In Caraza, you’re either a victim or a survivor. Something Marlow Briggs knows all too well working as a cursebreaker.
When Marlow’s biggest case blows up in her face, she’s left to deal with the fallout. Marlow is facing criminal charges and unsure how to break Adrius’s curse before it becomes permanent. She still doesn’t understand what drove her mother away. Worse, Adrius won’t speak to her leaving Marlow to wonder if everything that transpired between them during their case really was all for show.
Uncovering the truth behind Adrius’s curse brings Marlow into the heart of Evergarden’s political maneuvering as the Five Families continue to fight for power. It also brings her face to face with the father she never knew she had and everything he’s willing to do in his own mad quest to save the city—including cursing Adrius.
Forced to build uncomfortable alliances and question her own loyalties, Marlow starts to wonder if Caraza really does need saving. And if her father is the one to do it. But in a city divided between victims and survivors, can the ends ever truly justify the means? in Masquerade of the Heart (2024) by Katy Rose Pool.
Masquerade of the Heart is the final book in a duology which begins with Garden of the Cursed (read my review). The story follows Marlow in close third person. Marlow is white; secondary characters are described with a variety of skin tones.
Picking up immediately after the events of book one, Masquerade of the Heart is an action packed conclusion filled with a sense of urgency as the story builds to its dramatic finish.
This book focuses less on Marlow and Adrius’ relationship as the story turns its eye outward to the politics in Caraza and the greater world. Unfortunately this shift is often to the detriment of the story as the novel is at its best when focusing on this cast of complex characters.
Marlow remains a thoroughly entertaining protagonist, this time with ethical struggles that feel authentic to her character development over the course of the series. She is supported throughout by a strong cast of characters notably including Adrius and Swift.
Masquerade of the Heart is a fun if sometimes rushed conclusion to a distinct fantasy noir. The epilogue in particular is sure to please fans of the series.
Possible Pairings: The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert, How to Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy, Caster by Elsie Chapman, Into the Crooked Place by Alexandra Christo, Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong, Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou, Seven Faceless Saints by MK Lobb, The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski, City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffer, Veronica Mars
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
Miss Print 