What do you think?
Rate this book
The White Mask Society
When Yara Rivers has a vision of her capture by a mad scientist, she tries to discover if her future is set in stone or if she has control over her own destiny. Alongside her three Guardians, including a nymph and a shape shifter, her life changes from that of a simple girl trying to make it through her last year of high school to a seer fighting for her life.
Book 1 in the White Mask Society series.
Book 1 in the White Mask Society series.
- GenresFantasy
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2023
About the author
A.M. Colwell
7 books20 followersAylia Monique (A. M.) Colwell is a French American writer. Her greatest passions in life are storytelling, animals, and traveling. In addition to novels, she writes - and illustrates - a web comic series called "Reasons My Friends Hate Me." She is working as an actor in Atlanta with her husband, the dogs they adopted, and the cats who adopted them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 8, 2024
DISCLAIMER - read this as a judge with Fantasy Faction for SPFBOX. My opinion and rating are my own and don't reflect overall team view or rating. 3.25 stars or 6.5/10
Yara Rivers just wants to finish High School (she's an introvert, hates her space being invaded and is not good socialising with other students), find out what's causing her debilitating headaches and why she's having visions of herself being fought over by 2 different groups of shadow men.
Erik, Robin and Carter are Guardians in the service of The White Mask Society. Secretly they watch over Yara as unbeknownst to her she is a Hydran; or someone who has visions of the future. The White Mask Society has been around for decades, with branches worldwide keeping an eye on anyone that has some type of "deviant" power - mind reading, shapeshifting, healing etc etc. Though deviant was originally used as a derogatory term, the people with powers have adopted the term and turned it around and call themselves that word with pride. Guardians are necessary as people often are attacked due to fear and hate of things or people they dont understand but in this story deviants are being kidnapped by a man named Kain who has a nefarious agenda for himself.
This may be Yara's story but we see everything unfold not just through her but through the eyes of her guardians as well. Each of Colwell's characters are distinct and fully realised and this helps the story run extremely smoothly.
Colwell also writes Carter, a gender fluid shapeshifter (because they're often changing their gender depending on whatever gender their ward feels comfortable with, shapeshifters tend to be non binary, gender fluid in this book) extremely well. When Yara finds herself misgendering them on the first few occasions, Colwell writes this as the perfectly relatable experience it is for a number of people (working at a Gender Minorities organisation myself it is something I often see happen). I loved how Yara takes her experience on board and learns from it and then becomes comfortable in using correct pronouns and even asking other shapeshifters what pronouns they prefer.
The White Mask Society really is its own society within ours. It has all the hierarchy, the politics, rules and regulations, even schools and employment but it is not infallible. Too many deviants are getting kidnapped and due to Yara keeping quiet because she'll expose herself as a rule breaker, she too falls into Kain's hands.
This book is a decently written YA book. I enjoyed the majority of it though there were times the decisions made by some characters had me shaking my head - though of course if the story wouldn't have progressed the way it did. The escape near the end was a tad overlong and at times I felt I was watching the end of an action packed movie. (I also liked that it wasn't a completely HEA)
Yara Rivers just wants to finish High School (she's an introvert, hates her space being invaded and is not good socialising with other students), find out what's causing her debilitating headaches and why she's having visions of herself being fought over by 2 different groups of shadow men.
Erik, Robin and Carter are Guardians in the service of The White Mask Society. Secretly they watch over Yara as unbeknownst to her she is a Hydran; or someone who has visions of the future. The White Mask Society has been around for decades, with branches worldwide keeping an eye on anyone that has some type of "deviant" power - mind reading, shapeshifting, healing etc etc. Though deviant was originally used as a derogatory term, the people with powers have adopted the term and turned it around and call themselves that word with pride. Guardians are necessary as people often are attacked due to fear and hate of things or people they dont understand but in this story deviants are being kidnapped by a man named Kain who has a nefarious agenda for himself.
This may be Yara's story but we see everything unfold not just through her but through the eyes of her guardians as well. Each of Colwell's characters are distinct and fully realised and this helps the story run extremely smoothly.
Colwell also writes Carter, a gender fluid shapeshifter (because they're often changing their gender depending on whatever gender their ward feels comfortable with, shapeshifters tend to be non binary, gender fluid in this book) extremely well. When Yara finds herself misgendering them on the first few occasions, Colwell writes this as the perfectly relatable experience it is for a number of people (working at a Gender Minorities organisation myself it is something I often see happen). I loved how Yara takes her experience on board and learns from it and then becomes comfortable in using correct pronouns and even asking other shapeshifters what pronouns they prefer.
The White Mask Society really is its own society within ours. It has all the hierarchy, the politics, rules and regulations, even schools and employment but it is not infallible. Too many deviants are getting kidnapped and due to Yara keeping quiet because she'll expose herself as a rule breaker, she too falls into Kain's hands.
This book is a decently written YA book. I enjoyed the majority of it though there were times the decisions made by some characters had me shaking my head - though of course if the story wouldn't have progressed the way it did. The escape near the end was a tad overlong and at times I felt I was watching the end of an action packed movie. (I also liked that it wasn't a completely HEA)
July 11, 2023
The White Mask Society by A.M. Colwell is an engaging and most welcome addition to the oft-maligned YA genre. The story follows high school senior Yara as she is plunged into a world existing alongside our own, a world of shapeshifters, fantastical nymphs of all types, scientifically magical creatures, and people—including the main character herself—with amazing abilities that challenge the very laws of physics and biology. Danger lurks unseen (and occasionally foreseen) around every corner in Los Angeles, as sinister forces are hunting our young protagonist. With the odds against her, can even the dedicated protection of her Guardians and the secret, globe-spanning White Mask Society protect Yara from the mysterious menace on the prowl?
Colwell’s writing is a joy to read. The lively diction and unobtrusive checkpointing sprinkled throughout keep the reader’s attention and guide focus without undercutting the sense of exploration and intrigue built up with each new page. The subtle changes in narration style as the focus shifts among characters in different sections keeps the story engaging as readers are treated to fresh perspectives and characters’ inner intonations while the plot advances.
The world Colwell builds in The White Mask Society is every bit as complicated as our own. There are hierarchies, deceit, financial considerations, romances (requited, recognized, secret, resolved, and past), dietary restrictions, and issues of personal identity and the reactions of others thereto. Nonbinary, genderfluid characters are fully realized, complex individuals who fit naturally into the novel and are very relatable even for readers with little prior experience in ungendered pronouns.
Being the first book in a trilogy, The White Mask Society is a tantalizing introduction to endearing characters and settings readers will be eager to learn more about in the coming installments. Though there is more of this story to be told, Colwell’s debut novel will leave readers satisfied with the resolutions reached and ready for more.
Colwell’s writing is a joy to read. The lively diction and unobtrusive checkpointing sprinkled throughout keep the reader’s attention and guide focus without undercutting the sense of exploration and intrigue built up with each new page. The subtle changes in narration style as the focus shifts among characters in different sections keeps the story engaging as readers are treated to fresh perspectives and characters’ inner intonations while the plot advances.
The world Colwell builds in The White Mask Society is every bit as complicated as our own. There are hierarchies, deceit, financial considerations, romances (requited, recognized, secret, resolved, and past), dietary restrictions, and issues of personal identity and the reactions of others thereto. Nonbinary, genderfluid characters are fully realized, complex individuals who fit naturally into the novel and are very relatable even for readers with little prior experience in ungendered pronouns.
Being the first book in a trilogy, The White Mask Society is a tantalizing introduction to endearing characters and settings readers will be eager to learn more about in the coming installments. Though there is more of this story to be told, Colwell’s debut novel will leave readers satisfied with the resolutions reached and ready for more.
May 31, 2023
Very fun start to a series that I can't wait to keep reading! If you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass/A Court of Thorns and Roses series), Leigh Bardugo (Shadow and Bone/Six of Crows series), or Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke and Bone series) you're in the right place.
The book features a strong female protagonist along side an ensemble of very interesting and diverse characters. It's really enjoyable to discover the secrets alongside Yara and learn that nothing is truly as it seems.
Looking forward to seeing where the White Mask Society goes!
The book features a strong female protagonist along side an ensemble of very interesting and diverse characters. It's really enjoyable to discover the secrets alongside Yara and learn that nothing is truly as it seems.
Looking forward to seeing where the White Mask Society goes!
November 19, 2024
Contain spoilers.
The Good:
Interesting plot, well enough written to keep me engaged. Quick read. I enjoyed the majority of the minor characters and found them to be more fleshed out than the main. Enjoyed the guardians, aunt Catherine, & Emmanuelle. Applaud the inclusivity.
The Bad:
I found Yarra to be utterly bland, and when it’s found out not one but TWO people are in love with her I couldn’t understand why. I know it’s a YA trope - the instant love, and I usually give allowances because there’s something you like about the main character, but she’s barely given any characteristics or descriptions that would find her endearing at all. She’s lazy, messy, apparently bad posture, out of shape, stubborn, doesn’t listen, ignores her headaches, makes bad decisions, has no real personality until the end. I do think she had more substance to her in the end, but even during capture I found myself not caring whether she escaped or not. I was more concerned that aunt Catherine & Erik would be upset because I got more from them the Yarra.
The very good and very bad:
This was tough because I really liked the idea of the capture and escape BUT I became so frustrated on each page because there’s chapters and chapters describing how emancipated and weak they are then all of a sudden they perform amazing feats. A chapter a guardian is over come by a shadow many but literally the next chapter - barely eaten, hasn’t walked in weeks, brain damaged bleeding Yarra can defeat one??! Nope. No way. And as they move along it only gets more and more ridiculous. I think if it wasn’t so specifically written out how much damage their bodies were going through and how much blood loss was occurring maybe it would be a little more believable. I literally laughed out loud when I read that Yarra caught a certain someone and pulled them up into an air vent. Just on top of all the ridiculous exploits that I guess were written under “adrenaline rush” it just all felt way too ridiculous.
I did enjoy the ending well enough and it does leave you wanting to know what happens next. If you just ignore all the ridiculous contradictions through the capture/escape.
The Good:
Interesting plot, well enough written to keep me engaged. Quick read. I enjoyed the majority of the minor characters and found them to be more fleshed out than the main. Enjoyed the guardians, aunt Catherine, & Emmanuelle. Applaud the inclusivity.
The Bad:
I found Yarra to be utterly bland, and when it’s found out not one but TWO people are in love with her I couldn’t understand why. I know it’s a YA trope - the instant love, and I usually give allowances because there’s something you like about the main character, but she’s barely given any characteristics or descriptions that would find her endearing at all. She’s lazy, messy, apparently bad posture, out of shape, stubborn, doesn’t listen, ignores her headaches, makes bad decisions, has no real personality until the end. I do think she had more substance to her in the end, but even during capture I found myself not caring whether she escaped or not. I was more concerned that aunt Catherine & Erik would be upset because I got more from them the Yarra.
The very good and very bad:
This was tough because I really liked the idea of the capture and escape BUT I became so frustrated on each page because there’s chapters and chapters describing how emancipated and weak they are then all of a sudden they perform amazing feats. A chapter a guardian is over come by a shadow many but literally the next chapter - barely eaten, hasn’t walked in weeks, brain damaged bleeding Yarra can defeat one??! Nope. No way. And as they move along it only gets more and more ridiculous. I think if it wasn’t so specifically written out how much damage their bodies were going through and how much blood loss was occurring maybe it would be a little more believable. I literally laughed out loud when I read that Yarra caught a certain someone and pulled them up into an air vent. Just on top of all the ridiculous exploits that I guess were written under “adrenaline rush” it just all felt way too ridiculous.
I did enjoy the ending well enough and it does leave you wanting to know what happens next. If you just ignore all the ridiculous contradictions through the capture/escape.
May 25, 2025
My Review of The White Mask Society by A.M. Colwell. Thank you to the author for the gifted first and second book!
I was genuinely pulled into The White Mask Society from the start. Yara, the main character, was such a compelling lead, powerful, smart, and easy to root for. I loved how many different types of people and beings existed in this world: shifters, magical creatures, scientifically enhanced humans, it was all so creative and rich with variety. The way the story embraced different gender identities and used proper pronouns for characters felt incredibly thoughtful and important. It added a layer of authenticity that made the characters feel real and relatable.
Now, I’ll admit, I did struggle a bit in the beginning with the point of view shifts. It wasn’t always immediately clear who was narrating, and the frequent switches were a little confusing. But once I hit the halfway point, it all started to click. Hearing from each of the Guardians added so much depth, and I grew to really enjoy the multiple perspectives.
And let me just say…the villain? Absolutely villaining. There’s a constant sense of danger that kept me on edge, and the big twist at the end genuinely shocked me. I did not see that death coming (don’t worry, no spoilers here), and how fast everything unraveled in that moment had my heart racing.
As the first book in a trilogy, The White Mask Society sets up an intriguing world full of secrets, power struggles, and characters I’m excited to see more of. The ending left me reeling, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next one to find out what happens next!
I was genuinely pulled into The White Mask Society from the start. Yara, the main character, was such a compelling lead, powerful, smart, and easy to root for. I loved how many different types of people and beings existed in this world: shifters, magical creatures, scientifically enhanced humans, it was all so creative and rich with variety. The way the story embraced different gender identities and used proper pronouns for characters felt incredibly thoughtful and important. It added a layer of authenticity that made the characters feel real and relatable.
Now, I’ll admit, I did struggle a bit in the beginning with the point of view shifts. It wasn’t always immediately clear who was narrating, and the frequent switches were a little confusing. But once I hit the halfway point, it all started to click. Hearing from each of the Guardians added so much depth, and I grew to really enjoy the multiple perspectives.
And let me just say…the villain? Absolutely villaining. There’s a constant sense of danger that kept me on edge, and the big twist at the end genuinely shocked me. I did not see that death coming (don’t worry, no spoilers here), and how fast everything unraveled in that moment had my heart racing.
As the first book in a trilogy, The White Mask Society sets up an intriguing world full of secrets, power struggles, and characters I’m excited to see more of. The ending left me reeling, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next one to find out what happens next!
June 13, 2025
I think this was a solid start to a series! I love the incorporation of many different abilities (i.e. mind reading, shapeshifting, powerful strength, etc). Yara could be a little frustrating, but I expected her to be- she’s a stubborn teenager lol, of course she’s going to respond a certain way. She really comes into her own by the end of the book. I loooooved how shapeshifters in this world don’t have just one gender! And Yara learning to ask their genders? Loved this! 👏🏻 Erik was probably my favorite character- stoic, handsome, and worked hard enough to be the youngest Guardian? Totally my type, and I can’t wait to read the second book to see what happens to him next. 😉 All in all, I thought this was creative and the author does a great job with the world building. On to Book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
Fantastic read! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sci fi novels. Each chapter left me wanting to explore this new world along side Yara, can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
September 21, 2025
Overall really enjoyed! A decent bit of world building, but once the plot got going (100? Pages deep), I could not put it down. The suspense/intense scenes are so well written. You feel the stakes. Be sure to get book 2 (the guardians) - there are some cliff hangers that you will want to resolve asap!
September 22, 2025
LOVED this book. I can’t wait to read the next one!
September 15, 2025
Good read with no spice, but a wonderful plot.
The thought and time that went into the plot is wonderful and does not go unnoticed. It all intertwines beautifully with a heavy subtitle emphasis on fate.
Note my "normal read" as I lean away from fantasy / supernatural but this was a lovely read and a great break from my "norm".
The ending was a little lack luster. It was all action and wow... then it was like Oh BTW ____. Ugh. That is my only reason for a 4. Otherwise, this is a great, well thought out book.
The thought and time that went into the plot is wonderful and does not go unnoticed. It all intertwines beautifully with a heavy subtitle emphasis on fate.
Note my "normal read" as I lean away from fantasy / supernatural but this was a lovely read and a great break from my "norm".
The ending was a little lack luster. It was all action and wow... then it was like Oh BTW ____. Ugh. That is my only reason for a 4. Otherwise, this is a great, well thought out book.
May 20, 2025
I loved “White Mask Society!” Colwell perfectly depicts the thoughts of an anxiety-prone teen girl without the common trope of making her weak or oblivious. The supporting characters were so well developed- I felt as though I had known them my whole life. And if you would have told me all the science behind how a Hydren’s mind works were fact- I would have believed you. This book was incredibly well written, enjoyable to read, and I will gladly go back to the days of waiting at midnight at the local bookshop for the next book to come out. I can’t wait to see where Yara’s adventure takes me.
June 17, 2024
Fantastic read! It would be a killer movie.
March 23, 2026
An enjoyable and easy read, with a good cast of characters. I loved the gradual discovery of deviants walking among us (big fan of magical realism), and most of the characters were well-drawn and distinct. The storyline maintained a steady pace, building to a crescendo that was (mostly) resolved by the end. A great villain, delightfully wicked. I appreciate that this is intended as a YA book, given Yara's age, but the only reason it didn't earn a 5-star rating was that the protagonist wasn't quite 'feisty' enough for the genre; she was rather bland and a passenger for most of the story, though she did redeem herself at the end enough for me to want to read the rest of the series. I thought the world-building was fantastic - a complex and fascinating society with well-portrayed abilities. The YA fantasy audience would love this book.
December 31, 2025
It was an honor to have met Colwell this past August. As I read the White Mask Society I was immersed into a world of intrigue and wonder. As I began the story I felt that the author actually interviewed my hubby. Not only did one of her characters share the same name as my husband the description was spot on with their shyness and perhaps not so great with people. But I guess that is how some military men can be. As the story went along every time his name would be mentioned it was as if we were in the story. This is a fantastic read. I can’t wait to start book 2!
October 28, 2026
I purchased this book at a local book fair and after talking with the author I was definitely intrigued. I really enjoyed the superhero esc concept of the book without it being a Marvel rewrite. This is fresh and captivating drawing you into the moodiness of a teenager that we all were. I said I was going to take my time on this book and ended up reading 200 pages of it in one night (2 am is a great time to finish a book and realize the sequel is on your shelf so you could just keep going…). Anyways I will be starting book two today and can’t wait to read more!
March 27, 2025
The White Mask Society was a great read! It kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. I don't read a lot of fantasy or sci-fi typically, but this book ended up being right up my alley. I read it chapter-by-chapter at the beginning but then for the last few chapters I could not put it down. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see what happens.
Would highly recommend this book! 📚
Would highly recommend this book! 📚
November 26, 2023
I love the protagonists here and there is an interesting word created. The titular organization starts on their heels and never really gets a chance to demonstrate why they are our best protection against the nefarious villains COLWELL has dreamt up.
July 2, 2026
Colwell has created some interesting characters, both on the good side (the White Mask Society of the title) and the not-so-good. I really liked the hero, but felt the WMS as a whole was a bit incompetent! We’ll see what happens in the sequel.
December 24, 2024
I flew through this book! Interesting characters, unique plot and backstory. There was something familiar about it but it also felt completely new. Great for fantasy and adventure fans!
June 11, 2026
Quick read, well written, interesting views on fate
May 31, 2023
Good for fans of YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Think along the lines of the Shadowhunters or a modern Grishaverse.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews