Reviews

A Realm of Masks and Sorrow by Payton Rose

katarinam22's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense slow-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

4.0

While the pace of the book was on the slower side, I kept wanting to read to find out what would happen next! 

I enjoyed that Payton Rose took her time to build on and explain the world, history/myths, characters, and the magic that were included in the book rather than trying to rush. I really enjoyed the Greek element that was mixed with modern times, especially as a lover of Greek mythology.

The story felt like a mix of Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan and Fallen by Kate Lauren. I can't wait for book 2!

bookish_martina's review

adventurous emotional tense slow-paced

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

3.75

rachelle1207's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense slow-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

3.75

So I got to ARC read this beautiful book right here! This book is centered around our FMC Lia who is sent to go stay in a mental institute after being accused of murdering her brother. Upon her arrival to the facility, us readers are made aware that she can communicate with spirits. We are gradually introduced to the other characters at the facility where we start learning more about Lia’s abilities and how her existence is deeply rooted into an ancient prophecy found in Greek mythology. I’ll try to be as spoiler free as possible. There is romance, found family, grief, and topics I’m glad are getting a little light shed on them. I think people will enjoy this book if they are looking for a caring more empathetic FMC, obviously if you like Greek mythology and complicated family dynamics. There are pretty common tropes found in here and I think this book could use a list of TW at the beginning, I’m not easily triggered so none of this bothered me but I will say there is SA and death of a child. I did struggle with some of the dialogue between characters and pacing. I feel like it could’ve been a little shorter as there was a lot of time spent on areas I didn’t feel really moved the plot along. The ending was quite interesting though and does set up nicely for the second book. For a debut novel I think Payton did a good job.

wafflereads's review

This is the classic "It's not you, it's me". I feel like it's too wordy and seems like so many things are happening but nothing is happening at the same time? I just got really bored and just can't seem to get my attention again.

liv_to_read's review

adventurous mysterious 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

3.5

Wow wow wow. This book kept me engaged all the way through though the writing is can be a bit repetitive and juvenile i did enjoy it very much. i will definitely be reading the second book once it is released!! 

myyykk's review

adventurous emotional funny mysterious sad slow-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? N/A

4.0

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the blend of Greek mythology and modern day. The characters were likeable, the writing was engaging and at times I felt transported, experiencing things alongside the characters. This book had moments of joy and heartbreak, at times it made me so angry I wanted to reach through the page! The cliffhanger has me desperate to read more! 

There were moments where I felt there could have been less time spent, the pacing was a bit off. I also found one of the twists a little predictable. 

Overall, I really did love reading this book. If you enjoy a modern twist on Greek mythology, found family, slow burn with some spice thrown in, not to mention a unique setting and great characters then you should definitely read AROMAS!