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Masks and Shadows Kindle Edition
The year is 1779, and Carlo Morelli, the most renowned castrato singer in Europe, has been invited as an honored guest to Eszterháza Palace. With Carlo in Prince Nikolaus Esterházy's carriage, ride a Prussian spy and one of the most notorious alchemists in the Habsburg Empire. Already at Eszterháza is Charlotte von Steinbeck, the very proper sister of Prince Nikolaus's mistress. Charlotte has retreated to the countryside to mourn her husband's death. Now, she must overcome the ingrained rules of her society in order to uncover the dangerous secrets lurking within the palace's golden walls. Music, magic, and blackmail mingle in a plot to assassinate the Habsburg Emperor and Empress--a plot that can only be stopped if Carlo and Charlotte can see through the masks worn by everyone they meet. From the Trade Paperback edition.
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPyr
- Publication dateApril 12, 2016
- File size1026 KB
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Review
—Aliette de Bodard, Nebula Award–winning author of The House of Shattered Wings
“This deftly told and hugely engaging story weaves together the glittering court life of eighteenth-century Europe with a love for music (and Haydn), a thrilling taste of love and politics, and the bitter threat of a deadly magic.”
—Kate Elliot, author of Cold Magic and Court of Fives
“Elegant and exciting, Masks and Shadows celebrates diversity in taking us to a corner of the fantasy world few have ever visited. Stephanie Burgis plays her magical music with assurance and a profound knowledge that delighted and enlightened me as much as it entertained.”
—Ellen Kushner, author of Swordspoint and the Locus Award–winning The Privilege of the Sword
“Terrific. A lush adventure fueled by music and alchemy, and peopled with irresistible characters. Masks and Shadows blends history and magic into a rich, believable love story fraught with royal intrigue. I finished it in one sitting.”
—Donna Thorland, author of The Dutch Girl
“An intricate, passionate tale of love, difference, and danger. Loved it!”
—Laura Florand, international bestselling author
“A delightful tapestry of courtly intrigue, deadly magic, music, and romance. Stephanie Burgis has woven an unforgettable tale, steeped in eighteenth-century atmosphere and full of unique, well-drawn characters. This is a must-read for lovers of historical fantasy.”
—Leah Cypess, author of Mistwood
“Wonderful setting, fascinating characters, and beautiful music. It truly feels as if the author has lived with the people in that period and has written them from life—magic, demons, angelic singers, and all. I can’t wait to read the next. There will be a next? Yes? Please?”
—Judith Tarr, author of World Fantasy Award–nominated Lord of the Two Lands and the Hound and the Falcon series
“Passion reigns in this vivid work of alchemy and opera! Burgis conjures a world of dazzling splendor and intrigue, then fills it with a rich cast of characters. Lush descriptions of a baroque past delight the mind’s eye while the tension mounts. In this captivating fantasy romance, you can almost hear the music.”
—Elaine Isaak, author of The Singer’s Crown
“Masks and Shadows stole my heart from the very first page. Set against the lush backdrop of a prince’s estate and the Habsburg Empire, this is a story rich in music and dark magic, intrigue and romance, finding the courage to be a hero, and discovering that dreams can come true.”
—Jaime Lee Moyer, author of Against a Brightening Sky
“The story . . . is not just about opera, it actually is an opera. It is filled with passion and drama, evil plots and heroic rescues, spurned wives and pouting mistresses, demon-summoning alchemists, ambitious noblemen, and the most famous castrato singer in Europe. . . . You can practically hear the operatic score as each character steps onstage and each scene progresses.”
—Rachel Neumeier, author of The Keeper of the Mist and the House of Shadows series
“A romantic dance of intrigue, wit, and derring-do, Masks and Shadows enthralls from start to finish.”
—Justina Robson, author of Glorious Angels and the Quantum Gravity series
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B011G4E23E
- Publisher : Pyr (April 12, 2016)
- Publication date : April 12, 2016
- Language : English
- File size : 1026 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 322 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN : 1633881326
- Best Sellers Rank: #862,916 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #670 in Nordic Myth & Legend Fantasy eBooks
- #1,114 in Greek & Roman Myth & Legend
- #1,298 in Norse & Viking Myth & Legend
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Stephanie Burgis grew up in America but now lives in Wales with her husband (fellow writer Patrick Samphire), their two young sons, and their extremely vocal tabby cat. In between those two points, she spent time playing in orchestras, studying music history in Vienna, and editing the website of an opera company in Leeds.
