A review by imcourtneymarie
The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick

challenging emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No

3.25

For the first 60% of this book I kept asking myself “why the HELL are you still trying to finish?” I wish I knew definitively what it was that kept me going when I was not hooked in the way I’ve been with other stories. 

But something in me said to keep going and I am going to continue the trilogy. 

If you like easy world building, this is not the book for you. The terminology, GRRM-level character introductions, and politicking take a lot more time to come together. This is a character-first, world-heavy novel. There’s not a lick of romance (for those that care!).

However, if you love stories with vibrant, thoughtful world building, don’t mind a slow burn, and like the political intrigue, I can see this one becoming a favourite. 

For me, I just found the first 40% dragged on and too many plot points being introduced that might have importance down the line, but didn’t feel wholly necessary to tell the main story. I am curious to see where the next book goes but not in a “I need to devour this immediately” kind of way like I wish so badly it was.