These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker

[TeaAndSpooks]

I feel compelled to write a small review about this book, as I really enjoyed it. I picked it up on a whim, and now it sits among my other favorite novels. It's a thrilling story set in 1882 England, and the back of the book described it as 'Jane Austen meets X-Men' (who WOULDN'T want to read that??). These Vicious Masks delivers what it promises, and so much more.

The main character, Evelyn is believable and her emotions are very easy to sympathize with as she searches for her kidnapped sister, struggles to trust Mr. Braddock, and holds her suspicions about Mr. Kent. I obviously do not want to give anything away, but the discovery of special powers such as healing, charming, teleporting, making people sick, etc are the driving force behind this novel, and yet somehow they still take a backseat to the very real and growing relationships that Evelyn forms throughout her perilous journey through the back alleys of London.

I was completely sucked into this book from page one. I love it. It's sassy, mysterious, and oh-so Victorian. There is a pinch of romance, but not enough to make it the center of the plot. The character is totally and completely devoted to her sister, Rose, and the story stays true to that by displaying her resistance to being distracted by feelings, her own safety, and her reputation, all of which are put on the line and promptly tossed out the window in the process of her rescue attempt.

I rate this a 4 out of 4. If you enjoy fantasy, romance, horror, crime, science fiction, Victorian England, or anything of the sort, this is the book for you. If Pride, Prejudice and Zombies is on your 'favorite books' list, then this one will be quick to follow.