Masks and Mirrors

West Side Witches #2

by Kate Moseman

Through an enchanted Mirror, lies the Forest of Emeralds.

Saving the fae realm was never going to be a walk in Central Park. But when a mysterious fire erupts at the restaurant, and Zelda’s newly transformed ex-boyfriend manages to get himself into even more trouble, it’s about to get more complicated than a seven-layer sandwich.

With the help of Jester the mini poodle, Poppy the fire witch, a charming fae prince, and an unlikely crew of vampires—and maybe even nutty Aunt Belinda visiting from Florida—Zelda must follow a trail of mysterious magic through otherworldly dimensions and bring the fae realm back to life once and for all.

This book was previously published as Undercover Royal.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Paranormal, Cozy, Vampires, Romance

276 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2023

About the author

Author of cozy fantasy and romance about women who discover that life is magical.

Reviews

[Cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so bored reading this book, I considered DNF'ing it a couple of times.

Sure, the worldbuilding has potential but the characters leave much to be desired. Especially main character Zelda. I had already had some difficulties with her in 'Spells and Sandwiches'. On this second book, I found her almost unbearable. I believed she was in her (late?) forties but all her attitudes were from someone much younger.

Now that I think about it, I'd say it wasn't just Zelda acting like a teenager, it was Poppy, Daniel and Berron too.

Honestly, this story had everything to be quite good, given its premise. But it didn't work for me.

I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.

1,5 stars.

[TheYALibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 Stars

Another entertaining read but still felt like this was lacking some worldbuilding and character development like the first one.

Some spoliers ahead but really not spoilers if you have read the first one.

Like why is there only witches, gentry (fae), and blessed(vampires)?. Why of all paranormal creatures are the fae and the vampires having a war with each other? Also the other dimension that you can access through mirrors called the Arcade still really lacks any sense. What is it really and why does it have to do with this curse that somehow confines vampires to New York City of all places? There's more and more questions but I'll leave it with just these. Worldbuilding is a hard skill to master in writing but this needed more grounding if there are going to be more worlds besides NYC and more explanation to why they exist and why a mirror or shedding a drop of blood works to walk between them.

As for characters Zelda was very wishy washy. She seems to bounce between Daniel and Baron which is a fine concept but she doesn't really show any feelings for them so their relationship feels off. They just felt like plot devices for Zelda to make snarky remarks at their constant macho man fighting about who is better. Poppy was the much stronger character here and I'm glad to see that she has a novella of her own since I want to know more of her backstory.

Despite the flaws I'll continue since it's such an easy listen and I'm liking the reprieve from novels that are lengthier with more substance and more heaviness since there is a lot more going on.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fight between the paranormal species is amping up and once again it looks like Daniel is going to end up in the thick of it. Will Zelda be able to trust him, save him or need to give up on him altogether. Add in issues with Baron's world, a visiting witchy aunt, an insolent vampire that is quickly becoming Zelda's issue and so much more! The quirky fun, witty banter, action packed short story flows quickly and entertainingly! Once again, the audiobook is the way to go as the narrator really helps bring to life all the different emotions, actions and storylines that the author has artfully woven for us!

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightfully cosy story, featuring magic, witches, vampires and an attempt to save the fae realm The Forest of Emeralds.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

West Side Sandwiches is open and doing a booming business. Everything should be going well for Zelda. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to escape possible catastrophes. Nor can she turn her back on those in need. Barron is counting on her to help save the Fae world and its people. Along the way she has to the question the loyalty of one close to her and the truthfulness of a former enemy who may become an ally. Zelda’s group of friends is joined by her Aunt Belinda. She is a riot and added humor and snark to the mix. The competition between Daniel and Barron over Zelda’s affections is so much fun. I wonder if a love triangle is in the works. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes urban fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Make sure you read it in order. You learn information in book one that you will need to fully understand this book.

I listened to the audiobook. It was enjoyable. The narrator was easy to listen to and did a good job of making most of the voices distinct.

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming and stakes are raising

Zelda is still facing the threats coming towards her and her friends, even if none of them fully understand the implications of the outcomes. Zelda, Berron, Poppy, and Daniel adventure into the mirror to try to save Berron's home land and determine what is causing everyone to be asleep and the land to be dying. The adventures do not stop from in the mirror to out of the mirror.
I love Zelda's spunk and her attitude. I appreciate that she is going to do things, because it is the right thing to do, and not because she necessarily wants to. Her friends, visiting aunt, and her dog add so much color and support to the story. It is lovely to see her found family grow. I listened to this on audio and the narriation is wonderful! The voice is charming to listen to and she does the accents in a way that it adds to the stoey rather than distracts. I am looking forward to the conclusion of this series, to see if my guesses are right.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually only write reviews for books that I have an ARC but I just had to write one for Masks and Mirrors because everyone needs to know how amazing it is. I've never been a fantasy reader but wanted to read some spooky books (tis the season!) and I am sooo consumed by and obsessed with this series! The characters will go down as some of my favorite charactes of all time. The magical world that Kate Moseman creates is stunning in every way. I love the way she writes. I'm so sad that I only have 1 more book to go because I don't want it to end!

