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Forgotten Realms: The Harpers #10
Masquerades
When her hometown is overtaken by the Night Masks crime syndicate, Alias joins forces with the saurial paladin Dragonbait and the halfling bard Olive Ruskettle in a quest to free the town merchants from their underground overlords. Original. 90,000 first printing.
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 25, 1995
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707 people want to read
About the author
Kate Novak
28 books69 followersKate Novak graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Chemistry. She is a fantasy author primarily published in the Forgotten Realms and Ravenloft shared worlds. She is married to Jeff Grubb. Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb are co-authors of the best-selling Finder's Stone Trilogy, and collaborated on the book Azure Bonds. The success of the book resulted in the creation of the computer game, Curse of the Azure Bonds.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 14, 2020
The opening chapter is strong. It does a terrific job of reintroducing the characters Alias and Dragonbait, heroes from the authors' previous Forgotten Realms trilogy which began with Azure Bonds. It is peppered with just enough detail for new readers to join the fun. The city of Westgate is established as a vital locale for this adventure. The Night Masks, a criminal organization previously seen in this line of books in R.A. Salvatore's Night Masks, although with a very differenct character, is effectively introduced in character-rich encounters. The book's main conflicts are efficiently set up. The authors' competency is on display. The book's production value is higher than most in this series, with a two-page glossy colour map. All good signs, in a publishing line that had recently put out many disappointing books.
In the second chapter, it starts going downhill.
Not all at once. The second chapter isn't bad, really, but it starts off a series of chapters that negate much of what made the first one great (for a Forgotten Realms novel). A lot more detail from the preceding trilogy is reintroduced, reducing this book's accessibility. The Night Mask organization is introduced in full, and we see that it's basically just one guy of note, and the rest are incompetent mooks who are unlikely to present any challenge to our heroes. Their leader, "The Faceless" is a mystery character, so of course everyone the heroes then meet becomes a suspect, and it does not take long to guess who it might be.
The writing isn't bad, all your basics are there. No characters are wasted, plot threads are appropriately placed and followed up, the timeline is solid, character reactions are appropriate. What makes the book bad, rather, is some questionable story elements, and the predictability of late events.
Alias, the protagonist, has not led a normal life and is said early on to have the emotional maturity of a teenager, but this only comes into play in one narrow part of the story, namely her naivety about romance. She shows great maturity and judgment in all other matters, so this stated personality aspect is forced in simply to explain otherwise unlikely behavior.
Jamal is a performer who stages political street theater, and as the novel progresses, her shows become the only way that the sentiments of Westgate's common populace are demonstrated. This could have been an interesting story component, but it became heavy-handed when it replaced other potential interactions. The fact that Jamal reminded Alias of her mother was an emotional thread that was dropped early on.
None of this sounds terrible yet, I know. The real problem is that the book lacked suspense or any genuine stakes. The reader is simply waiting for the heroes to catch up to what the reader figured out long ago, followed by waiting for the heroes to catch up to what has then been made explicit. Also, the main villain is a poor threat. The book really takes a plunge off the cliff for the final 80 pages. At that point, the plot depends on the reader believing that certain characters are dead, when anyone who has ever read a book or seen a movie knows they are not dead. It was not even interesting waiting to find out the details of the misdirection, because the whole story was already boring by that point. Even the eventual explanation was dull.
I still have faith in this married author duo. Two of their prior three Forgotten Realms books, Azure Bonds and The Wyvern's Spur, were very enjoyable. Let us simply not talk about Song Of The Saurials. They are decent writers and my favorite adorkable/nerdorable couple, I mean just look at these sweeties:
I just hope they come up with better material for their next outing, which is a continuation of the same, with Finder's Bane also in the Harpers series and Tymora's Luck later. This book had nothing to do with the Harpers—this is a good thing—other than an odd mention of two, further demonstrating that this loose series was basically a dumping ground for trilogy-less Forgotten Realms novels of that era.
Speaking of that era, the cover art . . . is not too bad in comparison to some others. At least the portrayal of Alias is true to the text. But look at those hairstyles, and why is that guy vamping like he's in Plan 9 from Outer space? . . .