She writes sparkling romantasy for adults and fun, funny MG fantasy adventures.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book an engaging historical fantasy with a twist of fantasy. They describe it as entertaining and enjoyable, with nuanced characters that are relatable. The setting is described as vibrant and lush, with a lovely prose style that leaves readers laughing and heart racing at times. The music content and pacing are also appreciated.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find it an interesting blend of history, magic, opera, and murder. The plot is intriguing with threads of romance woven throughout the story. Readers appreciate the historical and period details. The romance is sweet and unexpected, from a romantic view of music and theater to dangerous sociopolitical conspiracies.
"Stephanie Burgis' Masks and Shadows is a first-rate historical fantasy novel for adult readers who are interested in lush, romantic and well written..." Read more
"...It’s a fun historical fantasy with some romance on the side. Stephanie Burgis is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors...." Read more
"...and time--but more so for the fascinating cast of characters, a stirring romance, and heart-pounding excitement." Read more
"...From a romantic view of music and theater to the dangerous sociopolitical conspiracies and secret magicks within its pages, this book leaves nothing..." Read more
Customers enjoyed the book's setting and engaging narrative. They found the story entertaining with a likeable protagonist and thrilling moments. The descriptive prose was enjoyable to read.
"...Reading about what happened between Charlotte and Carlo was especially enjoyable, because they were strangers who became acquainted and got to know..." Read more
"...Spoiler–it was great too. 🙂 I think it’s safe to say now, I can’t get enough of Stephanie Burgis’ writing. 4.5/5 stars...." Read more
"...Worth reading for the setting alone--a criminally neglected place and time--but more so for the fascinating cast of characters, a stirring romance,..." Read more
"...I found the characters interesting and engaging, and the worldbuilding around alchemy and secret societies an unusual and very creative take on the..." Read more
Customers find the characters interesting and engaging. They appreciate the nuanced characterisation with relatable strengths and flaws. The characters discuss music, work, and lives realistically. The book is described as relatable, warm, and thoughtful.
"...Anna, Charlotte's maid, is an interesting character, because she's a natural born singer with a good voice. She's untrained, but very talented...." Read more
"...Anyway, Burgis writes fantastic characters, some you want to root for and some you definitely root against while others you’re not quite so sure..." Read more
"...a criminally neglected place and time--but more so for the fascinating cast of characters, a stirring romance, and heart-pounding excitement." Read more
"...I found the characters interesting and engaging, and the worldbuilding around alchemy and secret societies an unusual and very creative take on the..." Read more
Customers find the book engaging and vibrant. They describe it as a lush, elegant historical fantasy novel with impressive gardens. The characters are nuanced and the story is rich in detail.
"...Stephanie Burgis' Masks and Shadows is an elegant literary symphony in which the author displays mastery of nuanced characterisation, romance, opera..." Read more
"...But even today it's a gorgeous estate with a fascinating history...." Read more
"...around alchemy and secret societies an unusual and very creative take on the treatment of both science and politics in this period...." Read more
"...The world of Eszterháza Palace is a vibrant one, filled with larger than life characters, and all the political, social, and romantic intrigue such..." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing style. They find the prose lovely, clever, and witty. The book is suspenseful and leaves them laughing at times and heart racing at others.
"...The author's writing style is excellent and engaging, and her descriptive prose is a pleasure to read...." Read more
"...It left me laughing at times, heart racing at others, and by the time I finished, I genuinely cared about these characters, the lives lost along the..." Read more
"...and thoughtful protagonist, realistic and complex characters and lovely prose...." Read more
"I love Stephanie Burgis's writing! She's been a favorite of mine for a long, long time. Masks and Shadows doesn't disappoint...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's music content. They mention that both characters have a deep love for music and opera. The book is full of intrigue, romance, opera, murder, and dark alchemy.
"...the author displays mastery of nuanced characterisation, romance, opera, intrigue and dark alchemy...." Read more
"...The main characters, Charlotte and Carlo, both have a deep love for music and opera, and they are evenly matched, if at odds in the beginning of the..." Read more
"...The castle is full of intrigue, romance, music and murder...." Read more
"...Masks and Shadows is wonderful––it richly gathers you up not only in the historical setting and the intrigue of palace life and politics, but it..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's pacing. They find the plot to move quickly and be skillfully woven into a culminating scene at the end. The story is described as beautiful, with an amazing cover.
"...within its pages, and it does so in such a seamless way, it’s absolutely masterful...." Read more
"...-faceted and engaging, the plot moves swiftly and is deftly woven in a culminating scene at the end...." Read more
"Truly beautiful story, amazing cover, a great read...." Read more
"Very well done...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2017Stephanie Burgis' Masks and Shadows is a first-rate historical fantasy novel for adult readers who are interested in lush, romantic and well written stories. It offers engaging entertainment and thrilling moments to readers who are willing to let themselves be immersed in a good story. It has a wide target audience, because it will appeal to many readers.