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the West Side Witches series (see my review for book 1 Spells and Sandwiches) and I just love Zelda. She’s so powerful but doesn’t take herself too seriously and surrounds herself with the most interesting group of magical friends! Plus I can totally relate to her love of sandwiches and her dog. This second installment was quite a magical adventure and I really enjoyed the story!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zelda has her hands full. She needs to figure out how to help save the fae realm, figure out what caused the mysterious fire in her shop, Daniel is acting oddly and her Aunt Belinda is coming to visit. That is a lot for one person to manage! Seems Prospero is not done causing trouble and Daniel is putting him self right in the middle. Another great adventure and I’m enjoying getting to know the characters.

[Crystal P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed going back into Zelda's story. I had forgotten a few of the characters and realized about halfway through that I had one of the main characters from this book confused with one from the first book who joins the story near the last third of the book. I feel like the world is still getting figured out by me and the main character, but I enjoy her outlook and approach. Things got quite interesting at the end and I am wondering where it is going next!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book in the series honestly, it made me laugh even more than the first. I loved the triangle style romance between the FMC and the two MMCs. Their chemistry and banter were a lot of fun. The family history woven into the magical world added great depth to the story, and the dynamics felt natural and engaging. And of course, the happy ending was exactly what I was hoping for. A fun, charming continuation of the series.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

I liked this book, however I have absolutely no connection to Zelda which made it quite difficult to read this book as it is entirely her POV
This book was ~210 pages on my e-reader but about 150 pages of that was mostly banter between characters, imo it only got exciting in the last 50-ish pages which is why it took me 4 days to finish this book

[Tamye Whitener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fast paced read!

The narrator did an outstanding job giving individual life to the varied characters in this enchanting story.

I loved everything about this book. From beginning to end was I was completely captivated. Well written, engaging characters, outstanding world-building, and enough humor to balance the intense scenes.

[Chris Fracisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frolicking fun

It may be a race to save another dimension and its people, but its also filled with fun banter with all the characters. Its an interesting world and take on paranormals and thoroughly enjoyable. Look forward to more.

[Elliot W · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poodle was the best! Also Berron, who was amazing and a fun charecter to root for in the ongoing love triangle. Team Berron!

Highly recommended if you like charismatic fae prince's and wonderful little dogs. Five stars.

[Tara Woolard (Ehrbar) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great second book! Love how it all tied together and the suspense it had in it. It had me guessing there for a bit on some things. I love how the characters played out and interacted together throughout the storyline. Hope the next story is just as good! Definitely read this story.

[Pam Marcola Duff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok read, but also kinda boring. Needs more world building and the characters fall flat. I probably won’t continue the series. Nothing happens and the characters are boring and have no chemistry and Zelda feels immature

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. I am so happy to read a series where the 49
Yr old heroine or the other older characters are not seen as less because of their age. So refreshing. And in fact they are relevant and hip. Yay for that alone. I like that authors style.

[Arianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I felt like the conflict resolution could have been a little more developed. I also thought Zelda is a little cringy with the way she talks, but over all I’m attached to the characters and enjoyed my time.

[Andrea Olarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one!!

I love Zelda, she is just such a fun and smart protagonist to follow. There are moments when her magical abilities feel overpowered but even still she is endearing.

I’m also very happy that the love triangle was effectively resolved.

[Jamie Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

masks and mirrors by kate moseman. the personal struggles and how the fmc is trying to do everything and keep it all together is really well represented and written. the world building is so accurate as well

[Theresa bauman · Rating 2 out of 5]

bored and …..

Didn’t read book 1 so this book didn’t hold interest. Sometimes you can get into book without 1st book…nope sorry

[Megan Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorable

[Katharyn Kubista · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little more depth than the first two for sure. The ending came quickly but was cute for a quick read

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and engaging

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series very much, but the love triangle is getting on my nerves!

[Nicole Corazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great comfort series. I'm enjoying them.

[Kristena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and easy listen :)

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute cozy paranormal. Fun audiobook to walk to.

[Kate Moseman]

If you enjoyed Spells and Sandwiches, you are going to love Masks and Mirrors! Zelda's back in action with the whole gang, and you won't want to miss the hijinks...

P.S. Don't forget to read Poppy's prequel, Witch and Wolfhound!

Up next: Flames and Frying Pans!