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The Twisted Tree #2
Osobliwy cyrk
Jeszcze więcej nordyckiej mitologii i mrocznych tajemnic…
Marta wie, iż ukryty głęboko w lasach północnej Norwegii cyrk skrywa wiele tajemnic, i jest zdeterminowana, by je odkryć. Obdarzona darem poznawania ludzi jedynie przez dotykanie ich ubrań dołącza do trupy i szybko przekonuje się, że sprawy mają się dużo gorzej, niż mogła się kiedykolwiek spodziewać. Dlaczego maski podczas przedstawienia zmieniają swoje oblicza, ale nikt poza nią zdaje się tego nie zauważać? Czy przyjaciel, który odwiedza Martę, naprawdę jest tym, za kogo się podaje, a jego intencje są szczere, czy może próbuje tylko odwieść dziewczynę od poszukiwania odpowiedzi na nurtujące ją pytania? I w końcu: dlaczego Loki, nordycki bóg oszustwa, zdaje się tak bardzo interesować cyrkiem i czy Marcie uda się powstrzymać nadchodzącą katastrofę?
Kolejna, po „Splątanej opowieści”, powieść Rachel Burge zawiera jeszcze więcej nordyckiej mitologii, mrocznych tajemnic i interesujących zwrotów akcji.
Marta wie, iż ukryty głęboko w lasach północnej Norwegii cyrk skrywa wiele tajemnic, i jest zdeterminowana, by je odkryć. Obdarzona darem poznawania ludzi jedynie przez dotykanie ich ubrań dołącza do trupy i szybko przekonuje się, że sprawy mają się dużo gorzej, niż mogła się kiedykolwiek spodziewać. Dlaczego maski podczas przedstawienia zmieniają swoje oblicza, ale nikt poza nią zdaje się tego nie zauważać? Czy przyjaciel, który odwiedza Martę, naprawdę jest tym, za kogo się podaje, a jego intencje są szczere, czy może próbuje tylko odwieść dziewczynę od poszukiwania odpowiedzi na nurtujące ją pytania? I w końcu: dlaczego Loki, nordycki bóg oszustwa, zdaje się tak bardzo interesować cyrkiem i czy Marcie uda się powstrzymać nadchodzącą katastrofę?
Kolejna, po „Splątanej opowieści”, powieść Rachel Burge zawiera jeszcze więcej nordyckiej mitologii, mrocznych tajemnic i interesujących zwrotów akcji.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2020
70 people are currently reading
2179 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
September 20, 2020
I loved The Twisted Tree (it's one of my favourite books) and I was so excited when I saw there would be a sequel. The story is different to the first, but it's just as good. I loved the circus setting and the creepy vibes with the moving masks. (Part of me wants to go there and see the performances, but then I would be terrified if I met the jester!) I appreciated being reminded of what happened in the first book (I read the first one a couple of years ago) and I found the story easy to follow but didn't see all of the twists. It was great to find out more about Stig and Ruth the tarot reader was a fantastic character. I'm hoping there will be a third book - I need to now what happens to Martha next!!
September 18, 2020
I loved reading The Crooked Mask. I love Norse Mythology already- but I just found the story seemed to reach around and pull me in. Loved it so much. Thoroughly reccomend whether you love Norse mythology, or are simply looking for a book to get lost in.
September 24, 2020
Clever use of Norse mythology, a creepy circus setting, and an interesting mystery that kept me reading to the end. Highly recommended.
September 22, 2020
I need a third !
Amazing, I loved the twisted tree and this sequel did not disappoint, the circus was a nice touch and I can't wait for another book in this series the end really set up the scene for another book.
Amazing, I loved the twisted tree and this sequel did not disappoint, the circus was a nice touch and I can't wait for another book in this series the end really set up the scene for another book.
September 22, 2020
I loved The Crooked Mask, I was worried it wouldn't be as good as The Twisted Tree but I found it just as engaging and if anything even creepier. A new vibrant setting, new characters, and lots of Nordic myth and mayhem.