Before reading Masks and Shadows, I took the opportunity to read the author's young adult novels (The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson), because I was intrigued by her fiction. I wanted to see what kind of fiction she writes and how she has developed as an author since her first novels. I was pleased to notice that after writing a good YA fantasy trilogy she has written an excellent and entertaining novel which surpasses her previous works (she found a permanent place on my reading list, becase I loved everything about this novel).
As many readers are most likely aware of, historical fantasy novels are at their best excellent entertainment, because many such novels thrill us with a combination of various elements. I'm glad to say that Masks and Shadows is one of the best and most entertaining novels of its kind, because Stephanie Burgis fluently combines alchemy, opera, intrigue and historical elements to create a rich story.
Here are a few words about the story:
- The events take place in Hungary at the Eszterháza Palace in 1779.
- Charlotte von Steinbeck hears from her sister Sophie that Prince Nikolaus Esterházy (Nikolaus I) has invited a castrato to stay at the Eszterháza Palace. She has accepted her sister's invitation to spend time at the palace, but wonders if it was such a good idea after all to accept the invitation, because Eszterháza is anything but what she had expected...
- Carlo Morelli, the most famous castrato in Europe, is travelling towards the Eszterháza Palace in a carriage with the most notorious alchemist in Europe and a Prussian spy. It is his first visit to the palace...
- Anna is a newly arrived maid at the palace and doesn't know anybody there yet. She has followed her mistress there after Baron von Steinbeck's death, because the idea of an exciting adventure had appealed to her...
- Friedrich, Sophie's husband, gets a letter from Vienna. The letter informs him that his time for action has come at last...
- Soon Charlotte and Carlo find themselves caught up in a web of deceit, lies and dangerous political intrigue...
This is the beginning of a story that is rich in detail and lush in atmosphere with a strong musical theme intervowen into it. The author gradually builds up tension towards the climax, which will satisfy readers.
The cast of characters is diverse and large, and the characterisation is wonderfully nuanced and poignant. The author brings each of the important characters alive with her descriptions, but she also pays attention to writing about the minor characters who enrich the story and its amostphere.
Charlotte von Steinbeck is a decent and proper woman who is anything but her awful sister Sophie, who has become the mistress of Prince Nikolaus. She is a widow who has lost her husband and has retreated to the countryside to rest and regain her confidence.
Carlo Morelli is a famous and common born castrato who arrives at the palace as a guest. He has become a rich man who has been invited into many places. He is observant and has his own opinions about people and how they live their lives.
Anna, Charlotte's maid, is an interesting character, because she's a natural born singer with a good voice. She's untrained, but very talented. It was fun to read about her training.
The famous composer Joseph Haydn makes an interesting appearance in this novel. His position at the Prince's Palace is described well. Because I like classical music, I enjoyed reading about him and his work.
The author fluently wrote about relationships between the characters. Reading about what happened between Charlotte and Carlo was especially enjoyable, because they were strangers who became acquainted and got to know each other. Their feelings and lives were explored exceptionally well.
I think that readers who are familiar with European history will greatly enjoy this novel. Stephanie Burgis beautifully evokes a distinct vision of 18th century Hungary and brings the glory of the Eszterháza Palace fully to life with her words and sentences. She writes effortlessly about what happens at the palace and fluently describes what kind of lives its owners, its performers and visitors have and how they deal with problems. I think it's good to mention that you don't necessarily have to know anything about history in order to enjoy the story, because the author makes sure that you'll have a great time reading it.
The contraints of society are explored in a realistic way in this novel. The author focuses on writing about many little things that affect the characters' lives and tells how they behave in the presence of others. The characters have a lot on their mind, because their actions reflect on themselves. Some of them have made promises under dubious circumstances and feel trapped, because disobeying commands would lead to severe consequences, and others have other kind of problems.
I think it's great that the author writes about 18th century Hungary, because it's a seriously neglected setting in this kind of fiction. Victorian novels have become increasingly popular during the recent couple of years, but unfortunately the 18th century is not very popular. In my opinion, reading about this era is fascinating, because it's the Age of Enlightenment.
The speculative fiction elements manifest themselves in the form of alchemy, the alchemist's dark magic and summoning of elementals. These paranormal elements add a lot of fascination and richness to the story.
Classical music lovers will find a lot to love in this novel. The author writes fascinatingly about opera, music and singers. The characters discuss music, their work and their lives in a realistic way, because many of them have signed a contract that binds them. The scandal concerning the two opera performers who have run away together adds additional charm to the story.
The author addresses the brutalities related to castration in a realistic and thought-provoking way. Everyone who is familiar with classical music and its dark past probably knows that castrato singers used to be popular and sought-after performers because of their beautiful and high voice (they were the predecessors of modern countertenors). In this novel, the author writes thought-provokingly about how Carlo feels about his life and what it would've been like if he had not been subjected to the brutal act of mutilation.
The author's writing style is excellent and engaging, and her descriptive prose is a pleasure to read. I was amazed at how well she wrote about the happenings and the characters, because she never let the story become cumbersome or dull. She blends historical accuracy and many historical details with fresh and imaginative fiction in a stunning way.
In certain ways, Masks and Shadows is a bit similar to Anne Rice's Cry to Heaven, but is wholly original and features a different kind of a story. I think that readers who have read Cry to Heaven will most likely enjoy this novel.
Because I found this novel intriguing and entertaining, I'll soon read the author's next historical fantasy novel, Congress of Secrets. I have high expectations of it and look forward to reading it.
By the way, if you want to add a bit of additional enjoyment to your reading experience I recommend listening to classical music while reading the novel. When I read this novel, I listened to a few pieces composed by Joseph Haydn and invested a bit of time into listening to a couple of performances by the talented countertenor Philippe Jaroussky.
Stephanie Burgis' Masks and Shadows is an elegant literary symphony in which the author displays mastery of nuanced characterisation, romance, opera, intrigue and dark alchemy. It's a beautiful and lush novel filled with style, substance and deliciously dark moments. If you're intrigued by historical fantasy fiction with intrigue and romance elements, you should take a look at this novel, because it's brilliant entertainment.
Excellent historical fantasy fiction!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2019Oh, I really loved this one. It’s a fun historical fantasy with some romance on the side. Stephanie Burgis is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
I love all the scheming among the courtiers. Intrigue is one of my favorite things. But aside from the intrigue there was an added element of danger with the supernatural elements. Having read some other books by Stephanie Burgis I didn’t expect it to be quite as dark as it was, but that was actually a pleasant surprise! Actions have real consequences in this one. So, while I still think this is a lighter read as far as tone overall, do be prepared for some darker elements–to be expected when summoning demons, really.
As for the plot, there are quite a few things going on here. Charlotte is a guest of her sister who is currently the mistress of a prince. There’s a lot of tension there since Charlotte is so very above board with things. She’s not really comfortable with her sister’s situation, but also feels a lot of guilt about her history with her younger sibling and so there’s a lot of tip toeing around things. Not to mention the prince’s wife isn’t exactly happy with the situation and seeks out Charlotte’s company which creates even more tension among them all. Meanwhile the prince is busy with all sorts of things–but mainly these alchemists he’s invited as guests of the palace who may actually be more than alchemists and are probably definitely up to no good. There are other guests as well, one of which is Carlo, a castrato singer. Then you have a the opera company, headed up by Herr Hayden (yes, that Hayden) getting ready to perform a new show when they suddenly need a new soprano singer. As well as some random attacks that have been going on around the villages nearby. Does all of this fit together, and if so, how? I know this sounds like a crazy lot of stuff happening but it somehow all works well together to create the atmosphere of a busy palace full of unrelated people brought together under unique circumstances.
Characters are a huge strength of the author. Over the course of the story we’re introduced to quite a few of them and we get to know their individual motivations. I appreciated this because it gave the story more depth. Yes, it’s Charlotte’s and Carlo’s story for the most part, but it’s also everyone else’s (something something we’re all the protagonists of our own stories). The side characters very much have their own lives outside of the main character’s view. Anyway, Burgis writes fantastic characters, some you want to root for and some you definitely root against while others you’re not quite so sure about. I love that they have their own arcs and even some side characters get wonderful development over the course of the story. Usually this is relegated to the main characters in a shorter story like this one, but here all the characters are given attention and care.
There are threads of romance woven throughout the story as well, which, of course, I loved. I especially loved the way Charlotte and Carlo’s relationship grew over the course of the story. But there are other love stories here too, and not all of them end on such a happy note. Such is life!
Overall, I really loved this book! Once I was finished I went right away and picked up the short story that takes place after this one and catches up with Charlotte and Carlo as they live a life abroad. Spoiler–it was great too. 🙂 I think it’s safe to say now, I can’t get enough of Stephanie Burgis’ writing. 4.5/5 stars.
Top reviews from other countries
- Iain ClarkReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Hugely enjoyable historical romance and adventure
I really loved this blend of 18th Century romance and supernatural adventure. It conjures up a world of palaces, operaa, intrigue and powdered hair and populates it with vivid characters and just a dash of demon-summoning. Burgis handles the multiple viewpoints beautifully. Every character arc pays off with clockwork precision in a hugely satisfying way.
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 20, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant read!
Really enjoyed this book, I would recommend this as an ideal holiday read...I totally lost myself in the characters and alchemy!