This novel brings out so much feeling in reader that when you sit down for one word your stuck.... Amazing, brilliant, confusing, masterpiece, irritation, clever ... E list could go on. The rad is like a roller coaster ride, extremely fast and a bit confusing at times, loads of heart in the mouth climbs and drops , slow then fast, twists and turns, things you did not expect and others you could see. Mark/lark on a whole the author has developed from the poor victim into a man who is taking control of his destiny, I think!!! The other main characters you have a mix the ones I just adore and then those who your just want to shake sense into. The plots complex but yet simple. The concept of masks, ALL, jesters, spirits, I must admit I'm never quite sure I understand, and I am 10% through the last book. But then again I think this is one of the clever parts of the authors creation here. Mark, gutter, they all struggle with it. It might be that you can read and reread these books and never get there.
All in ALL love the book and happily going starting the 3rd book.