Name: Bryanna M's review of The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon
Item: The Mask Falling
Rating: 5
Author: Bryanna M

Samantha Shannon

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Season and The Priory of the Orange Tree, the stunning fourth novel set in the world of Scion. Dreamwalker Paige Mahoney has eluded death again. Snatched from the jaws of captivity and consigned to a safe house in the Scion Citadel of Paris, she finds herself caught between those factions that seek Scion's downfall and those who would kill to protect the Rephaim's puppet empire. The mysterious Domino Program has plans for Paige, but she has ambitions of her own in this new citadel. With Arcturus Mesarthim-her former enemy-at her side, she embarks on an adventure that will lead her from the catacombs of Paris to the glittering hallways of Versailles. Her risks promise high reward: the Parisian underworld could yield the means to escalate her rebellion to outright war. As Scion widens its bounds and the free world trembles in its shadow, Paige must fight her own memories after her ordeal at the hands of Scion. Meanwhile, she strives to understand her bond with Arcturus, which grows stronger by the day. But there are those who know the revolution began with them-and could end with them . . . The Mask Falling is a gripping, fantastical new addition to this “intoxicating urban-fantasy series” (NPR.org) that will leave readers begging for more.

The Mask Falling

Bryanna M

"From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Season and The Priory of the Orange Tree, the stunning fourth novel set in the world of Scion. Dreamwalker Paige Mahoney has eluded death again. Snatched from the jaws of captivity and consigned to a safe house in the Scion Citadel of Paris, she finds herself caught between those factions that seek Scion's downfall and those who would kill to protect the Rephaim's puppet empire. The mysterious Domino Program has plans for Paige, but she has ambitions of her own in this new citadel. With Arcturus Mesarthim--her former enemy--at her side, she embarks on an adventure that will lead her from the catacombs of Paris to the glittering hallways of Versailles. Her risks promise high reward: the Parisian underworld could yield the means to escalate her rebellion to outright war. As Scion widens its bounds and the free world trembles in its shadow, Paige must fight her own memories after her ordeal at the hands of Scion. Meanwhile, she strives to understand her bond with Arcturus, which grows stronger by the day. But there are those who know the revolution began with them--and could end with them . . . The Mask Falling is a gripping, fantastical new addition to this "intoxicating urban-fantasy series" (NPR.org) that will leave readers begging for more"--

The plot has not advanced in any significant way. I want to be invested but this seemed like a whole book of filler. 

Nicole Neuman

sophia n

not me the last 10% of this book literally pacing my apartment?!?!?!

Megan Paterson

FIVE STARS IS NOT ENOUGH - JUST READ IT AND BE IN PAIN WITH ME

Ben Bastow

This. Broke. Me. 💔


Incredible holy shit

Paige Mahoney has eluded death again. Snatched from the jaws of captivity and consigned to a safe house in the Scion Citadel of Paris, she finds herself caught between those factions that seek Scion's downfall and those who would kill to protect the Rephaim's puppet empire. The mysterious Domino Programme has plans for Paige, but she has ambitions of her own in this new citadel. With Arcturus Mesarthim - her former enemy - at her side, she embarks on an adventure that will lead her from the catacombs of Paris to the glittering hallways of Versailles. Her risks promise high reward: the Parisian underworld could yield the means to escalate her rebellion to outright war. As Scion widens its bounds and the free world trembles in its shadow, Paige must fight her own memories after her ordeal at the hands of Scion. Meanwhile, she strives to understand her bond with Arcturus, which grows stronger by the day. But there are those who know the revolution began with them - and could end with them . . .

IN LOVE !!!! w this series it just keeps getting better n better

it was whatever but the last 25%-ish had so many plot twists that none of them had time to hold or affect the action. also, the fact that this is a 7-book series makes it feel like the overall plot has barely progressed. this would not be a problem per se and would rather be expected - had the book not been so bloody long. 18h worth of audiobook for little to nothing.

Carly Radiske

I honestly don’t know how to feel after this one. I’m so happy that these books exist but I’m SO SAD at the ending and that I read it so fast!! Might have to go back for a second read to make sure I didn’t miss anything. But seriously, 10/10. They way Shannon writes Paige’s road to recovery and why she makes the choices she makes always leaves me speechless. The different relationships and personalities shine through the plot so beautifully. And she keeps you on your toes constantly. All time favorite series, and this one was definitely worth the wait!

