As with any of this author’s books, I had high expectations and was prepared for the level of excellence I have come to expect. The quality of writing, the ebb and flow of storytelling, and the complex execution of character development were flawless. A true pleasure to read a story and work of this calibre. C.E. Black is a precious gem in an industry that can lose it lustre from over-saturation.

In Behind The Mask, we are introduced to a world that is rich with magic and the supernatural.

Kassandra is a lonely vampire wishing for the return to humanity. She is repulsed by her vampiric nature and urges, denying them to a dangerous point. Desperately seeking her place amongst the living again, her desire leads her to the town of Salem, where she is forced to make a choice of the heart and face the realization about acceptance.

Cyrus is a witch. He has been drawn to the ethereal beauty that is Kassandra through sensual visions that leave him believing they are fated. Realizing that she can be the key to their safety against an approaching darkness, he is consumed with the need to bring her to his beloved town.

Xavier is another vampire and the epitome of everything dark and dangerous, arriving into Kassandra’s life just as she believes her greatest wish is within reach. Confusing her with his cryptic messages and the passion he stirs within, she embarks on her path to seek her deepest desire, or so she believes.

Will Kassandra find her humanity in Salem, or the beating of her undead heart? Will the handsome Cyrus be the one to unlock her humanity, or will the smoldering Xavier offer her something far greater?

The messages hidden in this beautiful story are ones that speak to the human heart in all of us. They force us to take a closer look at ourselves and what we believe define us. Even in a world of paranormal creatures and supernatural themes, the humanity in the messages bleed off the pages. A truly magical reading experience.