Mask of Shadows (Mask of Shadows, 1) - Hardcover

Miller, Linsey

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1492647497 ISBN 13: 9781492647492

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire, 2017

Synopsis

"I love every aspect of this amazing book--a genderfluid hero, a deadly contest, and vicious courtly intrigue. Get! Read! Now!" --Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author

I Needed to Win.
They Needed to Die.

Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class--and the nobles who destroyed their home.

When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand--the Queen's personal assassins, named after the rings she wears--Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge.

But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.

More Praise for Mask of Shadows:
A Bustle Most Anticipated YA of 2017!

"Compelling and relatable characters, a fascinating world with dangerous magic, and a dash of political intrigue: Mask of Shadows completely delivered. Fantasy fans will love this book."--Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling coauthor of My Lady Jane

"An intriguing world and a fantastically compelling main character make for a can't-miss debut. Miller's Mask of Shadows will make you glad you're not an assassin--and even gladder Sal is."--Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken and Now I Rise

About this title

Review

"This is a memorable, sharply written character. While readers who identify on the GLBTQ spectrum may be easy fans as Miller handles Sal's identity with aplomb, that's certainly not the only point of note here; the impressive, intricate world building, tense action, and fierce competitors are equally strong." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This fantasy's gender-fluid protagonist, Sal Leon, makes Miller's book worth picking up for diversity's sake alone. Her treatment of the gender issue is most notable in that it isn't really an issue... Violent and action-packed, this offering by first-time novelist Miller will circulate." - School Library Connection

"Gory, well-plotted, suspenseful on every page, and poised for the sequel." - Kirkus

"Teen genre fiction featuring a strong gender-fluid main character." - School Library Journal

"Compelling and relatable characters, a fascinating world with dangerous magic, and a dash of political intrigue: Mask of Shadows completely delivered. Fantasy fans will love this book.

" - Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling coauthor of My Lady Jane

"An intriguing world and a fantastically compelling main character make for a can't-miss debut. Miller's Mask of Shadows will make you glad you're not an assassin-and even gladder Sal is." - Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken and Now I Rise

"Miller's gritty, lightning-paced debut features a rough-and-tumble yet movingly vulnerable protagonist: Sal is uncompromising in their convictions, and doesn't hesitate to kill when necessary but wishes to be more than just a weapon of vengeance. A complex but intriguing start to this planned duology." - Publishers Weekly

"Uber bloody and action packed, Mask of Shadows is the book for anyone who loves a heavy dose of grit and gore with their fantasy." - TeenVogue.com

"It is fabulous. Go forth and read the Hunger Games-like craftiness and intensity, Kaz Brekker-ish determination and moral questionability, and utterly charming romance." - LGBTQ Reads

"Miller's setting is vividly drawn...a solid addition for libraries hoping to expand the gender diversity of their shelves." - Booklist

About the Author

A wayward biologist from Arkansas, Linsey previously worked as a crime lab intern, neuroscience lab assistant, and pharmacy technician. She is active in the writing community. She can be found writing about science and magic anywhere there's coffee. Visit her online at linseymiller.com.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1492647497
• ISBN 13: 9781492647492
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 352