I couldn't write a review to this right after I finished it because I was #notokay lol
I've been calling Samantha Shannon my favorite author (and the Bone Season my favorite series) for a while now, but I've always been able to acknowledge that each of her books had flaws - whether it be the authenticity of the romance, the pacing, being a little too info-dumpy - but I always knew she had massive potential as a writer. She started out so young! So it makes sense that she needed time to grow. But THIS BOOK. Samantha Shannon has officially reached that potential. There were no flaws (to me) in this book. The writing. The characters. The plot. The connections to little seeds planted in the earlier books. The manipulation of language. Everything about it was incredible.
It also physically hurt. Some of the scenarios were so descriptive that they induced actual anxiety in me and I had to take a break (the cave scene.... dear goodness). I also genuinely hurt for Paige and all that she has had to go through. The relationship between Arcturus and Paige feels so authentic, and is definitely based more off of a deep connection/partnership than a typical romance.
I should've known after the beauty of chapter 19 (I WAITED 4 BOOKS FOR THAT) that sh*t was about to go down.... but damn Samantha. You didn't have to play me like that :'(((((( I don't really know what to do with myself now. Two years??? Two years after that ending???
I also did the math and if I have to wait two years in between each book, this series won't finish until I'm 30. Which I'm totally fine with. But I'm so emotional thinking about how I discovered this series when I was 16 and how deeply connected I felt to Paige from the start. I've outpaced her in age but I feel like I've grown with her and hurt with her. I can't wait to keep hurting!!!! (But please Samantha can you just give her a happy ending??? you cruel, cruel woman)

Paige Mahoney has eluded death again. Snatched from the jaws of captivity and consigned to a safe house in the Scion Citadel of Paris, she finds herself caught between those factions that seek Scion's downfall and those who would kill to protect the Rephaim's puppet empire. The mysterious Domino Programme has plans for Paige, but she has ambitions of her own in this new citadel. With Arcturus Mesarthim - her former enemy - at her side, she embarks on an adventure that will lead her from the catacombs of Paris to the glittering hallways of Versailles. Her risks promise high reward: the Parisian underworld could yield the means to escalate her rebellion to outright war. As Scion widens its bounds and the free world trembles in its shadow, Paige must fight her own memories after her ordeal at the hands of Scion. Meanwhile, she strives to understand her bond with Arcturus, which grows stronger by the day. But there are those who know the revolution began with them - and could end with them...

Thomas Rock

After a break to write Priory, Shannon has really hit her stride and The Mask Falling blends action and her trademark dense world-building really well.

Imie Kent-Muller

Yes you’re seeing correctly, I was sent A PROOF OF THE MASK FALLING. I actually did a a squeal and a mini dance (as much as my bad back would allow). It was such a wonderful surprise so thank you Bloomsbury- and yes, I devoured this book in one sitting in one night.

The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon continues her series of #theboneseason with a ramp up in emotion, tension, and world-building. We see Paige trying to cope after the terrible events in book three, and we see Warden trying to help her. Honestly the domestic scenes between them are some of my highlights *sigh*.

One thing to note is Samantha Shannon utterly wrecks you with this book. I was messaging Lauren (@fictiontea) throughout in a mess (thank you for being my emotional support during that difficult time). It’s so beautifully written, and the way she plotted the story is masterful. I loved all the political systems, power struggles, the ‘underworld’ of the city. The skill and imagination Samantha has is INSANE.

I loved watching the growth of characters in this book. The play on emotions. The blurring of good and bad. Old and new characters appear in this book and it’s a good balance. If you haven’t read the series in a while, I recommend refreshing your mind by reading the character list at the back. It really helps!

Prepare to fall in love with this book, but also to throw it across the room as you will be WRECKED. (Make sure it won’t hit anyone, it’s a hefty beast). I need book five now, and book four isn’t even out yet! The books just keep getting better! How will I cope?Probably by reading these books again and again until then! 

Thank you again Bloomsbury for sending this my way, and Samantha I love and hate you at the same time for the emotional carnage in this book.

Kaitee Tredway

Everything I wanted. Everything I didn’t know I wanted.

Samantha Shannon is the queen of the slow burn, of action and tension, and of steering into story territory that I didn’t even know existed.

Melea Mullican

9.00 on CAWPILE

Just. Wow. I liked Bones Season. Enjoyed Mime Order. Started to truly appreciate the world in Song Rising. Mask Falling just blew me away. Samantha Shannon has created an amazingly rich world that somehow manages to balance political intrigue, magic, sci-fi elements, romance, relationships, action, and mystery together without anything feeling left behind or overshadowed. She blends everything together so beautifully in this book. My only issue is THAT ENDING. I'm desperately hoping we don't have to wait another 3-4 years or I might die.

Hayley 📖🌈💜🌸

What, and I cannot stress this enough, the fuck just happened?

There were so many amazing moments in this book, so many throwbacks and pieces of foreshadowing that my mind is currently this: fiuadghrfuieghalkdhcngruioernhrixmxndi huh what

Paige Mahoney is possibly my favourite character of all time, I cannot with her. Arcturus fucking Masarthim, no words. All the old characters! All the new characters! AHHHHHHHH no coherent thoughts right now, I apologise, but also how am I supposed to wait for book 5? 

And my god, Evenfall?!? I had so many theories for what it was going to be, but I didn't even come close to what it actually was. (Although I did guess the end part? But mostly out of hope? NO SPOILERS.)

AHEM. I could say a more coherent review coming soon, but we all know that's a LIE. 


Big thank you to Bloomsbury for the ARC, even though I took my time in reading it.

Magdalena

** spoiler alert **
           (well this was a wild ride) 

So, it's been days since I finished it. And I still just CANNOT

This book was perfect. The characters, the plot, Paris. The writing is so beautiful and full of emotions, the words just speak to you. I love the relationship between Paige and Warden, I love how this book is big on Paige dealing with her trauma (and her coping after the horrors she endured is handled perfectly), how Warden's so supportive and gentle with her and doesn't push her. I thought I would be missing Eliza and Maria and Nick but strangely, them not being there didn't bother me that much (though I still love them and miss them and can't wait to read about them - and I'm also super curious what they've been up to).

AND ALSO 
ALSO WHAT THE FUCK

When I was reading this book, I would just close it and stare into the abyss and mouth 'what the fucks' and 'oh my gods'. When I finished, I ranted to every single one of my friends about how perfect this is and how I want them to burry me with it (and also the cover fits the aesthetic of my room perfectly). 

I am not okay. I did not see that coming. When I read THE SCENE I just gasped and closed the book right there and then and just stared bc I WAS SHOOK (I still am). I closed it and then I felt like I didn't want to read it but then I felt the desperate need to read it. And then it just kept COMING. Paige really can't catch a break, can she?

So. This book

I MEAN THIS BOOK

Definitely the best read of 2021 so far (I'm pretty sure the best read of 2021 and its only February). It had everything I could ever hope for and more, and it broke me into so many tiny pieces I am still NOT OKAY. It's been forever since I felt so empty upon finishing a book.

And I still randomly wake up in the middle of the night and scream in my head WHY DID HE LET PAIGE GO? WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO ARCTURUS? AND WHO IS CADE AND WHAT'S HIS ENDGAME I MEAN

Cristina Cicivelli 

After falling in love with The Bone Season series last summer, The Mask Falling was definitely one of the new releases of 2021 I expected the most. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint: it was, without doubts, the best book of the series, so good that the love I have for it compensates the endless suffering it put me through. 

In this fourth installment, Paige has been forced to leave London and now, as a queen in hiding, she is trying to heal and find allies for The Mime Order in a glittering Paris, that even under Scion’s control never fails to amaze for its not always conventional splendor (Samantha Shannon wrote this book as a love letter to this incredible city, after all).

The plot is never boring, full of twists and new discoveries that thicken an already concrete and brilliant world building, while also giving space to some quieter scenes, perfectly balancing military actions against a tyrannical empire and domestic fluff in a way that filled my heart with so many emotions, sorrow and anxiety has much as happiness and awe.

I must say that the thing that amazed me the most in this book is Paige’s development. Even when she was at her worst, sick and tired, never once she has stopped fighting to take down Scion, who cares if it meant consuming herself to the bones and risking her life over and over again. Sometimes it seems surreal to compare this Paige to the one I first met in The Bone Season, unsure of the full extent of her abilities, almost causally chosen to lead a small rebellion: now she is a true leader ready for war.
But I have to admit that, more than once, I felt the urge to slap some sense into Paige, specifically when she acted carelessly, brave to a deadly level, just to fulfill her goals; but at the same time I can see clearly that working against the Scion was a way, for Paige, to take back her freedom, to overcome her trauma and regain her strength: all that she had done in this book shows that she will always be back up on her feet, no matter what. At the end of the day, she is a warrior, she has always been, and her place is on the front line.

Let’s be true, while doing so she had a little bit of help in the form of an immortal hot dude that loves old music and red wine, so gentle that one can almost forget that he is also a mighty warrior.       Jokes aside, Warden and Paige’s relationship is such a special and precious thing, and definitely what I adored the most about this book. They care for each other in a way that is so attentive, mindful of their respective habits and needs, that I start to sob every time I think about it; and it’s just so lovely to see how they feel content even with just sitting together on a couch, but are also ready to follow the other to hell and back, because that they have been through so much together that their lives are forever bonded, even more with the golden cord to symbolize it.        I swear, I would give everything away just for them to have a true happy ending, together.

Talking about endings, the last few pages of The Mask Falling are pure cruelty in the form of words printed on paper, so  I will probably live in a denial state, surviving only on my tears and comfort food, for the next two year.        And still, I would totally recommend this book: it’s worth every single tear!!!

Bryanna M &
The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon

Reviews

Join the club

Bryanna M &The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon

Reviews

Join the club

Bryanna M &
The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon