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Fifteenth century Venice is a safe haven for the masterless dregs of the vampire world, a city where they can live without the fear of retribution for violating another’s territory.
Still, there are plenty of ways for a young vampire to die in the glittering city, a lesson that prince turned pauper Mircea Basarab must learn quickly. But there are opportunities, too—in the service of a secretive courtesan, in the bed of a beautiful senator, and in the hunt for an ancient assassin.
As a vendetta older than Venice itself comes to a climax, Mircea struggles to evade the dangers of his current life, to come to terms with his past, and to uncover the truth hidden behind a city of masks…
Still, there are plenty of ways for a young vampire to die in the glittering city, a lesson that prince turned pauper Mircea Basarab must learn quickly. But there are opportunities, too—in the service of a secretive courtesan, in the bed of a beautiful senator, and in the hunt for an ancient assassin.
As a vendetta older than Venice itself comes to a climax, Mircea struggles to evade the dangers of his current life, to come to terms with his past, and to uncover the truth hidden behind a city of masks…
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2014
86 people are currently reading
1959 people want to read
About the author
Karen Chance
62 books5,248 followersKaren Chance is the author of two New York Times bestselling series, plus a number of novellas and short stories, all set in the Cassandra Palmer universe. A full-time writer since 2008, she was previously a university history teacher, which comes in handy when writing the time-travel aspect of Cassie’s crazy adventures. She loves Las Vegas, the main setting for her novels, but currently lives in Florida near her family home. Visit her website or connect with her on Facebook here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
February 23, 2020
Masks is the long-awaited story of Mircea Basarab, one of the main characters of the Cassandra Palmer series by Karen Chance.
As Mircea is a hero I definitely want for myself, my expectations were high. I expected to learn about his background story: his life as a human, his Change, and his years until he had become one of the most influential and powerful vampire senators.
Instead of this,the story covers a short period of his early life as a vampire which he had spent in Venice, in the fifteenth century. It was two years after his Change, when he was still mourning his human life, was still suffering from his losses: home, family, and a possible future.
Up to 70% of the story I was trying hard, really hard. I love Mircea, and I wanted to love his book so much. But I just skimmed the last 30% because I lost interest, patience, and all my goodwill.
In short, it was boring as hell.
First, a significant part of the story is like a 15th century travelogue of Venice. Both the atmosphere and the physical beauty of Venice were depicted meticulously.
Second, not only the city of Venice, but everything else, such as cloths, masks (of course), fabrics, cosmetics, even types of candies were unmercifully detailed.
But enough is enough!
While I enjoyed as Mircea slowly accepts his new situation, and learns about the nature of vampires, their rules, laws, etiquette, customs, politics, and power relations, the repetition of his thoughts exhausted me.
Eventually he realizes that he is the same man as he was before: his intelligence, morals, and confidence survived the Change. He is still a fighter, still a leader.
The erotic scenes were the most remarkable parts of the story thanks to Ms. Chance’s sensual and vibrant descriptions.
The dialogues were slow, and often irrelevant, the plot couldn’t capture my interest. Scenes and chapters ended abruptly, making the story hard to follow and enjoy. The epilogue was sweet, with his daughter Dorina, but still lots of things remained in shadow.
Masks has its moments, and some meaningful thoughts, but overall it left me unsatisfied.
My favorite quotes.
As Mircea is a hero I definitely want for myself, my expectations were high. I expected to learn about his background story: his life as a human, his Change, and his years until he had become one of the most influential and powerful vampire senators.
Instead of this,the story covers a short period of his early life as a vampire which he had spent in Venice, in the fifteenth century. It was two years after his Change, when he was still mourning his human life, was still suffering from his losses: home, family, and a possible future.
All he wanted to know was that this pain, this longing, this terrible guilt he felt every time he thought about the past, was going to lessen, perhaps one day to stop. All he wanted was a reason to go on.
Up to 70% of the story I was trying hard, really hard. I love Mircea, and I wanted to love his book so much. But I just skimmed the last 30% because I lost interest, patience, and all my goodwill.
In short, it was boring as hell.
First, a significant part of the story is like a 15th century travelogue of Venice. Both the atmosphere and the physical beauty of Venice were depicted meticulously.
It had been a shock, then, to find out that not only were the stories true, but that he hadn’t been told the half of it. Venice was a city unlike any other in the world. And a vampire’s dream.
Second, not only the city of Venice, but everything else, such as cloths, masks (of course), fabrics, cosmetics, even types of candies were unmercifully detailed.
But enough is enough!
While I enjoyed as Mircea slowly accepts his new situation, and learns about the nature of vampires, their rules, laws, etiquette, customs, politics, and power relations, the repetition of his thoughts exhausted me.
Eventually he realizes that he is the same man as he was before: his intelligence, morals, and confidence survived the Change. He is still a fighter, still a leader.
The erotic scenes were the most remarkable parts of the story thanks to Ms. Chance’s sensual and vibrant descriptions.
The dialogues were slow, and often irrelevant, the plot couldn’t capture my interest. Scenes and chapters ended abruptly, making the story hard to follow and enjoy. The epilogue was sweet, with his daughter Dorina, but still lots of things remained in shadow.
Masks has its moments, and some meaningful thoughts, but overall it left me unsatisfied.
My favorite quotes.
January 24, 2019
4.5
Allá por el año 1448 o algo asi, Mircea Basarab es apenas un'baby-vampiro'
tras 2 años de no-muerto, y las cosas no van nada de bien. Sin un Master ni familia vampírica que lo proteja y enseñe, ni dinero, ni poderes especiales, la vida es muy difícil. La situación se le complica cuando termina en un calabozo y llega a lo más bajo cuando es comprado como esclavo.
El libro es bastante entretenido; y eso que no soy fan de Mircea por lo poco que vi de él en los libros de Dorina (su hija) ya que nunca he podido pasar por los libros de Cassandra. Es extraño pensar que este personaje que ahora tiene poder empezó así. Muestra un montón acerca de los status sociales de esta sociedad de vampiros que viven ocultos entre los humanos pese a tener tremendos juegos politicos y desplantes de poder. Personajes históricos se pasean por sus páginas mezclados firmemente en alteregos fantásticos donde las luchas son feroces y una ascención de estatus es cosas de centenios y no de decenios.
Hay un misterio, intrigas y bueno... me gustó bastante.
“You think you’re so different from us, because you lost a palace? A kingdom?” Dark eyes blazed down into his. “Son, I lost a kingdom, too. So did every man here. Maybe our kingdoms were smaller, just a house we built with our own two hands, a wife we loved, a child. But do you think they meant any less? Do you think we mourn their loss one bit less than you?
Allá por el año 1448 o algo asi, Mircea Basarab es apenas un'baby-vampiro'
tras 2 años de no-muerto, y las cosas no van nada de bien. Sin un Master ni familia vampírica que lo proteja y enseñe, ni dinero, ni poderes especiales, la vida es muy difícil. La situación se le complica cuando termina en un calabozo y llega a lo más bajo cuando es comprado como esclavo.
El libro es bastante entretenido; y eso que no soy fan de Mircea por lo poco que vi de él en los libros de Dorina (su hija) ya que nunca he podido pasar por los libros de Cassandra. Es extraño pensar que este personaje que ahora tiene poder empezó así. Muestra un montón acerca de los status sociales de esta sociedad de vampiros que viven ocultos entre los humanos pese a tener tremendos juegos politicos y desplantes de poder. Personajes históricos se pasean por sus páginas mezclados firmemente en alteregos fantásticos donde las luchas son feroces y una ascención de estatus es cosas de centenios y no de decenios.
Hay un misterio, intrigas y bueno... me gustó bastante.
March 31, 2014
2.5 stars - Spoilers
Not bad, not great either. I was expecting more action and revelations instead of boring inner monologuing, irritating dialogue, and a mystery of sorts that I didn't really care about.
-What's what: Mircea's POV, all about his early years as a vampire in Venice.
-The story was rather slow for the most part, there were so many dragged out scenes. Things only really kicked off in the last few chapters. Most of the book was just Mircea learning about vampires, vampire politics, and how to be a whore. I found the majority of it pointless.
-I did somewhat enjoy seeing Mircea as a young, idealistic, and clueless vampire. It was so very different from the manipulative and powerful Mircea of the main novels. Even though it was quite interesting getting some backstory on Mircea, I would have preferred to read about Mircea and his family or Mircea's rise to power or more of Mircea/Dorina's early relationship. Reading about Mircea as a very young vampire was like reading about a totally different character… So at times it felt as if I was reading about some random character I didn't know or care about.
-Most of the secondary characters annoyed me. I didn't really like any of them… Jerome was an idiot, Paula was annoying, Bezio was dull, the Senate was boring. Antony and Auria were entertaining characters though, they both seemed quite layered whereas the others were just blah. I was confused about Antony and Cleo/the Senate - I don't remember there being any hint of a romantic relationship between them before. Also, I'm fairly sure Antony was just a Senate member and not a consul in the main novels. I really wish the characters in this hadn't featured such minor characters form the two main series, it just left me questioning who was who and what was what.