Yep, that's 1995 alright.
In the second chapter, it starts going downhill.
Not all at once. The second chapter isn't bad, really, but it starts off a series of chapters that negate much of what made the first one great (for a Forgotten Realms novel). A lot more detail from the preceding trilogy is reintroduced, reducing this book's accessibility. The Night Mask organization is introduced in full, and we see that it's basically just one guy of note, and the rest are incompetent mooks who are unlikely to present any challenge to our heroes. Their leader, "The Faceless" is a mystery character, so of course everyone the heroes then meet becomes a suspect, and it does not take long to guess who it might be.
The writing isn't bad, all your basics are there. No characters are wasted, plot threads are appropriately placed and followed up, the timeline is solid, character reactions are appropriate. What makes the book bad, rather, is some questionable story elements, and the predictability of late events.
Alias, the protagonist, has not led a normal life and is said early on to have the emotional maturity of a teenager, but this only comes into play in one narrow part of the story, namely her naivety about romance. She shows great maturity and judgment in all other matters, so this stated personality aspect is forced in simply to explain otherwise unlikely behavior.
Jamal is a performer who stages political street theater, and as the novel progresses, her shows become the only way that the sentiments of Westgate's common populace are demonstrated. This could have been an interesting story component, but it became heavy-handed when it replaced other potential interactions. The fact that Jamal reminded Alias of her mother was an emotional thread that was dropped early on.
None of this sounds terrible yet, I know. The real problem is that the book lacked suspense or any genuine stakes. The reader is simply waiting for the heroes to catch up to what the reader figured out long ago, followed by waiting for the heroes to catch up to what has then been made explicit. Also, the main villain is a poor threat. The book really takes a plunge off the cliff for the final 80 pages. At that point, the plot depends on the reader believing that certain characters are dead, when anyone who has ever read a book or seen a movie knows they are not dead. It was not even interesting waiting to find out the details of the misdirection, because the whole story was already boring by that point. Even the eventual explanation was dull.
I still have faith in this married author duo. Two of their prior three Forgotten Realms books, Azure Bonds and The Wyvern's Spur, were very enjoyable. Let us simply not talk about Song Of The Saurials. They are decent writers and my favorite adorkable/nerdorable couple, I mean just look at these sweeties:
I just hope they come up with better material for their next outing, which is a continuation of the same, with Finder's Bane also in the Harpers series and Tymora's Luck later. This book had nothing to do with the Harpers—this is a good thing—other than an odd mention of two, further demonstrating that this loose series was basically a dumping ground for trilogy-less Forgotten Realms novels of that era.
Speaking of that era, the cover art . . . is not too bad in comparison to some others. At least the portrayal of Alias is true to the text. But look at those hairstyles, and why is that guy vamping like he's in Plan 9 from Outer space? . . .
Yep, that's 1995 alright.
December 2, 2021
Most of the Harper series are stand-alone novels in the huge Forgotten Realms universe but frequently they are opportunities for authors to further explore their own characters from previous books. This tenth book in the series is a perfect example, utilizing the Sellsword Alias and her Saurial paladin companion, Dragonbait who starred in the “Finder’s Stone” trilogy. Having read that trilogy many years ago, I appreciated the opportunity to revisit those characters along with the halfling Olive Ruskettle and several new ones as well.
This novel is one of the best of the entire Harpers series. The authors do an excellent job of world building with the city of Westgate. I don’t recall any info dumps at all and yet I’ve come away with a good understanding and appreciation for the unique nature of the city and its power structure. The organization known as the Night Masks and its machinations is intriguing to be sure and how our heroes face off against it is loads of fun. The novel includes plenty of sword and sorcery action along with a complex mystery. The characters are colorful and interesting and I would love to keep following Alias and her friends on further adventures.
This novel is one of the best of the entire Harpers series. The authors do an excellent job of world building with the city of Westgate. I don’t recall any info dumps at all and yet I’ve come away with a good understanding and appreciation for the unique nature of the city and its power structure. The organization known as the Night Masks and its machinations is intriguing to be sure and how our heroes face off against it is loads of fun. The novel includes plenty of sword and sorcery action along with a complex mystery. The characters are colorful and interesting and I would love to keep following Alias and her friends on further adventures.
July 7, 2017
I've read other Alias and friends novels before this one and have always been intrigued with the characters. However, this throws away most of their more interesting qualities in exchange for a love story with an easily predictable twist at the end. And the "who's behind the mask" mystery didn't satisfy. The first Alias novel was much better.
October 12, 2024
Masquerades at 376 pages, this is a bit long for the traditional Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) novel but it’s one of my favorites. The story is a city-adventure with do-gooding, halflings, bards, wizards, thieves and fighters wrapped up in aristocratic politics. Our hero, Alias of Westgate, along with her saurial (dinosaur-man) companion known as Dragonbait, end up in the city of Westgate. They’re pulled into work for the city aristocracy to help weed out the city’s greatest nuisance, the Night Masks and their leader—Faceless!
Alias, the main protagonist, is in several other novels written by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb. Alias is connected to the legendary D&D book “Asure Bonds” and where you can first read about her. Alias is human, but she was not born, she is a clone, with memories given to her by Finder Wyvernspur (another recurring character of Novak and Grubb). Therefore, she is still a young girl in a woman-fighter’s body and is easily smitten by a young noble, Victor Dhostar. Her new love interest clouds her judgement but her long-time friend Olive Ruskette the halfling-bard returns in this novel as well and helps Alias and Dragonbait uncover the truth of it all. Additionally, the mage Mintassan and the street performer, lady Jamal, aid her in them all in a quest to bring down the Night Masks.
Masquerades was a wonderful read and flows well. They sleuth throughout the city, saving property and lives while thwarting saboteurs and assassins. The authors include a detailed map of the city to help you visually follow the story, which I liked. There is also a breakdown of the characters so you do not get confused.
While it helps to read about Alias, Dragonbait and Olive in previous books like Azure Bonds or the Finder’s Stone trilogy but you do not need to. One of the odd things is that Masquerades is the 10th book in the Harper series with little mention nor connection to the Harpers (A loose network of do-gooders throughout the land). There is a Harper-McGuffin reveal at the end to tie the series to the Harpers but otherwise this book could stand on its own merits without being connected to the Harper Series. Still, it was written during a time when the series was popular by TSR and so, the loose connection is there at the end.
I would recommend this book to any DnD or Fantasy fan!
Alias, the main protagonist, is in several other novels written by Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb. Alias is connected to the legendary D&D book “Asure Bonds” and where you can first read about her. Alias is human, but she was not born, she is a clone, with memories given to her by Finder Wyvernspur (another recurring character of Novak and Grubb). Therefore, she is still a young girl in a woman-fighter’s body and is easily smitten by a young noble, Victor Dhostar. Her new love interest clouds her judgement but her long-time friend Olive Ruskette the halfling-bard returns in this novel as well and helps Alias and Dragonbait uncover the truth of it all. Additionally, the mage Mintassan and the street performer, lady Jamal, aid her in them all in a quest to bring down the Night Masks.
Masquerades was a wonderful read and flows well. They sleuth throughout the city, saving property and lives while thwarting saboteurs and assassins. The authors include a detailed map of the city to help you visually follow the story, which I liked. There is also a breakdown of the characters so you do not get confused.
While it helps to read about Alias, Dragonbait and Olive in previous books like Azure Bonds or the Finder’s Stone trilogy but you do not need to. One of the odd things is that Masquerades is the 10th book in the Harper series with little mention nor connection to the Harpers (A loose network of do-gooders throughout the land). There is a Harper-McGuffin reveal at the end to tie the series to the Harpers but otherwise this book could stand on its own merits without being connected to the Harper Series. Still, it was written during a time when the series was popular by TSR and so, the loose connection is there at the end.
I would recommend this book to any DnD or Fantasy fan!
