poking fun at for being so. You suspect you’re getting into a Rochester or Heathcliff situation with him, when really he’s just a socially awkward, kind-hearted Darcy. The pair of them, plus Evelyn’s best friends and sister have this very snappy whip smart dynamic which is easily the triumph of the series.
I felt These Ruthless Deeds lost some of that charm with the shift in focus from that ragtag team to the Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters-esque Society of Aberrations. The first book spends so much time poking fun at society matters in the first book that the focus on Evelyn’s return to society was boring by comparison. Because she spends so much time under the Society’s thumb, the narrative loses the snappy dialogue that made the first book so fun to read in the first place. I happened to read an interview snippet from Zekas who noted that she and Shanker only keep dialogue that make them both laugh in their drafting stages and it feels a little like they abandoned that rule by the second book in favour of this dry political intrigue plot.
What I did like about These Ruthless Deeds was how Zekas and Shanker addressed the British Empire. There are moments here and there where it’s explicitly stated that the Society of Aberrations is working to round up people with magical abilities in order to protect the country’s Imperial interests. Since the British Empire’s historical background is rooted in horrific deeds and has been documented as such in so many novels of the time, I wanted them to go full blown dark, gothic horror on it. Although bringing down the political conspiracy within the Society does have massive consequences by the end of the novel, I wanted it to go further with it and really drive home the horrible things the Empire is doing to the world and not just immediately to the characters at hand.
While I did still thoroughly enjoy These Ruthless Deeds, the novelty of what made the first book so good wore a little thin. But if you’re a huge fan of Jane Austen, Gothic literature, X-Men, and Joss Whedon’s sass, you will love this series.
I received an early release copy of These Ruthless Deeds from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve decided to review these two together, because I finished the first book immediately before the second and wouldn’t have had time to post a review of These Vicious Masks before the release date of These Ruthless Deeds. Plus, I think my love for the first book gives a richer context to the second.
As a fanatic of both Victorian literature and magical powers, I was so giddy getting into These Vicious Masks. What made it even more enticing was the silly, tongue in cheek way the characters and dialogue was written. It’s like a solid mix of Joss Whedon and Jane Austen in terms of sassy, witty rejoinders. There’s a stereotypical dark and brooding love interest which the protagonist keeps poking fun at for being so. You suspect you’re getting into a Rochester or Heathcliff situation with him, when really he’s just a socially awkward, kind-hearted Darcy. The pair of them, plus Evelyn’s best friends and sister have this very snappy whip smart dynamic which is easily the triumph of the series.
I felt These Ruthless Deeds lost some of that charm with the shift in focus from that ragtag team to the Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters-esque Society of Aberrations. The first book spends so much time poking fun at society matters in the first book that the focus on Evelyn’s return to society was boring by comparison. Because she spends so much time under the Society’s thumb, the narrative loses the snappy dialogue that made the first book so fun to read in the first place. I happened to read an interview snippet from Zekas who noted that she and Shanker only keep dialogue that make them both laugh in their drafting stages and it feels a little like they abandoned that rule by the second book in favour of this dry political intrigue plot.
What I did like about These Ruthless Deeds was how Zekas and Shanker addressed the British Empire. There are moments here and there where it’s explicitly stated that the Society of Aberrations is working to round up people with magical abilities in order to protect the country’s Imperial interests. Since the British Empire’s historical background is rooted in horrific deeds and has been documented as such in so many novels of the time, I wanted them to go full blown dark, gothic horror on it. Although bringing down the political conspiracy within the Society does have massive consequences by the end of the novel, I wanted it to go further with it and really drive home the horrible things the Empire is doing to the world and not just immediately to the characters at hand.
While I did still thoroughly enjoy These Ruthless Deeds, the novelty of what made the first book so good wore a little thin. But if you’re a huge fan of Jane Austen, Gothic literature, X-Men, and Joss Whedon’s sass, you will love this series.
Read the full review here: http://newberyandbeyond.com/mega-roundup-kid-lit-ya/
So much tragedy but such an intense and emotional read!
Actual rating: 4.5/5 stars. (Rounded down to 4 Goodreads stars - which means I still love it a lot! ;) )
I think I wrote my first Goodreads review for the first book in this trilogy, [b:These Vicious Masks|23688792|These Vicious Masks (These Vicious Masks, #1)|Tarun Shanker|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1428342329s/23688792.jpg|43297640] (yay for me completing a year of writing reviews!). That book got me out of a reading slump, and was just all around a fun ride with its charm, humor, surprises, and wonderful characters.
A year later now, and I can say I enjoyed the sequel just as much - or more - for the same reasons!
A trilogy about characters with strange and unique abilities in a Victorian setting - it was described as X-Men meets Jane Austen in the first book's blurb. But what makes the story stand out? It's so wonderfully witty and charming in narration and characters, but then also so unpredictably intense and heart-wrenching.
One minute it feels like a light and fun read with fast paced action, and then it takes a turn to shock you with an emotional punch!
*Plot:This sequel starts with Evelyn still dealing with the aftermath of losing her sister, Rose, and wishing for Sebastian's return - who blames himself for her death. But then she reluctantly joins an organization - along with Mr. Kent and a few of her friends - called the Society of Aberrations that recruits people with abilities like Evelyn. She doesn't trust them but they promise to guide them to do good, and they help her find Sebastian with a way to control his deadly power!
But of course, Evelyn goes on another investigation trying to uncover the society's secrets while struggling to keep her friends safe. There's some mystery, dangerous adventures, and serious twists and shockers that come up!
*Characters: While the plot does not disappoint, the characters are what make this series so irresistible!
I thought Evelyn was a great narrator in the first book, unique because of her dry humor I enjoyed so much, and her strong determination. All that is still present in this book, but i think there is a change in her after losing her sister. She's stronger and softer in different ways - she's protective of her friends (especially over Mr. Braddock) and people like her - but she's also even more desperate and rash than she was before. Mostly, it's the challenges in this book that push all the characters farther than before.
But yeah, Evelyn makes it as one of my favorite female protagonists in YA.
And of course, besides a great heroine, we have two dashing heroes here - the charming Nicholas Kent and the brooding Sebastian Braddock. How often do you have a triangle in a series and end up adoring all the characters? But forget the triangle part (it's barely even that any more) -- both characters are just so wonderful and likable.
But I have to say that for me, Mr. Kent is my favorite in this book!
I didn't know what to make of him exactly in the first book (but definitely enjoyed his nonstop wit), but he has so much more room to shine in this book. He still has the best lines, with so much humor and a clever edge, but he also really proves to be a loyal and protective ally to Evelyn. And I like that while he's definitely one of the good guys, he's also not so totally morally set. But still so endearing!
It makes his power to force out the truth every time he asks any question even more interesting - or just fun:
(I could keep adding quotes and I'm stopping myself, because I think mostly all my highlights are Mr. Kent lines!)
And he's still in love with Evelyn and doesn't hide it. There's a couple of swoon-worthy scenes, but they were actually funny too with his inappropriate timing and declarations. He's adorable. But what I liked most was that his role here isn't just as a love interest - he is just as involved and part of the plot as Evelyn this time.
Now *drum roll* onto Sebastian Braddock!
All the goodness and guilt and pain in this one beautiful tragic haracter - and he just breaks my heart. With the worst power imaginable (he's like a literal walking plague), of course he's always described as brooding. He still blames himself for Rose's death, even though Evelyn doesn't. And even when she finds him a "cure", she knows he's engaged to a good friend of hers. But still Evelyn wants so badly to protect him, and the angst between them reaches fever pitches in this book - and it just makes me want then together even more. As much as I love Mr. Kent, you know it's Sebastian for Evelyn!
What bothered me, though, is that there isn't enough of Sebastian in this book. He's still a huge part of the book and Evelyn's story but he's just not there as much as he was in the first book. I think plot-wise it makes sense for now, but whenever he's back on the page, it's always intense and you want more! But it seems like he'll have a much bigger presence in the third book - or so I hope!
Okay, now this hidden in the "spoiler" brackets is a huge spoiler, so please don't peek at it if you haven't read the book yet!
But I could forgive the poor guy - because he'd just confessed to her he's the reason her brother died, and of course he didn't expect to later be forced to clarify the whole truth and simultaneously cause the girl's death.
And that also led to the most heart-wrenching and miserable love declaration in fictional history when he told Evelyn about it. *hugs Sebastian*
That whole ending just broke my heart and I need the sequel now, please!
All the characters were great. There are more fun powers revealed (and some terrifying ones) with the new characters, both allies and enemies! And we have a mysterious villain, and a shady organization with morally dubious characters.
*This isn't really a complaint, since it doesn't really bring the plot or anything down, but if I had to pick one thing I wasn't impressed with, it would be the Society of Aberrations. They just didn't feel like the 'big league' government branch they claimed to be. (Again major spoilers in there if you haven't read the book -->)
And then it was Captain Goode - who was always just following orders - on a vengeful rampage that turned out to be the real threat. He definitely gave us a shocking and very intense ending, and his power is terrifying - but still, the society themselves don't seem too scary. Maybe it's because they were supposed to remain slightly mysterious in this book? I hope that the third book will focus and expand more on the Society, who they all are, and their plans for people with powers. I mean there's a lot of potential there.
*Overall, this sequel has everything the first book did and more. It has all the elements in a story that I would love, and it's not too dense or thick in pages. And yet, it still doesn't fail to make you invest emotionally in the characters and plot.
**More twists, fast paced suspense, swoon-worthy and angsty romance, awesome characters -- all things to love.
And that ending just made the third book one of the most awaited releases next year for me! I just cannot imagine I have to wait a whole year now!
“I would do terrible things for the ones I love, Miss Wyndham.”
I think I wrote my first Goodreads review for the first book in this trilogy, [b:These Vicious Masks|23688792|These Vicious Masks (These Vicious Masks, #1)|Tarun Shanker|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1428342329s/23688792.jpg|43297640] (yay for me completing a year of writing reviews!). That book got me out of a reading slump, and was just all around a fun ride with its charm, humor, surprises, and wonderful characters.
A year later now, and I can say I enjoyed the sequel just as much - or more - for the same reasons!
A trilogy about characters with strange and unique abilities in a Victorian setting - it was described as X-Men meets Jane Austen in the first book's blurb. But what makes the story stand out? It's so wonderfully witty and charming in narration and characters, but then also so unpredictably intense and heart-wrenching.
One minute it feels like a light and fun read with fast paced action, and then it takes a turn to shock you with an emotional punch!
*Plot:This sequel starts with Evelyn still dealing with the aftermath of losing her sister, Rose, and wishing for Sebastian's return - who blames himself for her death. But then she reluctantly joins an organization - along with Mr. Kent and a few of her friends - called the Society of Aberrations that recruits people with abilities like Evelyn. She doesn't trust them but they promise to guide them to do good, and they help her find Sebastian with a way to control his deadly power!
But of course, Evelyn goes on another investigation trying to uncover the society's secrets while struggling to keep her friends safe. There's some mystery, dangerous adventures, and serious twists and shockers that come up!
*Characters: While the plot does not disappoint, the characters are what make this series so irresistible!
I thought Evelyn was a great narrator in the first book, unique because of her dry humor I enjoyed so much, and her strong determination. All that is still present in this book, but i think there is a change in her after losing her sister. She's stronger and softer in different ways - she's protective of her friends (especially over Mr. Braddock) and people like her - but she's also even more desperate and rash than she was before. Mostly, it's the challenges in this book that push all the characters farther than before.
But yeah, Evelyn makes it as one of my favorite female protagonists in YA.
And of course, besides a great heroine, we have two dashing heroes here - the charming Nicholas Kent and the brooding Sebastian Braddock. How often do you have a triangle in a series and end up adoring all the characters? But forget the triangle part (it's barely even that any more) -- both characters are just so wonderful and likable.
But I have to say that for me, Mr. Kent is my favorite in this book!
Mr. Kent never hid his worse qualities.
He wore them like badges.
I didn't know what to make of him exactly in the first book (but definitely enjoyed his nonstop wit), but he has so much more room to shine in this book. He still has the best lines, with so much humor and a clever edge, but he also really proves to be a loyal and protective ally to Evelyn. And I like that while he's definitely one of the good guys, he's also not so totally morally set. But still so endearing!
“Why, Miss Wyndham,” Mr. Kent replied, looking as chaste and good as a debutante at her presentation to the Queen. “I think we can all agree it’s fair to punish these guilty people feigning innocence every day of their lives, all while helping a wrongfully accused innocent. I would certainly never ask you, but I suspect you agree.”
“You cannot simply blackmail people into liking me!”
It makes his power to force out the truth every time he asks any question even more interesting - or just fun:
Another portal crackled open. “Good God, where are we, the sun?” Mr. Kent shouted.
"No,” our whole group answered in unison.
He shot me an apologetic look. “That one was meant to be rhetorical.”
(I could keep adding quotes and I'm stopping myself, because I think mostly all my highlights are Mr. Kent lines!)
And he's still in love with Evelyn and doesn't hide it. There's a couple of swoon-worthy scenes, but they were actually funny too with his inappropriate timing and declarations. He's adorable. But what I liked most was that his role here isn't just as a love interest - he is just as involved and part of the plot as Evelyn this time.
Now *drum roll* onto Sebastian Braddock!
There was a distinct difference to Sebastian’s kindness. It wasn’t a selfish sort, like mine or Mr. Kent’s, which favored the people we liked. His was all-encompassing, without reservation, a kindness that made me want to be better and find a way to make the Society the place he believed it was and wanted it to be.
All the goodness and guilt and pain in this one beautiful tragic haracter - and he just breaks my heart. With the worst power imaginable (he's like a literal walking plague), of course he's always described as brooding. He still blames himself for Rose's death, even though Evelyn doesn't. And even when she finds him a "cure", she knows he's engaged to a good friend of hers. But still Evelyn wants so badly to protect him, and the angst between them reaches fever pitches in this book - and it just makes me want then together even more. As much as I love Mr. Kent, you know it's Sebastian for Evelyn!
What bothered me, though, is that there isn't enough of Sebastian in this book. He's still a huge part of the book and Evelyn's story but he's just not there as much as he was in the first book. I think plot-wise it makes sense for now, but whenever he's back on the page, it's always intense and you want more! But it seems like he'll have a much bigger presence in the third book - or so I hope!
Okay, now this hidden in the "spoiler" brackets is a huge spoiler, so please don't peek at it if you haven't read the book yet!
Spoiler
Rant alert: Another thing that bothered me about Sebastian is how he dealt with that whole thing with Mae! First off, how did he not realize that the girl was under the impression they were engaged for so long? Wasn't it improper at the time for men and women to spend so much time together (unless they were "betrothed"), and yet he was always with her after being cured and took her out more than once. Why so clueless, Sebastian? Okay, that aside - after he finally got a clue from Evelyn, why did he confess everything to Mae except for the one important detail that he was never engaged to her?? Was it because he did not want to break her heart? That ended up putting both Mae and Evelyn in a really confusing and painful position, and of course they came to the conclusion that he was just feeling guilty and being noble! It just wasn't the best or smartest move from him. (Another bonus point here for Mr. Kent - if you like a girl, you tell her. And if you don't like her or decide to end it, you also tell her and don't lead her on cluelessly).But I could forgive the poor guy - because he'd just confessed to her he's the reason her brother died, and of course he didn't expect to later be forced to clarify the whole truth and simultaneously cause the girl's death.
And that also led to the most heart-wrenching and miserable love declaration in fictional history when he told Evelyn about it. *hugs Sebastian*
That whole ending just broke my heart and I need the sequel now, please!
All the characters were great. There are more fun powers revealed (and some terrifying ones) with the new characters, both allies and enemies! And we have a mysterious villain, and a shady organization with morally dubious characters.
*This isn't really a complaint, since it doesn't really bring the plot or anything down, but if I had to pick one thing I wasn't impressed with, it would be the Society of Aberrations. They just didn't feel like the 'big league' government branch they claimed to be. (Again major spoilers in there if you haven't read the book -->)
Spoiler
As terrifying as the society got with their methods of coercion and threats, they felt more like thugs or mafia bosses than an actual intimidating and powerful branch of the government that can make or break your life. I mean the revelation to who the head of the society is didn't do much for me. It's just one person with a lot of money? I liked that the person on top turned out to be a woman, but then again she was such a flat character!And then it was Captain Goode - who was always just following orders - on a vengeful rampage that turned out to be the real threat. He definitely gave us a shocking and very intense ending, and his power is terrifying - but still, the society themselves don't seem too scary.
*Overall, this sequel has everything the first book did and more. It has all the elements in a story that I would love, and it's not too dense or thick in pages. And yet, it still doesn't fail to make you invest emotionally in the characters and plot.
**More twists, fast paced suspense, swoon-worthy and angsty romance, awesome characters -- all things to love.
And that ending just made the third book one of the most awaited releases next year for me! I just cannot imagine I have to wait a whole year now!
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Ummm... wow. The ending was just as intense as the first book! I now see the connection between this and what another reviewer said... holy crap that was dark! Now I need to read the next book ASAP!!!
This is such a fasted paced and fun series.
I love the mixture of supernatural and victorian setting and how each character is so very clearly their own person.
I love how the authors thought out which character should get which powers because at least to me it does seem to fit the characteristics of the person quiet well and that makes it even more fun to read about.
Also it always surprises me how well the mystery aspects are woven into the story and while some things are quiet clear others are actual surprises until they are reviled and explained.
Actually the only little thing that i find a bit dragging in this series is the "romance" aspects of it. In my eyes there are completely unnecessary for this series or the plots of the individual books, and i find even sometimes a bit hindering in the overall storyline to suddenly have this strange romance moment thrown into it.
All in all its such a fun book and if you want something easy to read, but entertaining and fun with supernatural moments and great female characters? Defiantly worth a read!
I love the mixture of supernatural and victorian setting and how each character is so very clearly their own person.
I love how the authors thought out which character should get which powers because at least to me it does seem to fit the characteristics of the person quiet well and that makes it even more fun to read about.
Also it always surprises me how well the mystery aspects are woven into the story and while some things are quiet clear others are actual surprises until they are reviled and explained.
Actually the only little thing that i find a bit dragging in this series is the "romance" aspects of it. In my eyes there are completely unnecessary for this series or the plots of the individual books, and i find even sometimes a bit hindering in the overall storyline to suddenly have this strange romance moment thrown into it.
All in all its such a fun book and if you want something easy to read, but entertaining and fun with supernatural moments and great female characters? Defiantly worth a read!