-The mystery with Sanuita wasn't all that interesting, it was pretty obvious who the bad guy was. The whole Marta/Sanuita/venom/antidote thing was kind of confusing, it was all rather convoluted.
-Was I meant to feel sorry for Mircea in regard to the whole Elena situation? Yea, right. Mircea couldn't have loved Elena (his wife/Dorina's mum) all that much since he pretty much forgot about her. Not only that, he got all passionate and crazy for someone else a mere 2 years after being separated from her. Then there were all the other girls he flirted with and lusted after, he didn't spare a thought for his poor faithful wife. Why didn't he ever check to see if she was okay or if she needed help? He didn't give a fuck about her. His love for her was so mundane and weak, he barely remembered her and was able to move on from her with other women and it hadn't even been that long since he'd left her. It seemed like he had more of a connection and affection for Horatiu (his old servant) than he did his wife. I bet Elena was faithful to Mircea and grieved for him until she died whereas he was getting all randy for any woman he so much as laid his eyes on… I very much doubt she got all lusty and hot and bothered about other men. Ugh.
-I really hope Elena isn't somehow saved by Cassie so that she can be reunited with Mircea in the future. Mircea has had loads of relationships, love, and adventures without her… There would be no point in her being with him since he's moved on perfectly fine without her. She just wouldn't be important or special to him considering how much of a rich life he's led without her presence. The only way they could work for me was if she was turned into a vampire shortly after he was and lived a good life full of passion and joy without him, that way they'd be equals. Otherwise, I hope she stays dead.
-The last chapter was the only thing that I found really interesting, it showed Mircea with a young Dorina and their interaction was great.
-It bugged me that Mircea mostly thought and spoke like someone in the present day instead of someone from centuries earlier.
-Did people really say 'saggy butt' and 'fuck that' and 'bragging rights' and 'asses' (as in arses and not donkeys/fools) in 1600s Venice?? Also, I doubt a woman would be described as cute in those days.
-The dialogue was annoying to get through at times, there were so many half finished or interrupted sentences. It was a tad ridiculous.
-Some parts were confusing and written poorly, especially the action scenes.
-The Venice setting was great.
All in all, I wasn't overly impressed. Dorina and Mircea's scene was brilliant but everything else ranged from rubbish to mediocre.
Not bad, not great either. I was expecting more action and revelations instead of boring inner monologuing, irritating dialogue, and a mystery of sorts that I didn't really care about.
-What's what: Mircea's POV, all about his early years as a vampire in Venice.
-The story was rather slow for the most part, there were so many dragged out scenes. Things only really kicked off in the last few chapters. Most of the book was just Mircea learning about vampires, vampire politics, and how to be a whore. I found the majority of it pointless.
-I did somewhat enjoy seeing Mircea as a young, idealistic, and clueless vampire. It was so very different from the manipulative and powerful Mircea of the main novels. Even though it was quite interesting getting some backstory on Mircea, I would have preferred to read about Mircea and his family or Mircea's rise to power or more of Mircea/Dorina's early relationship. Reading about Mircea as a very young vampire was like reading about a totally different character… So at times it felt as if I was reading about some random character I didn't know or care about.
-Most of the secondary characters annoyed me. I didn't really like any of them… Jerome was an idiot, Paula was annoying, Bezio was dull, the Senate was boring. Antony and Auria were entertaining characters though, they both seemed quite layered whereas the others were just blah. I was confused about Antony and Cleo/the Senate - I don't remember there being any hint of a romantic relationship between them before. Also, I'm fairly sure Antony was just a Senate member and not a consul in the main novels. I really wish the characters in this hadn't featured such minor characters form the two main series, it just left me questioning who was who and what was what.
-The mystery with Sanuita wasn't all that interesting, it was pretty obvious who the bad guy was. The whole Marta/Sanuita/venom/antidote thing was kind of confusing, it was all rather convoluted.
-Was I meant to feel sorry for Mircea in regard to the whole Elena situation? Yea, right. Mircea couldn't have loved Elena (his wife/Dorina's mum) all that much since he pretty much forgot about her. Not only that, he got all passionate and crazy for someone else a mere 2 years after being separated from her. Then there were all the other girls he flirted with and lusted after, he didn't spare a thought for his poor faithful wife. Why didn't he ever check to see if she was okay or if she needed help? He didn't give a fuck about her. His love for her was so mundane and weak, he barely remembered her and was able to move on from her with other women and it hadn't even been that long since he'd left her. It seemed like he had more of a connection and affection for Horatiu (his old servant) than he did his wife. I bet Elena was faithful to Mircea and grieved for him until she died whereas he was getting all randy for any woman he so much as laid his eyes on… I very much doubt she got all lusty and hot and bothered about other men. Ugh.
-I really hope Elena isn't somehow saved by Cassie so that she can be reunited with Mircea in the future. Mircea has had loads of relationships, love, and adventures without her… There would be no point in her being with him since he's moved on perfectly fine without her. She just wouldn't be important or special to him considering how much of a rich life he's led without her presence. The only way they could work for me was if she was turned into a vampire shortly after he was and lived a good life full of passion and joy without him, that way they'd be equals. Otherwise, I hope she stays dead.
-The last chapter was the only thing that I found really interesting, it showed Mircea with a young Dorina and their interaction was great.
-It bugged me that Mircea mostly thought and spoke like someone in the present day instead of someone from centuries earlier.
-Did people really say 'saggy butt' and 'fuck that' and 'bragging rights' and 'asses' (as in arses and not donkeys/fools) in 1600s Venice?? Also, I doubt a woman would be described as cute in those days.
-The dialogue was annoying to get through at times, there were so many half finished or interrupted sentences. It was a tad ridiculous.
-Some parts were confusing and written poorly, especially the action scenes.
-The Venice setting was great.
All in all, I wasn't overly impressed. Dorina and Mircea's scene was brilliant but everything else ranged from rubbish to mediocre.
March 23, 2014
Masks is the story of a young Mircea Basarab, as he washes up in Venice a couple of years after becoming vampire.
Mircea is my favourite Karen Chance character. He's incredibly well-developed, with a depth that's often lacking within the 'sexy vampire' UF trope, though you have to read both the Cassie and Dory series to truly appreciate the different aspects of his personality. I was keen to get my hands on this book in the hope that I could figure out just what makes him tick.
Mircea of modern times is powerful, wealthy, stylish and assured. 15th century Mircea is starving, bedraggled and in jail at the start of the novel. All the older vamps in KC's books have stories to tell, and often these stories involve regret, loss and ill-treatment, and Mircea's tale is no different. Our former prince spends some of the book musing on how misfortune and sorrow are no respectors of rank or class. It's not all bitter introspection, though. Mircea is a survivor, after all. And some of the things he does to survive left me a little shocked, yes, shocked! And giggling furiously!
I think the book has a slightly different feel to the Cassie and Dory series. Whilst there are action scenes, they don't have the frenetic pace of the Cassie books. Nor is there much of the wise-cracking that pops up in the Dory series. Instead we get to see Mircea struggle to come to terms with his situation and find a way forward. There's a secondary plot involving power plays among the vampire rulers, with a few familiar faces popping up, and I liked the contrast of seeing Mircea floundering with the weakest, instead of in his usual position amongst the elite.
So, after finishing, do I have Mircea all figured out? Sadly not. There are still huge gaps in his backstory that I'd love to be filled. Can we have another two or three prequels please, KC?
Mircea is my favourite Karen Chance character. He's incredibly well-developed, with a depth that's often lacking within the 'sexy vampire' UF trope, though you have to read both the Cassie and Dory series to truly appreciate the different aspects of his personality. I was keen to get my hands on this book in the hope that I could figure out just what makes him tick.
Mircea of modern times is powerful, wealthy, stylish and assured. 15th century Mircea is starving, bedraggled and in jail at the start of the novel. All the older vamps in KC's books have stories to tell, and often these stories involve regret, loss and ill-treatment, and Mircea's tale is no different. Our former prince spends some of the book musing on how misfortune and sorrow are no respectors of rank or class. It's not all bitter introspection, though. Mircea is a survivor, after all. And some of the things he does to survive left me a little shocked, yes, shocked! And giggling furiously!
I think the book has a slightly different feel to the Cassie and Dory series. Whilst there are action scenes, they don't have the frenetic pace of the Cassie books. Nor is there much of the wise-cracking that pops up in the Dory series. Instead we get to see Mircea struggle to come to terms with his situation and find a way forward. There's a secondary plot involving power plays among the vampire rulers, with a few familiar faces popping up, and I liked the contrast of seeing Mircea floundering with the weakest, instead of in his usual position amongst the elite.
So, after finishing, do I have Mircea all figured out? Sadly not. There are still huge gaps in his backstory that I'd love to be filled. Can we have another two or three prequels please, KC?
May 19, 2024
The Masks We Wear
A whole book from Mircea's POV? *le sigh* Is there a more dignified, refined, sophisticated man on the face of the fictional planet? I think not. And even here, in his humble vampiric beginnings, during the rags phase of his riches-to-rags-and-back-to-riches-again story, he was still the Mircea we know and love. Yay!
MASKS is kind of everything you're thinking it's going to be, and a bit more besides. Yes, I missed the mad-cap narration of my girl Cassie. Yes, I missed all the regular Cassandra Palmer World peeps. But Mircea is, in my opinion, Chance's most well-crafted creation. I would never accuse an author of playing favourites - I mean, my goodness, it would be like picking your favourite kid, surely - but if the time and effort spent establishing a character is any indication of favour, then... he's totally hers!
So what is MASKS about? Well, it's set 2 years after Mircea was cursed with vampirism. Long enough for him to get a grip on his initial uncontrolable urges, but not long enough to establish any kind of position within the vampire world. As a masterless vampire, Mircea is easy pickings for anyone in search of a new plaything. So he, and his trusty, still-currently-human tutor, Horatiu, head to Venice, a supposedly "free" area and haven for masterless or abandoned young vamps. Or that's what it said on the brochure, anyway. Unfortunately for Mircea, it seems they used a fair bit of poetic license with that word "free"...
You may notice the page count here. 400-some pages. This is most certainly not novella length or novella-like in its plotting. It's well-crafted and exciting, just like all KC's other books. It does have a completely different tone, thanks to it being from Mircea's POV, but I really feel like, having read, it, I understand his character, and also his relationship with the consul, a whole lot better. So it's absolutely worth a read for that sneak peak alone. And aside from that, it's just a good read. I suppose it could be read as a stand alone, but I'm not sure I would recommend it. Better for fans of the series to use it to meet the "real Mircea", than for new readers to try and sample the Cassandra Palmer series via this entry, because, like I said, the tone is so completely different from all the other books, it wouldn't be a good indicator of what's to come.
A suave and elegant 4 Stars ★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A whole book from Mircea's POV? *le sigh* Is there a more dignified, refined, sophisticated man on the face of the fictional planet? I think not. And even here, in his humble vampiric beginnings, during the rags phase of his riches-to-rags-and-back-to-riches-again story, he was still the Mircea we know and love. Yay!
MASKS is kind of everything you're thinking it's going to be, and a bit more besides. Yes, I missed the mad-cap narration of my girl Cassie. Yes, I missed all the regular Cassandra Palmer World peeps. But Mircea is, in my opinion, Chance's most well-crafted creation. I would never accuse an author of playing favourites - I mean, my goodness, it would be like picking your favourite kid, surely - but if the time and effort spent establishing a character is any indication of favour, then... he's totally hers!
So what is MASKS about? Well, it's set 2 years after Mircea was cursed with vampirism. Long enough for him to get a grip on his initial uncontrolable urges, but not long enough to establish any kind of position within the vampire world. As a masterless vampire, Mircea is easy pickings for anyone in search of a new plaything. So he, and his trusty, still-currently-human tutor, Horatiu, head to Venice, a supposedly "free" area and haven for masterless or abandoned young vamps. Or that's what it said on the brochure, anyway. Unfortunately for Mircea, it seems they used a fair bit of poetic license with that word "free"...
You may notice the page count here. 400-some pages. This is most certainly not novella length or novella-like in its plotting. It's well-crafted and exciting, just like all KC's other books. It does have a completely different tone, thanks to it being from Mircea's POV, but I really feel like, having read, it, I understand his character, and also his relationship with the consul, a whole lot better. So it's absolutely worth a read for that sneak peak alone. And aside from that, it's just a good read. I suppose it could be read as a stand alone, but I'm not sure I would recommend it. Better for fans of the series to use it to meet the "real Mircea", than for new readers to try and sample the Cassandra Palmer series via this entry, because, like I said, the tone is so completely different from all the other books, it wouldn't be a good indicator of what's to come.
A suave and elegant 4 Stars ★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2014
See the main blurb for a plot summary.
What I liked:
An earlier look at Mircea before centuries of being a politician. It was nice to see a less guarded and manipulative Mircea.
A nice, ensemble of new characters and appearances of favorites from the main series.
The original consul - A very creepy, scary, and extremely powerful individual.
The bad guy - The individual had a very understandable, justifiable reason for wanting the target of their vengeance dead. Unfortunately, in their vendetta they became as callous and indifferent as their target.
The epilogue - It showcased my favorite side of Mircea.
No Cassie. I like Cassie but I didn't want a time travel story I wanted a Mircea story and that's what I got.
What I didn't like:
No Radu! I love that crazy, flamboyant man.
Warning, vague sort-of spoiler ahead...
It's not a dislike but I found it sad that the book ends with Mircea making the decision to not let his vampirism from obtaining something he wants more than anything else - but he makes the decision too late to have a positive outcome.
Highly, highly recommended for any Mircea or Basarab fans.
What I liked:
An earlier look at Mircea before centuries of being a politician. It was nice to see a less guarded and manipulative Mircea.
A nice, ensemble of new characters and appearances of favorites from the main series.
The original consul - A very creepy, scary, and extremely powerful individual.
The bad guy - The individual had a very understandable, justifiable reason for wanting the target of their vengeance dead. Unfortunately, in their vendetta they became as callous and indifferent as their target.
The epilogue - It showcased my favorite side of Mircea.
No Cassie. I like Cassie but I didn't want a time travel story I wanted a Mircea story and that's what I got.
What I didn't like:
No Radu! I love that crazy, flamboyant man.
Warning, vague sort-of spoiler ahead...
It's not a dislike but I found it sad that the book ends with Mircea making the decision to not let his vampirism from obtaining something he wants more than anything else - but he makes the decision too late to have a positive outcome.
Highly, highly recommended for any Mircea or Basarab fans.
January 12, 2015
I thought it was going to be a short story and it turned out to be a book, so I'm rounding up a little for the effort that went into writing it. But it wasn't really my cup of tea. A lot of that length was an excuse to write sex scenes that I wasn't interested in, I barely knew this Mircea and didn't feel a connection to him, I never got a sense of the compelling man that I knew from the other novels. I certainly didn't feel connected to the strangers he was with, it didn't do anything for me. But sexy books aren't my thing these days, others might enjoy it more. The general idea of showing what motivates Mircea, and some of the other major vampire players, was fine, I just don't know that it actually needed 400 pages. The parts about the super creepy consul and the senators, the action and politics, were all pretty good because it mattered to the overall story arc, it mattered to who Mircea became in the long run and how the vampire world developed, plus the characters were well drawn and more compelling. The parts about Mircea being a slave were less successful. I see that it also mattered as to his motivation long-term, but it didn't work very well because Mircea, the center of the story, was the least successful character in the book. I got who Jerome was, Bezio was crystal clear, but Mircea was a cypher, I couldn't picture him as anything distinct other than some random princeling with good manners. I knew a lot of things that had happened to him and what he thought about them, but there was nothing about him that was any different than any other guy in the world from a reader's perspective. He had no sense of humor or wit or sarcasm or anything that made him be different from the guy in a hundred of other books I could pick up. He was just a boring former prince. So, it was a free book, it was interesting to see how Chance imagined Mircea got his start as a vampire and what motivates a lot of his actions. It was also interesting to see what she imagines to be the foundation for a lot of the current the political structure and the current political players in the vampire world. It's always interesting to put the pieces together between the past and present when authors give you pieces of the puzzle over many books and in this case also different series to fit together as well. Dory made a rather adorable appearance at the end of the book that fans of her series should definitely enjoy. It was fun but not great.
July 3, 2020
The tenth within the Cassandra Palmer World urban fantasy series and 6.5 in the Cassandra Palmer series revolving around those beings who touch on Cassie Palmer's life. The focus here is on Mircea Basarab's early days in Venice.
My Take
It's weird to see Mircea so vulnerable and powerless; he's kept busy being prettied up and shelling peas and whatever other tasks Cook can find for them. Mircea is also learning about vampire life. What he should have learned from his Maker, and why family is so important to a vampire. It certainly explains why Mircea is such a great lover, why he treats his family as he does, and how Mircea achieved his current position in the Senate.
In the background, we learn of the wild and woolly vampire world that the Lady and Mircea, separately, want to change.
It's not critical to the Cassandra Palmer storyline, but it is a fascinating look at Mircea's back history with a few memories of his beloved wife, of the night he had to leave her, and a slight bit of Dorina at the end.
It's also a time for Mircea to reflect on the difference between having the power of a prince to being commanded to strip by a woman.
Poor Bezio. He's loyal without having meant to be, and I do have to feel for his being waxed, lol. As for Sanuito, that poor boy is also loyal, for no one has ever stood up for him before.
It took quite a while and a lot of convoluted thinking to figure out Sanuito's place in this plot. Thank god I was taking notes and could re-read and re-read it over and over. Oy. It's probably because Chance was using third person protagonist point-of-view from Mircea's perspective, and he sure was confusing as he laid it out for us.
We get some back history on today's consul and the one who made her. It's handy as we learn what caused Cleopatra to become the ruler she is in the vampire world.
While Venice appears to be quite the party town with breasts bared and whores common — your feet had better be covered up! Yep, there is a variety of action in this, from Mircea's being pimped out, to his self-reflections, to the rescues and chases he instigated. You won't be bored!
It will be the start of a new era for vampires.
The Story
Told golden stories of Venice as a place of refuge for vampires without a family, Mircea arrives to find it's a cesspit of corruption and violence.
The Characters
Prince Mircea Basarab is no longer a prince of Wallachia, but a poor vampire. Sighisoara had been his hometown; Târgoviste was his father's capital. Horatiu is his still-human servant, the tutor of his boyhood. The young, nimble-fingered, mischievous Dorina is the dhampir daughter he never knew about.
Bezio (formerly a blacksmith in Salerno with a wife, Jacopo, and two daughters, Sonia and Mea), Jerome is fascinated by hats (originally an apothecary), and Sanuito (a pockmarked son of a whore) are/were his cellmates.
Venice
Martina, a vampire, runs a brothel and is looking for fresh meat. Paulo, also a vampire, appears to be her majordomo and a bowing master. Her employees include Auria, Marte of the dimples and tinsel earrings, Danieli, Zaneta, and Besina. Lucca is a human who does odd jobs and tasting for the Cook.
Convocation is...
...a conference meeting in Venice of the vampire Senates throughout the world, including Cairo, Cathay, and Paris. Its leader is the Consul, the creature, a vampire who is over 5,000 years old and lives in the Egyptian desert. He Changed Cleopatra, who is today's consul. Back then she was a powerful senator, the Lady living in Paris where the Senate normally meets. Gregor and Antony are also senators and friends with Cleopatra. Hassani is the African consul in the Consul's pocket. Lucilla is Senator Marcellus' wife. Anoubias had been the name of one of Cleopatra's human servants way back in the day.
The Watch are the Venetian police. Zuane and Guilio are vendors. Jacopo is a tailor. Hieronimo is a role which mages take turns playing at the pub.
The Cover and Title
The cover is split in half with red tones on the top coloring our perception of Mircea (from nose to mid-chest) with his long tangled hair past his shoulders and an embossed black mask on the bottom. At the ends of Mircea's hair is an info blurb in white with the author's name immediately below this, also in white with a black shadow. Below the eyeholes of the mask is the the title in yellow, the first letter given a simple elaboration. Below the title is an interesting bit of series information in red. The publisher's name and logo is in the top right corner in white.
The title is about the Masks we all hide behind.
My Take
It's weird to see Mircea so vulnerable and powerless; he's kept busy being prettied up and shelling peas and whatever other tasks Cook can find for them. Mircea is also learning about vampire life. What he should have learned from his Maker, and why family is so important to a vampire. It certainly explains why Mircea is such a great lover, why he treats his family as he does, and how Mircea achieved his current position in the Senate.
In the background, we learn of the wild and woolly vampire world that the Lady and Mircea, separately, want to change.
It's not critical to the Cassandra Palmer storyline, but it is a fascinating look at Mircea's back history with a few memories of his beloved wife, of the night he had to leave her, and a slight bit of Dorina at the end.
It's also a time for Mircea to reflect on the difference between having the power of a prince to being commanded to strip by a woman.
Poor Bezio. He's loyal without having meant to be, and I do have to feel for his being waxed, lol. As for Sanuito, that poor boy is also loyal, for no one has ever stood up for him before.
It took quite a while and a lot of convoluted thinking to figure out Sanuito's place in this plot. Thank god I was taking notes and could re-read and re-read it over and over. Oy. It's probably because Chance was using third person protagonist point-of-view from Mircea's perspective, and he sure was confusing as he laid it out for us.
We get some back history on today's consul and the one who made her. It's handy as we learn what caused Cleopatra to become the ruler she is in the vampire world.
While Venice appears to be quite the party town with breasts bared and whores common — your feet had better be covered up! Yep, there is a variety of action in this, from Mircea's being pimped out, to his self-reflections, to the rescues and chases he instigated. You won't be bored!
It will be the start of a new era for vampires.
The Story
Told golden stories of Venice as a place of refuge for vampires without a family, Mircea arrives to find it's a cesspit of corruption and violence.
The Characters
Prince Mircea Basarab is no longer a prince of Wallachia, but a poor vampire. Sighisoara had been his hometown; Târgoviste was his father's capital. Horatiu is his still-human servant, the tutor of his boyhood. The young, nimble-fingered, mischievous Dorina is the dhampir daughter he never knew about.
Bezio (formerly a blacksmith in Salerno with a wife, Jacopo, and two daughters, Sonia and Mea), Jerome is fascinated by hats (originally an apothecary), and Sanuito (a pockmarked son of a whore) are/were his cellmates.
Venice
Martina, a vampire, runs a brothel and is looking for fresh meat. Paulo, also a vampire, appears to be her majordomo and a bowing master. Her employees include Auria, Marte of the dimples and tinsel earrings, Danieli, Zaneta, and Besina. Lucca is a human who does odd jobs and tasting for the Cook.
Convocation is...
...a conference meeting in Venice of the vampire Senates throughout the world, including Cairo, Cathay, and Paris. Its leader is the Consul, the creature, a vampire who is over 5,000 years old and lives in the Egyptian desert. He Changed Cleopatra, who is today's consul. Back then she was a powerful senator, the Lady living in Paris where the Senate normally meets. Gregor and Antony are also senators and friends with Cleopatra. Hassani is the African consul in the Consul's pocket. Lucilla is Senator Marcellus' wife. Anoubias had been the name of one of Cleopatra's human servants way back in the day.
The Watch are the Venetian police. Zuane and Guilio are vendors. Jacopo is a tailor. Hieronimo is a role which mages take turns playing at the pub.
The Cover and Title
The cover is split in half with red tones on the top coloring our perception of Mircea (from nose to mid-chest) with his long tangled hair past his shoulders and an embossed black mask on the bottom. At the ends of Mircea's hair is an info blurb in white with the author's name immediately below this, also in white with a black shadow. Below the eyeholes of the mask is the the title in yellow, the first letter given a simple elaboration. Below the title is an interesting bit of series information in red. The publisher's name and logo is in the top right corner in white.
The title is about the Masks we all hide behind.
May 7, 2014
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
While I’d have to go back and read all of Karen Chance’s books again to be sure, I am pretty sure MASKS is my favorite. I always loved Mircea as a character and been disappointed when he was fairly absent in the last Cassandra Palmer book, and the opportunity to have a book devoted all to him was pretty awesome.
To be perfectly honest, it took me a while to really get into Karen Chance’s writing. I started with Cassie’s series, but it took Dory’s series and a second try at Cassie before I really started to enjoy them, so I was a little worried about the possibility that I wasn’t going to enjoy MASKS. Sure, it stars Mircea, a character who appears in both series, but MASKS is also a historical paranormal, and stars Mircea from way back before he’s a master (which for me was a large part of his appeal, the power) – it could have fallen really flat. Not to mention the idea started out as a freebie novella. Luckily, MASKS totally worked for me. Now, I’m just upset that we don’t have more to read about Mircea’s back story.
My one complaint was that at times, the sheer number of characters was a bit overwhelming. I suppose I should be used to it, since it’s not as if Cassie’s books ever skimp on people, but since this is a stand-alone, there obviously isn’t going to be the investment in each individual that you’ll get in a series. Otherwise, I loved reading about the vampire politics, and Mircea as a newly created vampire was a wonder. His thinking seemed so much different than his thinking now, and it was fascinating to get inside his head, since that’s one place I always want to be in the Cassie series. Not to mention the action, mystery, and relationships (Mircea’s friendships especially) that keep the plot moving along and make sure the reader is always occupied.
For a fan of the Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab series, MASKS is a must-read. While not perfect, it is an awesome addition to the world, and gives some great back-story of a main character and vampire politics as we know them from their modern day counterparts. Even if you aren’t a fan, I think MASKS offers plenty for you. Since it’s back-story, this isn’t like jumping in at the middle of the series, and like I said, the story moves along at quite a clip, so readers not familiar with Mircea should find it interesting while they’re getting to know him. If you’re curious, I would definitely try it out – and have Dory’s books on order, because I’m confident you’ll want to move directly to them.
Sexual Content: Several sex scenes, scenes with sexual actions and dubious consent
While I’d have to go back and read all of Karen Chance’s books again to be sure, I am pretty sure MASKS is my favorite. I always loved Mircea as a character and been disappointed when he was fairly absent in the last Cassandra Palmer book, and the opportunity to have a book devoted all to him was pretty awesome.
To be perfectly honest, it took me a while to really get into Karen Chance’s writing. I started with Cassie’s series, but it took Dory’s series and a second try at Cassie before I really started to enjoy them, so I was a little worried about the possibility that I wasn’t going to enjoy MASKS. Sure, it stars Mircea, a character who appears in both series, but MASKS is also a historical paranormal, and stars Mircea from way back before he’s a master (which for me was a large part of his appeal, the power) – it could have fallen really flat. Not to mention the idea started out as a freebie novella. Luckily, MASKS totally worked for me. Now, I’m just upset that we don’t have more to read about Mircea’s back story.
