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A Tale of Stars and Shadow #3

A King of Masks and Magic

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Vengeance rises in the shadows


A storm is coming…


The Shadowhawk has been unmasked to those he trusts most. Montagn, the most powerful empire in the world, prepares for invasion. And back in the tangled alleys and dark streets of Dock City, Vengeance lurks.


Badly injured after the ambush that nearly claimed his life, Cuinn Acondor is recovering in the Twin Thrones, determined to grow strong so that he can go home and do more. Be more. Find a way to make a better country for his people. Talyn Dynan, reeling from the news that Montagn has been using Vengeance as a tool to undermine Mithranar from within, has a single purpose… return and raze them to the ground.


But Vengeance isn’t their only enemy. The prince of night grows stronger, his grip on power in Mithranar tightening. A deadly strike to the heart of the Dumnorix family reveals a greater threat than anyone realised.


And when a dangerous revelation sends shockwaves through Mithranan society, Cuinn and Talyn must stand together and fight, or risk losing everything they love.


If you love epic fantasy with magical worlds, clashing cultures and complex, flawed characters, you’ll love this continuation of Talyn and the Shadowhawk’s story! Buy A King of Masks and Magic today!

609 pages, ebook

Published April 1, 2020

215 people are currently reading
790 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Cassidy

18 books256 followers

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5 stars
822 (57%)
4 stars
424 (29%)
3 stars
157 (11%)
2 stars
15 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
Profile Image for Al *the semi serial series skipper*.
1,659 reviews850 followers
May 14, 2020
Edit: So after a little reflection I've decided to remove one star. I love this series so far and the reason i do is because the characters are pretty smart but they abandoned all senses in this book. The twist at the end with Shadowhawk's informant I saw already in book one. It made no sense that they didn't connect it since then. Add that to the thing with Cuinn's brother and it was just too much. Obviously the reason was so that we'd have a book four. As much as I want a book four, that alone is enough to reduce my rating.

The Shadowhawk is revealed. Now he has more people to help him in the fight against the winged folk.

Cuinn also tries to help after his sojourn to Tarlyn's home. He wants to stand up to his brother even though he's scared but he is emboldened by his wolves and he decides he is going to make a play for the throne.

I could see that war was coming from a mile away and I knew who was going to cause it, it is literally in the name of the person, how can you be called that but no one suspects you of anything, it is mind-boggling. I also got tired of the whole 'Tarlyn couldn't quite put her finger on it' thing that went on in this book , I get that you're trying to lead the plot to the big reveal but I don't want to have to go through the entire book seeing her not put her finger on things that were so clear to figure out. It was annoying.

I had thought this was the last book and was a little sad as I said it but lo and behold there is another book coming, I cannot wait to read more. I need the showdown to be epic.
Profile Image for Sheia (Hiatus).
607 reviews39 followers
March 7, 2025
☆4.5☆

“He wants to help. It’s all he’s ever wanted.”

Genre: Fantasy with threads of romance

✅️ Magical systems
✅️ Fantastical races and creatures
✅️ The Big Stand
✅️ Secret villain
✅️ war bells just rang
✅️ Revelations
✅️ Here Comes the Cavalry
✅️ not all heroes have Wings

REVIEW

This was majestic in a very realistic and thrilling kind of way. And I refuse to be left with that cliffhanger. -_-

So, I SHALL REVIEW WHEN I AM GOOD AND DONE WITH THE FINAL FOURTH BOOK. The world is allowed to wait with an abated breath.

Till then—
“You’re in a good mood .”
“I’m surrounded by danger .”
A wistful sigh. “I miss those times .”
Profile Image for Michelle.
461 reviews20 followers
June 5, 2022
I went into this book so excited. I loved books one and two, and was so freaking excited to see what awesome shenanigans the characters I have come to adore would get into next. And then, all logic fled, and a wonderful story became driven by pure emotion. It went from awesome fantasy political intrigue and tactics to romance with a side of one illogical impulsive decision after another. I was crushed. This is not the story I expected to be reading and that's completely on me. That being said, If you are a big fan of fantasy romances, in regards to the build up and the feelings invoked, this is a lovely story. I will not be continuing with this series. I think for my reading preferences I should have stopped at book 2. I am interested in reading some of the author's other novels to see if these fit me better.
Profile Image for TJ.
3,272 reviews272 followers
December 8, 2024
4.5/5.0

FAHREAKING awesome story and series!! There were times I couldn’t read for the tears, times my heart was thumping wildly out of my chest, times my nails were bitten down, and through it all I relished every single moment. It was just a little slow in the first half while building to the jaw-dropping second half, but then… well, just plan on finishing in one sitting!

This series should be getting a whole lot more attention. It is as good as any fantasy I have read!
Profile Image for Katyana.
1,793 reviews288 followers
April 23, 2025
I enjoyed it, but it was really peak "missing the obvious" ... and I'm not really a fan of books that torture the main characters. So...yeah.

Also, bring tissues to this one.
Profile Image for Milo (if lost, return to hot fictional character).
448 reviews343 followers
December 28, 2024
1st reread January 29th 2022

Broskis.
I just want to let y’all know that I actually did send an email to Lisa Cassidy when I first wrote this review in July.
Secondly, even though I knew what was coming, I still bawled my eyes out.

My initial review still stands, I was a comedian even then.
Goodbye

(pls come join the Cuinn Acondor fanclub thanks)

————————
Wolves, I dedicate this review to you.
y’all are the real homies.

Honestly, this is the best book in the series so far. I bawled my eyes out multiple times. The cliffhanger was unethical, and I’ll be writing an official email to Lisa Cassidy to tell her she betrayed my trust.

Furthermore, this series is amazing and you should read it.

Quinn, my baby, I hope you’ll be okay. Talyn, you better not be dead.
Profile Image for Brittany.
1,296 reviews194 followers
March 30, 2022
4.5 Stars ✨

A storm is coming!!

Definitely my favorite of the series so far! Can’t wait to see how everything unfolds 🖤 I absolutely adore the characters and how much they have grown with each book. Secrets are revealed and so many questions are answered. Looking forward to the final book!
Profile Image for Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen.
1,692 reviews634 followers
May 26, 2021
4.25 Stars

And again...this series has me totally hooked. I constantly can't wait to turn the page to find out what is going to happen next. A bit slower this time but definitely full of action. More and more problems surround Talyn and Cuinn and each time you think things are finally going in their direction...another snag hits their line.

I know the next book wraps everything up and I can't wait to find out how they get out the mess this book left them with.
Profile Image for Cait | GoodeyReads.
2,754 reviews647 followers
November 27, 2022
WORTH THE WAIT.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

Y’all know I’m a fantasy ROMANCE lover, and I was told I would have to really wait out the slow burn on this series. AND IT WAS WORTH IT. Ohhhhmygosh I love these two!!! They are my absolute favorite and I can’t get enough of every moment they have together. Lets also acknowledge there’s no third act nonsense here. Together forever.

The plot is still just as intense and wild. I love that this is fast paced and filled with great politicking and action. There’s twists and turns around every corner and a few times where I was completely flipping out needing answers.

I love all of these characters and this book left me in PAIN. PAIN I TELL YOU. Not pulling any punches are we Lisa Cassidy?! It just really makes for a fantastic series whenever I feel this connected to not only the two main leads but to multiple side characters.

I’ll be shouting from the rooftops for everyone else to READ THIS SERIES PLEASE.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: brief fade to black
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: near death experiences, physical and weapons altercations, battle scenes, kidnapping, torture, loss of loved ones
Profile Image for ShannaBanana✨.
548 reviews40 followers
April 3, 2021
I am sooo bummed about Az! I really wanted him to be a good guy. Lame!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joyce.
189 reviews5 followers
January 9, 2021
It's another 3/5 for me.

Lisa Cassidy is truly an incredibly talented writer. The previous three books have been exactly the same-- the world-building is stunning , the characters so well developed, and the plot so... wonderfully intricate. But also at the same time, a smidge too much. At times, I found myself just internally preparing, because I just knew it was going to get complicated. It was frankly a tad exhausting and as I'm starting the fourth book, I kind of just want it to be over with. There's only so long one can drag a plot out, but I can't be too upset, because it's a wonderful plot. Cassidy just keeps adding it on and it's like, "Oh shit, another attack??"

Thankfully, by this third book, we get more romance and the mystery that's been building up for the past two books finally resolves. Now, the fourth one will just be how the characters deal with the revelation.

I struggle to figure out why I can't seem to give this series a 4/5 or a 5/5 because the writing, plot, and characters definitely are all up to par. I'm starting to conclude that it just may be the fact that everything is so dragged out.
Profile Image for Jennifer Waldrop.
Author 8 books45 followers
February 25, 2021
I loved this first two books in this series, and this was no exception. 5 stars all the way. This is shaping up to be one of those epic fantasy series that will go down as one of my favorites!

The world Cassidy has built is so memorable and unique. She does such a good job of building the imagery, it takes no effort to be right in the scene with the characters. And the storytelling is so complex and dynamic. I love the political intrigue and plotting that is developing in the world. Also the angst that built and the betrayal. Again, she kept me interested the whole time!

It is one of those books that I needed to slow myself down so I would savor it. Like one of those reads you will always remember the first time you read it, so you better enjoy it. Highly recommend picking this series up!
Profile Image for Stephen Richter.
908 reviews38 followers
October 20, 2020
I ripped through this installment of Lisa Cassidy 's Tale of Stars and Shadow mainly because I want to know what is going to happen next to the two main protagonists. They were certainly up against it this time, as bringing about change does come at a high price . Mysteries, intrigues and betrayals kept me reading this book for hours at a time. Snapped up the final book in the series right after I finished this one thanks to a nice cliff hanger of an ending. This series is part of Kindle Unlimited, so if you have that service, it is free. Or like me, you can buy this self published series for less than $4 or $5 per book. If you, as a reader, have a goal of reading more Self Published books, I highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Kathryn Tate.
49 reviews
March 15, 2020
I was so excited to receive an ARC of A King of Masks and Magic as I have read the first two books in this series and absolutely loved them. This book DID NOT disappoint! It had everything - suspense, drama, emotion (I laughed and cried) and many surprises! I just didn't want to put it down. And the ending...
Thank you Lisa for another amazing book! I can't wait for book 4!
Profile Image for Asrar Lydia.
112 reviews13 followers
March 5, 2020
This is my favourite book in the series so far

I just finished this book and my tears are streaming down my cheeks, my heart is pounding because LISA CASSIDY BROKE IT AGAIN.

This book is fast paced and action filled, lots of plot points are reached and certain fires start burning if you know what I mean.

The character development is phenomenal, the events that play out are shocking and heartbreaking. I cried at 3 points in this book, and I’m not a crier.

Now WHERE IS THE NEXT BOOK!?
Profile Image for Evy.
87 reviews16 followers
April 1, 2020
This book was AMAZING!! So much action, tension, heartbreak, sarcasm, humor, frustration, anxiety, etc... should I go on? My heart is CRUSHED after finishing this book and UGH I need book four now!

SPOILER-FREE SUMMARY
The Shadowhawk has been unmasked to those he trusts most. Montagn, the most powerful empire in the world, prepares for invasion. And back in the dark streets of Dock City, Vengeance lurks. Badly injured, Cuinn Acondor is recovering in the Twin Thrones, determined to grow strong so that he can go home and find a way to make a better country for his people. Talyn Dynan, reeling from the news that Montagn has been using Vengeance as a tool to undermine Mithranar from within, has a single purpose... return and raze them to the ground. But Vengeance isn't their only enemy. And when a dangerous revelation sends shockwaves through Mithranan society, Cuinn and Talyn must stand together and fight, or risk losing everything they love.

This book was packed full of an awesome story. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I cried, I cheered, and I worried for our characters that I’ve grown to love very much these past three books... until the very last page I was making predictions, trying to figure out what would happen next. All I can say is that the ending blew me away and I did not see ANY of it coming. I wish this book came with a warning label, because I was not prepared for all the emotions it would make me feel and how bad my book hangover would be!

If you’re a fan of fantasy books with action, adventure, court and political intrigue, please read this series! You are missing out if you haven’t! Thank you to the author Lisa for the free eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Valeriya Lloyd.
776 reviews8 followers
January 22, 2021
I swallowed the third book even faster than the first two.
Still, loving the series and its intensive, mysterious plot, although there were a few predictable elements.

Talyn had finally understood the most important things about herself, her destiny, the man she loves and the path she aims to take. However, circumstances are stirring into a deadly chain of events that threaten her and Wolves lives, and more secrets to reveal, for a high price.
In addition to a beautiful fantasy, I loved some things Lisa had wrapped into her books.

First, to win a kingdom, you need to win its people, and sometimes having strong magic isn't enough. However, if you are smart enough to cover your real motives, don't forget that you are might be not the only one on the same agenda.

Second, never underestimate an offended person who had been turned down by you, especially for a marriage proposal.

And third, even in the darkest time, there is a spark of humanity.

Can't wait to read the very end of the story!
443 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2022
OMG, I can finally stop the interminable eye roll that a large number of fantasy authors first sent me into a decade ago! Thank you Lisa Cassidy, so much relief, I feel freed from the, frankly, icky and toxic tropes of 'fated mates', powerful fae LIs that have all the depth and maturity of a vacuous tween, immortality for the MCs to continue to annoy everyone with their 'perfection', and sexy times that cause profound alterations to the cosmos. It was funny at first, but prolonged exposure has made my gag reflex overworked.

In terms of the story, it twists and turns like a twisty, turny thing (to paraphrase Blackadder). While the lead characters are a bit too brilliant, idealistic and earnest they, at least, have doubts, humbleness and some semblance of brains, so I call it a win. This one was a better than the previous two which felt a bit too much like one book split into two. In reality, I give this 4.5 stars, the story is a bit predictable (I feel like the finale will be even more so, the story has been backed into a corner, time will tell). Also the whole series has been pointing out the pitfalls in dynastic monarchies, so I remain puzzled that our intrepid main characters seem intent on continuing the model.
Profile Image for Alex Jenkins.
42 reviews
May 28, 2024
Holy shit. Damn did this book ramp up in the last 50% and the ending I called it!!! But it felt so good! Also Jesper is my favorite character. Who doesn’t love a cat that has a sensitive side but also could kill you with one swipe 😻
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
7 reviews
April 16, 2025
Really 4.5, but I rounded up. Good ending, but a cliffhanger. I'm glad the last book is already out, because I would NOT be happy leaving the story there.
25 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2020
What did I think of this book. One word - OUTSTANDING!!! It kept me turning pages because I had to see what was going to happen next. It would be the quickest I have read a book to date. Can't recommend this book enough. It would make a great movie.
Profile Image for Mak.
144 reviews45 followers
June 21, 2021
Another amazing book in the series. It was both heartbreaking and empowering.
32 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2024
Enjoyability 3/5
Prose 3/5
Impact 1/5

The writing is cheesy and I couldn’t buy into the romance. While this book is an enjoyable read it isn’t memorable and will fade into the background of forgotten plots I’ve read before.
Profile Image for Kym's Open Books.
1,067 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2024
Props to Cassidy for blowing me away again. My mind is still reeling. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, Cassidy is THE best storyteller. I cleared my schedule to read this one so I could focus just on this. Immediately, I was met with old friends and it was so easy to get swept back up in the story, the politics, the twists and turns I NEVER see coming. 
I love these characters. They feel like real people with real problems. Their devotion, loyalty, bravery and love is the stuff most can only dream about. The world of Mithranar and The Twin Thrones is complicated and beautiful and it gets more exciting with each book. While the book is labeled epic fantasy, Cassidy has made it feel more real than that. It’s easy to get lost and experience everything with these characters because it feels so realistic.
I am impatiently waiting for the next book. Cassidy will have a forever follower in me for this series and I can’t wait to pick up the others. I need to read everything she has written and get lost in the worlds she creates. The content is small in language and intimacy. There are intimate and romantic situations but they always end at an appropriate time for minimal details. Violence and blood is medium to high with bloody fights and animal attacks (Check the previous books content reviews.)
I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Props to Cassidy for blowing me away again.

Reread 11/24 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
9 reviews
May 5, 2020
Stayed up all night reading this series only to finish this book. Almost ruined my interview. That's how enthralling this series is.

However-WHY DID IT HAVE TO END LIKE THAT!!!?!?!?!
This does NOT end on a nice finishing point like the previous two, a breather between sections. No, it finishes on a cliffhanger.

A very big cliffhanger.

This series has been emotionally exhausting, especially since the author makes you love her characters, then drops enough hints so that you can see the twists but the characters can't, then proceeds to hurt said characters. It is frustrating. Beautifully written, developed and fleshed out but frustrating.

I'd reccomend reading this one and the next one together when the next one comes out, for anyone whose heart is easily damaged by beautiful books.
Profile Image for Steph RB.
138 reviews113 followers
September 5, 2024
The difficultly with longer books is that if you're not careful you'll find yourself repeating the same scenes and conversations without actually moving the story anywhere.

I suspected the plot twists that were unveiled in this entry during my reading of the first novel so when those suspicions were validated I felt disappointment more than anything. I'd been hoping for a subversion or a red-herring, but alas that was not the case. Paired with the already slow pace, it felt like I spent four hundred pages begging our heroes to use those strategic brains that we're continuously told they have to put together what I'd figured out eight hundred pages ago.
Profile Image for Caz.
1,167 reviews22 followers
March 20, 2021
This series is great and I am enjoying it - the writing, the characters, the plots are well written and formed but I feel a little overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time.

I'm overwhelmed as once one issue is dealt with, another bigger one is made to get the series to drag out. Sometimes the plot is just a little too much.

I'm underwhelmed because I feel as if all the characters were smart enough to see through some of the characters but they just didn't.

Also, I did not plan to get my heart ripped out by one of plot points in this book.
Profile Image for TuesdaysFox.
200 reviews
July 24, 2023
If Tal is the best warrior in a group of investigative-undercover-elite-group, then I worry for the Twin Thrones. How NO-ONE put it together boggles the mind. They literally had Every. Single. Thing. they needed to work it out and yet... did they? Well no, that's why we have a fourth book.

While I love this series and the characters are complex and sweet and smart - this book let them down a lot.

Cuinns growth was great to see though. I feel like I fully understand him as a character. The Wolves, oh the Wolves. My heart.

160 reviews
November 9, 2022
Great series but in this book I got a bit confused and irritated by the flimsy reasoning behind the plot turns. Dismissing her mother’s grief and going back to Mithranar. Also, it was pretty clear who the culprits were early on in the story- so no big surprise there. But, on to the final book then.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews

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