January 1, 2011
It was so nice to finally read a forgotten realms books that was good again. I almost gave it 4 stars, but I think it's just because the last dozen or so books from FR have been a real chore to get through.
When I set out to read everyone of these books, I didn't realize that there were so many. Nor did I realize that so many were writen by people who were just begining their writing careers and that FR fantasy has really evolved in the last 30 years...
But I digress. Kate Novak and Jeff Grub seem to really have come into their own with this 4th instalment. The characters have been around enough that the reader can view them as old fiends and I think that the authors did a good job with the plot and action.
The story takes place in Westgate. The hot tempered sellsword, Alias, and her dinosaur-man cohort, Dragonbait, are taking on a theive's guild the'Knight Masks'. Olive Ruskettle is back and there are several new characters that are introduced.
I can't say that this book compares to Salvatore or Byers, but it was much better than the Greenwood and Abby stuff that came just before it...
When I set out to read everyone of these books, I didn't realize that there were so many. Nor did I realize that so many were writen by people who were just begining their writing careers and that FR fantasy has really evolved in the last 30 years...
But I digress. Kate Novak and Jeff Grub seem to really have come into their own with this 4th instalment. The characters have been around enough that the reader can view them as old fiends and I think that the authors did a good job with the plot and action.
The story takes place in Westgate. The hot tempered sellsword, Alias, and her dinosaur-man cohort, Dragonbait, are taking on a theive's guild the'Knight Masks'. Olive Ruskettle is back and there are several new characters that are introduced.
I can't say that this book compares to Salvatore or Byers, but it was much better than the Greenwood and Abby stuff that came just before it...
August 20, 2022
I love fantasy and played Dungeons and Dragons from 1984-2010. I write stories about my characters but haven't had the courage to try to publish any.
I love the Forgotten Realms and thought I had read all the earlier published books but I saw this one at a garage sale and snatched it up.
It was a well-written book and the characters were fully fleshed out. However, I figured out the villian the minute he/she appeared.
I love the details the authors put into this book. While this book would not win a Pultizer Prize award, it was still a very good book.
I love the Forgotten Realms and thought I had read all the earlier published books but I saw this one at a garage sale and snatched it up.
It was a well-written book and the characters were fully fleshed out. However, I figured out the villian the minute he/she appeared.
I love the details the authors put into this book. While this book would not win a Pultizer Prize award, it was still a very good book.
February 16, 2017
Nothing really exciting happened in this story. It's like it didn't have a real plot, and every other chapter was just... useless knowledge of nonsense? x'D I couldn't bring myself to care about what was happening, sadly.
I liked the characters though!!! Especially Dragonbait - he dah best. <3
I liked the characters though!!! Especially Dragonbait - he dah best. <3
March 8, 2025
This rather marginal book is a hidden gem in the Forgotten Realms novel panorama. It is a good story, with several plot twists, and furthermore it is both an intrigue story and an AD&D action book.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I have had the AD&D game manuals for quite a long time and perused them thoroughly, so I had quite a bit of a spoiler on one of the major features of the book (the identity of the Nameless). Nonetheless, this book is very well written, and as a reader I became quite engrossed in it.
As I said, the first part is an intrigue novel, where Alias is manipulated into doing the enemy's bidding without even realizing it. In the later part of the novel, then, action takes over, and there are quite a few features of typical AD&D adventuring.
The plot is mostly sound, the characters are good, the villain is very well portrayed, and I also appreciated the ending.
There are two main flaws that I found in this book.
Furthermore, the story covers a rather short time. It seems a bit excessive that an organization such as the Night Masks can be brought down so quickly by a couple of adventurers. I would have expected Alias and Dragonbait to take months of skirmishes and captures of minor and intermediate members of the guild before managing to strike a significant blow, but they seem to climb up the ladder a little overly fast.
Apart from these minor inconsistencies, this is a very good book, especially considering some others in the Harpers series.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I have had the AD&D game manuals for quite a long time and perused them thoroughly, so I had quite a bit of a spoiler on one of the major features of the book (the identity of the Nameless). Nonetheless, this book is very well written, and as a reader I became quite engrossed in it.
As I said, the first part is an intrigue novel, where Alias is manipulated into doing the enemy's bidding without even realizing it. In the later part of the novel, then, action takes over, and there are quite a few features of typical AD&D adventuring.
The plot is mostly sound, the characters are good, the villain is very well portrayed, and I also appreciated the ending.
There are two main flaws that I found in this book.
Furthermore, the story covers a rather short time. It seems a bit excessive that an organization such as the Night Masks can be brought down so quickly by a couple of adventurers. I would have expected Alias and Dragonbait to take months of skirmishes and captures of minor and intermediate members of the guild before managing to strike a significant blow, but they seem to climb up the ladder a little overly fast.
Apart from these minor inconsistencies, this is a very good book, especially considering some others in the Harpers series.
January 31, 2023
Nightmare of the Night Masks
Continuing the adventures of Alias, Dragonbait, and Olive Ruskettle after the Finder's Stone trilogy we see how the trio have been faring after they and their allies stopped the dread god Moander once and for all. What starts as a delivery and a trade gets Alias and Dragonbait knee deep in trouble with the local crime syndicate of the Night Masks. Its heroism and love on he horizon but things are not always what they seem. With the setting in Westgate not only are there trading houses competing against each other but the Night Masks and their mysterious lord the Faceless have their fingers mingled in all sorts of trouble so when Alias faces off against the villains and befriends an acting troop leader named Jamal her fame skyrockets even as the Night Masks grow more annoyed with her.
After listening to the original trilogy that introduced the main characters of this book and listening to this one I found I needed to adjust to slight differences like how the narrator read for any of Olive's lines or how they pronounced certain words but those few moments aside this was still a good read bringing the listener into the D&D world in all its glory no matter how dated it might seem to some readers now. :)
Continuing the adventures of Alias, Dragonbait, and Olive Ruskettle after the Finder's Stone trilogy we see how the trio have been faring after they and their allies stopped the dread god Moander once and for all. What starts as a delivery and a trade gets Alias and Dragonbait knee deep in trouble with the local crime syndicate of the Night Masks. Its heroism and love on he horizon but things are not always what they seem. With the setting in Westgate not only are there trading houses competing against each other but the Night Masks and their mysterious lord the Faceless have their fingers mingled in all sorts of trouble so when Alias faces off against the villains and befriends an acting troop leader named Jamal her fame skyrockets even as the Night Masks grow more annoyed with her.
After listening to the original trilogy that introduced the main characters of this book and listening to this one I found I needed to adjust to slight differences like how the narrator read for any of Olive's lines or how they pronounced certain words but those few moments aside this was still a good read bringing the listener into the D&D world in all its glory no matter how dated it might seem to some readers now. :)
May 3, 2023
A strong start but overall a fine story. A bit longer than other Harpers books, I felt.
The strongest part of the novel were the characters. It sported a larger than usual cast and characterised them all well, with their own motivations, so they were all memorable. I also was unaware Alias had featured in another previous Forgotten Realms series and did not feel I was lacking any information on her character. Also a noteworthy amount of female characters (female protag too duh). I really liked Olive! A good rogue.
The basis of the plot was good - straightforward and entertaining if a little predictable.
The only thing that annoyed me was the pacing. I couldn’t pinpoint where exactly but the novel began to drag. The reader could make guesses as to what would happen but it would take chapters for the characters to find out whether this was true or not.
TLDR: fun book, strong start that wavered out
The strongest part of the novel were the characters. It sported a larger than usual cast and characterised them all well, with their own motivations, so they were all memorable. I also was unaware Alias had featured in another previous Forgotten Realms series and did not feel I was lacking any information on her character. Also a noteworthy amount of female characters (female protag too duh). I really liked Olive! A good rogue.
The basis of the plot was good - straightforward and entertaining if a little predictable.
The only thing that annoyed me was the pacing. I couldn’t pinpoint where exactly but the novel began to drag. The reader could make guesses as to what would happen but it would take chapters for the characters to find out whether this was true or not.
