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The Secrets of the Kings
Alex Kincaid is twenty-four years old. She leads a quiet life in a college town, works at Galen Industries, and spends most of her free time with her co-workers. Her friends, like Emma Bastian, who read too many romance novels, want to meddle in Alex’s love life. That’s what friends do, right? Yet Alex is too preoccupied with the odd letter she’s received. It grants her a large inheritance from a total stranger who was the collector of various relics. Among his effects is a magical mask that will shatter her life forever. After an attempt to kill her fails, Alex is horrified to see the mask take the shape of her face within seconds after donning it. It’s endowed with the powers of an ancient deity, who is the protector of order and the kingdom of the sky. Alex is now in danger from the god of chaos and the kingdom of the wicked. He has vowed to take revenge for killing his lost love. The mask fuses the personalities of its previous owners, and now Alex’s identity is in danger of being lost forever. As Alex and her friends attempt to solve the mystery, the stakes keep rising. The god of chaos is hot on Alex’s trail, and he won’t stop. As they face the coming storm, Alex realizes her romantic feelings for handsome co-worker Gabriel Reyes, who is a guiding presence in all the bright places. Does he feel the same? Alex is torn between two kingdoms and must carefully thread the needle of destiny and fulfillment. At its heart, The Secrets of the Kings is a story about who we really are. Author Nora Delzelle weaves a tale of ancient love and modern society into compelling fantasy. As the mystery is revealed, one thing soon becomes clear. No mask can hide the truth. This book was previously published under the title Death Mask .
- GenresAudiobook
253 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2020
14 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Nora Delzelle
3 books12 followersNora Delzelle’s is an avid reader of almost every fiction genre imaginable, but her preference has always been science fiction and fantasy. Growing up in the ‘70’s, people thought it was weird that she loved reading stories by Bradbury, Herbert, and Asimov. She eventually went into a satisfying career in the sciences because she loved those stories. She finally put pen to paper, and The Secrets of the Kings was the result.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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January 11, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/11/2022)! 🎁
February 11, 2022
I found this to be an entertaining conglomeration of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Romance genres. It reads very much like a fantasy because it deals with the impact an ancient artifact has on people’s lives. Then it trends toward Sci-Fi as the “magic” is explained as advanced alien technology. Finally we have the Romance element interwoven throughout the whole story.
All of the characters were well written and developed, but especially Alex, the lead character. I couldn’t help but have feelings for Alex and really wanted things to work out for her.
There are interesting plots twists as several people turnout not to be who we thought they were.
This was an imaginative way of exploring the very human emotions of loss, revenge, and responsibility. This is a very well written story that I enjoyed immensely.
All of the characters were well written and developed, but especially Alex, the lead character. I couldn’t help but have feelings for Alex and really wanted things to work out for her.
There are interesting plots twists as several people turnout not to be who we thought they were.
This was an imaginative way of exploring the very human emotions of loss, revenge, and responsibility. This is a very well written story that I enjoyed immensely.
June 1, 2024
2024 Reads #328/250
3.5⭐️
3.5⭐️
March 11, 2022
The Secrets of the Kings by Nora Delzelle is an amazing fantasy novel of a wonder world where modern life clashes with ancient complications. Alex Kincaid works for Galen industries and has friends like Emma Bastian who is a constant meddler in her life and has a romantic interest with co-worker Gabriel Reyes. Alex's life turns upside down with an inheritance and a magical mask with attributes from deity Horus who has rivalry with Set, the god of storms and chaos who wants to take revenge for killing his lover. A rollercoaster ride with Alex and her friends as they navigate through ancient magic and power intertwining with the chaos of destiny and fulfillment.
There is never a dull moment in this story and the author style of narration truly pulls the reader alongside the journey. The author has developed the characters skillfully and the flow of storyline is simple and precise. It's a magical experience with unexpected twists and turns which keep the mystery of the story compelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone for a well written, unique and enjoyable read.
There is never a dull moment in this story and the author style of narration truly pulls the reader alongside the journey. The author has developed the characters skillfully and the flow of storyline is simple and precise. It's a magical experience with unexpected twists and turns which keep the mystery of the story compelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone for a well written, unique and enjoyable read.
June 15, 2025
Alex Kincaid is living a normal life. She works a good job, has a few friends, and loves her cat. Then, her friend Emma tries to set her up on a blind date with a guy named Chase who tries to kill her multiple times. Alex receives a letter in the mail, saying that she’s been gifted a large inheritance from a mysterious benefactor, including a gold mask that, after she puts it on, morphs to her face and grants her incredible fighting powers. When she sleeps, she dreams she’s fighting with a man who died a hundred years prior. Soon, she’s coming face to face with her feelings regarding a mysterious car accident she was in, her feelings regarding her coworker Gabriel, and must learn to understand what possessing this beautiful gold mask really means.
This was a fun mix of sci-fi with history and romance. I had mostly picked this up because I love Laura Horowitz and this was available from Libby to listen to. It’s a simple read intertwined with some really fantastic ancient Egyptian mythology, which I’m a sucker for. All in all, I enjoyed the book but I found the writing to be a little simplistic. Almost as if it should’ve been geared towards a middle-grade audience.
This was a fun mix of sci-fi with history and romance. I had mostly picked this up because I love Laura Horowitz and this was available from Libby to listen to. It’s a simple read intertwined with some really fantastic ancient Egyptian mythology, which I’m a sucker for. All in all, I enjoyed the book but I found the writing to be a little simplistic. Almost as if it should’ve been geared towards a middle-grade audience.
March 14, 2022
After reading The Secrets of the Kings by Nora Delzelle I have to say that I totally agree with the author's words 'No mask can hide the truth.' This book is not only a wonderful narrative, but it also has a meaningful message underneath. No matter how fast we run, we cannot escape who we are, our essence reveals who we truly are. This wonderful thriller is a rollercoaster of emotions that lead me to the most exciting readings. I think that is great how Delzelle leads a tale of ancient love and modern society into a fantasy novel of this level. The language chosen by her, as well as the vocabulary she used to describe the main character's feeling suited the story perfectly. Moreover, the peace of the events presented lead to an easy reading and intriguing narrative. I enjoyed this book very much. I'm recommending it to my reader friends.
July 29, 2022
This was an amazing debut novel by Nora Delzelle which puts her creativity on display for the world to admire. This book follows Alex Kincaid who leads a normal and quiet life, spending her free time with co-workers who are her friends. Not much goes on in her life until she receives a strange letter giving her an eye-widening inheritance from a collector of various relics. Among those relics, there was a mask that tried to kill her, but when failed, took upon her identity.
The mask is endowed with the powers of an ancient deity. Alex must now find her way to escape from the God of chaos who wants her dead, as the mask has tricked him into thinking Alex killed his lost love. It is interesting how the characters were put together by the author. They seemed to have a lot of depth and the reader can see how they're thinking throughout the plot.
The mask is endowed with the powers of an ancient deity. Alex must now find her way to escape from the God of chaos who wants her dead, as the mask has tricked him into thinking Alex killed his lost love. It is interesting how the characters were put together by the author. They seemed to have a lot of depth and the reader can see how they're thinking throughout the plot.
March 8, 2022
Nora Delzelle is the award-winning author of THE SECRETS OF THE KINGS who especially loves mythology, mystery, and romance stories. ‘The Secrets of the King’ by Nora Delzelle is the debut novel. The book showcases her imagination and creativity.
The Secrets of the Kings is a thrilling story about who we really are. The author beautifully intertwines a fascinating tale of love and modern society. The story centers around the main character Alex; the main theme of the story is - no mask can hide the truth.
The book is divided into 27 chapters. The author portrayed the characters in a very subtle and enchanting manner; each of them feels lively. It captivates the reader’s attention from the start till the end. It is a fast-paced plot with a great tension that keeps you in the book.
The Secrets of the Kings is a thrilling story about who we really are. The author beautifully intertwines a fascinating tale of love and modern society. The story centers around the main character Alex; the main theme of the story is - no mask can hide the truth.
The book is divided into 27 chapters. The author portrayed the characters in a very subtle and enchanting manner; each of them feels lively. It captivates the reader’s attention from the start till the end. It is a fast-paced plot with a great tension that keeps you in the book.
March 8, 2022
"The Secrets of the Kings" is a fantasy/mythological novel, written by Nora Delzelle. It follows the story of Alex, who mysteriously inherits a mask that used to belong to Horus, an Egyptian deity. Strange things start happening to her, who will try to survive with the help of her good friends.
2500 B.C Set's loved one is brutally killed by Osiris. At that moment, he swears eternal revenge against Osiris and his son, Horus.
Without spoiling anything else, I can say that I loved this book since I'm very interested in mythology. This book will keep the readers on the edge of their seat. I'm giving it 4 stars because I think the beginning is a little bit slow, while presenting the characters.
Recommended!
2500 B.C Set's loved one is brutally killed by Osiris. At that moment, he swears eternal revenge against Osiris and his son, Horus.
Without spoiling anything else, I can say that I loved this book since I'm very interested in mythology. This book will keep the readers on the edge of their seat. I'm giving it 4 stars because I think the beginning is a little bit slow, while presenting the characters.
Recommended!
March 13, 2022
fast paced mystery with strong lead character
The Secrets of the Kings is a story with a unique premise unlike any I have experienced prior. Although the mystery and search for answers feel similar to other novels of the same genre, I liked the inclusion of the mysterious mask and the powers that it holds. I found the main character to be charming and adventurous, but most of all, exceptionally brave given the circumstances she finds herself in. This is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys novels about self-discovery and awareness, especially if they are fond of fantasy. This is absolutely the kind of story that will make readers take a moment to think about just what exactly they would do if they could hold the powers from the story in their own hands.
The Secrets of the Kings is a story with a unique premise unlike any I have experienced prior. Although the mystery and search for answers feel similar to other novels of the same genre, I liked the inclusion of the mysterious mask and the powers that it holds. I found the main character to be charming and adventurous, but most of all, exceptionally brave given the circumstances she finds herself in. This is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys novels about self-discovery and awareness, especially if they are fond of fantasy. This is absolutely the kind of story that will make readers take a moment to think about just what exactly they would do if they could hold the powers from the story in their own hands.
August 2, 2022
A good fantasy novel
The Secrets of the Kings has a great plot and introduced a lot of great characters. A good fantasy novel with introduction of your typical characters, a best friend who is too much into her business, a love interest co worker, and an object that conjures a deity who wants to avenge the death of his lover. I appreciate the use of Egyptian mythological characters as they are so sexy, but the author needs to dig a little deeper to make the book more compelling and if it was written from Alex's perspective, it would be good, too. I did like the plot; it was easy to follow and short but entertaining with the action scenes and all. I liked how the book lay-out as well. Keep up the good work!
The Secrets of the Kings has a great plot and introduced a lot of great characters. A good fantasy novel with introduction of your typical characters, a best friend who is too much into her business, a love interest co worker, and an object that conjures a deity who wants to avenge the death of his lover. I appreciate the use of Egyptian mythological characters as they are so sexy, but the author needs to dig a little deeper to make the book more compelling and if it was written from Alex's perspective, it would be good, too. I did like the plot; it was easy to follow and short but entertaining with the action scenes and all. I liked how the book lay-out as well. Keep up the good work!
February 16, 2022
A marvellous fantasy book for adults
“The Secrets of the Kings” is a fantasy book for young adults.
Written by Nora Delzelle, the story begins with a twenty-four-year-old girl whose life completely changes when she receives an unexpected and mysterious inheritance. The book is attractive because it has a woman as main character, a girl that grows up throughout the plot.
Though this is a fantasy, the events that occur in the main character’s life are life-changing, and it is nice to read how she adapts and learns.
I give this book five stars because I love the way Delzelle combines ancient times with today’s world and society. In addition, I found the moral of this story heart-warming.
“The Secrets of the Kings” is a fantasy book for young adults.
Written by Nora Delzelle, the story begins with a twenty-four-year-old girl whose life completely changes when she receives an unexpected and mysterious inheritance. The book is attractive because it has a woman as main character, a girl that grows up throughout the plot.
Though this is a fantasy, the events that occur in the main character’s life are life-changing, and it is nice to read how she adapts and learns.
I give this book five stars because I love the way Delzelle combines ancient times with today’s world and society. In addition, I found the moral of this story heart-warming.
February 17, 2022
This is a moving novel of love and fantasy that connects the secrets kept from history with a modernity full of mysteries.
A complete stranger gives his fortune to the young protagonist of this story, among which there is a mask with the ancient powers of Horus and that has the capacity of changing its owner’s life and future.
When young Emma is put through a life-risking situation, she notices something strange in the mask. From this moment the story takes an unexpected turn and becomes electrifying. I felt captivated by this story and I found myself reading non-stop until I finished it. I recommend it, it is a great novel for young and old. I enjoyed it a lot.
A complete stranger gives his fortune to the young protagonist of this story, among which there is a mask with the ancient powers of Horus and that has the capacity of changing its owner’s life and future.
When young Emma is put through a life-risking situation, she notices something strange in the mask. From this moment the story takes an unexpected turn and becomes electrifying. I felt captivated by this story and I found myself reading non-stop until I finished it. I recommend it, it is a great novel for young and old. I enjoyed it a lot.
February 20, 2022
What a cover! Yes, that is what attracted me the most at first sight. This thrilling story got me reading for hours. The author was very clever to mix ancient love and modern society. This fantasy story has a bit of everything and the author did a great job depicting the characters and developing the scenes. The mystery in the story was very well created because I could not decipher what was going to happen next.
