Masque of the Vampire

Amaranthine #8

by Joleene Naylor

The eighth book in the Amaranthine series plunges back into darkness, steeped in superstitions and death, where vampires are once again vicious creatures of the night. After three months away, Katelina and Jorick return home. But, so does Sarah, Katelina’s best friend everyone thought was dead. How did she survive being tortured – and killed – by vampires? Though Sarah’s not eager to share the details, Katelina knows it’s the kind of story that leaves scars. She almost welcomes the distraction when they’re sent to guard an exclusive vampire party - until Sarah claims she’s being stalked. Who among the ancient guests would be interested in them? Then they find a dead child with a missing heart, just like the murders in the Heartless killings. Is the serial killer a vampire – and a guest at the party? Could it have anything to do with their stalker, or is it simply too much evil in one place? When everyone seems suspicious, it’s hard to tell who the culprit is. But, they'd better figure it out before they end up with a dagger between their ribs - or a chandelier on their heads. Features chapter one of the exciting sequel Goddess of Night!

Genres: Fantasy

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2016

About the author

Joleene Naylor is the author of the glitter-less Amaranthine vampire series, a world where vampires aren't for children. As a compliment to the novel series, she has also written several short stories, including the Vampire Morsels collection.

In her spare time, Joleene is a freelance book cover designer and for-fun photographer . She maintains several blogs full of odd ramblings, and occasionally updates her website at JoleeneNaylor.com. In what little time is left she watches anime and pins recipes and DIY, all from a crooked Victorian house in Villisca, Iowa. Between her husband and her pets, she is never lonely, and should she ever disappear one might look for her on a beach in Tahiti, sipping a tropical drink and wearing a disguise.

She currently has several books available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple and Smashwords.

Reviews

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masque of the Vampire was amazing! It was interesting to find out what had happened to Sarah, Katelina’s best friend, after she had been kidnapped in Katelina’s place. When they finally get back together in this book, they have lots of differences to overcome. All this while Jorick, Jamie and Verchiel are trying to figure out which vampire is killing children all over the place and keeping up with security measures during the weeklong festivities at an exclusive vampire party.

[Tricia Drammeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap! Joleene Naylor is a genius. An evil genius who wrote an amazing, gripping, fabulous book, but isn't releasing the next book until 2017. No!!! I have to know what happens next.

Masque of the Vampire takes us on a journey to Canada where Jorick (who is once again working as an Executioner, much to Katelina's annoyance) has been assigned as security detail to a massive vampire party. A mass congregation of vampires, some of whom are at odds with one another, and all of whom have their own agendas... What could possibly go wrong? From dead bodies, to bizarre ancient rituals, to creepy twins, to daytime stalkers, this book is incredible.

Katelina has certainly evolved in this book. She's more confident. She's a fighter. And Jorick respects this. Yes, he's still the protective Jorick we all know and love, but he has come to realize that Katelina wants equality in their relationship, and he is making a real effort to respect her independence. There are some new characters in this book as well.. Some creepy. Some secretive. All are complex. And worth the read.

I love the Amaranthine world this author has created. And, trust me. It's an entire WORLD. The author has taken us all around the globe and with every journey, our knowledge of vampire culture expands. Ancient myths and folklore. Complex rules and laws. Vampire organizations. Old vendettas and grudges. It's all here, right within the pages of these books. I can't recommend this series enough. It is absolutely phenomenal in every way possible.

[D.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joleene Naylor doesn't disappoint in this, the eighth book in the Amaranthine series. This was such a fun book to read, and like her other books in the series, I couldn't put it down and read it in 4 days. This time Katelina and Jorick, along with associates of Jorick, are staying at an older vampire's home for security of his gathering.
What I liked the most was what Katelina was faced with and how she continually grows and evolves in a vampire world where only the smartest and strong can survive.
I love the romance between Jorick and Katelina and I also enjoy every character in the books. Ms. Naylor's characters are well-defined and believable albeit they are vampires.
Ms. Naylor is a talented author that has the ability to draw the reader right into the story. I look forward to her next book. Actually, I can't wait.

[Maegan Provan · Rating 5 out of 5]

With things all wrapped up with The Guild, Katelina and Jorick are finally going home, right? Well, that was the plan until one final mission sends our couple to an insane mansion in Canada to guard the party of the year. Oh yeah, and our heroine's allegedly dead best friend is suddenly back. What could possibly go wrong?

Let me just say that I cannot possibly get over how much I love Joleene as an author. This universe that she has built is something of pure genius. I went straight from finishing to write this review so I'm having a hard time with keeping spoilers to myself. All I can say is you have to pick up Masque of the Vampire. It is vampire fiction at its very very best.

[Christine VanBruggen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of my FAVORITE books ever! Joleene hit a new high with this 8th installment in the Amaranthine series. The way she integrated the relationship between Kat and Jorick throughout the series into a conversation between a group of them was perfect. I love that Kat is not treated like a poor, weak, pathetic women in this book and she stands up for herself. I also LOVED that Jorick is publicly showing his affection more <3 I cannot wait to find out what happens next!

[amber greise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Loved this book. I was so intrigued with the mystery and the guessing of it all. Awesome job joleene can not wait for the next one!

[Chrissy Godsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great installment. I can't wait to read the final book though I will be sad to have it come to an end!