Unmasked

by Kelsey Chapman

Tired of her life back home, Carlin decides to go out on a limb and leave her small town behind for the green hills of Ireland hoping for a bit of adventure. Once she meets the mysterious Maddox and his outcast group of friends it is quickly apparent that this sleepy village, and some of its residents, are more than meets the eye. Carlin must look past facades to find the truth hidden there, uncovering love, friendship, and more than a little danger along the way.
Everyone and everything are more than the sum of their appearances. Some things that are beautiful and intriguing are not all they're cracked up to be; while others, though unassuming, are more than they could've imagined. Join the characters as they learn to see through the masks individuals wear to find the truth, whether good or bad, hidden beneath.

Genres: Fantasy

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2023

Reviews

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! For those who love romantic fantasy books mixed with Irish folklore. A light sprinkle of magic mixed with faith and hope, I honestly wish there was a sequel to this book because I would read another one in a heart beat.

[Michelle Fortenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unmasked by Ke!sey Chapman

This book is wonderful! I couldn't put it down! The story grabs you right from the start!! Kelsey Chapman did an amazing job with her book Unmasked!!

[Reader Louise Rigali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy dark fairy tale. You know how real fairy tales (not the Disney stuff) are dark? Well this story is like...dark but before lunch. It's like a fairy tale where the focus is the good guys, not the moral of the story being what happens if you're a bad child. It still has some very malevolent aspects, but the story is about the fight against the darkness, not the glorification of anti-heroes and gray men.
I absolutely loved it. It made me think of TV shows that the CW would produce, and I'm SO okay with that. Fun, a little edgy, a little cheesy and slamming some reaaaaally cool moments! It makes me think of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, meets Robin Hood...sorta.
The story follows our heroine on an adventure abroad to a small Irish town where she gets sucked into a very obvious, though no less entertaining, scheme. There plot moves quickly and centers on a love story with lots of tension, grit, angst, hope, love, and sacrifice.
Some of the elements are obvious.
The love story for example, is right there from the beginning and I found myself squealing for it. It's obvious who the good guys are and who the bad guys are and for once it's refreshing to see the struggle of good vs evil so cut and dry. It's obvious that nothing is as it seems, duh- it's called Unmasked. That's what makes it intriguing, the waiting to find out what secret is next and why? It's all about the 'why?'.
The good guys are wonderfully heroic, with bravery, valor, chivalry, and all the b@d@$$ery you could want without the rated R content and vulgarity of modern media.
It's now officially a comfort read.

[Allison Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story. I feel like ultimately this could have been spread into a trilogy if there was more detail about the characters and events. It left me wanting more because I enjoyed the plot so much. I wish I had more backstory for some of the characters.
I feel like I could relate to the main character, especially in the beginning. Relating to the MC always helps me to be attached to a book.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, the worlds created, and the characters we met along the way.

[Leah Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful little book! It quickly had me hooked, and I'm sort of sad it's a standalone. I loved the characters. It was a sweet, light hearted romance, and in a way I found it very refreshing. Maddox is such a gentleman, and I absolutely loved his little Irish pet names. I highly recommend this book if you love Irish folklore!!

[Brian Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

I heard about this lovely book and Author on Chateau unwrapped the sister channel yo Chateau Diaries YouTube channels anyway her beautiful letter encouraged Me to buy the book which immediately I did
What fantastic book the characters immensely adored my favorite one the brownie fairy
I would love this made into a film it truly would be fun

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up on a whim while at my local bookstore. The author Kelsey Chapman was there doing a book signing and once I asked her what the book was about I was instantly intrigued. The writing in this book is beautifully done and the world building is amazing! I also really enjoyed learning about all the characters and seeing how they developed throughout the story. At only 260 pages, I was surprised by how much story is packed into this book! I cannot wait to read what else Kelsey comes out with! ❤️

[Keila Maddox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story and the hidden meanings throughout! Great read! Great main characters and supporting characters! Maybe the author will make this a series! I felt as though I were in the scenes she so eloquently describes 😍Would HIGHLY reccommend! 🤩

[Helen Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! I loved the main characters and the overall message the author intertwined throughout the book. Unmasked is a good read for any age! I would highly recommend!

[Christine Barth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the cover and the idea for this story. I'm always game for a secret fantasy world with battle-worn, yet gentle, heroes.
My main complaint is that it probably should have been a series. Events unfolded quite quickly with very little time for character development, which would have made it stronger. Plus, more time could have been given to world-building.
It is kind of nice to not have to commit to a giant series though.

[Heather Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey's book was a fun read! If you are interested in modern fantasies and Irish folklore, then you will definitely want to pick this one up. Kelsey's cast of characters were entertaining and relatable. It was easy to fall for the Maddox. He's a great romantic male lead!

A couple of my favorite quotes:
"But I finally made it here and I've found it, that thread tugging on my soul. It was you." - *Swoon*.

"Cold, sinewy fingers of fear snake their way up my spine..." - I loved how this made me shiver.

"When you're lost, I promise to be the one to find you. When you're afraid, I'll fight for you, and when you're weak, I will carry you." - So, so sweet!

There were a couple parts that I felt we moved through kind of quickly/there could have been more detail, but even so I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

I look forward to reading whatever Kelsey writes next!

[Rosa Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve often heard that when you turn 30, you go back to what you loved at 13. 💚

This was true for me when I picked up Unmasked by Kelsey Chapman.

Unmasked is a YA romantasy with Christian themes woven into a fast-paced story. Kelsey Chapman flawlessly intertwines themes of light and dark in a push-and-pull fashion. Here’s what I absolutely loved from the story:

🍀 The majority of the story is set in Ireland (sighs in admiration of the green isle).

🍀 There are folklore and fairy-tale creatures dropped into the story for a magical feeling.

🍀 There is not a ton of exposition - just enough to set a scene or develop characters (for those of us who just want to get to the main events – this is the story for that).

🍀 A swoon-worthy romance that spans over a length of time that could dub it as kdrama-esque.

Reading this story took me back to 13 year old me who fell in love with storytelling.

This is such a sweet and cherish-able story for anyone looking for another solid YA story.

[Jtsnow1229 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. The author does a good job getting you invested in the characters and makes you want to find out what happens to them in the story. Once you start reading the book you do not want to put it down because you want to know the outcome. I think a series with these characters would be very feasible and something that would be good to follow.

[Darrin Stilwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic storyline! It was so easy to become enveloped and attached to each character. Kelsey's description of places and details leaves you feeling like you're a part of it. Can't wait to read more from her!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was overall a good book. I was definitely hooked most the time and the story itself was really good. There were some faith based elements with good versus evil being primarily one. Overall, it was a good read.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this not really knowing what is was about,and I was not disappointed! Cozy good vs evil fairytale and I absolutely loved it ❤️

[James Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It fits the fairy realm genre with some with untrustworthy fairy creatures in all manner of disguise, but overall is a captivating well-told story. Very engaging intro. Read the first chapter and you will likely be hooked and have to finish it.

[Amanda Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I changed it to four stars because I honestly can’t remember the plot and characters were kind of forgettable (except Maddox!!!) but I do remember having the BEST time reading this. I definitely recommend!