Mask of Secrets

Scepter and Crown #1.5

by C.F.E. Black

Dive into the world of Lord Weston Grey, decorated soldier, ruthless spy.

Mask of Secrets is a companion story to the Scepter and Crown series. Begin the series with Blade of Ash or its prequel, Shield of Shadow.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

64 pages, ebook

Published September 1, 2022

Reviews

[Belinda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for sending me Mask of Secrets!

I loved getting to know Grey a lot more. Getting his POV about his circumstances regarding Aly and his position made him more endearing. I did not know I could fall more in love with him, but here we are...

I am itching to read Blade and Ash again now!!! I loved reading Mask of Secrets and am excited for Crown of Dust!!!

[Brittnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick short story told from Grey's perspective at the time right before Blade of Ash starts.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story about a “side journey” that Lord Weston Grey takes between ‘Blade of Ash’ and ‘Crown of Dust’.
We follow him from the frontlines of The Canyon to various dives on his way back to the castle. As the reader travels with him, Grey provides some training in what Kipling called The Great Game.

So, pay attention to his tips & tricks – we may need them in ‘Crown of Dust’.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect little short about an important side character in this series. I love Grey. He's an old soul. He's clearly very damaged, but this story shows you the heart behind the mask without making excuses for his behaviour. I loved it.

Also: clean, YA fantasy though this particular short, probably due to the character it's about, felt a bit more adult (not due to any adult content)

[Andra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1.5 in the Scepter and Crown series

I enjoyed this deeper look into Grey’s life. He’s an integral, yet interesting character in the series. He serves king and country as a Royal Informant/Spy.

“All he’d ever done was run from things he cared about.”

[Ana-Maria Derzsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦

⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
Is definitely interesting getting to know Grey in this novella. You can see how well-trained he is, how he can definitely play on two ends and no one would think twice not trusting him. His skills of holding his emotions in have been intriguing and loved the way he was detailing how your body can betray your intentions or your emotions. Even tho he's in his 20's I felt he's such an old soul and all his life experiences definitely shaped him to be this poker face guy who can be calculated and cold and doesn't think twice about doing what's needed no matter the cost.

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[Alana Inman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t think this would hold interest as a stand-alone book. Because of its association with a successful series, I enjoyed it, but the book needs the context of the series . Since I don’t believe it’d stand on its own two feet, I’m giving it a 2. If you’ve read the series with which it goes, then it’s a must read side story that’ll give you a quick add-on.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mask of Secrets gives the reader a peek into what the character Grey was doing just prior to Blade of Ash. These nine chapters give us a decent short story; I only wish it was a tad longer. (I recommend reading this story after you’ve finished Blade of Ash.)

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun little short story, makes me wanna read the rest of the series. I got it for free by signing up to the author's newsletter :)

[India c · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know Grey better! It brings light to some of my questions about him from when I read the other books. Definitely read it while reading the other books!

[Normajean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I loved getting Weston's point of view, but I would have loved to get more!

[Alicia Laramore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm intrigued. Good base for the world and I'm assuming the players in the main series. Curious to see where it goes.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your Honour, I adore him. 🥹 Weston Grey for the win.

[Bevany · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun short story to set up the world and character for a series. I really like the character and the world for this series.