My one complaint was that at times, the sheer number of characters was a bit overwhelming. I suppose I should be used to it, since it’s not as if Cassie’s books ever skimp on people, but since this is a stand-alone, there obviously isn’t going to be the investment in each individual that you’ll get in a series. Otherwise, I loved reading about the vampire politics, and Mircea as a newly created vampire was a wonder. His thinking seemed so much different than his thinking now, and it was fascinating to get inside his head, since that’s one place I always want to be in the Cassie series. Not to mention the action, mystery, and relationships (Mircea’s friendships especially) that keep the plot moving along and make sure the reader is always occupied.
For a fan of the Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab series, MASKS is a must-read. While not perfect, it is an awesome addition to the world, and gives some great back-story of a main character and vampire politics as we know them from their modern day counterparts. Even if you aren’t a fan, I think MASKS offers plenty for you. Since it’s back-story, this isn’t like jumping in at the middle of the series, and like I said, the story moves along at quite a clip, so readers not familiar with Mircea should find it interesting while they’re getting to know him. If you’re curious, I would definitely try it out – and have Dory’s books on order, because I’m confident you’ll want to move directly to them.
Sexual Content: Several sex scenes, scenes with sexual actions and dubious consent
February 5, 2018
I actually read this book several years ago, and while looking for the upcoming Dorina Basarb novel realized I had not marked it as 'read' for some reason.
Masks is an excellent story. In the main Cassie Palmer series, we get to learn a little bit about Mircea's history: that he fled to Venice as a newly turned vampire, seeking refuge. Masks delves into that time period. It's fascinating because of the detail Chance put into the research: Medieval Venice really comes to life. I could really almost "see" the details of the book in my imagination as Chance described lavish palazzos and elaborate costumes.
The story also had the effect of endearing Mircea to me. In the main series we see him completely in control: he is suave and manipulative and will stop at nothing to get what he really wants. But here, Mircea is still a young man trying to get back on his feet. This story throws him off balance, and it highlights how adaptable and quick-witted he is.
It also explains a lot of his current personality: Mircea back then was totally helpless, at the mercy of the older and more powerful vampires in the city. In a way he was even worse off than some human inhabitants, because he had no way of earning a living in the human world. The things Mircea is forced to do to support himself must have driven home the need to always be independent, especially when his 'work' takes him inside the home of wealthier vampires and he sees what power can buy him. Incidentally, we also meet the young Consul in this book. Turns out she and Mircea go way back, which explains her conflicting attitude toward him in the main series: she trusts him, because of how long she has known him, but she is afraid of him because she has seen exactly how crafty Mircea can be.
This book takes place entirely out of the main series' continuity. You don't really need to know anything about the other characters for this to make sense. However some of the world-building, like how the vampire hierarchy works, only takes place in the main series. So this probably isn't your best entry point into Chance's work because you will be seeing some crucial background information.
That being said: if you only read the Cassie books, or you only read the Dory books, Masks will still make sense to you.
Masks is an excellent story. In the main Cassie Palmer series, we get to learn a little bit about Mircea's history: that he fled to Venice as a newly turned vampire, seeking refuge. Masks delves into that time period. It's fascinating because of the detail Chance put into the research: Medieval Venice really comes to life. I could really almost "see" the details of the book in my imagination as Chance described lavish palazzos and elaborate costumes.
The story also had the effect of endearing Mircea to me. In the main series we see him completely in control: he is suave and manipulative and will stop at nothing to get what he really wants. But here, Mircea is still a young man trying to get back on his feet. This story throws him off balance, and it highlights how adaptable and quick-witted he is.
It also explains a lot of his current personality: Mircea back then was totally helpless, at the mercy of the older and more powerful vampires in the city. In a way he was even worse off than some human inhabitants, because he had no way of earning a living in the human world. The things Mircea is forced to do to support himself must have driven home the need to always be independent, especially when his 'work' takes him inside the home of wealthier vampires and he sees what power can buy him. Incidentally, we also meet the young Consul in this book. Turns out she and Mircea go way back, which explains her conflicting attitude toward him in the main series: she trusts him, because of how long she has known him, but she is afraid of him because she has seen exactly how crafty Mircea can be.
This book takes place entirely out of the main series' continuity. You don't really need to know anything about the other characters for this to make sense. However some of the world-building, like how the vampire hierarchy works, only takes place in the main series. So this probably isn't your best entry point into Chance's work because you will be seeing some crucial background information.
That being said: if you only read the Cassie books, or you only read the Dory books, Masks will still make sense to you.
March 23, 2014
9/10: Fantastic, left me wanting more.
I am utterly surprised that I liked this so much. Which is a strange thing for me to say, because I love Karen Chance.
But the third person perspective, (not my preferred), the historical aspect, (I've shelved this under historical-romance, but it's not a romance, I just can't be bothered making a new shelf just for this - historical is also not my bag, baby!), the fact that there was no Cassie & we had a Mircea without power, ignorant of vampires, and nowhere near a Senator - all the things I love about The Cassie Palmer Series - made me think this wouldn't go down well.
No need to worry, this is Karen Chance we're talking about and she does not let us down.
It reeled me in and took me for a ride. I adored it. I fell for the side characters, wished I could follow their story some more. Even found a less manipulating Mircea intriguing, if not the alpha male I've come to love. It was an eye opener in any case.
Well done Karen Chance. Wonderful insight into Mircea & yet another wonderfully well written book.
Yes, it's not free as promised, but heck yes it's worth purchasing. Don't deny yourself this opportunity to see a different Mircea just because Karen's publishers are prats. Well worth the read.
I am utterly surprised that I liked this so much. Which is a strange thing for me to say, because I love Karen Chance.
But the third person perspective, (not my preferred), the historical aspect, (I've shelved this under historical-romance, but it's not a romance, I just can't be bothered making a new shelf just for this - historical is also not my bag, baby!), the fact that there was no Cassie & we had a Mircea without power, ignorant of vampires, and nowhere near a Senator - all the things I love about The Cassie Palmer Series - made me think this wouldn't go down well.
No need to worry, this is Karen Chance we're talking about and she does not let us down.
It reeled me in and took me for a ride. I adored it. I fell for the side characters, wished I could follow their story some more. Even found a less manipulating Mircea intriguing, if not the alpha male I've come to love. It was an eye opener in any case.
Well done Karen Chance. Wonderful insight into Mircea & yet another wonderfully well written book.
Yes, it's not free as promised, but heck yes it's worth purchasing. Don't deny yourself this opportunity to see a different Mircea just because Karen's publishers are prats. Well worth the read.
March 10, 2019
4,5/5
March 13, 2024
Los primeros tiempos de Mircea como vampiro. Con lo poderoso que es, se me hizo rarísimo verle tan endeble y desvalido, tan fácilmente abusable, tan perdido.
Venía de la nobleza rumana y sabía de luchar y de política, cosas que más adelante le ayudaron pero en esos momentos de indefensión y debilidad, no le servían de nada.
Una novela curiosa. Entretenida. Autores en GL Bis
Venía de la nobleza rumana y sabía de luchar y de política, cosas que más adelante le ayudaron pero en esos momentos de indefensión y debilidad, no le servían de nada.
Una novela curiosa. Entretenida. Autores en GL Bis
August 2, 2017
I loved well written prequel stories and this is one of the best. Mircea is such a wonderful character and his friends are so crazy and fun.
did-not-finish
September 27, 2019Tem uma hora que devemos reconhecer a derrota e desistir rsrs
Talvez um dia eu volte e leia.
Talvez um dia eu volte e leia.
April 24, 2014
Mircea Basarab is a vampire who readers of Chance's Cassandra Palmer series are well acquainted with. In Masks, Mircea is no longer the confidant, powerful centuries old vampire whom we have come to know. Masks travels back to fifteenth century Europe where Mircea is a newborn vampire, trying to adjust to his new undead life. Even though Mircea is powerless relative to the courtesan who owns him, the senator who is intrigued by him. Though she has bigger fish to fry dealing with a consul who has most certainly gone mad. There are certainly good and bad vampires but when powerful vampires with unknown goals, grievances and priorities take interest in a newborn, it can be a dangerous thing, as Mircea is about to find out.
I have read all of the Cassandra Palmer's World and so when I learned about Masks, I jumped quickly on this book. To see a different side to Mircea, was a huge hook for me. Though Mircea doesn't know much about what it means to be a vampire, he really isn't that different than the character we have come to know. He continues to be confidant in his abilities and hyper aware of the world around him. Even though Mircea is essentially a slave and a prostitute, he eschews this label and instead sees himself as a free man in a precarious situation.
Chance doesn't go as far as to give us an origin story for vampires but she does widen the world by telling us of the different ways in which a vampire can be made and the various talents they are capable of. This means that you cannot take any of the characters at face value. It's a constant game of politics.
Being a former Prince, Mircea is a vampire with a lot of preconceived notions. He thinks about the castles, power and wealth that he lost and it is not until he meets Bezio that his perspective on the world really changes. Chance uses Bezio, a former farmer made vampire against his will to discuss class poignantly. To the poor, powerless person, it doesn't matter who is going rule because it essentially will not change their day to day life. Chance also uses Bezio to talk about loss. Mircea grieved for all of his worldly losses but it was Bezio who points out that as a poor man, he didn't lose any less; it was just valued less because he is poor. One's home, one's family and one's identity is sometimes all someone has and that is worth something. I loved their discussions and how it taught Mircea to look at power and identity differently. I do however feel that some of the good work was undone with Marta and her revenge. Poverty exists because of an imbalance and greed and the way her storyline ended made it seem as though she was not entitled to her rage for the wrongs done her.
Read More
I have read all of the Cassandra Palmer's World and so when I learned about Masks, I jumped quickly on this book. To see a different side to Mircea, was a huge hook for me. Though Mircea doesn't know much about what it means to be a vampire, he really isn't that different than the character we have come to know. He continues to be confidant in his abilities and hyper aware of the world around him. Even though Mircea is essentially a slave and a prostitute, he eschews this label and instead sees himself as a free man in a precarious situation.
Chance doesn't go as far as to give us an origin story for vampires but she does widen the world by telling us of the different ways in which a vampire can be made and the various talents they are capable of. This means that you cannot take any of the characters at face value. It's a constant game of politics.
Being a former Prince, Mircea is a vampire with a lot of preconceived notions. He thinks about the castles, power and wealth that he lost and it is not until he meets Bezio that his perspective on the world really changes. Chance uses Bezio, a former farmer made vampire against his will to discuss class poignantly. To the poor, powerless person, it doesn't matter who is going rule because it essentially will not change their day to day life. Chance also uses Bezio to talk about loss. Mircea grieved for all of his worldly losses but it was Bezio who points out that as a poor man, he didn't lose any less; it was just valued less because he is poor. One's home, one's family and one's identity is sometimes all someone has and that is worth something. I loved their discussions and how it taught Mircea to look at power and identity differently. I do however feel that some of the good work was undone with Marta and her revenge. Poverty exists because of an imbalance and greed and the way her storyline ended made it seem as though she was not entitled to her rage for the wrongs done her.
Read More
next-in-series
October 29, 2016Mar 20, 2014 (before reading)
Me haz it!
On my ADE reader, it has 349 pages. Even considering the front/back matters, that's longer than most books.
Karen, you are awesome just for thinking to give this away for free!
Feb 14, 2014 (before reading)
What happened to this? It didn't even come out, and it has just vanished from the author's website.
Feb 20, 2014 (before reading)
There were some contractual issues with Penguin concerning this "too-lenghty" novella released for free. As I understand it, it will come out in the next few months not as a self-pubbed freebie but as an ebook special for Penguin.
Here an explanation on KC's website: http://www.karenchance.com/news/masks...
KC has promised other free novellas in the future, so all is well that ends well :)
Me haz it!
On my ADE reader, it has 349 pages. Even considering the front/back matters, that's longer than most books.
Karen, you are awesome just for thinking to give this away for free!
Feb 14, 2014 (before reading)
What happened to this? It didn't even come out, and it has just vanished from the author's website.
Feb 20, 2014 (before reading)
There were some contractual issues with Penguin concerning this "too-lenghty" novella released for free. As I understand it, it will come out in the next few months not as a self-pubbed freebie but as an ebook special for Penguin.
Here an explanation on KC's website: http://www.karenchance.com/news/masks...
KC has promised other free novellas in the future, so all is well that ends well :)
April 29, 2016
A young Mircea - now that was very different from how I've gotten to know him in the other books. I didn't expect him to be that hilarious in his younger days hehe.
The story itself was a bit confusing at times what with all the back and forth but it was an enjoyable read and I would happily read a few more stories like this one set in between the end of this particular book and the beginning of the Cassie series. There is a looot more to tell after all.
Also there are a handful of characters I wouldn't mind getting to know better to hear more about their stories and what has become of them in later years.
The story itself was a bit confusing at times what with all the back and forth but it was an enjoyable read and I would happily read a few more stories like this one set in between the end of this particular book and the beginning of the Cassie series. There is a looot more to tell after all.
Also there are a handful of characters I wouldn't mind getting to know better to hear more about their stories and what has become of them in later years.
September 3, 2018
Mircea is not my favorite of the series, but this was a good insight into his character.It was a bit eye opening to see him in such a weak position compared to where he is now.
I admit to not liking him too much and thinking that he got over his wife pretty quick... but I also confess I detest the playboy/man-whore type of character so he already had negative marks against him when I started this book
I liked the investigation parts, out smarting the bad guys, and seeing old characters before they ... were old. lol It was wow to see how the Consal and Anthony got started. I almost liked her in this book, hah.
I admit to not liking him too much and thinking that he got over his wife pretty quick... but I also confess I detest the playboy/man-whore type of character so he already had negative marks against him when I started this book
I liked the investigation parts, out smarting the bad guys, and seeing old characters before they ... were old. lol It was wow to see how the Consal and Anthony got started. I almost liked her in this book, hah.
June 26, 2019
Masks is a novel from Mircea’s POV starting a few years after he became a vampire. If you’re reading the series in order this can be read any time after Fury’s Kiss. But there really aren’t many spoilers for the series.
We get to learn more about Mircea’s motivation and how he thinks. We also get to meet the Consul, which is one of my favorite parts.
I think the only thing I don’t like about this book is it makes it harder to hate Mircea. He manipulates Cassie and Dory so much but now we get to see the world from his perspective.
We get to learn more about Mircea’s motivation and how he thinks. We also get to meet the Consul, which is one of my favorite parts.
I think the only thing I don’t like about this book is it makes it harder to hate Mircea. He manipulates Cassie and Dory so much but now we get to see the world from his perspective.
July 1, 2014
I admit I am not a Cassie Palmer fan. I AM a rabid Dory fan and love Lia, and Dory and Mircea are somewhat of a set. So, I was eager to read Masks...and it is awesome! We get glimpses of the vampire Mircea becomes, as well as the man he was, set in a story of his earliest years, as he struggles to survive in the nightmare his life has become. Masks has darkness, but Jerome, Bezia, Auria and Paulo are often hysterically funny. The glimpse of child Dory is enchanting and so sad; now, I want to read Dory's books for the hundreth time.
tbr-series-sequels-x
December 24, 2014Was going to be a freebie short story, turned into something much longer...
Read Karen's post here for more info on its release.
Read Karen's post here for more info on its release.
As for Masks, Penguin plans to bring it out as an e-book special. No, they haven’t told me when. I will post an update whenever they do. If it does well as an e-book, they may bring it out in paperback, but that’s not the plan right now. No audio. That is all I know.
May 28, 2020
Historical Venice plus vampires! Very interesting to see Mircea meet the Consul as a powerless baby vamp, so different from the smooth senator we know in the Cassie and Dorina present day series. Well-plotted and with plenty of action.
June 30, 2019
Masks is the first and only novel (so far) written entirely from the perspective of Lord Mircea. Granted, this entire novel is also set before he became a lord. This is the tale of how he learned to be a proper political vampire.
Originally this was supposed to be a novella, but it ended up growing and growing until it became the novel it is today. It's absolutely perfect for those that adore Mircea, and wouldn't mind seeing a whole lot more of him.
Masks is numbered at 6.5 in the series, and you should probably read it at that time. Not because there will be spoilers – it's set far back in Mircea's past, after all – but because that'll be the moment when you'll be the most ready to learn about our leading character. Or at least, that is how it worked for me.
Because I’m doing a reread with a group of people (the Karen Chance Street Team – message me if you want to know more about it) I’m also going to include the discussion prompts we’ve been using. That will be at the end of the review, so if you’re curious, check it out.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Originally this was supposed to be a novella, but it ended up growing and growing until it became the novel it is today. It's absolutely perfect for those that adore Mircea, and wouldn't mind seeing a whole lot more of him.
Masks is numbered at 6.5 in the series, and you should probably read it at that time. Not because there will be spoilers – it's set far back in Mircea's past, after all – but because that'll be the moment when you'll be the most ready to learn about our leading character. Or at least, that is how it worked for me.
Because I’m doing a reread with a group of people (the Karen Chance Street Team – message me if you want to know more about it) I’m also going to include the discussion prompts we’ve been using. That will be at the end of the review, so if you’re curious, check it out.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
March 25, 2014
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
Venice in the 15th century was supposed to be a ‘free’ place for vampires. Somewhere masterless vampires could go without the fear of persecution. It’s the place where Mircea Basarab finds himself after being cursed with vampirism for only two years.
He hadn’t been there long before he was taken in by the Watch for reasons unknown. From there he was sold into a brothel to be a courtesan. Mircea’s new role is especially important now because the Consul is coming to Venice for the annual convocation. When Mircea finds himself in the bed of a very powerful senator he doesn’t understand that this may be the opportunity he’s been looking for to get back to his former princely glory. But when tensions rise between Consul and senator, Mircea has to decide what he really wants his future to be.
Masks was interesting in that we get to see a Mircea pre-power. He doesn’t have all the confidence and powers that we’ve come to associate with him in the Cassie and Dory books. He doesn’t yet understand the power structures of a vampire family and the benefits and disadvantages. Everything else, for me, in this story felt secondary. Karen Chance tries to spice things up a little giving Mircea a mystery to solve which only further serves the purpose of showing Mircea’s true personality.
I’ve never been a particular fan of Mircea’s in the Cassie series. I don’t know what to think of his oftentimes-mysterious motives when it comes to Cassie being the Pythia and his connection to her. I much prefer the Mircea we see in Dory’s series—the father. It definitely puts him in a completely different light, one I actually like.
Masks accomplishes the same thing. The reader gets to see Mircea as newly turned. To see the beginnings of the vampire/man he will become when both series start. Upon first starting Masks I didn’t understand why Karen Chance chose to tell this particular time in Mircea’s life from his POV when he’s lived such a long life, but after finishing the story I understand. This is the moment that not only shapes him, but is also the beginning of what will turn out to be the senate and Consul that we know from the two main series.
Masks is definitely a book that can be read separately from the other series. If you have read Dory and Cassie’s stories, Masks only enhances those two worlds. Chance took this great opportunity to show a sympathetic yet still strong, if a bit naïve, Mircea. My attitude as a whole has been changed toward Mircea (although not in regards to Cassie), and I would definitely be interested in reading more about his early life should Chance choose to write it.
Venice in the 15th century was supposed to be a ‘free’ place for vampires. Somewhere masterless vampires could go without the fear of persecution. It’s the place where Mircea Basarab finds himself after being cursed with vampirism for only two years.
He hadn’t been there long before he was taken in by the Watch for reasons unknown. From there he was sold into a brothel to be a courtesan. Mircea’s new role is especially important now because the Consul is coming to Venice for the annual convocation. When Mircea finds himself in the bed of a very powerful senator he doesn’t understand that this may be the opportunity he’s been looking for to get back to his former princely glory. But when tensions rise between Consul and senator, Mircea has to decide what he really wants his future to be.
Masks was interesting in that we get to see a Mircea pre-power. He doesn’t have all the confidence and powers that we’ve come to associate with him in the Cassie and Dory books. He doesn’t yet understand the power structures of a vampire family and the benefits and disadvantages. Everything else, for me, in this story felt secondary. Karen Chance tries to spice things up a little giving Mircea a mystery to solve which only further serves the purpose of showing Mircea’s true personality.
I’ve never been a particular fan of Mircea’s in the Cassie series. I don’t know what to think of his oftentimes-mysterious motives when it comes to Cassie being the Pythia and his connection to her. I much prefer the Mircea we see in Dory’s series—the father. It definitely puts him in a completely different light, one I actually like.
Masks accomplishes the same thing. The reader gets to see Mircea as newly turned. To see the beginnings of the vampire/man he will become when both series start. Upon first starting Masks I didn’t understand why Karen Chance chose to tell this particular time in Mircea’s life from his POV when he’s lived such a long life, but after finishing the story I understand. This is the moment that not only shapes him, but is also the beginning of what will turn out to be the senate and Consul that we know from the two main series.
Masks is definitely a book that can be read separately from the other series. If you have read Dory and Cassie’s stories, Masks only enhances those two worlds. Chance took this great opportunity to show a sympathetic yet still strong, if a bit naïve, Mircea. My attitude as a whole has been changed toward Mircea (although not in regards to Cassie), and I would definitely be interested in reading more about his early life should Chance choose to write it.
April 15, 2014
Set in fifteenth century Venice, Masks brings us the tale of how Mircea Basarab, a familiar character from Karen Chance’s Cassandra Palmer series, began his life as a vampire. Venice is a haven for masterless vampires and as a Mircea was cursed rather than made into a vampire, he is as masterless as he can get. But Venice isn’t quite the beacon of safety he thought it would be, captured by slavers and bought by a brothel mistress Mircea has gone from Prince to whore. But the senate is coming to Venice, giving Mircea an opportunity to become more, but with the senate comes an assassin with centuries worth of hatred and a plot to take down an ancient queen.
I am a huge fan of Karen Chance, I have yet to read a book by her that I didn’t love and Masks isn’t breaking that winning streak. Mircea is already a character I know and adore from her Cassandra Palmer and Dorina Basarab series, so having a book showing how he started vampire life is a real treat. However, although I do keep mentioning him in association with other series don’t be afraid to pick this up if you are new to Karen Chance, no prior knowledge of her other series are required for this book.
What I liked most about this book, was finally seeing inside Mircea’s head, he is normally so inscrutable and self possessed, seeing him so young (in a vampire sense), confused and struggling endeared him to me so much more than seeing any display of power. He is a classic hero, noble even whilst in the gutter, a natural leader doing his best to help those weaker than himself *cue heartfelt sighs* not to mention wickedly hot.
Masks was also more introspective than I was expecting, normally with a Karen Chance novel I expect to be dizzy afterwards from all the near misses with the grim reaper, from crazy flying car rides to battles with an impossible foe, and although there is a good amount of action in this book it also gave you room to breath. This allows you to soak in the atmosphere of Venice, the gaiety and decadence as well as the sensuality.
This was a fantastic read, once again Karen Chance has written a book that I had difficulty putting down, it had an interesting story with some great characters, both familiar and new leaving more excited to read whatever she has in store for us next
* ARC provided by publisher
September 22, 2022
I was honestly very bored with a lot of this novella. There were bits and pieces sprinkled in that kept me reading, but I was bored for a great majority of my reading experience. Ms. Chance also did that thing where she info-dumped the “twist” for about three chapters. I was not pleased.
Masks just felt really tedious, to me. It’s a portion of Mircea’s backstory punctuated by a flashback of right after her was turned. It just seemed to go on and on forever. Seriously, an almost blow-by-blow account of Mircea’s time in Venice, during which we meet some characters who mostly don’t seem to matter in the grand scheme of the Cassie Palmer/Dorina Basarab universe. I guess I don’t actually know that, as far as I haven’t finished the series yet, but… yeah. Given how far back in time this is versus the present day setting of the series and Cassie’s utter lack of knowledge of Mircea’s past… yeah… I don’t really see Bezio and Jerome and Auria showing up in the main books.
I also think the sheet amount of sex in the book was also a turn off (pardon the pun). I don’t have a problem with sex scenes being in books, I think it’s healthy to show every part of life, however, personally, I’ve been skimming or skipping the sex scenes for years. Too much saturation of sex stuff personally from the massive amounts I’d get in fanfiction when I was younger… so having this part of Mircea’s life be when he was forced to be a whore in Venice and everyone around him being oversexed… yeah… not a fun read for me.
It was kind of nice to get “The Consul’s” identity confirmed. It’s heavily inferred in the Cassie books, but I like actually knowing the names of characters.
Basically, if you’re super interested in how Mircea’s life went directly after his Change or are interested in how “The Consul” came to power, read this. If you’re not interested in either of those things, skip this.
Also, on a separate note, whoever edited the Wiki for this universe and put Masks at this point in the chronological reading order DOES NOT understand what chronological means. Or else I just don't understand why this is at this point in the reading order... really feel it should have been muuuuuch earlier.
Masks just felt really tedious, to me. It’s a portion of Mircea’s backstory punctuated by a flashback of right after her was turned. It just seemed to go on and on forever. Seriously, an almost blow-by-blow account of Mircea’s time in Venice, during which we meet some characters who mostly don’t seem to matter in the grand scheme of the Cassie Palmer/Dorina Basarab universe. I guess I don’t actually know that, as far as I haven’t finished the series yet, but… yeah. Given how far back in time this is versus the present day setting of the series and Cassie’s utter lack of knowledge of Mircea’s past… yeah… I don’t really see Bezio and Jerome and Auria showing up in the main books.
I also think the sheet amount of sex in the book was also a turn off (pardon the pun). I don’t have a problem with sex scenes being in books, I think it’s healthy to show every part of life, however, personally, I’ve been skimming or skipping the sex scenes for years. Too much saturation of sex stuff personally from the massive amounts I’d get in fanfiction when I was younger… so having this part of Mircea’s life be when he was forced to be a whore in Venice and everyone around him being oversexed… yeah… not a fun read for me.
It was kind of nice to get “The Consul’s” identity confirmed. It’s heavily inferred in the Cassie books, but I like actually knowing the names of characters.
Basically, if you’re super interested in how Mircea’s life went directly after his Change or are interested in how “The Consul” came to power, read this. If you’re not interested in either of those things, skip this.
Also, on a separate note, whoever edited the Wiki for this universe and put Masks at this point in the chronological reading order DOES NOT understand what chronological means. Or else I just don't understand why this is at this point in the reading order... really feel it should have been muuuuuch earlier.
April 24, 2014
In fact more or less 3,5 =)
A book I struggled to rate because there is very good stuff and not-so-good stuff.
To sum up the story, we discover here the beginnings of Mircea as a vampire, immersed in a conspiracy to kill the future Consul, and how he came to mix with the most prestigious circles while he was only a mere newborn vampire.
First, the negative stuff.
Some parts (including the beginning)seemed a little too long and fastidious (especially the sex scenes ... I'm not usually against sex scenes but here ... Well I don't know, I felt like they were in the way). The story took a lot of time to set up and the action was sometimes too slow, which is a shame because that makes me almost give up and I would have missing out on a real great book.
Because yeah, the book was up to what the author had told us !! The historian in me squealed with joy when I discover the Venice of the fifteenth century with its strange habits and customs, its colorful inhabitants (even there, mages were already mad =)), its so special architecture and all the little details which made me read this book in one go !! And all the little allusions to famous people who are in fact vampires (This one goes out to the vampire who says he discovered a land on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean ... and nobody believes him =))!
I loved discovering Mircea younger, always noble and so endearing, but I especially loved seeing the two future Consuls, Cleopatra and Antony, caught up in the midst of a political turmoil. Usually, we only have glimpses of Cleopatra (I'm not talking about Antoine whom we only see in Dory series but he was already a badass warrior =)) but seeing her this young and learning all this stuff about her story ... it was great !!
I loved the characters of Bezio, Jerome and Auria (who is the only one with whom the sex scenes were not superfluous !!) who added a welcomed touch of humor =)
In short, a to-read especially if you have already read the other books of the other series because it sheds a new light on the complex and mysterious Mircea =) (though Pritkins stays my favorite ... But well it's another story ><)
A book I struggled to rate because there is very good stuff and not-so-good stuff.
To sum up the story, we discover here the beginnings of Mircea as a vampire, immersed in a conspiracy to kill the future Consul, and how he came to mix with the most prestigious circles while he was only a mere newborn vampire.
First, the negative stuff.
Some parts (including the beginning)seemed a little too long and fastidious (especially the sex scenes ... I'm not usually against sex scenes but here ... Well I don't know, I felt like they were in the way). The story took a lot of time to set up and the action was sometimes too slow, which is a shame because that makes me almost give up and I would have missing out on a real great book.
Because yeah, the book was up to what the author had told us !! The historian in me squealed with joy when I discover the Venice of the fifteenth century with its strange habits and customs, its colorful inhabitants (even there, mages were already mad =)), its so special architecture and all the little details which made me read this book in one go !! And all the little allusions to famous people who are in fact vampires (This one goes out to the vampire who says he discovered a land on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean ... and nobody believes him =))!
I loved discovering Mircea younger, always noble and so endearing, but I especially loved seeing the two future Consuls, Cleopatra and Antony, caught up in the midst of a political turmoil. Usually, we only have glimpses of Cleopatra (I'm not talking about Antoine whom we only see in Dory series but he was already a badass warrior =)) but seeing her this young and learning all this stuff about her story ... it was great !!
I loved the characters of Bezio, Jerome and Auria (who is the only one with whom the sex scenes were not superfluous !!) who added a welcomed touch of humor =)
In short, a to-read especially if you have already read the other books of the other series because it sheds a new light on the complex and mysterious Mircea =) (though Pritkins stays my favorite ... But well it's another story ><)
May 24, 2014
For fans of the Cassie Palmer series, Masks is a chance to learn more about one of the series’ more enigmatic characters, Mircea Basaraab. As a reader who is 100% Team Pritkin, I had hoped this book would make me a bit more sympathetic toward him. (After all, in the Cassie books, he is smooth, polished and manipulative.) And yes, on some level, it did help me understand him better. But overall, this book didn’t have the magic that Cassie series holds for me. In fact, I struggled to make it through to the end.
This is a prequel that takes us back to the years immediately following Mircea’s change into a vampire. He’s captured, sold as a slave, and then turned into a whore. It’s a difficult transition for a man who lived his life as a warlord and a prince. To make an incredibly long story short, all the vampire rulers are in Venice as he starts working in the brothel. He catches the eye of a powerful female senator who, at the same time, ends up in a life and death power struggle with the ruling consul. Mircea finds himself at the center of the intrigue, just as he comes to terms with his new life as baby vamp with minimal strength and no political power.
This was originally intended to be a novella and, perhaps, it would have been better if it stayed that way. I felt like the story was bloated with too much narrative and uneven pacing. Some parts were so slow and boring, I had to fight myself not to skip ahead to the next bit of dialogue. (It happened a lot.) I also had to struggle to give a damn about what was happening. There were just so many characters, each of whom was just too superficial to truly gain my attention.
We do see evolution in Mircea’s character. There are changes for him, but they follow the path you would predict for a fallen prince in need of some humility and perspective in the bigger picture. (And by the way, there was sex, but no romance.) Overall, I was… underwhelmed. Hardcore Mircea fans may enjoy it, but for me, this one fell flat.
Rating: C/C-
*ARC Provided by Penguin
This is a prequel that takes us back to the years immediately following Mircea’s change into a vampire. He’s captured, sold as a slave, and then turned into a whore. It’s a difficult transition for a man who lived his life as a warlord and a prince. To make an incredibly long story short, all the vampire rulers are in Venice as he starts working in the brothel. He catches the eye of a powerful female senator who, at the same time, ends up in a life and death power struggle with the ruling consul. Mircea finds himself at the center of the intrigue, just as he comes to terms with his new life as baby vamp with minimal strength and no political power.
This was originally intended to be a novella and, perhaps, it would have been better if it stayed that way. I felt like the story was bloated with too much narrative and uneven pacing. Some parts were so slow and boring, I had to fight myself not to skip ahead to the next bit of dialogue. (It happened a lot.) I also had to struggle to give a damn about what was happening. There were just so many characters, each of whom was just too superficial to truly gain my attention.
We do see evolution in Mircea’s character. There are changes for him, but they follow the path you would predict for a fallen prince in need of some humility and perspective in the bigger picture. (And by the way, there was sex, but no romance.) Overall, I was… underwhelmed. Hardcore Mircea fans may enjoy it, but for me, this one fell flat.
Rating: C/C-
*ARC Provided by Penguin
December 15, 2020
So glad to get this book! more 3.5 than 4
Masks is about Mircea when he is a young vamp and by young I mean 2 years out of the grave. The book follows him as he tries to survived in Venice with no family and little power.
Mircea is one of Karen Chances most complicated character and even though we understand Mircea a hell of a lot more from this book, there’s still so much more I want to learn! Bring on more prequels.
As always the characters where all very likeable, we get to see characters we know in current times like Antony/Anthony (a personal favourite). It was great to see them in a completely different way to what we usually see them, especially Mircea! Such a shock to see the usual cool calm and collected senator Basarab being frazzled throughout, his attitude often reminded me of Dorina, For example
Bezio says
“I can die! Are you trying to poison me,woman?”
“You’re already dead” Mircea pointed out.
That reply is definitely something that dory would point out too.
Speaking of Dory, I went into the story thinking that we’d see a lot of her because I didn’t realise that it was set so early in Mircea’s vampire life, we only see her at the end which I was disappointed about. In fact the epilogue was my favourite part of the whole thing. If the story had more connections to the current books I would have given it an immediate five stars, I’m not sure what but there was something missing, something that was needed to grab my attention. Also even though I liked the different sides of Mircea, some parts just made me awkward because I’m so use to Mircea being, well how he is in the series.
The book is still a must read for fans of either the Cassie or Dory series.
On a side note I hope we get a story set when dory was a child, one scene I’ve always wanted to read since midnights daughter is the moment Mircea realises who Dorina is. The snippet in midnights daughter just got cut too short and I want to know what exactly happened
Masks is about Mircea when he is a young vamp and by young I mean 2 years out of the grave. The book follows him as he tries to survived in Venice with no family and little power.
Mircea is one of Karen Chances most complicated character and even though we understand Mircea a hell of a lot more from this book, there’s still so much more I want to learn! Bring on more prequels.
As always the characters where all very likeable, we get to see characters we know in current times like Antony/Anthony (a personal favourite). It was great to see them in a completely different way to what we usually see them, especially Mircea! Such a shock to see the usual cool calm and collected senator Basarab being frazzled throughout, his attitude often reminded me of Dorina, For example
Bezio says
“I can die! Are you trying to poison me,woman?”
“You’re already dead” Mircea pointed out.
That reply is definitely something that dory would point out too.
Speaking of Dory, I went into the story thinking that we’d see a lot of her because I didn’t realise that it was set so early in Mircea’s vampire life, we only see her at the end which I was disappointed about. In fact the epilogue was my favourite part of the whole thing. If the story had more connections to the current books I would have given it an immediate five stars, I’m not sure what but there was something missing, something that was needed to grab my attention. Also even though I liked the different sides of Mircea, some parts just made me awkward because I’m so use to Mircea being, well how he is in the series.
The book is still a must read for fans of either the Cassie or Dory series.
On a side note I hope we get a story set when dory was a child, one scene I’ve always wanted to read since midnights daughter is the moment Mircea realises who Dorina is. The snippet in midnights daughter just got cut too short and I want to know what exactly happened
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