Assassin's Mask

Assassin's Magic #2

by Everly Frost

I am an assassin. Bonded to my enemy.
Love could be my end.

I fought beside Slade Baines in a battle for our lives, only for his secret to tear us apart.

Determined to ignore the broken pieces of my heart, I vow to destroy the deadly weapon that my mother died to protect.

But my enemies are gathering, targeting everyone I love in their quest to find the weapon.

I’m forced to make a deal with one of the Legion’s most formidable assassins—a deal that throws me right back into Slade’s path.

It’s a dangerous place to be.

Slade’s power is growing. Cold. Ruthless. Irresistible.

As undeniable as the connection between us.

One thing, I know for certain:
Rejecting our bond could destroy my heart.

Content information: Assassin's Mask is urban fantasy romance, the second in the Assassin's Magic series. Recommended reading age is 17+ for sex scenes, mature themes, and violence. Ends on a cliffhanger.

*This series is part of The Ever Realms.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy Romance

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2019

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Everly Frost writes fantasy romance and paranormal romance with badass female leads and morally grey heroes who fall first. When she isn't dreaming up spicy enemies to lovers romances, she's binge-watching Lord of the Rings, tending to her fur baby, or learning to sew. Subscribe to Everly's newsletter for a free novella today!

Reviews

[~ Tara Bezeau ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! I absolutely love reading her books. I greedily read this book in two days! 😜 I can’t wait for the next book to come!!

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so... hopeful and yet wanting to completely hyperventilate!! How could this sweet author torture us readers so horribly!? That last chapter was excruciating to read!! I absolutely adore both Hunter and Slade. So much sadness and these huge eye popping twists that blindside you!! This is one brilliant series that will draw you in and capture your heart and mind. It's so detailed and beautifully told. The pages float away as you descend into this intriguingly intense world. I cannot wait to begin the next book and I so wish that it was here!! Ms. Frost has very quickly become one of my must reccomend authors!! She is such a talented writer who creates such wonderous worlds and addictive characters 💖💖💖 These covers have been just breathtaking!!

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had really high hopes for this one. This character could’ve been one of the strongest FMC‘s that I’ve read. However, the FMC ended up being a little too needy and eager to please the MC.

Wish this had not been an instant connection between the two leads. A little push, and pull is what I was looking for here.

Possibly be something that I reread when I’m in a better state of mind

[Kodie Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

It packs a punch.

Book two came right in packing some gigantic punches I really wasn't ready for.

The continuation of Hunter and Slades journey brought some shocking revelations, heartbreaking happenings and swoon worthy show stoppers. It was a journey.

I feel like the plot progression is paced perfectly with just the right amount revealed and enough secrets to leave us curious.
The characters have my heart. I am so invested and I'm also very intrigued by new faces that have graced us. Let's just say it's getting very interesting.

I laughed, I ranted and raved and I was shookith. Yet again hunter has stole my heart with her strength, her courage and her love. She's a wonderful character with endless potential and that excites me even if I'm a little scared at where her path seems to be leading to right now. And of course slade had me in all kinds of knots with his back and forth hurricane like emotions in books two. It was a freaking rollercoaster let me tell you.

Book two brought some crazy and I'm interested to see where this author takes it next. I was extremely surprised at who's leading book three but I'm assuming it's to set up for Hunter and Slade in book 4. Risky jump in characters but I'm excited none the less and even more curious.

Now to book 3!!! I must know everything!!.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like where this is going

Picks up shortly where book 1 leaves off, jumping right into the action and throwing answers almost as quickly as questions. Hunter is exposed and vulnerable, but still determined to fulfill her duty and find the weapon her mother died to protect. Slade.... now not fully human himself, is just as lost, but far more dangerous as the Master of the Legion.

The way Everly Frost builds and weaves their stories, both together and individually (though the book is from Hunter’s perspective) is wonderful and exciting. You can see where this is going and with Book 3 on the horizon, I am eager to see how this is resolved.

Pros:
- Hunter.... she is amazing on every level. Bit confused, but she is still learning a past she was never told.
- Slade... oh Slade. Love him.
- World building, especially the realms. Very interesting concept.
- Well written.
- New Characters: additions are well placed and intriguing.

Cons:
- Not quite a cliffhanger, but still a cliffhanger.

[Maddye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully brutal balance of action & romance

Everly has done it again. I was gripped from the beginning right through until the shocking, painful discovery ending this masterpiece.

This book was set in a dark place of assassins and magical beings, interwoven into a crime ridden and harsh city. It was so well done with complex and engaging characters, with so many well hidden secrets and twists slowly coming into the story.

Everly take on romance is just so wholesome. I love the way characters are created realistically by means of their actions and emotion. Such a perfect balance of normalcy and the supernatural.

If you love strong willed, magical beings, dark plot twists and turns that keep you on your toes, interwoven with an amazing romance, this series, Everly’s writing in general, is for you.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

This is the second book in the assassin series. The first book was pretty great because it focused on our characters becoming assassin and falling in love. This book has me stressed out because we were losing Slade and she needed to help him not lose his way. We get him back but unfortunately there are bigger fish to fry and problems to deal w. Very well written and has such interesting concepts. I'm still loving the whole valkyrie and keres concept. The sex wasn't as well written in this one (at least for my tastes); it was more tame. Finding out who or rather what, day tirelli is was wild. It's worth the read.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Amazon
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

Assassin's Mask is the second installment in author Everly Frost's Assassin Magic series. This story takes place several days after the tumultuous events of Assassin's Magic. At the end of the previous story, Valkyrie Hunter Cassidy, the assassin known as the Glass Arrow, made a choice. A choice that left her fleeing Boston, the Legion who she trained hard to overcome all sorts of hurdles, those that she loves, and enemies who wanted items that she needs in order to discover the so called weapon that her mother died protecting.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Migeldy Mauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

Well that took a dramatic turn
Poor Hunter can't catch a break
I can't wait to see what happens next

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter and Slade start out at odds in the book. She has no plans of returning to Boston, but that lasts all of 3 days. She meets Vlad, who is staying in her safe house room. They argue. He agrees to not touch her or her things as long as she lets him sleep on the pull out mattress and stay in the corner. She takes a shower and he goes through her bag, finding the plant. They talk and build a tentative truce. He agrees to take her to a place she can remove the enchantment around the plant if she will take him to the Legion. Done and Done. The show up in Boston and immediately it goes to hell because he misled her about who he is; he is the Master of one of the competing assassin's guilds. But, he has to talk to Slade and Kane. He tells them that Lady Tyrelli has been messing with their ledgers; writing in unsanctioned kills. Hunter takes a death blow from Slade, saving Vlad's life. She declares herself a rogue master and the guardian approves. She and Vlad return to Saber Lane. She gets 3 assassinations, for the Tyrelli brothers, but she wants to see the guardian to make sure they are real so she goes to her hotel. When she gets there one of the brothers is about to attack the guardian so she stops it. She saves the guardian, but takes a bunch of bullets in the process. Slade takes her to the Legion to help her. The kind of talk but not really and she leaves on bad terms. She takes out all 3 brothers and Slade shows up to make a kill of what she thinks is a bystander. She tells him she wasn't done and demands they fight. He builds a realm and they fight, then she pulls memories from him and finds out about his past, the night his brother died. He tells her how she destroyed him when she left and they finally talk. He says he needs help controlling the power and she shows him how to do it. They make up. Then there's an attack. Lady Tyrelli got into the Legion and killed a bunch of people, but Ridley and Thomas are okay. Ridley is in full dad mode now, finally accepting that Hunter is his daughter and that he missed out on a lot. They move to Saber Lane to protect those people, but Garrett and Fallon are already there. There's a big fight. Fallon kills William. Hunter almost kills him but Briar gets there with her knives before Hunter can use her powers. Briar is a runaway assassin and will have to be killed. Tanzy gives William a witches funeral; she and Hunter come to a truce. Vlad writes Lady Tyrelli's name in Hunter's ledger. Hunter, Slade, and Vlad go to a charity ball that Kane is throwing. Hunter finds Lady Tyrelli and they fight. Turns out she is the Valkyrie Queen. And she is dying. She has also been stealing Curies feathers to help sustain her life. That's why she wants the feather that Hunter's mom was protecting; it can take her to a doorway that can give her new life or something. Slade breaks through to help. The Queen tells Hunter that she is going to die because she gave him one of her feathers. The Queen takes Slade's soul and only returns it to him when Hunter agrees to find the Curies girl and bring her to her. That's where the book ends, with Hunter telling Slade that she has to betray her mother and that it doesn't matter that she's dying, she would save him all over again. I do not believe the Queen. She has strayed from the path and only wants her own survival. Also, we learn that Slade comes from a long line of ring makers; his family captured valkyrie and curies and used their feathers to make the assassin's rings. But that's not Slade. I cannot find book 3 anywhere in my library so I'm going to have to buy it because I'm desperate and I can't skip it and go to book 4! I am obsessed with this series!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

...

Valkyrie and Keres. Most know about the myth of Valkyrie, but few to none have heard about Keres. I'm enjoying the education.

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Saylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

My interests waned as the book went on. It got old real fast. Maybe if she didn't know she was Valkyrie it would have been better idk. I'm just not feeling it at all. I still think the writer should have delayed her and Slade. 

[Denny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review in facts :
• Concept/Plot: I was really intrigued by the mystery surrounding the coda and lady Tirelli. The ending was a bit rushed and I expected more fighting on those last pages (guess I was just so mad due to what happened in chapters before that I wanted some butts kicked 😂).
• World building: this mostly takes place in the real world (Boston/saber lane)
• Writing style: same as book 1
• Character development: yes
• Pacing: fast, heart racing type of fast (the ending felt like the slowest pace for me)

• ! Trigger Warnings: sexual content, violence, character deaths

• Interesting/unique magical system: yes, assasin‘s rings infused with magic, Valkyrie magic, etc.
• Magical beings/creatures: yes
• Strong heroine/hero: yes, Hunter is willig to sacrifice so much for the people she cares about
• Villains with motives: yes, first motives are being revealed
• Favourite characters: Vlad, I really hope he (and Tansy?? 🤔😏) get their own book
• Facts about MC: there’s so much Hunter has to fight for and against in this book, at times I was like... give the woman a break😫
• Facts about side characters/relationship of side characters and MC: although the main focus is on Hunter and Slade, the side characters become more and more involved and important. I’m guessing their involvement will increase in the next book, I sure hope so. I love Cain and Vlad, and I’m even beginning to care for Tansy (I didn’t like her in the beginning). She’s growing a lot in this book and learning more about her powers. I’m sensing she might be playing a bigger role in the next books.

• Violence: yes, fighting scenes, blood, killing
• Romance: yes
o Love triangle/cheating: no
o RH (reverse harem): no
o Sexual content: yes, but not detailed;
• HEA : no
• Character deaths: yes, they were so heartbreaking for me
• Cliffhanger: Yes

• Recommend: yes
• Re read / or would re read in the future: I would probably only re read the first 70%
• If you liked this you might also enjoy: tbd

[Heather Rainwater-Alvarado · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a difficult one to get through because ALL the emotions are there, but by the end, this is my favorite of the first two in the series. Not only that, but the series itself is now in my top shelf of favorite series’ of any authors. I haven’t read any other Valkyrie books, so that might be the reason why I’m so enthralled, but the Valkyrie powers and weaknesses are just so captivating. I already loved the characters in book 1 and they continue to develop and grow to new heights in this second book. The characters started out a bit YA and immature, but I really loved that they’re much more mature and have lost what little bit of angst they had as the story goes along. I love how Frost gives the Valkyrie such immortal strengths, but also some significant weaknesses so they aren’t all-powerful.

This book definitely gave me all the feels, and even made me cry towards the end. It truly is a brilliant work of storytelling. There’s plenty of focus on the important parts without inundating you with the mundane. There were a few times where I questioned something, but overall I was definitely sucked into the story. Hunter is ruthless and wicked, yet has a compassionate human side to her that makes her so easy to connect with. I end up skimming through parts in most books I read, but definitely relished every work in this book and stretched it out into a few sleepless nights. I don’t want this series to end!

[Sarah Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intense ride!
All of the secrets surrounding Hunter are exposed and even more than her mom could prepare her for. I can’t wait to get to book 4 and see how this all ends now that Lady T is unmasked.

My favorite part was Hunter figuring out more of her power and using it on Slade. When they stopped pushing each other away and talked, I loved seeing what Hunter could do.
I also loved understanding more about the Realms. It’s cool to understand more about them and how they came to be.
Getting to meet Vlad was awesome. I read his story with Tansy first and really wanted to see their origin and how they got together. I like Tansy and it’s cool to see the positive affect Vlad can have on her.
I lived getting to see Blair, William and Ridley fill that need of family for Hunter. She seemed so hard and lost after losing her mom and these 3 brought out a more human side to her.
Getting to see more of Cain and get to know him more made me understand why Everly took a break to explain him more. I’m looking forward to book 3 and learning more about Cain.
I was hoping to find out Lady Tirelli was who she was but the twist she threw us at the end I was not expecting. If you loved Assassin’s Magic, you will want to grab Mask and find out how dark the Assassin past is and why Lady T is such a threat.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay was so happy this came out and snapped it up immediately! Had not long read the first book so was elated i only had a few days to wait. Was such an emotional end from book 1 i was worried about Hunter (yes was concerned for the emotional wellbeing of a book character, i know lol)but shes a character i actually like. So sick of stupid female leads doing dumb stupid stuff & having annoying personality traits that piss me off. Hunter i can respect and like. This book just flows effortlessly, with a new unlikely ally & the development of genuine friendships despite being taught not to trust anyone (warm feels). Yes you guessed it she will have to face up to Slade..& i wont say a thing about how that goes "zips mouth closed". I like how the story isnt predictable, we learn more about the assassins rings than we thought there was to know, and oh you'd never guess what the terrible 'weapon' is that the feather is meant to point to, you'l just have to read for yourself and find out. One things for certain that this series just keeps getting better, oh please make time speed up til i have the next installment in my hand.

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assassin’s Mask continues on immediately where Everly Frost left the cliffhanger in Assassin’s Magic.

Once again you’ll be sucked into Hunter Cassidy’s story with the detailed emotions. Hunter’s a fearless, yet heartbroken assassin, and every part of this story intensifies her emotions. This book was so heart wrenching, action packed and plot twist, that I needed at breather at times to make it through the story and absorb what I’d read.

The character development from Hunter and Slade, right through to the residents of Saber Lane and the other assassin’s continues to grow, which is amazing considering the amount of character building that went into the first book.

I highly recommend Assassin’s Mask and I can’t wait to read the third book - Assassin’s Maze. Also looking forward to the Assassin’s Menace - An Assassin’s Magic Companion Story, which is part of the Shadow’s and Sorcery collection.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a good bit of time for me in between reading this one and the first so I had trouble remembering exactly what happened but I got back into it easily enough. I did lose touch with the bond she and Slade had, Like I couldn't remember what their relationship was like so I didn't have too much invested in that.

I'm not sure I really like the whole idea of assassins who kill but only if it has been sanctioned, it leaves so much open when trying to do self defense it annoys me. Like I get if you had the chance not to and you find a way around it then you don't but if people are actively evil and you know they are and are trying to kill you can you not get a pardon for it uhg.

but I will check out the next I'm curious to what happens next

[Talarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love rereading this book!

I love love love, this book.

It is actually my second time reading it but I recently read book 2.5 randomly and got completely sucked back into this amazing world of magic and assassin's.

Hunter is my type of girl, she is sassy, feels to much, has a minor anger problems and is hilarious in her one liners.

Slade is just scrumptious, seriously I just want to eat food off him...no change that, I want to eat chocolate off of him lol 🥴 Slade is also one of those characters that even though he is powerful you like him straight away.

I really want to see more of Vlads story as I think that it would be seriously interesting.

Overall, this is an amazing book that captured my attention from go and hasn't let up yet.
Totally recommend.

[Jill Gauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter is devastated when she reveals herself to Slade during their mission against the Furies to retrieve the Verdan plant. Gareth never planned for either of them to return to the Realm alive. Hunter and Slade defeat Gareth and then she leaves fulfilling her mission to get the Clave feather and the means to dissolve her mother’s blood that binds the feather but her bond with Slade breaks her.
At her room at a Motel she discovers it has been given to someone else for the night. Upset she storms up to the room and wakes the person up demanding he leave. The man says his name is Vlad and needs sleep and will leave in the morning. She agrees to share the room and the adventure starts again. He promises to help her with the Verdan plant if she takes him to Legion Realm to meet Slade and Cain.
Hold on to your seat because the book is one adventure after another.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assassins mask