September 29, 2020
Absolutely outstanding! Characters are as equally annoying and loveable as the first book and the circus was a brilliant plot point. Would be amazing to see a third to round off Martha's journey - 10/10
September 27, 2020
Another great story
Should definitely recommend that you read this book!
Looking forward to the next book of the series if there is any more coming out
Should definitely recommend that you read this book!
Looking forward to the next book of the series if there is any more coming out
September 30, 2020
A stunning sequel, just as good as the first book in the series. Loved seeing Martha's character develop and grow. Hoping there's a third story to come.
October 2, 2020
After reading and adoring The Twisted tree, you can imagine my giddy surprise when Rachel Burge asked if I’d be interested in beta reading the sequel back in April. I jumped at the chance and I’m so, so glad I did, because The Crooked Mask is even better than book one. A bold statement to make, I know, but I just love everything about it.
Straight off the bat, I loved being back in Martha’s perspective. She was a really interesting character in book one, thanks largely in part to her strange power and her mysterious family tree, and she’s still great to read from now. She’s still learning about the Norse pantheon, but you can tell that she’s gained more knowledge since the events of The Twisted Tree. Not enough to leave you in the dark if you, too, are new to these gods, but enough to add to the story. She also shows growth as a teenage girl, too, as she begins to reflect on her (hasty) relationship from book one and actually takes some time to learn the truth about her new beau - a fact I’m so thankful for because we do not need instalove in this, the year 2020. There’s also the fact that Martha is disabled, something you don’t often see in young adult main characters, that I really loved to see on page. Basically: Martha is a great main character and her perspective is enjoyable and easy to read from.
And the gods! The gods! We have a notable newcomer in The Crooked Mask, but we still very much follow Odin and Martha’s relation to him. I was particularly pleased with this, as Odin is the Norse god I find most interesting, and I really like how Rachel Burge has crafted his character and weaved so much from the mythology into her story telling. I remember as I was beta reading, I would pick up on the tiniest details - something happened for nine days? You bet I left a comment saying ’another link to the myths!!!! for her to read. Oh, such helpful feedback. But it truly does show how much care was put into the crafting of this story, how much research was put into it, and every detail feels like an Easter egg for the mythology buffs reading. Not to say it’s alienating to the newbies, because it isn’t by any means; it’s just another layer that I for one absolutely adored and it really heightened my enjoyment.
While so much was added and built on, The Crooked Mask still manages to maintain the fast pace and insidiously creepy atmosphere from book one. It’s not a flat out gory horror, nor is it an outright ghost story… yet there are ghosts. The setting really helps add to the atmosphere and intensify the creeps, too. The forest from book one gives sinister vibes, but when you throw a circus into a bleak, desolate Norwegian forest? You’ve got unsettling AND sinister right there. But, again, it all links back to the gods. You get the same level of little details that really make the circus come to life - but the description of the scenery isn’t overdone to the point of flowery prose - and also a tie back to the main antagonist. (Because a circus is the perfect place for a story about a trickster god.) For such a short little book - about 200 pages - there’s a lot of fantastic craftsmanship packed into every page.
And even though I’d already read this (okay, a first draft of it) it still managed to surprise me. I’d forgotten how everything ramped up at the end and the horror elements of the story truly came into play. There were even more little details that I missed the first time round - just how did I miss the meaning of Ulva’s name when I’ve literally used that name for my own characters based on its meaning - that made me so immersed in the story I flew through it in next to no time. I could go on and on about how much I love it and pick apart every minute word choice and meaning, but I won’t. I’ll just say that Rachel Burge is an author that shouldn’t be slept on. Her books serve as a fantastic introduction to Norse mythology and are perfect for anyone looking for a slightly spooky read that will keep them hooked from the get go. The Crooked Mask is incredible. Read it.
Straight off the bat, I loved being back in Martha’s perspective. She was a really interesting character in book one, thanks largely in part to her strange power and her mysterious family tree, and she’s still great to read from now. She’s still learning about the Norse pantheon, but you can tell that she’s gained more knowledge since the events of The Twisted Tree. Not enough to leave you in the dark if you, too, are new to these gods, but enough to add to the story. She also shows growth as a teenage girl, too, as she begins to reflect on her (hasty) relationship from book one and actually takes some time to learn the truth about her new beau - a fact I’m so thankful for because we do not need instalove in this, the year 2020. There’s also the fact that Martha is disabled, something you don’t often see in young adult main characters, that I really loved to see on page. Basically: Martha is a great main character and her perspective is enjoyable and easy to read from.
And the gods! The gods! We have a notable newcomer in The Crooked Mask, but we still very much follow Odin and Martha’s relation to him. I was particularly pleased with this, as Odin is the Norse god I find most interesting, and I really like how Rachel Burge has crafted his character and weaved so much from the mythology into her story telling. I remember as I was beta reading, I would pick up on the tiniest details - something happened for nine days? You bet I left a comment saying ’another link to the myths!!!! for her to read. Oh, such helpful feedback. But it truly does show how much care was put into the crafting of this story, how much research was put into it, and every detail feels like an Easter egg for the mythology buffs reading. Not to say it’s alienating to the newbies, because it isn’t by any means; it’s just another layer that I for one absolutely adored and it really heightened my enjoyment.
While so much was added and built on, The Crooked Mask still manages to maintain the fast pace and insidiously creepy atmosphere from book one. It’s not a flat out gory horror, nor is it an outright ghost story… yet there are ghosts. The setting really helps add to the atmosphere and intensify the creeps, too. The forest from book one gives sinister vibes, but when you throw a circus into a bleak, desolate Norwegian forest? You’ve got unsettling AND sinister right there. But, again, it all links back to the gods. You get the same level of little details that really make the circus come to life - but the description of the scenery isn’t overdone to the point of flowery prose - and also a tie back to the main antagonist. (Because a circus is the perfect place for a story about a trickster god.) For such a short little book - about 200 pages - there’s a lot of fantastic craftsmanship packed into every page.
And even though I’d already read this (okay, a first draft of it) it still managed to surprise me. I’d forgotten how everything ramped up at the end and the horror elements of the story truly came into play. There were even more little details that I missed the first time round - just how did I miss the meaning of Ulva’s name when I’ve literally used that name for my own characters based on its meaning - that made me so immersed in the story I flew through it in next to no time. I could go on and on about how much I love it and pick apart every minute word choice and meaning, but I won’t. I’ll just say that Rachel Burge is an author that shouldn’t be slept on. Her books serve as a fantastic introduction to Norse mythology and are perfect for anyone looking for a slightly spooky read that will keep them hooked from the get go. The Crooked Mask is incredible. Read it.
October 7, 2020
Just like The Twisted Tree it was a quick and easy read.
Well written with good descriptions, The Crooked Mask has left me with a horrible image of a creepy jester in my mind. It’s sure to visit me in my nightmares.
Loved the story as much as The Twisted Tree. The continued Norse gods plot mixed with the circus worked well. It was interesting finding out more about the gods, being introduced to some new ones and seeing Martha’s character develop. I wasn’t as creeped out reading this book and really liked the mystery involved.
Don’t know if there is a third book in the works. But I would love it if there was. Would love to see how things went for Martha. Would definitely recommend reading this series.
Well written with good descriptions, The Crooked Mask has left me with a horrible image of a creepy jester in my mind. It’s sure to visit me in my nightmares.
Loved the story as much as The Twisted Tree. The continued Norse gods plot mixed with the circus worked well. It was interesting finding out more about the gods, being introduced to some new ones and seeing Martha’s character develop. I wasn’t as creeped out reading this book and really liked the mystery involved.
Don’t know if there is a third book in the works. But I would love it if there was. Would love to see how things went for Martha. Would definitely recommend reading this series.
September 23, 2020
I really enjoyed The Twisted Tree and was worried this sequel wouldn't live up to it. But I wasn't disappointed. Taking forward themes from Norse Mythology and adding a circus made this the perfect combination. There are some real creepy characters in this book, a great sense of place and some serious tense moments. Loved it.
October 4, 2020
The first book was great, this was even more so
I really really enjoyed this book.
The characters, the questions, the myths, the gods.
A fantastic read and I hope....really hope that there will be a third installments of Martha's adventure. It's too good not to.
Keep up the great work. A very talented writer indeed.
I really really enjoyed this book.
The characters, the questions, the myths, the gods.
A fantastic read and I hope....really hope that there will be a third installments of Martha's adventure. It's too good not to.
Keep up the great work. A very talented writer indeed.
September 20, 2020
I found this a very satisfying book to read, each page seemed to draw me further in. Perfect for the Autumn nights, and approach to Halloween. Spooky, great characters, a fantastic read for young adults and adults looking for a really good story.
September 26, 2020
Rachel Burge has done it again! The Circus of Magic and Mayhem is a thrillingly spooky location for this tense, atmospheric mystery threaded though with macabre Norse myth. I loved it!
December 19, 2020
I loved the Twisted Tree and this one was equally satisfying. Very atmospheric, beautifully paced, and unique! Really a delight!
Looking forward to reading more from this author!
Looking forward to reading more from this author!
October 25, 2022
Finished reading: October 24th 2022
“Sometimes the truth is complicated.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
February 13, 2022
3.75 ⭐
November 1, 2022
Very good use of Norse mythology. Didn’t feel like a sequel though, even if so many reminders of the The Twisted Tree! Looking forward to book 3. Highly recommend
January 19, 2021
I read this book in one day, so emotionally invested in the book that I needed to keep going. The Twisted Tree had a similar impact on me, and it really speaks of Rachel Burge’s skill that she can keep the tension building and building as every single page turns. It’s also certainly ramped up from book one as far as drama, tension and thrill go, which is just fabulous.
There’s a huge increase in the amount of Norse mythology that’s included in the story, I genuinely learned a lot from the myths that are included within the circus performances, and it led me to buy a book on Norse mythology because it made me so curious. It’s good to branch out from my normal comfort zone of Egyptology!
The way that Martha’s knowledge and understanding of her powers develops throughout the book is a really interesting type of character development, as it’s still such a unique power that Martha has, with such a creative backstory, which really comes into play in this second book. There is the normal level of expected teenage angst and soul searching but not to a degree that it puts you off the book. I genuinely cared about Martha, and all the other characters that are involved in the book, including the new characters that we met in this book. I was already rather fond of Martha from book one, but fell even more in love with her in this second book as she really comes into herself as a person, and into her mythological legacy.
While The Twisted Tree gives a helpful backstory to this book, it could also be read as a separate novel from the first, as all the essential details are filled in cleverly within the opening chapters. It also takes place in an entirely different location and has new characters, so could easily work as a stand alone. Being as scary as it is, while it is technically YA, it would easily contain enough thrill factor for any adults looking for a spooky read this season!
There’s a huge increase in the amount of Norse mythology that’s included in the story, I genuinely learned a lot from the myths that are included within the circus performances, and it led me to buy a book on Norse mythology because it made me so curious. It’s good to branch out from my normal comfort zone of Egyptology!
The way that Martha’s knowledge and understanding of her powers develops throughout the book is a really interesting type of character development, as it’s still such a unique power that Martha has, with such a creative backstory, which really comes into play in this second book. There is the normal level of expected teenage angst and soul searching but not to a degree that it puts you off the book. I genuinely cared about Martha, and all the other characters that are involved in the book, including the new characters that we met in this book. I was already rather fond of Martha from book one, but fell even more in love with her in this second book as she really comes into herself as a person, and into her mythological legacy.
While The Twisted Tree gives a helpful backstory to this book, it could also be read as a separate novel from the first, as all the essential details are filled in cleverly within the opening chapters. It also takes place in an entirely different location and has new characters, so could easily work as a stand alone. Being as scary as it is, while it is technically YA, it would easily contain enough thrill factor for any adults looking for a spooky read this season!
February 1, 2021
I was so excited when I heard Rachel will publish a second book in the series of The Twisted Tree, because that book was one of the best read in 2018. The Crooked Mask is as amazing and I will tell you why I gave it a four stars and not a 5 stars.
First of all, I have no doubt in my mind that Rachel will nailed this second book. I am a huge fan of Rachel's writing style and this series is amazing. The atmosphere of this book is so thick and felt so real, it made me feel like I just came back from a wild wild adventure. I was completely hypnotized and absorbed into the story. The setting, the characters, the mood, everything felt so real, too real for me even. It's eerie (very very very eerie) & spooky, I gasped many times. It's a huge plus because it is sets in Norway. As someone who resides here, it makes me so happy!
I also love how every characters are so distinct from one another, and you can easily remember who is who. Also, usually me and the book with circus/carnaval/carnival themed, did not go along so well. But I'm glad The Crooked Mask changed that for me! So, Rachel, hats off to you! :)
Now the reasons I gave it 4 stars.
1. I feel like I would enjoy it more if I am familiar with norse mythology. Because the mythology in the second book is way more than the first one. Hence, it took me a while to understand some scenes.
2. The ending is different that I'd hoped for.
Other than that, my gosh this book is amazing and I will read anything by Rachel Burge :)
First of all, I have no doubt in my mind that Rachel will nailed this second book. I am a huge fan of Rachel's writing style and this series is amazing. The atmosphere of this book is so thick and felt so real, it made me feel like I just came back from a wild wild adventure. I was completely hypnotized and absorbed into the story. The setting, the characters, the mood, everything felt so real, too real for me even. It's eerie (very very very eerie) & spooky, I gasped many times. It's a huge plus because it is sets in Norway. As someone who resides here, it makes me so happy!
I also love how every characters are so distinct from one another, and you can easily remember who is who. Also, usually me and the book with circus/carnaval/carnival themed, did not go along so well. But I'm glad The Crooked Mask changed that for me! So, Rachel, hats off to you! :)
Now the reasons I gave it 4 stars.
1. I feel like I would enjoy it more if I am familiar with norse mythology. Because the mythology in the second book is way more than the first one. Hence, it took me a while to understand some scenes.
2. The ending is different that I'd hoped for.
Other than that, my gosh this book is amazing and I will read anything by Rachel Burge :)
November 28, 2020
What an amazing follow up to The Twisted Tree.
The Twisted Tree gives us some background into the main character, Martha. We are also given a lesson in Norse mythology enabling us to move onto The Crooked Mask where the tales of the Norse gods/goddesses are more prevalent.
Martha is given the task to find out what exactly happened to Stig’s ex girlfriend, Nina. Nina’s death was viewed as an accident, but the hauntings Martha is having tells her there is far more to it.
She gets a job as a psychic in the circus where Nina worked, then tragically lost her life, trying to unravel the differing information she comes across. Her talent of ‘reading’ material is what she needs to use, but she needs help and she needs to find the catsuit Nina was wearing on that fateful day.
The trickster wreaks chaos and mayhem, leaving Martha wondering if she can manage to win the challenge he sets her, even making her think that the head of her ancestral tree (Odin) is using her.
I was sad towards the end that Martha and Stig part ways, but I also love the fact that she went with Odin and it feels so left open for there to be a follow up. I really hope there is.
The Twisted Tree gives us some background into the main character, Martha. We are also given a lesson in Norse mythology enabling us to move onto The Crooked Mask where the tales of the Norse gods/goddesses are more prevalent.
Martha is given the task to find out what exactly happened to Stig’s ex girlfriend, Nina. Nina’s death was viewed as an accident, but the hauntings Martha is having tells her there is far more to it.
She gets a job as a psychic in the circus where Nina worked, then tragically lost her life, trying to unravel the differing information she comes across. Her talent of ‘reading’ material is what she needs to use, but she needs help and she needs to find the catsuit Nina was wearing on that fateful day.
The trickster wreaks chaos and mayhem, leaving Martha wondering if she can manage to win the challenge he sets her, even making her think that the head of her ancestral tree (Odin) is using her.
I was sad towards the end that Martha and Stig part ways, but I also love the fact that she went with Odin and it feels so left open for there to be a follow up. I really hope there is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2021
*3.5
This book is the sequel to Rachel Burge's The Twisted Tree, which I had read last year and when I heard that there was a sequel, I was very eager to read it.
This book had a fabulously written dark atmosphere and theming, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It carries on right from the end of the first book, which I like in a series. And follows Martha's adventure into solving the mystery of Nina's death. I enjoyed watching Martha's character develop and grow in this story. I also loved the originality and fascinating concept of Martha's powers. And how she uses her powers to help solve the mystery. Moreover I found the theming around Norse Mythology a fantastic addition and how it mixed alongside the setting of the circus was done rather well, which created a brilliant atmosphere.
This book is the sequel to Rachel Burge's The Twisted Tree, which I had read last year and when I heard that there was a sequel, I was very eager to read it.
This book had a fabulously written dark atmosphere and theming, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It carries on right from the end of the first book, which I like in a series. And follows Martha's adventure into solving the mystery of Nina's death. I enjoyed watching Martha's character develop and grow in this story. I also loved the originality and fascinating concept of Martha's powers. And how she uses her powers to help solve the mystery. Moreover I found the theming around Norse Mythology a fantastic addition and how it mixed alongside the setting of the circus was done rather well, which created a brilliant atmosphere.
December 11, 2020
I often feel a little trepidation when starting to read a sequel to a book I have really enjoyed, but The Crooked Mask certainly lives up to its eerie predecessor (The Twisted Tree). It was great to catch up with Martha again, the intriguing protagonist/narrator of both books. Once again, Norway provides a rich and atmospheric backdrop to the action - this time with the addition of a weird and wonderful circus that hosts a colourful and sinister cast of characters. Dark, thrilling, evocative, and well written this is another perfect read for winter evenings.
April 28, 2021
'The Crooked Mask' by Rachel Burge was the second book in the 'The Twisted Tree' series. I did enjoy the book, even though it did feel a bit rushed at times. I wish the author had taken more time to describe the scenes, the characters, etc.
I also felt that the Norse circus setting was kind of unrealistic for a book being set in Norway. Yes, the Norse mythology came from the Nordic countries, but I've never heard of a circus here featuring Norse mythology.
All in all, I enjoyed the first book more than the second one, even though the second one wasn't bad in itself.
I also felt that the Norse circus setting was kind of unrealistic for a book being set in Norway. Yes, the Norse mythology came from the Nordic countries, but I've never heard of a circus here featuring Norse mythology.
All in all, I enjoyed the first book more than the second one, even though the second one wasn't bad in itself.
April 30, 2024
again really really liked this
just too many times retelling what happend in the first book like i KNOW 😭😭
LOVED the plottwist
just too many times retelling what happend in the first book like i KNOW 😭😭
LOVED the plottwist
December 14, 2020
What a book to finish my 2020 reading challenge on!
I first read the Twisted Tree in the earlier throes of lockdown, and although i've read hundreds of fiction/fantasy adventure books in my life, it was my first time reading one that could be properly described as horror fantasy. I read it deep into the night, hooked on the ever-shifting mist of ghosts, romance, and the descriptions of a lonely Norwegian village and a lonelier girl's personal monsters. The book kept me on my feet, and the twist to the underlying currents of Norse mythology hit hard, as up to that point I'd only ever been deeply engrossed in Greek/Roman mythology.
I was so happy when I discovered last night that the 2nd book had already been released earlier this year. And set in a circus, one of my absolute favourite settings for a fiction book. I love imagining the colours, people running free, lights and glamour, so different from reality. Think The Night Circus, Carnaval, Maddigan's Fantasia.
One instantly draws comparisons to Carnaval, which was a lovely book. The main issue I had with Carnaval, was that the author focused so much on painting out the gorgeous descriptions of ballgowns, games and gods, that this became the centrepiece of the story and the plotline fell flat.
Rachel Burge does an excellent job of keeping the adventure fast paced and never draggy. From the minute Martha steps into the circus, she is out meeting people the dead girl Nina once knew, hunting for clues, exploring more of this new world. Don't get me wrong, the descriptions of moving feathered masks, shifting mirrored reflections, and the taunting laugh of a supernatural jester are embroidered with painstaking detail. However these all ADD to the story, with the latter threads of the story casting back to the details woven earlier. Martha has a lot of depth, going through a host of emotions (distrust, sadness, anger, hope, love) that make her believable as a character. And the way this book is written feels like something you're watching on the big screen in real life, everything is fleshed out so well.
SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My only issue with it was the way her relationship with Stig played out
- it may not be very fair of me I admit, but after all that! missing him, running into then away from his arms, she gives it all up? I feel like she was playing with the poor boy's feelings the entire book, then suddenly leaves. In real life it probably was the right choice (a whole-ass career with Odin?? this boy comes with a ton of emotional baggage??) but for the sake of me enjoying a happy ending after death, destruction and adventure, that irked me and made me slightly less inclined to read a follow-up book. But we move.
I first read the Twisted Tree in the earlier throes of lockdown, and although i've read hundreds of fiction/fantasy adventure books in my life, it was my first time reading one that could be properly described as horror fantasy. I read it deep into the night, hooked on the ever-shifting mist of ghosts, romance, and the descriptions of a lonely Norwegian village and a lonelier girl's personal monsters. The book kept me on my feet, and the twist to the underlying currents of Norse mythology hit hard, as up to that point I'd only ever been deeply engrossed in Greek/Roman mythology.
I was so happy when I discovered last night that the 2nd book had already been released earlier this year. And set in a circus, one of my absolute favourite settings for a fiction book. I love imagining the colours, people running free, lights and glamour, so different from reality. Think The Night Circus, Carnaval, Maddigan's Fantasia.
One instantly draws comparisons to Carnaval, which was a lovely book. The main issue I had with Carnaval, was that the author focused so much on painting out the gorgeous descriptions of ballgowns, games and gods, that this became the centrepiece of the story and the plotline fell flat.
Rachel Burge does an excellent job of keeping the adventure fast paced and never draggy. From the minute Martha steps into the circus, she is out meeting people the dead girl Nina once knew, hunting for clues, exploring more of this new world. Don't get me wrong, the descriptions of moving feathered masks, shifting mirrored reflections, and the taunting laugh of a supernatural jester are embroidered with painstaking detail. However these all ADD to the story, with the latter threads of the story casting back to the details woven earlier. Martha has a lot of depth, going through a host of emotions (distrust, sadness, anger, hope, love) that make her believable as a character. And the way this book is written feels like something you're watching on the big screen in real life, everything is fleshed out so well.
SPOILER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My only issue with it was the way her relationship with Stig played out
- it may not be very fair of me I admit, but after all that! missing him, running into then away from his arms, she gives it all up? I feel like she was playing with the poor boy's feelings the entire book, then suddenly leaves. In real life it probably was the right choice (a whole-ass career with Odin?? this boy comes with a ton of emotional baggage??) but for the sake of me enjoying a happy ending after death, destruction and adventure, that irked me and made me slightly less inclined to read a follow-up book. But we move.
January 25, 2021
4.5/5
I'm so, so happy I was sent this. I really enjoyed the Twisted Tree but had said that it didn't seem to be getting a sequel and it needed one... guess who jumped the gun on that one?
Martha is a fantastic character and I loved seeing her in this new setting. The circus is amazingly creepy and gorgeous sounding at the same time (who else would love to go to a circus that re-enacted Norse legends??). I liked the new characters, especially Ruth. I still haven't warmed to Stig but I liked his use in this book much more.
I have to say, I prefer this to The Twisted Tree over all. It's so rare to prefer a sequel but The Crooked Mask has a few more things going for it (the larger cast, setting and imagery). I also want to say that I really appreciate the representation of accident victims, people with facial disfigurements and partially blind people that Martha provides. Soon after her accident in book 1, she can barely look herself in the mirror. In the Crooked Mask, she still struggles but is much more confident and knows how she wants to appear. This is handled very well and reflects my own experience.
I can't wait to see where this goes.
I was provided a copy of the Crooked Mask for free in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so, so happy I was sent this. I really enjoyed the Twisted Tree but had said that it didn't seem to be getting a sequel and it needed one... guess who jumped the gun on that one?
Martha is a fantastic character and I loved seeing her in this new setting. The circus is amazingly creepy and gorgeous sounding at the same time (who else would love to go to a circus that re-enacted Norse legends??). I liked the new characters, especially Ruth. I still haven't warmed to Stig but I liked his use in this book much more.
I have to say, I prefer this to The Twisted Tree over all. It's so rare to prefer a sequel but The Crooked Mask has a few more things going for it (the larger cast, setting and imagery). I also want to say that I really appreciate the representation of accident victims, people with facial disfigurements and partially blind people that Martha provides. Soon after her accident in book 1, she can barely look herself in the mirror. In the Crooked Mask, she still struggles but is much more confident and knows how she wants to appear. This is handled very well and reflects my own experience.
I can't wait to see where this goes.
I was provided a copy of the Crooked Mask for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2021
3.5
I enjoyed this but it had its setbacks and wasn't anywhere as absorbing or heartaching as the Twisted Tree hence the lower rating. The biggest disappointment for me was how much Martha and Stig's relationship disintegrated :( their romance was one of the best things about the first book (I was reduced to tears) so I would have loved to see it deepen in a complex manner rather than the stop-start crumbs we got here, it felt like all their development was crushed. Also the atmospheric writing wasn't as solid as 'the twisted tree" either, so many instances where the reader is told the atmosphere is creepy and something is off yet the showing isn't so, it dragged a little. Not sure if I'll pick up the next book tbh with that open ending but i have to thank Rachel burge for writing books that I seem to easily finish in a day, READING SLUMP WHO! Simple writing and short stories that pack a punch with personable characters that tug the heartstrings. Overall, I'm not mad I read this.
I enjoyed this but it had its setbacks and wasn't anywhere as absorbing or heartaching as the Twisted Tree hence the lower rating. The biggest disappointment for me was how much Martha and Stig's relationship disintegrated :( their romance was one of the best things about the first book (I was reduced to tears) so I would have loved to see it deepen in a complex manner rather than the stop-start crumbs we got here, it felt like all their development was crushed. Also the atmospheric writing wasn't as solid as 'the twisted tree" either, so many instances where the reader is told the atmosphere is creepy and something is off yet the showing isn't so, it dragged a little. Not sure if I'll pick up the next book tbh with that open ending but i have to thank Rachel burge for writing books that I seem to easily finish in a day, READING SLUMP WHO! Simple writing and short stories that pack a punch with personable characters that tug the heartstrings. Overall, I'm not mad I read this.
May 22, 2023
Some parts were really dragging and the author has a major problem with "show, not tell". There were bits of overexplaining which ruined the moment but otherwise a good story. Between this and the first, despite the first book being way basic and this being more vibrant, I really preferred the first.
October 19, 2020
Having loved The Twisted Tree, I was very excited to get my hands on the sequel. It was another fantastic foray into Norse mythology, and this time set at a circus, which is very much my cup of tea! A brilliant, chilling read.
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