Reviews

A Cidade das Máscaras by Genevieve Cogman

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danileighta's review against another edition

4.0

This is a great sequel! The high chaos world that Kai, Irene, and Vale end up in will bend your mind just a bit. Staying aware of the Fae tendency to drag you into their stories means Irene has to be extra mindful as she moves through Venice trying to be the heroine. There are so many moving parts to Cogman's novels and here I thought should might drop one of those spinning plates, but throughout the book, characters' stories weave and intervweave in a natural way.

My favorite character in this book was actually Lady Gauntes. I have a feeling we will see her again in the series (she basicaly promised this) and, I have to say, I'm excited for that. She is Fae, but she is very sensible and able to stay focused on one plan at a time. She does not tend to get caught up in the narrative of the thing, as her brethren do. Her focus and behind-the-scenes manipulation are to be admired, even while you route against her.

Our encounter with Kai's uncle was fantastic. The description of his skin "the clear, gray darkness of fathomless overcast skies", his polished horns, onyx hair, and red eyes... Definitely a fearsome being! I could feel his power through the pages and I continued to feel it throughout, though we only actually encounter him twice.

This series is staying really strong for me. Librarians, fantasy-folks, and anyone who is into a good adventure should give a read.

lillywing's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5
The action in this book is great and the ending is super intriguing (and making me wish I had the next book with me to start right away).

speakingof_amy's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

b_a_r_b_e_l's review against another edition

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adventurous tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.75

caitief's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

chaosandbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

This series had somehow managed to grow on me even more with the sequel in the series. Once you get accustomed to the complex magic system and fantasy world, it's much easier to get into the whole series. The sequel was a fun combination of Doctor Who and The Librarians set in Venice during Carnival.

I think this book had a bit of everything: the classic detective novel, fantasy elements, a spunky heroine, crazy antics, and a sprinkle of angsty romance potential. I loved every moment of it and its wild blend.

I will say that I continued my 4-star review of the books in the series though because while I do love the blend, it can be a bit much.The jump from werewolves to dragons to fae it still overwhelming, even if I have a better grasp on how everything is constructed. I also think that there is little risk involved in the actual plotline. I never felt like Kai was truly in danger in this book, despite being kidnapped. There never felt like there were big stakes in the alleged war between the fae and dragons, which is also never truly explained in its origins.

Regardless, I enjoyed the book immensely and will continue the series.