In a curious twist of fate, Elizabeth and Darcy cross paths at a masquerade ball held at Pemberley a few months prior to September 1811. Despite their masks, they experience love at first sight on a magical night under the starry sky amidst the splendour of Pemberley—the setting for the grandest ball of the year.
Sadly, the night ends before they can unmask each other, leaving them with a lingering sense of having found and lost their true love in the same evening. Who was the mysterious stranger who made Elizabeth’s heart race with such intensity? And who was the exquisite lady who embodied Queen Cleopatra so flawlessly?
As the story of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ unfolds, our two protagonists mourn their missed chance at love, unaware that they have already encountered one another again. When Darcy recognises his attraction to Elizabeth, he cannot help feeling like he has betrayed the unknown lady who captured his heart just a few months prior.
Their growing feelings trigger a delightful game of cat and mouse as they try to hide their emotions from each other, unaware that they have already fallen in love. The happy ending is inevitable, but only after many obstacles and challenges that add to the charm and mystery of this beloved story.
Behind every mask there is a face and behind that a story. ~ Marty Rubin
Suddenly, a baritone voice called out to her, “Queen Cleopatra!” Elizabeth turned to face a Roman general. “General Marcus Antonius!” she exclaimed, and they laughed together, relishing the freedom to forget, if only for a night, that she was Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, and he was Fitzwilliam Darcy, the master of Pemberley.
The quote above sets up the story. Elizabeth Bennet meets Fitzwilliam Darcy at a Masquerade Ball. They are separated before the unmasking. They had not been introduced by name.
We all know they will eventually meet in Meryton.
Will they recognize each other? What hints will be available to them? What if love strikes Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam? Will they still search for Cleopatra and Anthony?
I have seen similar premises before, but this takes a different turn. I believe this is a first-time published author. I will watch for more.
4.5 Stars rounded up.
The human face is, after all, nothing more nor less than a mask. ~ Agatha Christie
In love with two people at once? For D&E, it hardly seems possible! This P&P romance is out of the ordinary, and I loved many aspects of the book, but particularly the amazing chemistry in the early pages of the novel.
I will commence my usual technical review, which won't have a synopsis or much of more of a subjective analysis. I look at the items that niggle readers into dropping stars but that most reviewers fail to mention.
- This fascinating plot is applied well, moves forward throughout the book, and is complete with the HEA readers deserve. - Flow is moderate for the most part, with some sections in the middle that dragged due to narrative intended to get through canon points, but that was not in chronological order for no apparent reason, so it was a bit irritating to read. The bonus was that this was just a few pages long. - The author appears to be using third person multiple point of view with head-hopping. The narrative with the characters isn't objective enough for this to be an omniscient narration, but the changes in point of view are sometimes within the paragraph. The author needs to read up on point of view and try his hand at use of the gold standard, deep point of view, for future novels. - A lot of "telling" rather than "showing" was used. This could be another learning experience for this first time novelist. - Language tended to intend to imitate Regency speak, and only six non-Regency words were found, which is average for a good JAFF book, an indicator of excellent editing. Two Americanisms slipped by the editor (the spelling of judgement and "nice" for "kind). "Were" should only be used after "if" in the case that something is hypothetical, wishful, imagined or untrue, otherwise, "was" should be used. "One another" is for a group; "each other" is for a pair. Don't despair, the Netflix movie "Queen Charlotte" made this mistake as well. The word "resplendent" was used twice close together, and more variety is better. - The only punctuation error I found was a comma that should not have been there. - Some Regency issues that were in error included that the action at the ball was happening at nine o'clock; Regency balls rarely commenced before eleven. Elizabeth suggests that a lady "work" as in have a job. The gentry never worked at something of that sort and would never imply that they would. They would use euphemisms or have others claim the activity to avoid the appearance of working. The exception for ladies was to call their needlework "work." - Visuals as well as the use of the other senses were used in some of the scenes, and this assisted in the romance as well as the reader's feel for the story. - Characterization was fairly well done, though sometimes Elizabeth was a tad too emotional for my tastes. However, that character trait is well within what she did in canon, so I shouldn't complain. All in all, characters were written close to canon, which is easier for the typical JAFF reader. - Both romances were believable, and their pacing was appropriate given the circumstances around them. The masked romance was particularly romantic with its excellent banter. The final scene where the two romances are melded is funny and romantic at once, and although a bit wishy-washy, it's the kind of wishy-washy readers eat up. - I rarely comment on this, but the chapter title fonts look reminiscent of Star Trek to me. - The cover is nice, but I don't see it as the sort that will draw the eye away from other books and say "Buy me." It's got original art, which is a great idea to avoid having the same person as on another book. Unfortunately, the tones are rather dark and foreboding for such a light and pleasing novel. The scale is good for reading the title on Amazon's front page, though.
This all sounds like a bad review, but most of these items are no worse than the average JAFF. The bonus here is a great story.
I had been watching as this novel was coming out, and I don't know why, but it intrigued me. I guess it must have had a great blurb because I almost never have my head turned so easily by a first time author. I'm glad it happened that way since I was able to enjoy this treat of a read. This new author not only has good writing skill, but also the benefit of Jo Abbott's excellent editing. I look forward to reading more of his books, especially if he heeds my suggestions on trying deep point of view and use of "showing" in his writing. He would blow away the competition. In a way, he already has.
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author, and some might call this review a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both the reader and the writer.
I love this story. Both Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are prideful and prejudiced, indeed!
They first meet at a masquerade ball at Pemberley. Ironically, both wearing masks, they are their truest, best version of themselves. Each feels an instant connection to the other, and they're eager to learn the identity of their partner.
In a twist reminiscent of Cinderella, her uncle Gardiner whisks Elizabeth away before the midnight unmasking; he has been uncomfortable attending and fears repercussions if the exalted company realizes he's a mere tradesman. Darcy retains a scarf, an accessory of Elizabeth's costume, devastated at her disappearance. Elizabeth feels the same over the loss of this man she already feels half in love with.
Darcy joins Bingley at Netherfield two months later. Still disturbed that he hasn't been able to find his "Cleopatra," he's not in the mood to be pleased by anyone at the Meryton assembly - and thus makes his insulting comment about Elizabeth. Over time, he gradually changes his opinion of her but doesn't suspect she's the woman he's been seeking.
Elizabeth initially believes she might learn her "Marc Anthony's" identity from Mr. Darcy, since he had hosted the masquerade ball. However, his insult and obvious haughtiness is too off-putting.
The portrayal of Bennet family is softened in this imagining. It's a happy home. The shortcomings of the youngest sisters are mentioned but not dwelt upon. Mrs. Bennet is still a gossip and a bit flighty, but she cares deeply for all her children, and she and Mr. Bennet do love each other...if one knows how to spot the signs (as explained by Mr. Bennet to Elizabeth).
I particularly admire the realistic view of love and marriage described in the story. (I've been happily married over 45 years, and I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Bennet's explanation!) The chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth is firmly established from the beginning, and it's fun to anticipate how/when they will realize they've found their masquerade ball partner - and the Big Reveal does not disappoint.
The characterizations are vivid, and the dialogue, for the most part, is excellent. However, I found the reflections/attitudes of Our Dear Couple regarding Antony vs Mr. Darcy and Cleopatra vs. Elizabeth to be occasionally convoluted and confusing, especially after they finally recognize each other. More disappointing is how much the characters' thoughts are described in detail. While some is necessary, so often it either tells the reader what is already apparent from the action OR has previously been narrated and doesn't warrant further repetition.
The plot was very interesting to me. Darcy and Elizabeth meet at a masked ball, fall in love, and never find out who they are due to circumstances. It was so touching how they really showed themselves with the masks on not hiding behind the normal social behavior. After that I got lost in the retelling of P&P scenes, most I could have done without. The end was good.
The author's story summary gives us a very good introduction. One thing of note: pay attention as to how Elizabeth and the Gardiners were able to attend the masquerade ball. That plays into why Uncle Gardiner insists they leave before the unmasking at midnight. Ironically, both have chose a masquerade which is a mate for the other's...Antony and Cleopatra.
Each goes away sure that they have met "the one" and even endeavor searches in various ways...unsuccessfully.
We do have Bingley leasing Netherfield, Darcy joining him there and imposing his opinion on his friend as in canon. And that insult! There is that visit to the Collins in Hunsford and the attraction builds between Elizabeth and Darcy...an excerpt from canon again.
As both fight their feelings...do they betray their first love and seek happiness elsewhere?
I found this very interesting but so many misunderstandings!
Mr. Bennet does chirp in with his opinion several times and we have an epilogue.
An enjoyable variation filled with romance and longing
One of those very engaging and alluring reads, this P&P variation does not disappoint. The author infuses a difference in the exchanges between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, with much intrigue, mystery and desire for each other despite doubts, uncertainties and even an understandable disdain on the part of Elizabeth towards Mr. Darcy.
Much of what is in Canon remains in this variation except for a prelude of a masquerade meeting between the Darcy and Elizabeth, which enlightened them both to a glimpse of romantic bliss.
It’s surprising how little the scandal of Lydia Bennet and Wickham was swept under the rug here without much explanation. But one can attribute that to the wedding of the Bingleys, Jane and Charles.
The ending was somewhat rushed and this reader was hoping for a longer resolution between Darcy and Elizabeth after her realizing Darcy’s identity in the masquerade ball they both attended in Pemberley.
One remarkable element is how Elizabeth Bennet discovered love for the proud and haughty master of Pemberley even before her realization of his love identity or the fact that Mr. Darcy did his right by Bingley by revealing Jane Bennet’s true feelings. She discovered herself in love with him right after her rejection; perhaps because she may have felt all along deep in her heart that Darcy is the man she fell in love with at the masquerade ball.
Way too much repetitive explanation before we even get to Derbyshire. I assume the idea was to both set the scene and preempt potential plot holes, however it actually raises plot holes - eg. the ball happens as a response to Ramsgate, with the idea that treating Miss Darcy as out will keep her safe from mercenary marriage (??) and when the idea of Wickham sneaking in is raised, it is decided they will check everyone very carefully for imposters. So what was a silly but fun sneaking into a ball story has now become a completely implausible scenario. When asking the reader to suspend disbelief it is better that the author does not encourage us to look closely at the details! There is also an unlikely backstory for Mrs Gardiner’s parents, and LONG discussions on the morals of attending the ball with multiple characters, a discussion of arranged marriages with Mr Bennet (!) held up as the best example of marriage (?!), and then we are on to lots of detail on costuming. The first five chapters could have been a paragraph.
I liked the general plot idea a lot, the execution not so much. I loved the idea of our dear couple falling in love anonymously at a masquerade, because it could be a true meeting of the minds, without all the trappings of the societal expectations of who you and your family are. But it wasn't entirely clear to me why they were so taken with each other at the masked ball. They wore matching costumes accidentally so there's that, but otherwise the conversation that gets reported wasn't particularly memorable to me. Later, they meet again in Hertfordshire and whatever it was that they liked about each other doesn't seem to work the same, as they don't recognize each other and Elizabeth doesn't even like Darcy. It takes them a while to figure it out and it seems their thoughts about Darcy/Antony and Elizabeth/Cleopatra go a bit back and forth. I would read something else from this author but this story wasn't a keeper for me.
The whole book is Elizabeth and Darcy lamenting the love they lost after a few hours at a masquerade ball. Darcy picks up the qualities that drew him to Elizabeth in her costume and let's himself be pulled toward her somewhat but fights it because of her family. Elizabeth asks that she emboss his conversations but he is too proud and arrogant to be the man she is looking for. For most of the story it's the characters focusing on what they require for a marriage - love, no love, respect, wealth, etc. The party where they would rule play as their costumes for tiresome because they would switch between Cleopatra/Antony and Elizabeth/ Darcy within a conversation - role play or not that's fine but just pick one. Overall a pretty good book.
This could be a 5-star novel with some minor editing for anachronisms, grammar, misuse of words and filling in of the plot holes. As it stands, it’s rounded up to 4 stars. The author jumps around and ahead a bit too much to make the story coherent at times. It helps if the reader has a solid familiarity with P&P to fill in the missing details. That said, the story is interesting, romance abounds, dialogue sparkles, etc. A few more chapters to develop the characters and connect the gaps would have made this really memorable. Worth the read.
Wow what an ending!! This story is so smart, very intriguing because you must proceed to find out what happens! How do they finals meet again! I love Fitzwilliam he is so human. His attitude is so true.