The Secrets of the Kings by Delzelle is an unputdownable novel that captured my attention from the very beginning and held it until the very last page. I would certainly recommend reading it!
The Secrets of the Kings by Delzelle is an unputdownable novel that captured my attention from the very beginning and held it until the very last page. I would certainly recommend reading it!
March 9, 2022
“No mask can hide the truth” prays the author, and this is the node from which issues such as identity, love and destiny are delved in this gripping plot. The Secrets of the Kings by Nora Delzelle is a thrilling fantasy story about who we really are.
This is also a mystery story with an amazing and in-depth plot that kept me passing pages through the end. I enjoyed the fantasy but also the romance and the adventure. The author accomplished a nice balance between all of them. This is the first book I read from this author (I think it is her first novel), and will be keen to read more!
This is also a mystery story with an amazing and in-depth plot that kept me passing pages through the end. I enjoyed the fantasy but also the romance and the adventure. The author accomplished a nice balance between all of them. This is the first book I read from this author (I think it is her first novel), and will be keen to read more!
March 18, 2022
The cover of this book sells the best, of course that the description of the plot adds a lot, but the cover is just great!
The story of Alex is very interesting and engaging. I really liked her character and how her story was developed from the very beginning. It is a story that left me thinking who we really are because I believe it is the main theme in it.
The story has a very good pace and as the plot is engaging, I read it quite fast although it is not very short.
I would recommend reading The Secrets of the Kings by author Nora Delzelle.
The story of Alex is very interesting and engaging. I really liked her character and how her story was developed from the very beginning. It is a story that left me thinking who we really are because I believe it is the main theme in it.
The story has a very good pace and as the plot is engaging, I read it quite fast although it is not very short.
I would recommend reading The Secrets of the Kings by author Nora Delzelle.
July 28, 2022
The Secrets of the Kings captivated me at first sight because of the cover. Author Nora Delzelle did a great job with this novel; the narrative is well constructed, clear, and easy to follow, the characters are well developed and some are complex, which is something I like, and the pace of the story is suitable for this genre.
This mix of past and present is something very well created in this tale. There was not a single moment of boredom while reading it. It is certainly a compelling fantasy novel with a very good mystery. I would totally recommend reading it to every lover of the genre.
This mix of past and present is something very well created in this tale. There was not a single moment of boredom while reading it. It is certainly a compelling fantasy novel with a very good mystery. I would totally recommend reading it to every lover of the genre.
August 6, 2022
A must-read fantasy novel
“The Secrets of the Kings” by author Nora Delzelle is certainly a must-read. This is a great novel about who we really are. The author provides an excellent setting and marvellous characters which are well developed and complex.
The past and the present are mixed and makes this a compelling fantasy novel. I knew from the very beginning that I would like this book and I wasn’t wrong. I loved it. It is a middle length story that reads fast because the narrative has a very good pace. I would recommend it.
“The Secrets of the Kings” by author Nora Delzelle is certainly a must-read. This is a great novel about who we really are. The author provides an excellent setting and marvellous characters which are well developed and complex.
The past and the present are mixed and makes this a compelling fantasy novel. I knew from the very beginning that I would like this book and I wasn’t wrong. I loved it. It is a middle length story that reads fast because the narrative has a very good pace. I would recommend it.
July 12, 2022
Over all I enjoyed this fast paced urban fantasy/mystery. The characters were well developed and the story line intriguing. I appreciated that it had a solid ending but could easily be made into a series. There were times I questioned Alex's common sense and a few things I think needed more explanation. My only other issue was occasionally cringey dialogue. I think this is perfect for a reader who wants something a step above YA but not as complex as many adult fantasy stories.
December 2, 2022
So many twists and turns in the last 2 chapters. This book was interesting. I wasn’t sure what I thought about this book but as an audiobook was great by Laura.
June 26, 2022
The Secrets of the Kings has a very YA feel to it. It’s in the fantasy genre. The main character is in her early 20’s. There’s a romance side story in it, but everything is clean and appropriate. And the book is fairly short (256 pages).
I enjoyed this story. It’s well-written and has a little bit of everything — fantasy, action, romance, suspense. I don’t normally read fantasy, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but I do think readers who enjoy YA and fantasy will like this book.
I enjoyed this story. It’s well-written and has a little bit of everything — fantasy, action, romance, suspense. I don’t normally read fantasy, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but I do think readers who enjoy YA and fantasy will like this book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews