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Masks of Terremar #1
The Maskmaker's Apprentice
You do not choose your own mask. Your masks are given to you, either by your superiors, or by destiny. Those who choose their masks trifle with the spirits within, and invite evil and senseless destruction.
So teach the ancients. But Elu, the son of the village teacher of Gheb, wants to choose his own path. He scorns his master--the village potter--bringing shame on his family and dishonor to himself, and seeks only adventure and exploration. One fateful day, while accompanied by his friend Thora, his wanderings unleash an unspeakable evil on the world. They find masks of terrible power in the forbidden barrows--masks of legend--one of which seizes Thora and possesses her, and she escapes into the world, bringing terror and darkness wherever she goes.
Elu leaves his home village, running both from home and from the terror he has unleashed. But running has consequences, and he will realize that only he holds the key to stop the shadow terrorizing the land of Terremar. For just as a maskmaker creates a mask of legend by power and life sacrificed, only by power and sacrifice can one be uncreated.
So teach the ancients. But Elu, the son of the village teacher of Gheb, wants to choose his own path. He scorns his master--the village potter--bringing shame on his family and dishonor to himself, and seeks only adventure and exploration. One fateful day, while accompanied by his friend Thora, his wanderings unleash an unspeakable evil on the world. They find masks of terrible power in the forbidden barrows--masks of legend--one of which seizes Thora and possesses her, and she escapes into the world, bringing terror and darkness wherever she goes.
Elu leaves his home village, running both from home and from the terror he has unleashed. But running has consequences, and he will realize that only he holds the key to stop the shadow terrorizing the land of Terremar. For just as a maskmaker creates a mask of legend by power and life sacrificed, only by power and sacrifice can one be uncreated.
- GenresFantasy
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2013
25 people want to read
About the author
Endi Webb
11 books60 followersAt work, I think up ways to thwart terrorists with science. No, really. In my spare work time, I also pitch space missions to NASA. Somewhere in between all that and 2 cute little terrorists at home, I write fiction--mainly science fiction, especially the kind that goes "PEW PEW!" I started publishing my books 3 years ago, and was humbled and honored to appear recently on the USA Today Bestseller list.
I was born in Seattle and bounced around between California, Argentina, Utah, and New Mexico before finally arriving here in Rocket City, Alabama.
Visit me on Facebook and www.endiwebb.com. Sign up for the mailing list (http://smarturl.it/EndiMailingList
) to be the first to know about my new releases. Leave sarcastic comments on my facebook page. (www.facebook.com/endiwebb) Tweet me. (twitter.com/EndiWebb). I'll probably respond, since I love interacting with fans. Y'all are the best.
I was born in Seattle and bounced around between California, Argentina, Utah, and New Mexico before finally arriving here in Rocket City, Alabama.
Visit me on Facebook and www.endiwebb.com. Sign up for the mailing list (http://smarturl.it/EndiMailingList
) to be the first to know about my new releases. Leave sarcastic comments on my facebook page. (www.facebook.com/endiwebb) Tweet me. (twitter.com/EndiWebb). I'll probably respond, since I love interacting with fans. Y'all are the best.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 25, 2015
I got this as part of a $1 fantasy book bundle on Amazon, which mostly contains books by newer/upcoming authors in the genre. Some of them seem kind of crap - I started two different ones and gave up after the first chapter of each - but this one was pretty decent. The basic story is pretty standard fantasy fare - an ancient evil is unleashed, an unlikely hero goes on a quest to stop it, has adventures along the way, etc.
What makes this novel somewhat unique is that everything is centered around masks - everyone wears a mask at all times, and it represents their role in society and gives them abilities and knowledge related to that role. Children start off with a simple wooden mask, and once they become an apprentice to a tradesman they are given a new mask that gives them skills in that trade. Some masks imbue the wearer with magical powers, and they can become wizards, shape-shifters, etc. Others are forced on them by others - slave and prisoner masks, for example. It's a neat idea that has potential, although I think the author could've done more with the concept.
Other than the masks, there isn't much else to write home about. The writing is mostly passable, although the dialogue often feels awkward. The pacing is strange - the hero will be in the middle of a battle with the villain, but then run away for a bit and spend some leisurely time fishing. It feels very much like a first novel.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it, but not enough to really recommend to others. If the concept sounds interesting it's a quick enough read to give it a shot at least. It's part of a series (of course) but I don't think I'll continue with it.
Edit 4/26/15 - there were like a dozen typos in this, what the hell
What makes this novel somewhat unique is that everything is centered around masks - everyone wears a mask at all times, and it represents their role in society and gives them abilities and knowledge related to that role. Children start off with a simple wooden mask, and once they become an apprentice to a tradesman they are given a new mask that gives them skills in that trade. Some masks imbue the wearer with magical powers, and they can become wizards, shape-shifters, etc. Others are forced on them by others - slave and prisoner masks, for example. It's a neat idea that has potential, although I think the author could've done more with the concept.
Other than the masks, there isn't much else to write home about. The writing is mostly passable, although the dialogue often feels awkward. The pacing is strange - the hero will be in the middle of a battle with the villain, but then run away for a bit and spend some leisurely time fishing. It feels very much like a first novel.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it, but not enough to really recommend to others. If the concept sounds interesting it's a quick enough read to give it a shot at least. It's part of a series (of course) but I don't think I'll continue with it.
Edit 4/26/15 - there were like a dozen typos in this, what the hell
November 16, 2017
One of the bright spots in this mixed-bag anthology (FIERCE: Sixteen Authors of Fantasy).
October 11, 2015
This one surprised me. The story is told with a very "storyteller" sort of voice, which actually fit really well. The whole magic system is absolutely fascinating and different than anything I've seen before.
There are times you want to yell at the protagonist (especially at the beginning), but he is a teenager. And a piece of the final wrap up is a bit simple... but it's still really engaging and enjoyable.
There are times you want to yell at the protagonist (especially at the beginning), but he is a teenager. And a piece of the final wrap up is a bit simple... but it's still really engaging and enjoyable.
February 5, 2016
At a time when a lot of fantasy feels anachronistically and annoyingly modern, this one felt much more grounded in another time and place. The magic system really shapes the culture and assumptions of the characters. The narrative voice and dialogue both feel a step removed from the rhythms of modern English--without being distracting, they help you step into another world. Webb weaves a fine fable there. It's a good wisdom tale to relate around a fire on a quiet night.
September 1, 2015
see FIERCE: Sixteen Authors Of Fantasy
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews