The Mask Falling – a review

The fourth book in The Bone Season series by Samantha Shannon. This was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint!

This is going to be a spoiler free review, which just makes things hard on myself because it means not only can I not talk about the specifics within this book itself, but also nothing from the series as a whole. So.

This. Was. Amazing.

Of course I’m going to think that, I love the series. But genuinely this is so well written. We see so much character development as well as seeing various relationships develop in line with the plot. We learn so much more about the wider world we’re now entering after spending three books in a “limited” setting (ha! that makes it sound like there wasn’t much to explore, there was! Just now we’re going worldwide!)

I loved the points of anguish, and how threads have been pulled together and wound to create the plotline. So much has been learnt about the wider workings of this world, the politics, the individual storylines, and the system of the oppressor. It caused me so much anguish but is so so perfect and I am so highly anticipating the fifth book and it’s going to be a long and tough wait!!!

For my CAWPILE ratings I gave:

Characters: 10

Atmosphere: 10

Writing: 10

Plot: 9

Intrigue: 9

Logic: 9

Enjoyment: 9

For a grand total of 9.43 which of course is a FIVE STAR READ!!!! Did we truly expect anything else from my opinions on the wonderful Samantha Shannon?

Highlight here for trigger warnings: war, torture, gore, war themes, colonial themes, blood and gore, multiple murders, torture, reference to murder of family members, abduction, hostage situation, explosions, fire, prolonged sickness, medical procedures

All in all, as expected, I am in love with this book, this series, and Shannon’s writing as a whole. I can’t wait to read any and everything she comes out with!

The Song Rising – a review

I finally caught up with the main series!! And then The Mask Falling came out lol, but I still really enjoyed The Song Rising to the point where it ended up on my favourite books of 2020! So far I’ve read one book from this series each year which has been a nice progression. If you want to check out my review of The Bone Season (book 1) or The Mime Order (book 2) then click on the respective links. This book took me a little while to get through, a good month and a half, and exactly like the first 2 in the series I gave this 5*s and I adored it so so much!!!

From this point on there will be spoilers for book #1 and #2. No spoilers for The Song Rising though. You have been warned!!!

The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon

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We start this book after Paige has become the Mime Queen, after her betrayal and defeat of Jaxon she now rules over the underbelly of London. Controlling this rabble is difficult enough without the government coming after her. And does she really think Jaxon is going to take his humiliation gracefully?

With twists, turns and deception throughout, we get to explore more of ScionBritain than in previous books as well as delving more into their impact on the world as a whole. The Senshields that can detect those with clairvoyant powers have become stronger and more dangerous for the underworld, forcing them to go into hiding. Paige has to find a way to overcome this and set her populace free, as being hemmed in isn’t going to end well for any of them. In hunting for this solution Paige is exposed to more of what is happening outside of her immediate boarders. There’s so much more to Scion than she had ever imagined.

We also learn quite a bit more about Paige’s past specifically in this book, something which provides context for the world’s view of Scion and that I found incredibly interesting. I’m really excited to see how this world view develops in book 4.

This book didn’t end on such a dramatic note as the last one, but more so looking out towards the future and what lays there. I’m so excited to pick up the Mask Falling but also so nervous because once I do that’s it! I’ve got to wait years for another book! And I don’t want to have that wait sitting there staring at me! Have you read The Mask Falling? Should I just pick it up?