Hunter and Slade were wrecking my heart during this book. It’s obvious that they were both hurting and still cared about each other but couldn’t sort out their differences.
I like that Ridley and hunters relationship progressed as well. Even though they didn’t have much direct interaction between them.
Vlad was an interesting character and I’m happy that his involvement helps the factions head towards peace. I really hope he and tansy develop something.
I love that by the end of this book we are starting to see the bigger picture of how hunters mom set everything up for her. There were plenty of hints dropped that I think I have a general idea where the story is going and I can’t say to see if I’m right

[WonderWomanNZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure what happened with this book, but I think it was me getting distracted while listening to it! I found I didnt get into it as much as the first, however it was still a good book. I still enjoyed the plot, but found it a little slow moving. It defiantly follows on from the first and should be read in order. This book too ends in a cliffhanger. I also found out that the next book is the last audiobook at the moment which is disappointing as I only do audio, so I hope the next one doesnt end on a cliff hanger :(
EDIT ok so I see there are 5 in this series but the other 2 are about other characters and not Hunter, so maybe it doesnt matter that I cant get them on audio.

[Tanya Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up where book 1 ended Hunter is fleeing from the Legion and Slade who has now found out her secret.

On her Journey she meets Vlad who becomes her ally and unwanted travelling partner. Now I love Vlad, and you will fall in love with him to but this series is not RH and Hunter does not develop feelings, Hunter is all about Slade always!

There is a moment in this book that totally breaks my heart and I cried when I read it, why Everly why?

The end of this book is not really a cliffhanger, it gives you a nice ending where lots of your questions are answered for the continued series. However the next book if you didn't read the blurb focuses on a different couple before the story merges back in.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Hunter, Slade, and their other friends. Hunter and Slade were sent on a mission, but they quickly realize that this mission was meant to kill them both. They find the plant that they were looking for but end up getting ambushed by another assassin. Slade does find out some other things about Hunter and he’s not really sure how to deal with it. Hunter ends up meeting Vlad another assassin, and she learns a lot more stuff about her power. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I listened to this book on Audible and I felt that Sometimes the narrator was a little bit too dramatic.

[Amanda McEwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Gem from Everly!

Another awesome novel from Everly Frost! MC Hunter is strong, loyal and as stubborn as they come, which of course you already know from book 1 😉 Add attraction, heartache and a heaped helping of danger and Hunter becomes ferocious. Can she hold together the broken pieces of her heart, of her life long enough to save those she loves? Full of emotion, amazing world building and characters you love and love to hate! Twists, turns and surprises keep it engaging as you cheer for your desired outcome. Highly recommended!

[Pam Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed!!

This is a gripping follow up to book one that I could not put down. The story continues to be fast paced and it’s full of explosive twists and action, Hunter is a total badass and I love her strength and her vulnerability, she’s a wonderfully written character with real depth and emotion. Great to see the return of the characters in book one with the addition of a few more....Vlad being my favourite!!!! I cannot wait to see how the author develops this story in book three

[Trinitee Frame · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. This assassin world inside of a world that this author has created is amazing. The storyline and plot drag you in from the very beginning and keeps you enthralled through the entire book. Oh the emotions evoked in this book. I believe when love is involved, I should be able to feel it as I read about it and I felt every heartbreak and every ounce of love. This book reveals so much and also leaves you with the need to know more. Such and excellent read. This author is amazing and so is this series.

[Maria Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assassin's Magic is an absolutely fantastic 2nd book of the Assassin's Mask series.

The story continues with Hunter Cassidy leaving Slade Baines at the cabin in heartbreak and she continues to seek a way to destroy that weapon that can destroy them all. I love the how this book had me on a roller coaster of a ride for my emotions, I was enthralled from the get go. You'll get plenty of heartbreak that will tear you up, some laughs, plenty of action and of course love and passion. I wasn't disappointed at all and highly recommend the book!

[Kim Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in a series of three, the story continues as a hunter, a female assassin, struggles as she discovers more and more about her parents and learns more about what it is to be a Valkyrie. The truth of who she is, the last living Valkyrie, is discovered by others and she in turn finds people who are willing to fight for and with her as sides are taken by those in the assassin schools and realms.

Lots of action and romance to enjoy in this one. I am looking forward to the final book in the series.