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Order of the MoonStone #1.2
A Cunning Masquerade
When a reluctant assassin returns to the palace and receives a less than warm welcome, she is certain her opportunity has passed to fulfil her mission.
Or has it . . . ?
When a young prince makes the decision to ignore a certain young lady with red hair and a fiery temper to match, will he seal his fate?
Or will a moonlit ball, and a special dress bring the two of them together again - with life . . . not death . . . in mind?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This short story takes place BEFORE the end of book 1 of the Order of the MoonStone series. There will be spoilers for anyone who has not read "A Reluctant Assassin".
Or has it . . . ?
When a young prince makes the decision to ignore a certain young lady with red hair and a fiery temper to match, will he seal his fate?
Or will a moonlit ball, and a special dress bring the two of them together again - with life . . . not death . . . in mind?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This short story takes place BEFORE the end of book 1 of the Order of the MoonStone series. There will be spoilers for anyone who has not read "A Reluctant Assassin".
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2015
About the author
J.C. Morrows
30 books185 followers
JC Morrows is the bestselling author of the young adult dystopian series: Order of the MoonStone and the post-apocalyptic Frozen World series. A believer in sharing knowledge, JC is passionate about both stoking the creative fire in young minds and doing all she can to help authors of all experience levels excel.
A true storyteller, JC is one of those authors who grew up thinking it was perfectly normal to make up wild and fantastic tales, talk to people who weren't there, and look at the world from a perspective that no one else understood.
These days she records those fantastical tales (when her resistant laptop lets her) . . . and the people who aren't there . . . well, she still talks to them. She tells their stories and even argues with them on occasion. And she still sees the world in a way that makes sense to no one else, but that's OK because she is a teller of tales, a dreamer of dreams, a traveler of made-up worlds!
Though she doesn't write strictly "Christian" fiction... as a true believer, she gives God all of the glory for her talent and ability!
"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." Habakkuk 2:2 KJV
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 26, 2016
A Cunning Masquerade is a great short read! Catarine designs a dress so wonderful she's absolutely certain it will catch the Prince's attention. Jc Morrows is an expert and presenting both view points of Kayden and the Prince. This short book reminded me of the very reason I fell in love with the story of Kayden and Prince Dvarius. I cannot wait until book 2, A Treacherous Decision is released!
*I received an arc for an honest review.
*I received an arc for an honest review.
November 10, 2015
A Cunning Masquerade is a wonderful addition to A Reluctant Assassin . . . and the Order of the Moonstone series.
In this not-so-short story, we get a bit more back story . . .
This time we learn more of what happens when Kayden returns to the palace, after being contacted by the Order – to return “home” for a brief visit.
When Kayden returns to the palace, she receives a less-than-warm welcome by the Prince, leading her to believe that he’s no longer interested in her…
Oh, my!
JC – you sure know how to stir things up! I loved all the excitement with Lady Catarine and Kayden. This is the perfect way to give your readers more of what was going on just before Kayden decided . . . well, I suppose I can’t say what Kayden decided – or I might ruin the story for anyone who hasn’t yet read (or finished reading) A Reluctant Assassin.
JC Morrows is such a talented writer . . . who else loves her readers so much that she would write a short story of things happening in a book that’s already been released!
The reader gets a much better picture of the seriousness of what takes place after Kayden returns to the palace.
I can’t wait to read more of Kayden’s story!
DON’T MISS IT!
April 19, 2016
A Cunning Masquerade . Isn't that a cool title? :)
In this short story that takes place before the end of book one in the Order of the Moonstone series, Kayden finds herself torn between carrying out her mission and falling for the prince. Of course, it doesn't help that he seems to be ignoring her. Not to mention that someone may be catching on that Kayden is not who she seems! I loved seeing the further development of Kayden and Catarine's friendship. Catarine has become one of my favorite characters of the series.
I can't wait for A Treacherous Decisions , the next installment of the series!
*I received a free copy of A Cunning Masquerade in exchange for an honest review *
In this short story that takes place before the end of book one in the Order of the Moonstone series, Kayden finds herself torn between carrying out her mission and falling for the prince. Of course, it doesn't help that he seems to be ignoring her. Not to mention that someone may be catching on that Kayden is not who she seems! I loved seeing the further development of Kayden and Catarine's friendship. Catarine has become one of my favorite characters of the series.
I can't wait for A Treacherous Decisions , the next installment of the series!
*I received a free copy of A Cunning Masquerade in exchange for an honest review *
November 13, 2015
Let me start off by saying the Order of the MoonStone series is a must read for anyone into dystopian fiction. Hunger Games fans will love it—or, at least this one does.
A Cunning Masquerade is a short-story that takes place between book 1 and book 2. It gives us a glimpse into the day(s) leading up to a ball that takes place shortly after our Cinderella-assassin, Kayden, returns to the palace. However, her reception by Prince Dvarius is not at all what she suspected. And, one of the two main characters will make a decision at the end of this short-story that may play a huge roll how book 2 will unfold.
Short-stories usually are not my thing, but when tied to a series that I'm falling for, it is a must read. My only qualm with this story is that there is no mention of the big incident that happens at the end of book 1, and I'm assuming, drives Kayden from the palace once again (which is why I gave this four rather than five stars). Then again, there could be a very good reason the "incident" at the end of book 1 is not mentioned. We'll have to wait for book 2, A Treacherous Decision, to find out.
I'm thoroughly looking forward to book 2. I hope you'll join me in discovering this up-and-coming fandom.
A Cunning Masquerade is a short-story that takes place between book 1 and book 2. It gives us a glimpse into the day(s) leading up to a ball that takes place shortly after our Cinderella-assassin, Kayden, returns to the palace. However, her reception by Prince Dvarius is not at all what she suspected. And, one of the two main characters will make a decision at the end of this short-story that may play a huge roll how book 2 will unfold.
Short-stories usually are not my thing, but when tied to a series that I'm falling for, it is a must read. My only qualm with this story is that there is no mention of the big incident that happens at the end of book 1, and I'm assuming, drives Kayden from the palace once again (which is why I gave this four rather than five stars). Then again, there could be a very good reason the "incident" at the end of book 1 is not mentioned. We'll have to wait for book 2, A Treacherous Decision, to find out.
I'm thoroughly looking forward to book 2. I hope you'll join me in discovering this up-and-coming fandom.
November 10, 2015
A Cunning Masquerade is a wonderful short story to provide more insight as to what is happening in the palace after Kayden returns. I was caught up in the story from the beginning. Lady Catarine and Kayden formed an amazing relationship. Lady Catarine is determined that Kayden will attend the ball that has been planned in the palace with a special dress that will catch the attention of Prince Dvarius. The Prince and Kayden had been avoiding one another since her return to the palace. Will Kayden be able to stay away from the ball or be persuaded to go into the ballroom where the Prince first noticed her? You'll have to read this delightful tale to find out. JC Morrow is an excellent storyteller that grabs her readers' attention from the first paragraph of her stories. A Cunning Masquerade is a great addition to A Reluctant Assassin, book one, in JC Morrow's Order of the Moonstone series. I cannot wait to see what happens between the Prince and Kayden in book two, A Treacherous Decision.
I received an ARC of A Cunning Masquerade for an honest review.
I received an ARC of A Cunning Masquerade for an honest review.
November 14, 2015
One of my favorite things about this author is that her storytelling is different, full of heart, and pure. There is lots of intrigue that goes into this short story and it takes place BEFORE the end of Book 1's A Reluctant Assassin, so I highly recommend reading that one before reading this one, which also the author clearly states in her author's note.
I found this story to illustrate the special friendship between Lady Catarine and Kayden since both girls are supposed to be vying for the prince's attention yet Lady Catarine clearly sees how the prince feels about Kayden and only wishes to help Kayden win him over completely. In this setting, Lady Catarine helps put together Kayden's ball gown and shows her support of this weary assassin. Lady Catarine also accidentally learns more about Kayden and to me, this only makes their friendship more solid.
There's only one moment where Kayden and Dvarius are together, but it's implied that much more adventure will be forthcoming in Book 2's A Treacherous Decision. I still am eager to know about the scene in A Reluctant Assassin when Lady Catarine speaks boldly to the prince during their picnic, but I trust JC's writing style and don't want to miss what happens with these wonderful characters :) Don't miss this short story, the cover grabs your attention and the story doesn't disappoint!
I found this story to illustrate the special friendship between Lady Catarine and Kayden since both girls are supposed to be vying for the prince's attention yet Lady Catarine clearly sees how the prince feels about Kayden and only wishes to help Kayden win him over completely. In this setting, Lady Catarine helps put together Kayden's ball gown and shows her support of this weary assassin. Lady Catarine also accidentally learns more about Kayden and to me, this only makes their friendship more solid.
There's only one moment where Kayden and Dvarius are together, but it's implied that much more adventure will be forthcoming in Book 2's A Treacherous Decision. I still am eager to know about the scene in A Reluctant Assassin when Lady Catarine speaks boldly to the prince during their picnic, but I trust JC's writing style and don't want to miss what happens with these wonderful characters :) Don't miss this short story, the cover grabs your attention and the story doesn't disappoint!
November 23, 2015
A Cunning Masquerade, novel one point five in the Order of the MoonStone series by J.C. Morrows, is a fantastic transition novel to book two, A Treacherous Decision. With the continuation of a great cast of characters and fun and adventurous fantasy novel that will cause teens to greatly anticipate book two. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy action filled, teen fantasy novels.
Series: Order of the MoonStone
Genre: fantasy, Christian
Publisher: S&G Publishing
Publication date: September 23, 2015
Number of pages: 228
Category: Junior High
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
Other books in the series:
0.5-A Perilous Assignment
1- A Reluctant Assassin
2-A Treacherous Decision (coming December 2015)
A review copy of this book was provided by Auralius Influencers.
Series: Order of the MoonStone
Genre: fantasy, Christian
Publisher: S&G Publishing
Publication date: September 23, 2015
Number of pages: 228
Category: Junior High
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
Other books in the series:
0.5-A Perilous Assignment
1- A Reluctant Assassin
2-A Treacherous Decision (coming December 2015)
A review copy of this book was provided by Auralius Influencers.
February 22, 2016
A Cunning Masquerade ( Order of the MoonStone Short Story-Book 2 )
By: JC Morrows
I highly recommend that you read A Reluctant Assassin before you read A Cunning Masquerade. A Cunning Masquerade is a short story about what is happening after Kayden returns to the palace. Lady Catherine designs a dress that she is certain will catch the eye of the Prince. The Prince is not in this story but one time. The author does a good job of presenting Kayden and Prince Darius’s views.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
By: JC Morrows
I highly recommend that you read A Reluctant Assassin before you read A Cunning Masquerade. A Cunning Masquerade is a short story about what is happening after Kayden returns to the palace. Lady Catherine designs a dress that she is certain will catch the eye of the Prince. The Prince is not in this story but one time. The author does a good job of presenting Kayden and Prince Darius’s views.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.
November 17, 2015
Another chapter in the life at the Castle! Another clue as to who Kayden really is. A Ball, a gorgeous dress and where will it lead? I'm hooked! Book two, A Treacherous Decision can't come soon enough!
*I received an arc for an honest review.
*I received an arc for an honest review.
July 17, 2025
This story is in one of the other books.
March 16, 2016
{{This is a Goodreads Only Review! Meaning, this review will not be posted on 'Books for Christian Girls'. }}
So. Short.
I loved the Cinderella aspect of this novella/short story. It just adds even more to that "What if Cinderella had been sent to kill The Prince?" part of this plot. But, oh! It felt so short! It was pretty neat to hear a bit more about the Order, and you can tell the author had more practice since the first book, "A Reluctant Assassin" . It's mentioned that Kayden is missing things up top, which does conflict with "A Reluctant Assassin" 's cover. What just happened to Kayden on that mission she failed? It will be interesting to learn. I am really, really forward to the next book in the series, coming out next month, December 2015. I hope it's longer! ;)
I loved the Cinderella aspect of this novella/short story. It just adds even more to that "What if Cinderella had been sent to kill The Prince?" part of this plot. But, oh! It felt so short! It was pretty neat to hear a bit more about the Order, and you can tell the author had more practice since the first book, "A Reluctant Assassin" . It's mentioned that Kayden is missing things up top, which does conflict with "A Reluctant Assassin" 's cover. What just happened to Kayden on that mission she failed? It will be interesting to learn. I am really, really forward to the next book in the series, coming out next month, December 2015. I hope it's longer! ;)
February 22, 2016
This story takes place between chapter 23 and 24 of "A Reluctant Assassin" - book one of the Order of the MoonStone series.
It is not necessary to enjoy the series - or even to keep up with what is going on, but it does have bonus material that might make the twists and turns of the story easier to keep up with (some of which will come up in a later story).
And hey... who doesn't enjoy a royal ball...
It is not necessary to enjoy the series - or even to keep up with what is going on, but it does have bonus material that might make the twists and turns of the story easier to keep up with (some of which will come up in a later story).
And hey... who doesn't enjoy a royal ball...
February 27, 2016
This is a great short story that bridges the gap between Books 1 (A Reluctant Assassin) and 2 (A Treacherous Decision). If you haven't read Book 1, the story might not make much sense, as you won't have the plot history or familiarity with the characters - much like picking up any series midway through. If you *have* read book 1, you can definitely progress to book 2 without reading this, but it adds depth to the characters and fills in the blanks/gaps between books.
Highly enjoyable and recommended; good pacing and a worthwhile read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Highly enjoyable and recommended; good pacing and a worthwhile read.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2016
Bad edition!
This eBooks formatting is bad. It even shows 760 page's for a short story. Please upload a corrected version. Thank-you.
This eBooks formatting is bad. It even shows 760 page's for a short story. Please upload a corrected version. Thank-you.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews