Phantom's Mask

Chronicles of Avilésor: War of the Realms #2

by Sara A. Noë

Cato and his lab-family had a difficult choice to make—stay in Phantom Heights as mercenaries to protect the very humans who betrayed him once before, or cross the Rip into Avilésor where Azar lurks in his dark fortress. Neither Realm is safe, and no matter where they go, they'll be fugitives.

Cato thought he was ready to forget his past. But he has questions that need to be answered before he can truly move on. He can't remember the accident that turned him into a half-breed, only a mysterious flash of green light. And his blood-family's betrayal still haunts him. What did Agent Kovak tell his mother to make her disown him? And how did she explain his disappearance? Unraveling the twisted web of secrets and lies could put his lab-family in even more danger . . .

. . . and the only person in Phantom Heights who suspects his escape is desperate to make sure the truth stays buried.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult

506 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2020

About the author

Sara A. Noë is an award-winning author, artist, and photographer. She has had poetry, short fiction, and memoir works featured in various anthologies and journals since 2005, and her poetry is now available in the Indiana Poetry Archives. Notable art achievements include her photograph "Aftermath" published on the cover of Voices Literary Journal in 2018, photograph "Spiraling" awarded Best Still Life in a 2019 juried gallery exhibit, and charcoal artwork "The Raven" displayed in the Uptown Arts District of Michigan City, Indiana.

A Fallen Hero, the first novel in the Chronicles of Avilésor: War of the Realms series, was published in 2018 and has been critically acclaimed by NAM Editorial, The Prairies Book Review, Literary Titan, and Chronicle Focus Editorial, among others. The novel made book reviewer Lauren Gantt's list of Top 10 Favorite Books of 2019 and won the Literary Titan Gold Book Award in 2020.

The series sequel, Phantom's Mask, was released in the summer of 2020 and won the Literary Titan Gold Book Award less than two months after the novel's release.

As an artist, Sara creates her own covers and graphics. Sara lives in a little cottage with her calico cat, Calypso, who has a fondness for chewing pens and being as loud and sassy as possible.

Sara A. Noë can be followed on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and her official website www.onthecobblestoneroad.com.

For more information on the Chronicles of Avilésor series, check out the website for the book series, run by the author herself: www.chroniclesofavilesor.com.

Reviews

[Kayla Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom’s Mask throws you right into the middle of explosive action and layered conflict. This installment in the Chronicles of Avilésor: War of the Realms series delves deeper into the world-building and character dynamics that Noë introduced in the first book, adding even more tension and build to the brewing war between humans and kálos. This book picks up right where the last one left off, making it easy to slip right back into the world to continue the adventure. This engaging and relentlessly intoxicating installment in the series will keep you up all night and begging for more as soon as you turn the last page. Thank you to Sara A. Noë for giving me early access to this novel as an editor.

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brilliant second installment in the Chronicles of Avilésor: War of the Realms series shows Noë at her most inventive, bringing out her ability to combine paranormal science fiction elements with deep human sentiment.

Cato and his lab family finally have their chance to cross the tear into Avilésor and be away from the evil shadow of Agent Kovak, but the inhabitants of Phantom Heights need their protection more than ever now. However, the history of Phantom’s mask will always torment Cato.

Cato's apparent helplessness to overcome his blood family and Phantom Heights’s occupant’s past betrayal is portrayed with great understanding and empathy. The well-drawn action scenes, minute detail, and continuous tension build the intrigue up, and Noë’s skillful writing makes this remarkably fascinating and deeply felt tale shine.

Cato’s story (as well his lab family’s) packs an enormous emotional punch, and this novel should be on the top in its genre.

This is a stunner!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say this book will take you on a ride would be a gross understatement! Just when you think the climax is winding down, that roller coaster drops you again and punches you right in the feels! I’m still on an adrenaline high and am trying to collect all of my thoughts to write this review (sorry if I ramble!)

I’ll start by saying this series isn’t a quick, easy read, so if that’s what you’re looking for, go pick up a Harlequin romance instead. This author very carefully and meticulously introduces a vast, complex world with a wide cast of equally complex characters. You have to pay attention. That being said, if analyzing the nuances of books isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy it for the page-turning plot. It’s so much fun to see all the different points of view and know that these story lines are going to cross with each other eventually. I admittedly get giddy when I see two plotlines converging and know that characters I’ve seen in separate settings are about to meet for the first time!

This author somehow puts so many layers into her writing. From a gradual understanding of the fantasy world and elements, to the distinct and unique personalities of her characters, and even to the sensory details in every scene. You feel the rough wood under your fingertips and smell someone’s shampoo as they walk past and taste the food the character is eating, even feel the texture on your tongue. And this is so artfully done, especially in Cato’s POV, because his damaged memory has caused him to forget a lot of words. There are times when you know exactly what he’s seeing or eating and yet the author never actually tells you what it is. All these layers pull you so deep into the story it’s like you’re actually there.

Okay, spoilers below. You have been warned!



What I loved about the book:

Book 1 left the Alpha gang voting on whether to stay in Phantom Heights or flee into the Ghost Realm. They decided to stay, and I was so happy with that decision! I liked characters in the Alpha gang and also characters in the Phantom Heights group, and I really wanted to see them work together. Now granted, it wasn’t exactly a hand in hand teamwork sort of partnership, but it was still fun to see them interacting with each other. It gives Cato a ton of extra conflict to deal with as well since he’s now a mercenary charged with protecting former loved ones who betrayed him in the past.

Book 1 had a lot of tension and suspense, with the Alpha ghosts usually hiding from their hunters. Book 2 switches from defense to offense in a big way! The Alpha ghosts all have their powers now, and they prove just how skilled and lethal they are despite the “warriors” of the group only being teenagers. There’s a lot more action to enjoy.

The characterization is so much more in depth. Not that it was lacking in Book 1, we just see a lot MORE in Book 2. In AFH, we saw Shannon totally out of her element trying to be a raider, but in this book, she has the opportunity to show off her strengths. We see Jay shine as a leader and strategist, Finn and Reese experience a huge potential for future growth (jury’s out on whether or not they’ll be able to tap into that potential though), and Axel deteriorating throughout the book until he finally reaches his breaking point. We learn more about so many characters as a whole, including Madison, Trey, and even Wes, and we discover why Holly has such a deep hatred for ghosts (I still don’t love her as a character, but I think her personal vendetta is more justified now). But this novel is primarily about Cato, and his story is just…wow.

I was also super happy to see more of Azar in this book. He was an ominous presence behind the scenes in Book 1, but he has two really great appearances in Book 2. I honestly can’t decide which showdown is my fav! He’s a downright terrifying villain, and yet he’s got a different personality from Agent Kovak, so I feel like both antagonists are uniquely scary.

Even though this is a fantasy book, there are many social, political, and moral issues addressed that have rather chilling parallels to current events happening in the U.S. right now. Whether these allusions were intentional or not, I noticed:

- An eerie similarity between the humans trapped inside City Hall and quarantine/stay at home orders with COVID-19

- Debates about granting basic human rights to people considered non-human in the book, and how exactly one defines humanity in terms of granting said rights

- Debates about immigration, border control, and the ethics of using lethal force to protect the border (in this case, the boundary between the human realm and the ghost realm, but this conversation could easily be applied to the real world)

- Peaceful protesting. Two separate protests come to mind from the book, and they were both done peacefully and yet extremely effectively. One was done without the protesters speaking a single word. The other was more vocal with signs, chants, etc. but still remained a peaceful demonstration, and both protests had a major impact without turning violent.

- The younger generation stepping up to challenge the authority of the adults in power. This was particularly evident in a speech given by Shannon Jennings, and it actually gave me chills. She wanted the youth of Phantom Heights to be heard, as any critical decisions made by the adults would have a direct impact on the kids, and so they shouldn’t continue to sit quietly and helplessly on the sidelines, but rather make their voices heard.

- Accepting yourself for who you are in a positive way. One scene really stuck out to me: it’s nearly full moon, and Cato and Wes cross paths. Wes barely manages to transform just enough to apologize for startling Cato and explains that he can’t turn back into a human, but Cato tells him he doesn’t have to apologize for being what he is. Whoa! That made me think of people coming out in the LGBTQ community, people stepping away from the religious views their family indoctrinated them with, literally any person who has ever been ashamed, even for a moment, of who they are. Powerful stuff.


What I didn’t love about the book:

I don’t feel like RC, Kit, and Ash have had their chance to tell their stories yet in comparison to the rest of the Alpha ghosts. There are some hints to tide us over about their pasts, although I feel like we still don’t know a ton about them. I hope to see them finally get more of the spotlight and be a little more developed in the next book. But with so many characters, I do understand why the author had to be selective about who was highlighted. It would have been overwhelming to give every single character the same amount of attention.

I wanted to see more of the ghost realm. We really don’t get to see much more than we did in Book 1, although I do feel like we learned more about the realm and the culture through stories told by some of the characters. Still, there’s so much potential in this fantasy world, and I feel like we’ve barely tapped it!

At first, I was frustrated with the cliffhanger ending. It was just cruel! I like my stories to wrap up nicely so I can close the book feeling satisfied with all of my questions answered. But this story builds up to such a powerful climax, and then it’s over without a resolution, and there are still so many questions! BUT, that being said, the more I thought about it and digested what I’d read after I finished, I think it was fitting to end it the way she did. It completely changed my perspective about both books and left me to ponder clues I'd missed without the author spelling it all out for me. Some characters (and I guess this is actually pretty realistic) gave conflicting accounts about past events, which means it’s up to you to figure out which account was accurate, if any at all. I’m honestly not even sure which characters to trust now. And that leaves SO many possibilities for Book 3…I can’t even predict what direction the story will go in, and that’s refreshing for this genre. Too many fantasy stories seem to follow a cut-and-copy formula, but not this one! I’m so invested in these characters, even more so now that I’m left imagining what happens to them next.


Final notes:

The pros far outweighed the cons, so the five stars are well deserved! Buckle your seat belt…it’s a crazy ride! I love/hate the author for leaving these characters so firmly implanted in my head and thinking about them nonstop ever since I turned that last page. Book 3 can’t come out fast enough!!!!!

[Avi Dinsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know those moments when you can’t catch a break? Well, make that a thousand times worse and you pretty much got what Cato and his “lab family” are going through.

Even though Phantom Heights was Cato’s home, it isn’t really friendly. There are the Agents that are hunting them, and then there are the Shadow Guards right on their trail. And if that was not enough, Cato and his friends have to deal with the annoying people of Phantom Heights who hired them as mercenaries in exchange of medicine for the twins. So essentially, they have to fight for them while trying to survive the two psychotic groups hunting them.

The book is absolutely fantastic, the characters are written as though they are real, the plot makes the hair on the back of your neck raise, and the theme is overall great.

One thing before you read this, if you go to Phantom Heights, don’t jump in the lake. Oh, I also forgot, when Cato starts screaming, you gotta start running too and build a grave stone for whatever gets destroyed.

[Zoe L.]

AH! This book picks right back up in the story and brings back all the beloved characters from the first book. And just like with A Fallen Hero, this book is packed to the brim with action! There’s just so much that happens and your mind will be blown with every page turned.

The best part of this book is the continued development of the characters and the world. I’m a sucker for good world building, but this one definitely gave us BOTH with the amazing characters riddled throughout. There is so much thought put into each and every detail that I’m honestly so excited to reread this series and see what I might’ve missed the first time through.

And the last thing I want to mention is that this series deserves so much praise! I really hope that these books take off because they contain such an amazing and unique story. It’s far from cookie cutter and there’s just so many different things done well for you to fall in love with.

You can view my full review on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!

Reader | Bookstagrammer | Blogger | Reviewer
@ya.its.lit - https://www.instagram.com/ya.its.lit/
Blog - https://yaitslitblog.wordpress.com/

[Plum Report (Kimberly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Sara A. Noe for sending me a copy of PHANTOM'S MASK in exchange for an honest review of her book.

I love this world and cast of characters Sara has created!

PHANTOM'S MASK is book two in the Chronicles of Avilésor: War of the Realms and continues to follow Cato and his Alpha lab-family as they survive outside of the AGC (Agency of Ghost Control). Deals were made and promises are kept as the Alphas take on new challenges while keeping the younger ones in their family safe. Lots more action between kalos (ghosts) allowing the reader to dive further into the world Sara created. We also get some insight to the backstories of a few Alpha characters as well as some supporting characters outside of the lab-family.

The overall story concept is a creative and well thought out world. I appreciate the multi-POVs as I can better understand events as they come from other point-of-views.

If you're looking for a light science-fiction story set in a dystopian world with paranormal characters, then I suggested reading book one, A FALLEN HERO. I look forward to continuing this series and following Cato and his Alpha lab-family as they look out for one another.

Read my full review of PHANTOM'S MASK on the Plum Report book blog: https://plumreport.com/2020/10/book-r...

[Kristen]

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The journey continues for our ragtag group of lab ghosts. ⁣⁣⠀
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In Book 2, Phantom Mask, the Alpha group is forced into working with the humans. They broker a deal for medical supplies, which are needed to keep their lab brothers alive. In return they must protect the city and the humans in it. ⁣⁣⠀
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Cato continues to struggle with his feelings toward his blood family. ⁣⁣⠀
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The twins get a teacher from the ghost realm that wants to train them to use their powers. ⁣⁣⠀
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Azar is determined to capture the Alpha ghosts, and continues to send his men after them. ⁣⁣⠀
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This all leads to one epic moment, one epic battle, and a shocking realization that rocks the town of Phantom Heights! ⁣⁣⠀
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I love Cato and the rest of the Alpha ghosts! They are complex characters that you can not help to fall in love with! ⁣⁣⠀
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I can not wait to see what comes next! ⁣⁣⠀
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#alwaysreading #bookishlife #readingtogether #readingcommunity #booksonbooks #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #bookdragon #bookobsessed #bookstack #instabooks #toberead #booksbooksbooks #bookloversofinstagram #bookstagramit⁣⁣⠀
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[Lori Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suspenseful continuation

While the 1st book in this series not only set the stage it was more than just a book laying groundwork. It was descriptive and detailed and put you really right into the center of the action.With this second book It literally just puts you right back into the thick of the story.You really just can't help but be invested and involved in these characters they are that believable and realistic.If you're just looking for a story to read to hold your attention and to get you involved I couldn't find a better one than this....And when I feel like I do right now when I've finished a book that leaves me kind of sad for the simple reason that it is ended.And I have to wait until the next one.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the best books I've ever read. Noe builds the characters and their world in such a way that you become a part of the story. I could not put this book down, and when I finished I wanted more ~ I cannot wait for the third book in this series. I have started to re-read the first book, A Fallen Hero. Sara is an incredibly gifted storyteller. I cannot recommend this book, this series, enough.

[H. T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second installment! The storyline deepens, the characters get darker and more complicated as they realize they may not ever be able to integrate back into human society- humans are just too afraid of their power. This book was even better than the first!

[Andy Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading. Book one was already amazing and exceeded expectations. Book two? Went absolutely beyond and was better than I could've ever expected. I think this has to be my favorite of the series so far!

Book two is filled with so much more tension and action, with plenty of questions from book one answered but giving you plenty more to theorize and ponder over. And seeing so much more depth to characters that we only got glimpses of in book one was absolutely satisfying to get, and I can't wait to learn more about the new characters that were introduced in Phantom's Mask.

This book had me cheering, holding my breath, and even throttling the book in response to each character's actions, and I can't wait to see what happens next in book three. I haven't enjoyed a book series in a long time, and I'm glad to say that Chronicles of Avilesor has reminded me how good it feels to let yourself get immersed in books and stories again.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes. Where to even start?

About a year or two ago I was offered the opportunity to read A Fallen Hero and do a review. Back than I had said that I couldn’t put the book down for even a second. That still stands.

However, Phantom’s Mask was even more addicting. It ended in a way that left me mind blown and craving more. Without giving spoiler’s I really must say the twist is worth the read.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing!

Sara does an excellent job of making you feel like you are there as an observer. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy & dystopias. The book is hard to put down. Can’t wait for Book 3.

[Elden · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Favorite book series. This novel was outright breathtaking all I can think of is I need the 3rd book now. I can only say a little without stepping into spoiler territory. When I finished book one (A Fallen Hero) I waited to start book two(Phantoms’s Mask) and even though I waited I was pulled right back into the story as if no time had passed. I read whenever I had free time switching between E-book and Paper-Back there were times I couldn't put it down, that I read 27 chapters in a day. I loved the combat scenes within the book they were just all out astonishing.

I can’t wait for Book 3 Blood Of The Enemy I have already read the first chapter and now I am craving more. (Update 3 years later it was great so good you should read it) 10/10

[Talyn Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phantom’s Mask by Sara A. Noe is the second book in the Chronicles of Avilésor: War of the Realms series. It follows up on the events of A Fallen Hero and continues to explore a unique blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and supernatural elements.
The story continues to focus on the character of Cato, who is grappling with his fractured identity as both human and Phantom. The struggle between these two aspects of himself creates internal tension and drives much of the plot. Cato, along with other characters from the first book, is caught in a conflict between different realms—our world and the mysterious Avilésor. This war between realms brings high stakes and dramatic battles.
Cato’s personal struggle with his Phantom persona serves as a metaphor for identity and self-discovery. He is torn between two sides, each representing different aspects of who he could be.
Through morality and sacrifice the book delves into questions of right and wrong, especially as characters are forced to make tough choices for the greater good.
The writing style is immersive, with vivid descriptions and a strong sense of atmosphere. Her ability to bring to life the fantastical world of Avilésor while keeping the emotional stakes of her characters relatable is a highlight. The narrative is a mix of action, introspection, and emotional depth, balancing tension with quiet moments of character reflection.
Cato continues to grow as a character, and his relationships with others deepen, particularly his dynamic with his allies and enemies. The book maintains a good balance between fast-paced action scenes and quieter, character-driven moments. The world is rich with lore, and readers get more insight into the realms and their histories.
At times, the story’s intricate plot and world-building can feel overwhelming, especially for readers who may not remember all the details from the first book. While this internal struggle is a key part of the story, some readers may find it repetitive or slow in certain sections.
Phantom’s Mask is a solid continuation of the Chronicles of Avilésor series. It’s a must-read for fans of the first book and those who enjoy dark fantasy with an emotional core. The combination of action, character development, and world-building makes it an engaging read, though it may require patience for some due to its complexity.
If you're interested in a story that blends genres and explores deep emotional conflicts within a high-stakes fantasy world, Phantom’s Mask is worth picking up.

[Kari Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow- And I thought the first book was good but the ending literally blew me away. This series is already something I hold so closely. The twists, the turns, the intense emotions. It all ties in show well. In my opinion when A book can make you express or feel emotions, that means it's great and Phatoms Mask does a wonderful job at that. The author of this series is amazing and I've made great friends through this. I would change a thing about this book. The way this book will make you so engaged from the beginning, and read it through is great. This is literally my favorite series now. For me this puts a different perspective into reading and the vibes this series gives me is nothing like ever before.

[Matthew Cloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 kicks off right where Book 1 left off and let me tell you it was straight epicness from start to finish. You learn more about the Alphas and the extent of their abilities and so much happens, so many epic moments, I read this book in like a week because I couldn't stop. I'd stay up saying "1 more chapter" then next thing you know it's like 100 pages later. You see how the characters handle tackling new challenges, and adjusting to being Outside, their trauma still lingers and the ending has a twist that just absolutely threw me. If you liked Book 1 then you'll absolutely love Book 2.

[Kandace Eapmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the suspense of this book. I can’t wait to read the next book. I have become invested in all the characters and can’t wait to see how it plays out.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as amazing as the first book in this series. I just can't get enough of the Alphas! I am off to dive into book 3!