Mask of Shadows by Brigham Young University Men's Chorus, Paperback

Publishers Weekly

07/31/2017
Sallot “Sal” Leon, a genderfluid highway thief, has spent 10 years vowing revenge against the nobles who allowed shadows born of magic to kill their family and slaughter their people. When Sal discovers that the queen is holding auditions for a new Opal (one of four private assassins/guards), Sal decides to compete, but it won’t be easy. The other assassins—Ruby, Amethyst, and Emerald—won’t accept anything but the best, the competitors can try to kill each other at almost any time, and they’ll be tested mightily in the many ways of dealing death. The competition offers the opportunity to get close to some of the names on Sal’s kill list, but matters are complicated when Sal falls for tutor Elise de Farone. Miller’s gritty, lightning-paced debut features a rough-and-tumble yet movingly vulnerable protagonist: Sal is uncompromising in their convictions, and doesn’t hesitate to kill when necessary but wishes to be more than just a weapon of vengeance. A complex but intriguing start to this planned duology. Ages 14–up. Agent: Rachel Brooks, L. Perkins Agency. (Aug.)

From the Publisher

"An intriguing world and a fantastically compelling main character make for a can't-miss debut. Miller's Mask of Shadows will make you glad you're not an assassin-and even gladder Sal is." - Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken and Now I Rise

"Compelling and relatable characters, a fascinating world with dangerous magic, and a dash of political intrigue: Mask of Shadows completely delivered. Fantasy fans will love this book.

" - Jodi Meadows,New York Timesbestselling coauthor of My Lady Jane

"Uber bloody and action packed, Mask of Shadows is the book for anyone who loves a heavy dose of grit and gore with their fantasy." - TeenVogue.com

"Miller's gritty, lightning-paced debut features a rough-and-tumble yet movingly vulnerable protagonist: Sal is uncompromising in their convictions, and doesn't hesitate to kill when necessary but wishes to be more than just a weapon of vengeance. A complex but intriguing start to this planned duology." - Publishers Weekly

"This is a memorable, sharply written character. While readers who identify on the GLBTQ spectrum may be easy fans as Miller handles Sal's identity with aplomb, that's certainly not the only point of note here; the impressive, intricate world building, tense action, and fierce competitors are equally strong." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Gory, well-plotted, suspenseful on every page, and poised for the sequel." - Kirkus

"This fantasy's gender-fluid protagonist, Sal Leon, makes Miller's book worth picking up for diversity's sake alone. Her treatment of the gender issue is most notable in that it isn't really an issue... Violent and action-packed, this offering by first-time novelist Miller will circulate." - School Library Connection

"Teen genre fiction featuring a strong gender-fluid main character." - School Library Journal

"Miller's setting is vividly drawn...a solid addition for libraries hoping to expand the gender diversity of their shelves." - Booklist

"It is fabulous. Go forth and read the Hunger Games-like craftiness and intensity, Kaz Brekker-ish determination and moral questionability, and utterly charming romance." - LGBTQ Reads

"A fun, fast read" - Locus Magazine

"A compelling non-binary, gender-fluid protagonist. A fascinating mix of unique world-building, gripping action, and thoughtfully-drawn characters, Mask of Shadows is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read." - Lamba Literary

"
Miller's combination of epic high fantasy with characters whose gender and sexuality fall outside of the mainstream norms for the genre will appeal to fans of writers who have explored the genre in similar ways, such as Tamora Pierce, Ellen Kushner, or Tanya Huff. Mask of Shadows is recommended for readers looking for a more diverse representation of gender and sexuality in their fantasy sagas, and for anyone interested in starting an exciting new fantasy series in general. " - IndiePicks Magazine

"An exhilarating, violent romp of a read." - Shelf Awareness

"For fans of The Hunger Games-type fiction, that's gonna be too appealing to pass up. It's gonna be too delicious to deny yourself. "Mask of Shadows," for readers age 15 and up, is gonna be a dream book.
" - Bookworm Sez

"Excellent worldbuilding... Nonstop action makes this book hard to put down. Fantasy fans will love it." - VOYA Magazine

VOYA, October 2017 (Vol. 40, No. 4) - Nancy K. Wallace

Sal Leon is a thief, skilled at stealth and deception, killing rarely and only when necessary. The inadvertent theft of a poster advertising auditions for the queen’s Left Hand (her personal assassins designated by the jewels of her rings) leads Sal to try out for a position, viewing it as a way out of the life of crime. With little knowledge of what will be required, Sal becomes Number 23, face hidden behind a mask from the other participants. Days combine strenuous training with contests in which the combatants must kill or be killed. Paired with Maud, a maid to bind wounds and school Sal in court manners, the reader gradually learns that Sal’s only motivations to win are hatred and revenge. The elements of this novel are familiar but the author skillfully manages to weave them into a something unique and exciting. Sal’s character is gender fluid, providing additional interest to the story. Reminiscent of The Hunger Games in places, Sal recoils at the task of killing fellow combatants that have become friends. The decision is made to hang back, allow the others to pick each other off, and rely on personal skills to watch and listen undetected. Excellent worldbuilding forms the backdrop and explains Sal’s anger and hatred for Erlend and its lords who savagely destroyed the homeland. Nonstop action makes this book hard to put down. Fantasy fans will love it. Reviewer: Nancy K. Wallace; Ages 15 to 18.

School Library Journal

07/01/2017
Gr 9 Up—Sal is a gender-fluid war orphan living as a thief until they hear about auditions for their Queen's assassination squad. Sal survives deadly weapons training, sneak attacks, and mortal combat as "auditioners" compete to the death for the honored post. Sal's former robbery victim, Elise, now their language tutor and crush, offers Sal additional incentive to win because love among the Queen's favored is less likely to be judged unseemly. Sal's competition, known only by their assigned numbers, are driven by bloodlust and have various levels of expertise in violence. Sal's assigned servant, Maud, serves as the novel's comic relief as she and Sal banter about Sal's slim chances of success. In their kingdom left vulnerable by brutal wars, Sal seeks vengeance, love, and acceptance. The main character's gender-fluidity is well intentioned but is ultimately an awkward fit in this unsuccessful fantasy adventure. Determined readers may need to take notes to keep track of the countless fallen territories, the auditioners' numeric labels, and the veteran assassins' gemstone identities. The incomprehensible political history of Sal's world also hinders this ambitious series opener. VERDICT A laudable but disjointed attempt at teen genre fiction featuring a strong gender-fluid main character. Strictly for patient fans of complicated, gory sagas.—Elaine Fultz, Madison Jr. Sr. High School, Middletown, OH

Kirkus Reviews

2017-07-02
A scarred street thief competes to become an elite assassin.Sal comes from Nacea, a country and people obliterated in a war between other countries. After years living under an unsavory gang leader, robbing and fighting just to survive, Sal—who's genderfluid and signals by that day's clothing whether they want to be called "he," "she," or "they"—sees the perfect chance to get revenge for Nacea. The Queen's Left Hand, which is "her collection of assassins and personal guards named for the rings she w[ears]—Ruby, Emerald, Opal, and Amethyst," needs a new Opal. As Opal, Sal would have access to the wealthy lords responsible for the Nacean genocide. The trials for the new Opal unfold bloodily, with three rules: kill the competition, don't harm anyone else, and don't get caught. Both Auditioners and the Left Hand wear masks throughout. Sal has brown skin, trauma, a set of skills, and a heady crush on a noblewoman. Political exposition reads messily, and some microflaws in the logic feel sloppy (for example, Sal bathes and eats in their room before nailing the door shut against the other murderous aspirants). However, the killing games and court intrigue—which may or may not involve magical specters previously used for torturing and killing Naceans—are breathless and terrifying. Gory, well-plotted, suspenseful on every page, and poised for the sequel. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

Mask of Shadows

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