TLDR: fun book, strong start that wavered out
May 7, 2023
If you're looking for an adventure book or a mystery or marvelous magical exploits, pick another book.
If you want a plot of political intrigue and personal cunning and excitement... still pick another book.
There's no character development, no world building, no delving into a part of the history of Faerûn besides a few unimportant tidbits about Finder Wyvernspur.
There is nothing in the book that would surprise you or captivate you past the first 20 pages. Of anything in the first 20 pages did, please let me.
BUT I had to give it three stars because it's a comfortable read for those times when you don't have the concentration demanded for a good book. The pacing is good, there is enough going on, character interactions are very middle school comical but enough to have you finish the book. The characters are diverse enough, just enough, even if stereotypically so.
It's coherent in tone and story and upholds the promises it makes in those 20 first pages.
If you want a plot of political intrigue and personal cunning and excitement... still pick another book.
There's no character development, no world building, no delving into a part of the history of Faerûn besides a few unimportant tidbits about Finder Wyvernspur.
There is nothing in the book that would surprise you or captivate you past the first 20 pages. Of anything in the first 20 pages did, please let me.
BUT I had to give it three stars because it's a comfortable read for those times when you don't have the concentration demanded for a good book. The pacing is good, there is enough going on, character interactions are very middle school comical but enough to have you finish the book. The characters are diverse enough, just enough, even if stereotypically so.
It's coherent in tone and story and upholds the promises it makes in those 20 first pages.
April 16, 2023
Essentially, an unofficial fourth novel of the Finder's Stone Trilogy starring Alias and Dragonbait. Alias and her saurial companion journey to the city of Westgate and find themselves up against the Night Masks thieves guild. Fighting evil cultists, evil gods, and more are a lot easier than fighting criminal organizations as well as the circumstances that generate them. We get some romance, too, as Alias quickly finds herself falling for a handsome young merchant lord. I had a lot of fun with this novel and kind of wish we'd gotten more Alias adventures.
May 11, 2019
Joining Alias and Dragonbait in there next adventure feels like we are picking up from where the characters left off in the Wyvern Stone trilogy. The only part of the story that felt shoehorned in was the love story. Mystery abounds with our hero’s playing detectives in an attempt thwart the thieves guild, that has a strong foothold in Westgate, The Night Masks. As the mystery unravels we are left with another fun romp in the realms. A fun light hearted read.
September 19, 2018
I have been a big fan of the books that Novak and Grubb have written about these characters, but this one doesn't quite work for me. I'm not entirely sure what my problem is, although I did find the plot very predictable in such a way that the characters seem a little slow for not catching on quicker. Otherwise it just seems to be missing some of the magic that made the earlier books work.
September 30, 2019
A pleasant surprise. While nothing special in the character development or plot department, what it does have is great pacing and it tells a good story. This is definitely one of the better Harpers installments.
Surprisingly good.
Surprisingly good.
July 12, 2020
A fun read for a RPG tie-in, but it overstayed its welcome just a touch. Up to the last 100 pages or so I'd have given it 4 stars.
January 3, 2022
Fun and fast moving lightweight fantasy. Doesn't get itself bogged down in portentous storytelling and dialogue.
July 23, 2023
Pretty good book
February 20, 2024
As a big fan of the Finder’s Stone Trilogy, I approve of this book as a sort of #4 in the series.
May 5, 2025
A fun adventure novel that, while not reaching the highs of Wyverns Spur, shows that Novak is one of the better prose and character writers in FR.
The plot is fairly straightforward and background characters are lightly drawn, but the main cast were fun to spend time with and it was nice to send Alias and company off with a happy ending. It is, however, a bit longer than it needs to be for what its doing.
The plot is fairly straightforward and background characters are lightly drawn, but the main cast were fun to spend time with and it was nice to send Alias and company off with a happy ending. It is, however, a bit longer than it needs to be for what its doing.
July 18, 2014
great book with a surprise ending. i real page turner 4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews