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Masquerade of Bones
A blood oath. A botched heist. A dangerous deal with the enemy.
Everly Thorn knew she was doomed when the bones of dead dragons and other magical beasts began whispering to her. She’ll do anything to keep her cursed gift a secret for fear of being used as a weapon to hunt other witches in hiding.
Reeling from her parents’ murder and broken betrothal to the crown prince, Everly has racked up a fortune in gambling debts. Her job as an exhibit curator at the Menagerie of Extinct Magical Creatures doesn’t pay enough to keep the collectors from threatening to take her home—the only thing she and her brother have left.
Silas Drake is an infamous outlaw in need of a witch with a unique set of skills and exactly the kind of man Everly has vowed to stay away from—cruel, dark, and deadly. He’s determined to steal a powerful dragon relic being held in the Menagerie’s vault.
When Silas discovers Everly’s secret, the ruthless shadow summoner presents her with an impossible choice—swear a blood oath to help him steal the relic and secure her financial freedom, or be handed over to the authorities.
Everly, however, is done taking orders from men who want to control her and refuses to accept her fate without a fight. She’ll risk everything - including her hardened heart - to undermine Silas Drake and his dangerous band of thieves.
Masquerade of Bones is a southern gothic romantasy and includes darker themes and graphic content intended for an adult audience. Please read with care.
Everly Thorn knew she was doomed when the bones of dead dragons and other magical beasts began whispering to her. She’ll do anything to keep her cursed gift a secret for fear of being used as a weapon to hunt other witches in hiding.
Reeling from her parents’ murder and broken betrothal to the crown prince, Everly has racked up a fortune in gambling debts. Her job as an exhibit curator at the Menagerie of Extinct Magical Creatures doesn’t pay enough to keep the collectors from threatening to take her home—the only thing she and her brother have left.
Silas Drake is an infamous outlaw in need of a witch with a unique set of skills and exactly the kind of man Everly has vowed to stay away from—cruel, dark, and deadly. He’s determined to steal a powerful dragon relic being held in the Menagerie’s vault.
When Silas discovers Everly’s secret, the ruthless shadow summoner presents her with an impossible choice—swear a blood oath to help him steal the relic and secure her financial freedom, or be handed over to the authorities.
Everly, however, is done taking orders from men who want to control her and refuses to accept her fate without a fight. She’ll risk everything - including her hardened heart - to undermine Silas Drake and his dangerous band of thieves.
Masquerade of Bones is a southern gothic romantasy and includes darker themes and graphic content intended for an adult audience. Please read with care.
419 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2025
13 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
J. Ember Hintz
5 books113 followersJ. Ember Hintz writes fantasy and paranormal romance because the real world has too many monsters and not enough magic.
You’ll meet rebellious women fighting for agency in J.Ember Hintz’s stories and the morally gray men willing to burn for them as they rise from the ashes.
As someone living with chronic illness, J. Ember strives to include characters facing physical and mental health challenges in her work with authenticity and heart. She loves hard-won happily-ever-afters, and the torture of a slow burn and believes the villain is the most important character in every story—especially if he’s the tall, dark and dangerous love interest.Her debut novel, Garden of Echoes and Ash, won the Prism Award for Best First Book, was a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence, and a semi-finalist for the Book Life Prize by Publisher’s Weekly.
When not conjuring tales of deception and desire, J. Ember can be found taking a log walk in the woods with her muse and spending time with her family. By day, her alter ego works at a botanical garden, drawing endless inspiration for the lush settings and quirky plants that find their way into her stories.
Follow her author life shenanigans by joining her No Damsels Newsletter.
https://jemberhintz.com/contact-4
You’ll meet rebellious women fighting for agency in J.Ember Hintz’s stories and the morally gray men willing to burn for them as they rise from the ashes.
As someone living with chronic illness, J. Ember strives to include characters facing physical and mental health challenges in her work with authenticity and heart. She loves hard-won happily-ever-afters, and the torture of a slow burn and believes the villain is the most important character in every story—especially if he’s the tall, dark and dangerous love interest.Her debut novel, Garden of Echoes and Ash, won the Prism Award for Best First Book, was a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence, and a semi-finalist for the Book Life Prize by Publisher’s Weekly.
When not conjuring tales of deception and desire, J. Ember can be found taking a log walk in the woods with her muse and spending time with her family. By day, her alter ego works at a botanical garden, drawing endless inspiration for the lush settings and quirky plants that find their way into her stories.
Follow her author life shenanigans by joining her No Damsels Newsletter.
https://jemberhintz.com/contact-4
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
February 16, 2025
˗ˏˋ 5 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .
i was completely hooked from page 1 and was able to finished it in one sitting. ngl, this book is going to live rent free in my head for the foreseeable future.
i loved everly's character development, she was such a badass. and omg morally grey shadow daddy silas. *screams in pillow* definitely adding him onto my top book boyfriends list.
i'm obsessed with all of the side characters, also secretly hoping we get little novellas about each of them, especially thale and serin. loved the unique magic system and the world-building was phenomenal.
this was such an emotional roller coaster, i screamed, i laughed and i cried. i'm so looking forward to the next book, i desperately need more everly and silas!! definitely recommend this book.
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
i was completely hooked from page 1 and was able to finished it in one sitting. ngl, this book is going to live rent free in my head for the foreseeable future.
i loved everly's character development, she was such a badass. and omg morally grey shadow daddy silas. *screams in pillow* definitely adding him onto my top book boyfriends list.
i'm obsessed with all of the side characters, also secretly hoping we get little novellas about each of them, especially thale and serin. loved the unique magic system and the world-building was phenomenal.
this was such an emotional roller coaster, i screamed, i laughed and i cried. i'm so looking forward to the next book, i desperately need more everly and silas!! definitely recommend this book.
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2025
Romantasy girlies just go ahead and get this. You can thank me later. Actual shivers with this audiobook.
The chemistry between Everly and Silas is so gooood. Everly is a fierce, independent witch and Silas is a shadow-powered outlaw who forces our gal to work with him against the oppressive system surrounding them. Silas delivers growling, touchy-feely protectiveness that made my toes curl. Their banter is sharp and playful, with Silas effortlessly teasing Everly in ways that are both innocent and intensely charged. My favorite part is that despite toeing the line, he ultimately respects her boundaries.
I particularly liked the found family in here. Saren is my favorite because she sees right through Everly—her insightful perspective is all of us. You are so correct that these two are dynamite and fuse. We're all with you.
However, the ending left me with mixed feelings. It was incredibly jarring and felt rushed—so much so that I literally blinked in surprise when it ended. While leaving you wanting more isn’t always a bad thing, I couldn’t help but crave a bit more closure on some of the story’s lingering threads.
Overall, Masquerade of Bones is a fantastically fun, spicy, and character-driven adventure that is perfect for fans of bold, unapologetic romantasy with super fun tropes. Trust me—get the audiobook for that top-notch, growling dialogue that truly brings Silas and Everly to life. If you love your daddies shadowed and your women fierce, this one is for you. You can thank me later.
Thanks so much to R&R Booktours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The chemistry between Everly and Silas is so gooood. Everly is a fierce, independent witch and Silas is a shadow-powered outlaw who forces our gal to work with him against the oppressive system surrounding them. Silas delivers growling, touchy-feely protectiveness that made my toes curl. Their banter is sharp and playful, with Silas effortlessly teasing Everly in ways that are both innocent and intensely charged. My favorite part is that despite toeing the line, he ultimately respects her boundaries.
I particularly liked the found family in here. Saren is my favorite because she sees right through Everly—her insightful perspective is all of us. You are so correct that these two are dynamite and fuse. We're all with you.
However, the ending left me with mixed feelings. It was incredibly jarring and felt rushed—so much so that I literally blinked in surprise when it ended. While leaving you wanting more isn’t always a bad thing, I couldn’t help but crave a bit more closure on some of the story’s lingering threads.
Overall, Masquerade of Bones is a fantastically fun, spicy, and character-driven adventure that is perfect for fans of bold, unapologetic romantasy with super fun tropes. Trust me—get the audiobook for that top-notch, growling dialogue that truly brings Silas and Everly to life. If you love your daddies shadowed and your women fierce, this one is for you. You can thank me later.
Thanks so much to R&R Booktours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
February 2, 2025
Uh my! Romantasy yes indeed.
This book was so tension-felt! Action, romance and lot's of magical creatures. An fascinating world building with a interesting magic system.
The story captivating and I really liked the FMC, she was badass! We also get a Shadow-daddy and a magical bond. Oh and spice.
A thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
This book was so tension-felt! Action, romance and lot's of magical creatures. An fascinating world building with a interesting magic system.
The story captivating and I really liked the FMC, she was badass! We also get a Shadow-daddy and a magical bond. Oh and spice.
A thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
March 19, 2025
A Romantasy must read of 2025!! We follow Everly, a witch in disguise with a deadly secret: she can hear creatures through their dead bones. She was once in love and betrothed to the prince, but since her parents death, she has been only surviving. The prince broke up their engagement and vanished, and later returned engaged to another woman. Now, Everly is trying to find a way out of her huge debt with her landlord and keep herself and her brother afloat. So when a dangerous opportunity appears in the form of a handsome outlaw, she couldn’t resist.
Silas is in need of a witch with a specific set of skills, to assist in a heist job. He’s a mysterious reaver looking for a profitable blood oath, and Everly is the perfect candidate. Also can I say SHADOW DADDY! 🖤 their dialogues were incredible, the banter was bantering! I also totally recommend to listen to the audiobook because Silas voice is 🥵
This book was incredible from start to finish, the slow burn was toe-curling good and the magic system so alluring!
What you can expect;
🖤shadow daddy
🖤witches
🖤dragons
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤found family
🖤only one bed
🖤villain gets the girl
Silas is in need of a witch with a specific set of skills, to assist in a heist job. He’s a mysterious reaver looking for a profitable blood oath, and Everly is the perfect candidate. Also can I say SHADOW DADDY! 🖤 their dialogues were incredible, the banter was bantering! I also totally recommend to listen to the audiobook because Silas voice is 🥵
This book was incredible from start to finish, the slow burn was toe-curling good and the magic system so alluring!
What you can expect;
🖤shadow daddy
🖤witches
🖤dragons
🖤enemies to lovers
🖤found family
🖤only one bed
🖤villain gets the girl
March 3, 2025
I officially found my new favorite Shadow Daddy!
I was immediately intrigued with the premise of A Masquerade of Bones, but somehow it managed to surpass my every expectation and then some. I still haven’t found the words to describe how much I love this book and it’s been several days now since I finished it. This is a southern gothic romantasy with an incredible magic system, world and most of all a fantastic cast of characters and a wonderful enemies to lovers banter!
The story follows Everly, a secret witch with the power to sense relics—the bones of magical creatures witches use to channel power. After the death of her parents and her foiled engagement with the prince, it’s just her and her brother. Her job doesn’t pay enough and she’s drowning in gambling debts. In comes the dangerously alluring and secretive Shadow Daddy reaver, Silas Drake, who needs Everly’s unique set of skills to pull off a heist he and his crew are planning. If she makes a blood oath to him and helps him with the job, all her problems are gone. Can Everly trust Silas? Probably not, but what else can she do?
The magic tied to the relics fascinated me so much and the characters were fantastic and the true force of this book. I loved the found family and the romance was SO GOOD. I loved how Everly and Silas go from clearly not trusting each other to slowly becoming friends and then more. Most of all I loved how they challenged and outwitted each other sometimes. It was a true battle of wills! And Silas is truly a spectacular MMC and a worthy addition to my book boyfriends list. He’s morally gray, he’s mysterious, he’s swoony. He’s everything!
I got the chance to listen to the audiobook. The narrators did such a fantastic job! The way I could tell exactly who was talking based on the voices they did was incredible.
Here are some tropes!
🖤 villain gets the girl
🖤 shadow daddy
🫂 found family
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers
🦴 witches with relics
👑 heists, royals & outlaws
🐉 dragon
🐴 only one horse!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
I was immediately intrigued with the premise of A Masquerade of Bones, but somehow it managed to surpass my every expectation and then some. I still haven’t found the words to describe how much I love this book and it’s been several days now since I finished it. This is a southern gothic romantasy with an incredible magic system, world and most of all a fantastic cast of characters and a wonderful enemies to lovers banter!
The story follows Everly, a secret witch with the power to sense relics—the bones of magical creatures witches use to channel power. After the death of her parents and her foiled engagement with the prince, it’s just her and her brother. Her job doesn’t pay enough and she’s drowning in gambling debts. In comes the dangerously alluring and secretive Shadow Daddy reaver, Silas Drake, who needs Everly’s unique set of skills to pull off a heist he and his crew are planning. If she makes a blood oath to him and helps him with the job, all her problems are gone. Can Everly trust Silas? Probably not, but what else can she do?
The magic tied to the relics fascinated me so much and the characters were fantastic and the true force of this book. I loved the found family and the romance was SO GOOD. I loved how Everly and Silas go from clearly not trusting each other to slowly becoming friends and then more. Most of all I loved how they challenged and outwitted each other sometimes. It was a true battle of wills! And Silas is truly a spectacular MMC and a worthy addition to my book boyfriends list. He’s morally gray, he’s mysterious, he’s swoony. He’s everything!
I got the chance to listen to the audiobook. The narrators did such a fantastic job! The way I could tell exactly who was talking based on the voices they did was incredible.
Here are some tropes!
🖤 villain gets the girl
🖤 shadow daddy
🫂 found family
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers
🦴 witches with relics
👑 heists, royals & outlaws
🐉 dragon
🐴 only one horse!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
February 27, 2025
Masquerade of Bones is an immersive experience from the very first page and I loved our FMC, Everly, from the outset for her sass, and for her vulnerability which she masks behind her no-BS attitude. Hintz can spin a story, and concoct a unique magic system, but what is most impressive is how loudly her characters voice permeates her prose. I absolutely L-O-V-E-D it, couldn’t put it down. The sizzling tension, the snark, the flirting!!! Ahhhhh!! The ending will have your jaw on the floor guys.
No, but when she’s at a pleasure house and the woman struggles to describe the ways he made her feel with his shadow hands? Say less babe.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
No, but when she’s at a pleasure house and the woman struggles to describe the ways he made her feel with his shadow hands? Say less babe.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
January 22, 2025
So this is what obsession feels like...
Say hello to my first 5* of 2025!
From page one, I was in love with the writing, the world, and the magic structure.
Halfway through, I didn’t want it to end, and was praying it wasn’t a stand alone.
By the last page, I wanted to obnoxiously message J.Ember Hintz, to praise her, and try to make her my new best friend! I still might!
Masquerade of Bones follows Everly, a witch in hiding who, after the loss of her parents and her broken betrothal to the Prince, is just trying to keep a roof over her and her brothers' heads. Enter Silas (He’s going on my book boyfriend list!) a witch who knows Everly's secret, and after witnessing her knack for unraveling wards, blackmails her into a blood oath, forcing her to help him and his motley crew steal a powerful relic.
I felt this story was perfectly paced. I flew through it, and was begging for more by the end. This is one of those books where there is so much material to work with that I cannot wait to see where the story goes. I’m praying to all the Gods that there is a book #2!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and J, Ember Hintz, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Say hello to my first 5* of 2025!
From page one, I was in love with the writing, the world, and the magic structure.
Halfway through, I didn’t want it to end, and was praying it wasn’t a stand alone.
By the last page, I wanted to obnoxiously message J.Ember Hintz, to praise her, and try to make her my new best friend! I still might!
Masquerade of Bones follows Everly, a witch in hiding who, after the loss of her parents and her broken betrothal to the Prince, is just trying to keep a roof over her and her brothers' heads. Enter Silas (He’s going on my book boyfriend list!) a witch who knows Everly's secret, and after witnessing her knack for unraveling wards, blackmails her into a blood oath, forcing her to help him and his motley crew steal a powerful relic.
I felt this story was perfectly paced. I flew through it, and was begging for more by the end. This is one of those books where there is so much material to work with that I cannot wait to see where the story goes. I’m praying to all the Gods that there is a book #2!!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and J, Ember Hintz, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 24, 2025
Words cannot describe how much I loved Masquerade of Bones!! I was absolutely hooked from start to finish. The world building was incredible and features a really unique magic system that I haven't come across before which I loved. Everly is our FMC and I adored her. She is such a fierce female lead who has incredible strength and has harboured a deadly secret for so long, whilst trying to protect those she loves and coping with her own self-doubt and pain and grief. Honestly I was in awe of her and identified with her so much throughout this book.
And then there's...SILAS DRAKE. There's a new shadow daddy in town guys and he is FIRE
I loved the natural and instant chemistry between Everly and Silas, they just work together so well and it was an actual joy to see their relationship develop and I lived for their banter and interactions.
J Ember Hintz has written an epic romantasy that absolutely delivers. The plot is superb and whilst I guessed at some reveals, there are clever mysteries that naturally unravel as you progress through the story that left me open-mouthed. The crew and the found family bonds were perfection, the tension and politics between the different kingdoms, the blood oath element and the mix of magical and mythical creatures, including dragons and shifters just made this a fantasy I couldn't put down. It's lived in my head rent free since January and I cannot wait for the next book!!!
And then there's...SILAS DRAKE. There's a new shadow daddy in town guys and he is FIRE
I loved the natural and instant chemistry between Everly and Silas, they just work together so well and it was an actual joy to see their relationship develop and I lived for their banter and interactions.
J Ember Hintz has written an epic romantasy that absolutely delivers. The plot is superb and whilst I guessed at some reveals, there are clever mysteries that naturally unravel as you progress through the story that left me open-mouthed. The crew and the found family bonds were perfection, the tension and politics between the different kingdoms, the blood oath element and the mix of magical and mythical creatures, including dragons and shifters just made this a fantasy I couldn't put down. It's lived in my head rent free since January and I cannot wait for the next book!!!
did-not-finish
January 6, 2025I did give this a good try, but ultimately DNF'ed. The concept from what I did read felt really fresh. In this day of so many copy-paste stories, it really felt like I haven’t read something similar before which is really hard to accomplish. That was awesome.
It was a little hard to get into the book at the start since there is clearly a developed world that you are dropped into. I wish there was a glossary or some sort of better description of the world at the beginning because I felt like I had no idea what people were talking about in conversations. Magic, relics, witches, reavers, why witches get conscripted, etc. all needed better explanations up front rather than dropping the reader right in the middle of a fully realized world. That could be a barrier for anyone looking to casually read a story. It might be a personal issue in that I typically don’t like the “drop the reader right in the world” type books, but a glossary or even quick rundown as a prologue describing the world and major players could have been really useful. The book summary gave me so much more of a description of the world, but I wish the book text itself had a little more primer.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving this comment and the opinions I am expressing are my own.
It was a little hard to get into the book at the start since there is clearly a developed world that you are dropped into. I wish there was a glossary or some sort of better description of the world at the beginning because I felt like I had no idea what people were talking about in conversations. Magic, relics, witches, reavers, why witches get conscripted, etc. all needed better explanations up front rather than dropping the reader right in the middle of a fully realized world. That could be a barrier for anyone looking to casually read a story. It might be a personal issue in that I typically don’t like the “drop the reader right in the world” type books, but a glossary or even quick rundown as a prologue describing the world and major players could have been really useful. The book summary gave me so much more of a description of the world, but I wish the book text itself had a little more primer.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving this comment and the opinions I am expressing are my own.
March 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️ 2.5/5
I struggled a bit to get into this one. I probably picked it up and put it down five times before I finally was able to get through more than a few pages at a time, and it threw me into a baby reading slump. It’s a very slow start with a lot of info dumping right at the beginning. The info dump was done in the form of dialogue between our main character, Everly, and her best friend, Wallace, who she has supposedly know for years. They were talking as if they both didn’t already know all of this information, which wouldn’t be very consistent for two characters that live in the same area, have access to the same information, and have known each other awhile.
Once I was able to finally able to get into it, I did enjoy it a little more. I thought the magic system was interesting, but I wouldn’t say I was able to get a super clear grasp on how it operated. It was also very confusing trying to distinguish who was good and who was bad. And it wholly depended on the place, apparently. Not to mention the geography. That was a whole other world of confusion. A map would have been super duper helpful there. The creatures were also very confusing. Werewolf/alligator? Yeah sure. Shapeshifters? Maybe, why not. And also a cat. The history wasn’t easy to digest and didn’t make much sense either. I have no idea who fought what war or who won or why it was important. It made it difficult to get a clear picture of what was at stake for the characters.
Everly seemed a bit childish and immature to me. She kind of acted like a pick me girl. I really struggled to see the connection between her and Silas. The only reason we’re given for how much he likes her is that they’re life bonded. They have no real connection or chemistry besides what the bond gave them. It wasn’t natural at all.
The whole plot is very rushed and then forgotten about altogether. They go all this way on a journey to capture a dragon (that has apparently already been detained) only to get caught by a rival clan right before they get to the gates after making a very stupid navigation decision that yeah, did look quite suspicious. Instead of the king giving them a letter saying they were coming in his stead with his seal of approval and scent on it, all they had was the invitation which very easily could have been stolen. It was such a poorly thought out plan that I genuinely don’t understand how anyone in that traveling party thought it was going to work.
There’s also this mysterious frost dragon egg that we never learn anything else about. We know it’s possibly sentient and that you’ll freeze to death if you go near it, but we never find out why Silas’s crew wanted to steal it, what they were going to do with it, or why it even mattered in the first place. It became an afterthought in the end. Very big plothole.
The ending especially had me spinning in circles. It literally came out of nowhere. It’s like it smacked me in the face, which is not a sensation I want to have as a reader. The pace went from steady to light speed in like two paragraphs. It was so pointless for her to get so close to where they were going then get snatched up and deposited back home like it never happened with Silas and the whole crew straight up ditching her. And oh yeah, her best friend who has been irrelevant the whole book might actually be important somehow. And also, major plot twist out of nowhere with no setup whatsoever, that guy is a dragon and that guy is were-gator. And everything works out perfectly, and all is forgiven, and they disappear without solving anything we just read a whole entire book about. I’m assuming there will be a second book where all of this is cleared up, but if not, this book had zero point whatsoever.
All in all, maybe not the book for me. I really wanted to like it. They were some high parts. I loved Bas, Serin, and Nellie. Awesome characters there. Although, I stand firm on the opinion that Nellie’s death was pointless and added nothing to the story except shock value. I also enjoyed some of the romance. There were some scenes there I enjoyed. Unfortunately, I probably wouldn’t recommend this to my followers.
Thank you to NetGalley, J. Ember Hintz, and Specter Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I struggled a bit to get into this one. I probably picked it up and put it down five times before I finally was able to get through more than a few pages at a time, and it threw me into a baby reading slump. It’s a very slow start with a lot of info dumping right at the beginning. The info dump was done in the form of dialogue between our main character, Everly, and her best friend, Wallace, who she has supposedly know for years. They were talking as if they both didn’t already know all of this information, which wouldn’t be very consistent for two characters that live in the same area, have access to the same information, and have known each other awhile.
Once I was able to finally able to get into it, I did enjoy it a little more. I thought the magic system was interesting, but I wouldn’t say I was able to get a super clear grasp on how it operated. It was also very confusing trying to distinguish who was good and who was bad. And it wholly depended on the place, apparently. Not to mention the geography. That was a whole other world of confusion. A map would have been super duper helpful there. The creatures were also very confusing. Werewolf/alligator? Yeah sure. Shapeshifters? Maybe, why not. And also a cat. The history wasn’t easy to digest and didn’t make much sense either. I have no idea who fought what war or who won or why it was important. It made it difficult to get a clear picture of what was at stake for the characters.
Everly seemed a bit childish and immature to me. She kind of acted like a pick me girl. I really struggled to see the connection between her and Silas. The only reason we’re given for how much he likes her is that they’re life bonded. They have no real connection or chemistry besides what the bond gave them. It wasn’t natural at all.
The whole plot is very rushed and then forgotten about altogether. They go all this way on a journey to capture a dragon (that has apparently already been detained) only to get caught by a rival clan right before they get to the gates after making a very stupid navigation decision that yeah, did look quite suspicious. Instead of the king giving them a letter saying they were coming in his stead with his seal of approval and scent on it, all they had was the invitation which very easily could have been stolen. It was such a poorly thought out plan that I genuinely don’t understand how anyone in that traveling party thought it was going to work.
There’s also this mysterious frost dragon egg that we never learn anything else about. We know it’s possibly sentient and that you’ll freeze to death if you go near it, but we never find out why Silas’s crew wanted to steal it, what they were going to do with it, or why it even mattered in the first place. It became an afterthought in the end. Very big plothole.
The ending especially had me spinning in circles. It literally came out of nowhere. It’s like it smacked me in the face, which is not a sensation I want to have as a reader. The pace went from steady to light speed in like two paragraphs. It was so pointless for her to get so close to where they were going then get snatched up and deposited back home like it never happened with Silas and the whole crew straight up ditching her. And oh yeah, her best friend who has been irrelevant the whole book might actually be important somehow. And also, major plot twist out of nowhere with no setup whatsoever, that guy is a dragon and that guy is were-gator. And everything works out perfectly, and all is forgiven, and they disappear without solving anything we just read a whole entire book about. I’m assuming there will be a second book where all of this is cleared up, but if not, this book had zero point whatsoever.
All in all, maybe not the book for me. I really wanted to like it. They were some high parts. I loved Bas, Serin, and Nellie. Awesome characters there. Although, I stand firm on the opinion that Nellie’s death was pointless and added nothing to the story except shock value. I also enjoyed some of the romance. There were some scenes there I enjoyed. Unfortunately, I probably wouldn’t recommend this to my followers.
Thank you to NetGalley, J. Ember Hintz, and Specter Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
3.5 stars? Maybe?
Masquerade of Bones follows Everly Thorn, a witch cursed with the ability to hear the whispers of the bones of dead dragons and other magical beasts. She's keeping her powers hidden, reeling from her parents' murder and a broken engagement to the crown prince, while drowning in gambling debts. When infamous outlaw Silas Drake discovers her secret, he blackmails her into helping him steal a powerful relic—and Everly is forced to choose between protecting her brother and striking back at those who want to control her.
This book left me feeling... very conflicted. There were things I really enjoyed and others that drove me a bit up the wall.
Let's start with the tropes: we've got your typical brooding, dark-haired, shadow-wielding love interest (Silas) who's rude at first but of course devastatingly attractive. We've got the strong, angry, badass main female character (Everly) who's flawed in ways that sometimes made her hard to follow. And of course, the blonde ex who's a prince (Gideon) as a sort-of-but-not-really second love interest who's basically just there to be jealous. The romance leans heavily on instant attraction. Even when Silas literally chokes her, Everly can't stop thinking about his tattoos and muscles. Girl, I get it, but maybe... be mad about that first?
The magic system is one of the coolest parts! The use of relics with specific limitations and rules adds depth, and the lore surrounding witches and their sickness is genuinely fascinating. I just wish it had been explained more. Some aspects are mentioned without much context or explanation. It felt like the foundations were there but not fully explored.
Character-wise, I struggled. I couldn't really tell who was supposed to be "good" or "bad," and Everly's loyalties shifted so often it felt inconsistent rather than complex. Her impulsiveness makes sense for her character, but it got frustrating. Silas, on the other hand, is mostly just hot, flirty, and a jerk. He spends a lot of time thinking he's a monster, but I couldn't figure out what he actually wants or why he acts the way he does. Buuut around the 60% mark, their chemistry finally clicked for me, and surprisingly, I ended up liking them together by the end!
The second love interest, though, was a nonstarter. He barely appears and when he does, he’s just another jealous guy. Honestly, almost every major male character treated Everly poorly... except for one minor male character who was an absolute sweetheart (more of him, please!). On the bright side, I did like most of the female characters.
The beginning was decent (good setup, solid writing), but the plot dragged a bit, especially since some early plot points were abandoned later. The middle slowed down, and the whole direction of the story shifted very suddenly. But once I adjusted, I got pretty invested. And the ending? Genuinely surprising! I couldn't put it down by that point, even if the writing felt a bit rushed and I wish we got more closure on some plot threads.
Overall, I feel torn. There were a lot of rough edges (uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, clunky dialogue), but there’s also real potential here! The world is intriguing, the ending was strong, and I’m honestly curious to see what happens next.
Masquerade of Bones follows Everly Thorn, a witch cursed with the ability to hear the whispers of the bones of dead dragons and other magical beasts. She's keeping her powers hidden, reeling from her parents' murder and a broken engagement to the crown prince, while drowning in gambling debts. When infamous outlaw Silas Drake discovers her secret, he blackmails her into helping him steal a powerful relic—and Everly is forced to choose between protecting her brother and striking back at those who want to control her.
This book left me feeling... very conflicted. There were things I really enjoyed and others that drove me a bit up the wall.
Let's start with the tropes: we've got your typical brooding, dark-haired, shadow-wielding love interest (Silas) who's rude at first but of course devastatingly attractive. We've got the strong, angry, badass main female character (Everly) who's flawed in ways that sometimes made her hard to follow. And of course, the blonde ex who's a prince (Gideon) as a sort-of-but-not-really second love interest who's basically just there to be jealous. The romance leans heavily on instant attraction. Even when Silas literally chokes her, Everly can't stop thinking about his tattoos and muscles. Girl, I get it, but maybe... be mad about that first?
The magic system is one of the coolest parts! The use of relics with specific limitations and rules adds depth, and the lore surrounding witches and their sickness is genuinely fascinating. I just wish it had been explained more. Some aspects are mentioned without much context or explanation. It felt like the foundations were there but not fully explored.
Character-wise, I struggled. I couldn't really tell who was supposed to be "good" or "bad," and Everly's loyalties shifted so often it felt inconsistent rather than complex. Her impulsiveness makes sense for her character, but it got frustrating. Silas, on the other hand, is mostly just hot, flirty, and a jerk. He spends a lot of time thinking he's a monster, but I couldn't figure out what he actually wants or why he acts the way he does. Buuut around the 60% mark, their chemistry finally clicked for me, and surprisingly, I ended up liking them together by the end!
The second love interest, though, was a nonstarter. He barely appears and when he does, he’s just another jealous guy. Honestly, almost every major male character treated Everly poorly... except for one minor male character who was an absolute sweetheart (more of him, please!). On the bright side, I did like most of the female characters.
The beginning was decent (good setup, solid writing), but the plot dragged a bit, especially since some early plot points were abandoned later. The middle slowed down, and the whole direction of the story shifted very suddenly. But once I adjusted, I got pretty invested. And the ending? Genuinely surprising! I couldn't put it down by that point, even if the writing felt a bit rushed and I wish we got more closure on some plot threads.
Overall, I feel torn. There were a lot of rough edges (uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, clunky dialogue), but there’s also real potential here! The world is intriguing, the ending was strong, and I’m honestly curious to see what happens next.
February 24, 2025
J. Ember Hintz’s Masquerade of Bones is a dark, gripping fantasy that weaves magic, mystery, and rebellion into a world where power comes at a deadly cost. Set in a richly detailed universe filled with relic-fueled magic, underground dealings, and a dangerous past that refuses to stay buried, this novel follows Everly Thorne, a sharp-witted artist struggling to survive in a society that hunts witches like her.
Everly’s life revolves around secrets—hiding her abilities, dodging debts, and sketching the faces of the condemned. But when a notorious shadow summoner steals her sketchbook, she’s thrown into a tangled web of political intrigue, reaver attacks, and long-buried betrayals. Hintz crafts an intense, fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked, balancing raw emotion with sharp humor and compelling character dynamics.
The novel’s strength lies in its world-building, seamlessly blending the grit of a city on the brink of revolution with the mystique of ancient magic. Everly is a complex, flawed protagonist, driven by survival but haunted by loss. Her interactions—whether with a brooding prince she once loved or the criminals lurking in the city's underbelly—are charged with tension and depth.
“𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜. 𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙤 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚.”
This chilling line immediately sets the novel’s dark, oppressive atmosphere, highlighting both the brutal reality of Everly’s world and the stakes she faces as a witch in hiding.
For fans of gothic fantasy, morally gray characters, and high-stakes magic, Masquerade of Bonesis a thrilling read that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Everly’s life revolves around secrets—hiding her abilities, dodging debts, and sketching the faces of the condemned. But when a notorious shadow summoner steals her sketchbook, she’s thrown into a tangled web of political intrigue, reaver attacks, and long-buried betrayals. Hintz crafts an intense, fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked, balancing raw emotion with sharp humor and compelling character dynamics.
The novel’s strength lies in its world-building, seamlessly blending the grit of a city on the brink of revolution with the mystique of ancient magic. Everly is a complex, flawed protagonist, driven by survival but haunted by loss. Her interactions—whether with a brooding prince she once loved or the criminals lurking in the city's underbelly—are charged with tension and depth.
“𝙉𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜. 𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙤 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚.”
This chilling line immediately sets the novel’s dark, oppressive atmosphere, highlighting both the brutal reality of Everly’s world and the stakes she faces as a witch in hiding.
For fans of gothic fantasy, morally gray characters, and high-stakes magic, Masquerade of Bonesis a thrilling read that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment.
January 11, 2025
This is the next Romantasy everyone needs to obsess over!
Everly is a Witch in disguise hiding her magic from the crown to avoid serving in the military. Down on her luck after her parents death and her engagement to the crown prince being broken, she make some shady and dangerous deals. Deals that will throw her head first into danger and temptation.
It's been an age since I have been so excited about a new "system" of magic. I love how magic the humans use stems from relic from other magical creatures. The fact that witches don't live long as the magic burns through them adds an extra layer of fear for the characters who literally live fast and die young.
The romance element is very well done we have an excellent shadow daddy, who veers to the darker side of grey at times. This is a slow burn which works well with the enemies to lovers aspect of the relationship.
The world building is great we are given information at a good pace without info dumping and we know there are several kingdoms with their own political systems.
The only thing that I found a little odd is how much the fmc sweats- it's mentioned alot alot. She is sweaty in almost every chapter, I am not sure if it's going to be a plot point or not, I hope so otherwise it is a tad weird.
I am so excited for the next book in this series and I am already obsessed! Yes obsessed with this new fantasy world.
Everly is a Witch in disguise hiding her magic from the crown to avoid serving in the military. Down on her luck after her parents death and her engagement to the crown prince being broken, she make some shady and dangerous deals. Deals that will throw her head first into danger and temptation.
It's been an age since I have been so excited about a new "system" of magic. I love how magic the humans use stems from relic from other magical creatures. The fact that witches don't live long as the magic burns through them adds an extra layer of fear for the characters who literally live fast and die young.
The romance element is very well done we have an excellent shadow daddy, who veers to the darker side of grey at times. This is a slow burn which works well with the enemies to lovers aspect of the relationship.
The world building is great we are given information at a good pace without info dumping and we know there are several kingdoms with their own political systems.
The only thing that I found a little odd is how much the fmc sweats- it's mentioned alot alot. She is sweaty in almost every chapter, I am not sure if it's going to be a plot point or not, I hope so otherwise it is a tad weird.
I am so excited for the next book in this series and I am already obsessed! Yes obsessed with this new fantasy world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!! The magic, the world, the tension and banter, the characters... I was hooked from start to finish. It tugged at all my emotions at varying points throughout the story.
Everly's story is complex. She's a badass and fierce without being over the top with it and feels relateable. Silas is the epitome of a morally gray shadow daddy, and the big reveal at the end made me love his character even more. The slow burn enemies to lovers tension between them was :chef's kiss:.
I loved Everly's brother and friends and Silas' band of revenants. I hated Landers (but you're supposed to hate him) and didn't really like Gideon, but I feel like Gideon might be able to redeem himself in a future book. I think I just didn't like Gideon for how he wasn't more understanding of how he and Everly's broken betrothal really affected her life. It didn't feel like he cared. But the other relationships within the book more than made up for my dislike of Gideon. There's a slight love triangle between Gideon, Silas, and Everly, but it wasn't angsty and it didn't bother me at all.
I am so curious about what happens next, and I'll 100% be watching for the next book!
My many thanks to NetGalley and the author for a chance to read this as an ARC! While I read this as an ARC copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Everly's story is complex. She's a badass and fierce without being over the top with it and feels relateable. Silas is the epitome of a morally gray shadow daddy, and the big reveal at the end made me love his character even more. The slow burn enemies to lovers tension between them was :chef's kiss:.
I loved Everly's brother and friends and Silas' band of revenants. I hated Landers (but you're supposed to hate him) and didn't really like Gideon, but I feel like Gideon might be able to redeem himself in a future book. I think I just didn't like Gideon for how he wasn't more understanding of how he and Everly's broken betrothal really affected her life. It didn't feel like he cared. But the other relationships within the book more than made up for my dislike of Gideon. There's a slight love triangle between Gideon, Silas, and Everly, but it wasn't angsty and it didn't bother me at all.
I am so curious about what happens next, and I'll 100% be watching for the next book!
My many thanks to NetGalley and the author for a chance to read this as an ARC! While I read this as an ARC copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 27, 2025
If a fantasy book had to check off every trope in the fantasy genre, Masquerade of Bones would hit every single one. Although all my favorite tropes were ticked off, I felt like something was missing. Im not sure if this is intentional or not but it wasn’t as meaty as I would have liked it to be. I have to admit that the beginning was quite slow for me. However, the unique magic system made up for the pacing. It was unlike any magic I’ve read about before; It’s new & refreshing and I’m eager to learn more about it.
After the initial introduction of the world and characters, I found Everly & Silas’ story enjoyable. The chemistry between the two characters comes off the pages and you can feel it thickly in the air. Every time they’re on the page together I was left wanting more. Hintz has an incredible way of writing her main and side characters; they’re lovable/hate-able, and some you feel a strong connection to from the moment you meet them.
All-in-all I found Masquerade of Bones delightful. I’m excited to see where this spellbinding story goes from here and I look forward to Hintz’s future books. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Everly, Silas, and the gang.
Many thanks to J. Ember Hintz and Specter Publishing for letting me read Masquerade of Bones ahead of its release!
After the initial introduction of the world and characters, I found Everly & Silas’ story enjoyable. The chemistry between the two characters comes off the pages and you can feel it thickly in the air. Every time they’re on the page together I was left wanting more. Hintz has an incredible way of writing her main and side characters; they’re lovable/hate-able, and some you feel a strong connection to from the moment you meet them.
All-in-all I found Masquerade of Bones delightful. I’m excited to see where this spellbinding story goes from here and I look forward to Hintz’s future books. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Everly, Silas, and the gang.
Many thanks to J. Ember Hintz and Specter Publishing for letting me read Masquerade of Bones ahead of its release!
January 23, 2025
A book for people who cannot get enough of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Everly is cornered by a man who wants her and the jealousy of a man who cannot have her. As the never ending beatings of life pressure her into a situation of danger, she has to work and deal with powers above her control and vast travels beyond her experience to help the people she loves.
And for those that need to know before picking up this book: Yes this book cannot live without smut. Though there's build up to the actual scenes, the book wastes no time constantly making sexual comments or references and edging towards the inevitable moments.
I think my only flaw with this story is it over does a lot. It overkills on sexual comments, pet names, over describing dialogue and over indulges I telling me just how attractive Silas is. To the point where it reads awkwardly because it would constantly be shoved into the text no matter what. It’s a romantasy, people are going to imagine the character as extremely hot whether you describe it a million times or not.
Take a shot everytime I say the word “cannot” and get started on this book.
Everly is cornered by a man who wants her and the jealousy of a man who cannot have her. As the never ending beatings of life pressure her into a situation of danger, she has to work and deal with powers above her control and vast travels beyond her experience to help the people she loves.
And for those that need to know before picking up this book: Yes this book cannot live without smut. Though there's build up to the actual scenes, the book wastes no time constantly making sexual comments or references and edging towards the inevitable moments.
I think my only flaw with this story is it over does a lot. It overkills on sexual comments, pet names, over describing dialogue and over indulges I telling me just how attractive Silas is. To the point where it reads awkwardly because it would constantly be shoved into the text no matter what. It’s a romantasy, people are going to imagine the character as extremely hot whether you describe it a million times or not.
Take a shot everytime I say the word “cannot” and get started on this book.
February 1, 2025
I want to start off by saying that I no idea what I was getting myself into. I just know that the cover is what drew me in. The narrators do a chef kiss of a job. Keeping me not wanting to stop listening to this book. I can’t believe I haven’t read anything from this author before.
I really love the characters and the world. And The sexual tension between Everly and Silas. We have witches magic in this book amazing. The between the spice and plot amazing. The way this book ended I am kinda hoping there will be a book 2 in the future. I would love to read more of Everly and Silas.
There is a great balance in this book. And the different creatures amazing.
This book is expected to be released February 25, 2025 definitely will be buying ebook version.
Thank to the author and RRbooktours for the opportunity to listen to amazing book My first favoirte of 2025
About Book:
Everly is a witch in hiding. If you are caught you are put to hang. With her parents being murderer. It’s just her and brother. Everly who has put herself in debt and owing people money to keep her symptoms at bay. She runs into Silas who offers her job and who is willing to pay all her debts if she does has he asks of her. But what Silas does she can’t do anything with the bond/deal he has on her. She wants to protect her brother make sure he never knows her secret.
I really love the characters and the world. And The sexual tension between Everly and Silas. We have witches magic in this book amazing. The between the spice and plot amazing. The way this book ended I am kinda hoping there will be a book 2 in the future. I would love to read more of Everly and Silas.
There is a great balance in this book. And the different creatures amazing.
This book is expected to be released February 25, 2025 definitely will be buying ebook version.
Thank to the author and RRbooktours for the opportunity to listen to amazing book My first favoirte of 2025
About Book:
Everly is a witch in hiding. If you are caught you are put to hang. With her parents being murderer. It’s just her and brother. Everly who has put herself in debt and owing people money to keep her symptoms at bay. She runs into Silas who offers her job and who is willing to pay all her debts if she does has he asks of her. But what Silas does she can’t do anything with the bond/deal he has on her. She wants to protect her brother make sure he never knows her secret.
February 20, 2025
Thank you for the arc, NetGalley! Masquerade of Bones caught me in its grip within the first few chapters and never let me go. Fantastic world-building, great cast of MCs and side characters, excellent story pacing, some unique creatures, and a very cool magic system. LOVED all of the subtle nods to New Orleans/Louisiana 💜💛💚 even though this story is based in a fictional land.
The FMC, Everly, is a badass, yes, but she also felt very relatable. The MMC, Silas, is now one of my top 3 shadow daddies haha. The tension in their enemies-to-lovers romance was absolutely palpable.
Speaking of tropes, this book had one of the hottest “one horse” scenes I have ever read! 🥵 And found family (my fave trope)!
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was a small handful of scenes where I felt something wasn’t explored as much as it should have been to allow the reader to have a deep emotional response (rip my heart out and I will love you for it). This didn’t impact my enjoyment of the book at all, but I feel I could have had an even better experience if those couple of scenes were extended/clarified.
In the end, this book answered many of the questions raised so far and gave me quite a few that I’m eager to get answered as soon as I can get my hands on the next installment!
The FMC, Everly, is a badass, yes, but she also felt very relatable. The MMC, Silas, is now one of my top 3 shadow daddies haha. The tension in their enemies-to-lovers romance was absolutely palpable.
Speaking of tropes, this book had one of the hottest “one horse” scenes I have ever read! 🥵 And found family (my fave trope)!
The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was a small handful of scenes where I felt something wasn’t explored as much as it should have been to allow the reader to have a deep emotional response (rip my heart out and I will love you for it). This didn’t impact my enjoyment of the book at all, but I feel I could have had an even better experience if those couple of scenes were extended/clarified.
In the end, this book answered many of the questions raised so far and gave me quite a few that I’m eager to get answered as soon as I can get my hands on the next installment!
August 1, 2025
*I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Oh this took me forever to read, mostly because I kept finding other books I was more invested in or that were due to expire or due back at the library first.
I so wanted to like this, it really had all (and I mean ALL) of the fantasy tropes, to the point where it was almost comical. Main character hiding her power? Check. Enemies to lovers but magically bonded? Check. Able to communicate silently through their bond? Check. Sexual tension at any and all moments? Check. Training both magical and physical ensuring forced proximity? Check. A weird training competition on a boat? Random, but check.
I don't know, there were so many more. It really felt like a random jumble of all the romantasy novels I've ever read, to the point where it felt like the author was like, yeah i don't know what to do in this next section of the plot, *spins wheel* that one! Don't get me wrong, I'm a sucker for a trope, but the execution here just wasn't great, something just felt really off the whole way through and I just wasn't connected to the plot or the characters.
Oh this took me forever to read, mostly because I kept finding other books I was more invested in or that were due to expire or due back at the library first.
I so wanted to like this, it really had all (and I mean ALL) of the fantasy tropes, to the point where it was almost comical. Main character hiding her power? Check. Enemies to lovers but magically bonded? Check. Able to communicate silently through their bond? Check. Sexual tension at any and all moments? Check. Training both magical and physical ensuring forced proximity? Check. A weird training competition on a boat? Random, but check.
I don't know, there were so many more. It really felt like a random jumble of all the romantasy novels I've ever read, to the point where it felt like the author was like, yeah i don't know what to do in this next section of the plot, *spins wheel* that one! Don't get me wrong, I'm a sucker for a trope, but the execution here just wasn't great, something just felt really off the whole way through and I just wasn't connected to the plot or the characters.
January 20, 2025
Absolutely adored this story, which balances toe curling steam with intrigue and plot twists. Despite all the trigger warnings at the start, Masquerade and Bones is a light read.
The world building is limited, launching straight to plot - which I love but know more detail orientated readers will find frustrating. We don’t really get much description of our characters either (again, something I greatly appreciate but know others find annoying). However I did have to accept that I wouldn’t have a strong understanding and just trust the process as terms and magical systems were introduced.
I absolutely hope this is the first book in a series, but that we keep the main voice as we explore the back/future stories of the other players.
I also want more of Pig.
Highly recommend if you want a light HEA fantasy, are comfortable with slightly darker themes, and enjoy foreplay in its rawest form.
I was given this as an eARC, and the author is completely new to me.
The world building is limited, launching straight to plot - which I love but know more detail orientated readers will find frustrating. We don’t really get much description of our characters either (again, something I greatly appreciate but know others find annoying). However I did have to accept that I wouldn’t have a strong understanding and just trust the process as terms and magical systems were introduced.
I absolutely hope this is the first book in a series, but that we keep the main voice as we explore the back/future stories of the other players.
I also want more of Pig.
Highly recommend if you want a light HEA fantasy, are comfortable with slightly darker themes, and enjoy foreplay in its rawest form.
I was given this as an eARC, and the author is completely new to me.
January 15, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)
4.5 stars
I definitely would have read this in one sitting had I not foolishly started it the night before a work day. This has so many things I love: morally grey shadow daddy, enemies to lovers, found family, an interesting magic system I hadn't seen before.
I hope there's more from this world because I'd love to see more from these characters.
To note, it does have darker elements so this may not be for everyone.
4.5 stars
I definitely would have read this in one sitting had I not foolishly started it the night before a work day. This has so many things I love: morally grey shadow daddy, enemies to lovers, found family, an interesting magic system I hadn't seen before.
I hope there's more from this world because I'd love to see more from these characters.
To note, it does have darker elements so this may not be for everyone.
January 29, 2025
Masquerade of Bones by J. Ember Hintz
I was lucky enough to be provided with an ARC of J. Ember Hintz’s heist driven witchy romantasy and it blew me away! Jam packed with all my favorite tropes like enemies to lovers, found family and only one horse (IYKYK).
I could not get enough of Shadow Daddy Silas Drake and the feisty Everly Thorne, a witch in hiding who finds herself stuck swearing a blood oath to the ruthless shadow summoner himself. Will Everly and the team of treasonous magic wielders be successful in stealing the powerful dragon relic from the crown, or will they be damned to the gallows. Mark your calendars as this 5 star read comes out on 02/25/25. This is a book you do not want to miss!
I was lucky enough to be provided with an ARC of J. Ember Hintz’s heist driven witchy romantasy and it blew me away! Jam packed with all my favorite tropes like enemies to lovers, found family and only one horse (IYKYK).
I could not get enough of Shadow Daddy Silas Drake and the feisty Everly Thorne, a witch in hiding who finds herself stuck swearing a blood oath to the ruthless shadow summoner himself. Will Everly and the team of treasonous magic wielders be successful in stealing the powerful dragon relic from the crown, or will they be damned to the gallows. Mark your calendars as this 5 star read comes out on 02/25/25. This is a book you do not want to miss!
January 31, 2025
This was an interesting book. Plus dragons, magic, shadow daddy - yes please. Everly was raised to be a queen, engaged at birth to the prince that ends when she loses her parents and the king breaks the betrothal promising his son to another. But Everly carries a secret she cannot share even before getting herself bound in a blood oath. What will happen when the prince returns or when that blood oath becomes more.
I love the strength and compassion Everly has throughout the story. Never at any point does either become weak or does she waver in her beliefs.
I love the strength and compassion Everly has throughout the story. Never at any point does either become weak or does she waver in her beliefs.
February 26, 2025
MASQUERADE OF BONES
🪄villain gets the girl
🔮one bed/horse
🪄cool magic
🔮witches and shadow daddy
🪄dragons!!
🔮heists and quests
🪄gothic romantasy
I loved the writing of this book so much, it was so fun! there was some nice spice and a really cool plot! Everly is a witch in hiding, and is in debt from trying to protect her and her brother. She was engaged to a prince who’s kinda lame, but it’s ok because she meets an outlaw named Silas who will pay her to help him on a heist. The chemistry between Silas and Everly is 👌🏼there’s some enemies to lovers slowish burn type vibes, also really neat world building, lil tension and interesting magic! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🪄villain gets the girl
🔮one bed/horse
🪄cool magic
🔮witches and shadow daddy
🪄dragons!!
🔮heists and quests
🪄gothic romantasy
I loved the writing of this book so much, it was so fun! there was some nice spice and a really cool plot! Everly is a witch in hiding, and is in debt from trying to protect her and her brother. She was engaged to a prince who’s kinda lame, but it’s ok because she meets an outlaw named Silas who will pay her to help him on a heist. The chemistry between Silas and Everly is 👌🏼there’s some enemies to lovers slowish burn type vibes, also really neat world building, lil tension and interesting magic! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 24, 2025
The book was generic. There isn't a lot of movement with it. It really needed to move faster and have more things that added to the story overall. Fantasy has turned into a pretty generic genre and if there isn't anything to set it apart or make it good then it will get lost. Personally, I feel that this book might get lost.
The premise is strong, and the synopsis makes it sound cool, but the story did not deliver.
The premise is strong, and the synopsis makes it sound cool, but the story did not deliver.
February 22, 2025
I was hooked from the beginning!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
In this book, we get a fascinating world of magic, magical creatures, bad*ss characters, and a morally grey shadow daddy!
This was a rollercoaster of emotions, I laughed, cried, got scared, and yelled at characters who annoyed me!
I didn't want the book to end, I need more of Everly and Silas, especially more Silas!
I'm desperately hoping there will be a book 2!
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators did an amazing job!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
In this book, we get a fascinating world of magic, magical creatures, bad*ss characters, and a morally grey shadow daddy!
This was a rollercoaster of emotions, I laughed, cried, got scared, and yelled at characters who annoyed me!
I didn't want the book to end, I need more of Everly and Silas, especially more Silas!
I'm desperately hoping there will be a book 2!
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators did an amazing job!
January 30, 2025
Everything about this book was so much fun. I love witchy books but when you add in high stakes, magical relics, an MMC with shadow powers, and oaths/bonds they’re even better.
I loved the outlaw/southern vibe mixed with fantasy. So fun to read and easy to get lost in.
Everly is smart and fierce and Silas knows how to make her squirm. They have the best banter.
If you love when the Villian gets the girl, you have to add this to your list!
Highly recommend and huge thank you to author for having me on your arc team! The audio book narrated by @pjvoice @paigevoice and was such a treat. They absolutely crushed it.
I loved the outlaw/southern vibe mixed with fantasy. So fun to read and easy to get lost in.
Everly is smart and fierce and Silas knows how to make her squirm. They have the best banter.
If you love when the Villian gets the girl, you have to add this to your list!
Highly recommend and huge thank you to author for having me on your arc team! The audio book narrated by @pjvoice @paigevoice and was such a treat. They absolutely crushed it.
February 23, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! The emotional rollercoaster, the spice, the plot, the ending were all 15/10! J Ember Hintz did an AMAZING job with this book. I listened to the audiobook version and Paige and PJ did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
February 28, 2025
Thank you to the publisher on Netaglley for this earc. All opinions are my own.
This was a fun, cozy time. What drew me in was the magic system, and of course the masquerade aspect.
Even though the masquerade ball is only a small part of the book, I still enjoyed it. The vibes of the world reminded me a lot of “The Artful Doger” if you’ve ever watched that show. A band of thieves, trying to use the main character to help them steal an artifact.
The romance between Silas and Everly was great. I liked their dynamic in how they challenged each other to do things they wouldn’t normally do.
I’m not sure how I feel about Gidion? He’s the prince and technically ex. I just couldn’t see any appeal to him and he got on my nerves! Everly is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
Like I said the magic system I enjoyed reading about, and I wish there was more! I wanted more detail of the creatures and their origins. But alas, I’ll have to wait for the next installment!
This was a fun, cozy time. What drew me in was the magic system, and of course the masquerade aspect.
Even though the masquerade ball is only a small part of the book, I still enjoyed it. The vibes of the world reminded me a lot of “The Artful Doger” if you’ve ever watched that show. A band of thieves, trying to use the main character to help them steal an artifact.
The romance between Silas and Everly was great. I liked their dynamic in how they challenged each other to do things they wouldn’t normally do.
I’m not sure how I feel about Gidion? He’s the prince and technically ex. I just couldn’t see any appeal to him and he got on my nerves! Everly is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
Like I said the magic system I enjoyed reading about, and I wish there was more! I wanted more detail of the creatures and their origins. But alas, I’ll have to wait for the next installment!
February 24, 2025
This audiobook was fantastic! I thought the narrators did an awesome job with the characters and portrayed emotions and personalities well.
The story itself is incredible! I really enjoyed this and wanted to listen to it constantly!
This southern gothic romantasy has all the fun elements you want including unique magic, lots of magical creatures, secret identies, blood bonds, and tons of action.
It also features a relatable FMC that you can't help but love, and that lovely tension between the FMC and MMC.
✨️Enemies-to-Lovers
✨️Touch her and die 💀
✨️Villian gets the Girl
✨️Witches
✨️Dragons & Magic
✨️Secret Identites
✨️Royals and Outlaws
✨️Shadow Daddy
I'm hoping there will be a second book because I haven't had enough!
The story itself is incredible! I really enjoyed this and wanted to listen to it constantly!
This southern gothic romantasy has all the fun elements you want including unique magic, lots of magical creatures, secret identies, blood bonds, and tons of action.
It also features a relatable FMC that you can't help but love, and that lovely tension between the FMC and MMC.
✨️Enemies-to-Lovers
✨️Touch her and die 💀
✨️Villian gets the Girl
✨️Witches
✨️Dragons & Magic
✨️Secret Identites
✨️Royals and Outlaws
✨️Shadow Daddy
I'm hoping there will be a second book because I haven't had enough!
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