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City of Masks: (An Epic Fantasy Adventure) (The Bone Mask Cycle Book 1) Kindle Edition
Sofia is a failure. The sentient magical mask with the power to compel, the Greatmask, refuses to choose her as its successor. Without it, the mask-carver will never succeed her father or have the power to protect her city. When palace conspiracies place a tyrant on the throne and lead to her father’s disappearance, her only choice is to hide.
Notch wants revenge. After escaping imprisonment for a crime he didn’t commit, the grizzled old mercenary is more determined than ever to kill the king of Anaskar. It might have been impossible, until he stumbles across Sofia with her Greatmask and decides to protect her—his best shot at vengeance.
Taking Anaskar back from the tyrant is no simple task. With an uncooperative Greatmask and royal assassins hunting them down, staying alive is half the battle. Can they survive long enough to save their city, or will Sofia’s shortcomings and Notch’s need for retribution doom them all?
City of Masks is the first thrilling fantasy novel in the Bone Mask Cycle. If you love underdogs, perilous quests, and epic adventures, slip into City of Masks!
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateAugust 14, 2016
- File size1973 KB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
International Best Selling Fantasy author, Jennifer Fallon
A gripping narrative in an uncertain world of magic, injustice, and unsettling class division.
Aurealis, Australia's Premiere Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazine
City of Masks is an absorbing and fast-paced adventure down twisty streets and across hot desert sands.
Fantasy Literature, F&SF Book and Audiobook Reviews
A damn good example of fantasy fiction and a great first novel.
Adventures of a Bookonaut, Reviews & Interviews
The best debut fantasy I read this year.
Tsana's Reads and Reviews
From the Author
Check out the Bone Mask Trilogy Map below:
cityofmasks.com/blog/the-bone-mask-map
Product details
- ASIN : B01KGAVMFA
- Publisher : Close-Up Books (August 14, 2016)
- Publication date : August 14, 2016
- Language : English
- File size : 1973 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 487 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,344 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #14 in Fantasy Adventure Fiction
- #37 in Sword & Sorcery Fantasy eBooks
- #38 in Epic Fantasy (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
![Ashley Capes](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/mjhrattnq3fv65vlcsqqctkls9._SY600_.jpg)
Ashley is an Australian novelist, poet & teacher. You might have read his epic fantasy 'The Bone Mask Trilogy' or maybe you're familiar with his other work, the fantasy/adventure series 'The Book of Never.' Either way, you can read more about his books and get access to giveaways and free books via his newsletter below :)
Ashley occasionally dabbles in film, is addicted to 80s cartoon shows and Studio Ghibli films, and finds himself constantly awed by the simple beauty of haiku. He is also convinced that 'Magnum PI' is one of the greatest TV shows ever.
Sign up to Ashley's newsletter for free books and news:
http://www.subscribepage.com/b5w1k0
Find out about Ashley's fiction:
http://www.cityofmasks.com/
Check out Ashley's poetry:
http://www.ashleycapes.com/
And follow him on twitter right here:
@Ash_Capes
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the plot vivid and well-written with multiple storylines that eventually merge. They enjoy the book and consider it worth their time for its entertainment value. The characters are well-developed and the writing quality is described as descriptive and professional. Readers appreciate the creative ideas and unique elements in the world-building. However, some find the timeline confusing at times and the blending of different story threads slow.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the vivid plot with multiple storylines that connect. They appreciate the well-written characters and the way the different threads come together. The book is described as an epic fantasy with dark undertones, adventure, and chaos. Readers find it delivers everything a fantasy novel should, from strong and unique characters to a world of old magic and modern strife.
"...Important to the story are the bone masks. They are a unique addition to the plot, but I won’t ruin that here...." Read more
"...Plot and Setting: 3.875 -- Plot is engaging from start to finish, incorporating many unique elements and skillfully wielding the elements of story...." Read more
"...The plot seemed pretty straightforward at first but quickly got more intricate as the story moved forward...." Read more
"The book started off well, or at least the sample had no egregiously ugly passages...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it interesting and worth their time for its entertainment value. The writing is strong, clean, and professional. Readers say the tale drew them in quickly and did not disappoint.
"...I am enjoying this series and recommend the series to everyone." Read more
"...An interesting exercise into seeing both sides of a conflict/war. Personal Enjoyment: 2.67" Read more
"...This first of the Bone Mask cycle is absolutely fantastic and set up a world that has a lot to deliver...." Read more
"...Is this a good book? The plot certainly was sufficiently complex, as was the world...." Read more
Customers appreciate the well-developed characters and world-building. They also mention the author weaves together multiple cultures while building characters.
"...Mr. Capes has created realistic and believable characters in an interesting world. No one likes the Anaskari...." Read more
"...Some minor characters have depth, while others may be slightly stereotyped or simplified. Definitely some simplified characters..." Read more
"...The characters are all very well.approached with the right complexity...." Read more
"...is a well written fantasy with an interesting world and characters you can care about. The writing is strong - good, clean and professional...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find the writing descriptive, professional, and well-crafted. The story is predictable at times, but the pacing is excellent. It's clear that the author is talented and looks forward to seeing more from her. The book is intriguing and relatable, with subtle humor that burns into their memories and nestles deep into their imagination.
"...Mr. Capes has created realistic and believable characters in an interesting world. No one likes the Anaskari...." Read more
"...The characters are all very well.approached with the right complexity...." Read more
"City of Masks is a well written fantasy with an interesting world and characters you can care about...." Read more
"...This may be a self-published novel, but the quality of the writing is as professional (probably more so) than most traditionally published books...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's creativity. They find the world-building intricate and imaginative, with unique elements. The story has an interesting setting and characters that readers can connect with.
"...Mr. Capes has created realistic and believable characters in an interesting world. No one likes the Anaskari...." Read more
"...Setting: 3.875 -- Plot is engaging from start to finish, incorporating many unique elements and skillfully wielding the elements of story...." Read more
"...You get hints throughout the story in ways that promise excellent development moving forward...." Read more
"...Others might not even notice them. The world-building is very good, with hints of something greater happening...." Read more
Customers enjoy the culture and setting of the book. They find it interesting, with a new twist on swords, Japanese-style culture, and magic.
"...The storyline is a new twist of swords, Japanese type culture and magic. The only character that I wish wasn't so whiney is Sophia...." Read more
"A good read. Interesting setting, culture, and characters. Pretty well developed plot and story. I look forward to the next ones." Read more
"...I loved the way the story flowed from viewpoint to viewpoint, bringing out many cultures and weaving them all together while building characters...." Read more
Customers find the book's plot difficult to follow at times. They mention that the setting is clear, but the timeline may be a bit confusing. It takes a long time for everything to weave together and meander a bit. The book has too many confusing points of view.
"...Setting is clear, but timeline may be a bit hard to follow...." Read more
"Story started slow and though I found it hard to follow at times, it is a really interesting read. I definitely recommend." Read more
"...However, this is abrupt and confusing. I suspect that this will be the subject of a future book in the trilogy...." Read more
"...A simple lifestyle to those born in this culture but confusing to an outsider who is there as a diplomat...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024The author, Ashley Capes, has become one of my favorite authors. I was gifted his series; “The Story of Never”, and I loved it. I just started his earlier “Stone Mask Cycle”
I just finished book one “City of Masks” of this series and it is as good as I expected it to be. Mr. Capes has created realistic and believable characters in an interesting world.
No one likes the Anaskari. Long ago the Anaskari came and drove the Medah from their city-by-the-sea, just as the Medah had driven out a more ancient people before them. Now a desert people, the Medah are avowed enemies of the Anaskari and have sent agents to penetrate the city, find an ancient temple and call the sea goddess to destroy the Anaskari. The Anaskari have also made their neighbors the Braonn a semi-vassal state. There’s no love lost there. The Renovar, who have traditionally traded with the Anaskari, presently have a fleet on its way to plunder and destroy the city of Anaskar. No one likes the Anaskari.
As serious as these developments are, the greatest threat is in the palace itself. Treason, sabotage, and murder are afoot, and it is orchestrated by the ailing King’s own son and his cronies among the ruling council. Who will be Anaskar’s champions? Well; A disgraced former army captain turned mercenary, who is now hiding behind an assumed name. A Renovar mercenary with special abilities, who is hiding from everyone in Renovar. A mystery man who has been hiding for years; also with an assumed name. And the totally unprepared young daughter of one of the most influential nobilities, who is fleeing for his life. Essentially a band of misfits to the rescue.
Important to the story are the bone masks. They are a unique addition to the plot, but I won’t ruin that here.
I am enjoying this series and recommend the series to everyone.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2021It's a time of turmoil for many in the city of masks as Notch and his friends seek to end a deadly plot and restore a rightful king to the throne; Sofia struggles to fill a new role; and Ain tries to be the first Pathfinder in generations to score a victory for his people.
Notes from May 2018:
Plot and Setting: 3.875 -- Plot is engaging from start to finish, incorporating many unique elements and skillfully wielding the elements of story. An epic tale with a broad canvas to cover, with very unique and creative bones (heh) to the very world where the story is set. There are no major plot holes, but a slight lack of focus and some shaky bits in sub-plots. I didn't really understand everything that was happening, especially with the weird beasts (off-putting) and the bell. Plot points in sub-plots are dropped or not resolved. It comes to a decent stopping point for some of the larger issues of the book, but we're left with some unanswered questions, including several that are asked right at the end. Clearly the first part of a trilogy, not a single novel. Setting is clear, but timeline may be a bit hard to follow.
Characters: 4.33 -- Main characters are relatable and interesting. Our three narrators -- Notch, Sofia, and Ain -- are all struggling with their own identities in various ways. I valued seeing their internal conflicts, but none of them have really 'arrived' at the end of the book, which is less than satisfying. Some minor characters have depth, while others may be slightly stereotyped or simplified. Definitely some simplified characters (ex. Oson, Luik, etc), but others have some good nuance and realism (Flir, Seto, Lupo, Schan, etc). The relationships between characters are varied, believable, and interesting.
Mechanics and Writing: 4 -- A handful of typos, punctuation issues, or word errors. Most errors are mild and don't seriously hinder understanding, but some do cause confusion -- silly typos, missing or misplaced punctuation, homophone or compound word confusion, formatting issues, etc. Intelligent use of POV. Alternates between Notch, Sofia, and Ain -- and generally does a great job balancing their three separate storylines. Generally skillful writing.
Redeeming Value: 3 -- Morally questionable choices (substance abuse, extramarital sex, significant violence, etc) are part of the plot in inconsistent ways -- sometimes portrayed positively, sometimes negatively -- without sufficient reflection. Dangerous addictions to painkiller-type drugs; minor drunkenness; Ain's girlfriend is pregnant before they are even engaged and Sofia's brother apparently had an affair with a married woman; a good bit of violence and death, ranging from battling strange and deadly creatures to terrorist bombings to straight-up murder. Generic or incidental positive themes. Explores ideas of friendship, loyalty, and duty. One thing I did find fascinating was the way Ain's narrative collides with Sofia and Notch, as they are part of warring nations and end up in direct conflict with each other. We have enough background knowledge of them all that it felt like being caught between friends who are fighting. An interesting exercise into seeing both sides of a conflict/war.
Personal Enjoyment: 2.67
- Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2021Admittedly, I was not expecting much from this novel when I picked it up. I thought it would be good, don't get me wrong :-) But my expectations were just for an easy and simple!e story. Glad I was wrong on all accounts! This first of the Bone Mask cycle is absolutely fantastic and set up a world that has a lot to deliver. The plot seemed pretty straightforward at first but quickly got more intricate as the story moved forward. The characters are all very well.approached with the right complexity. Okay maybe Sofia could have had a little more strength or a richer approach to her personality/role.in this volume... I'll let that slide to discover more in volume 2. I enjoyed the fact that most characters have a strong past laying in the dark, in one form or another. You get hints throughout the story in ways that promise excellent development moving forward. And the story of Ain... I did not think this would would surprise me as much when we follow him to his interaction with the bell. Well done, well done...
- Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2020The book started off well, or at least the sample had no egregiously ugly passages. Farther in, odd phrasings, and at least one absolutely incorrect usage, began to pop up and recur. It didn't take long before I was limiting myself to how many pages I read at a time because these errors build up an annoying itch that you cannot scratch. That spoils your pleasure in what otherwise might be a good book.
Is this a good book? The plot certainly was sufficiently complex, as was the world. Characterization didn't feel adequate, though, and the writing glitches kept piling up, along with some proofreading slip-ups.
The author bills himself as a published poet and novelist. This, however, is his first novel. I've been a proofreader of other people's work for more than ten years, and this book reads like someone very smart, who hasn't really spent enough time reading to write well, authored it. If clanking prose doesn't bother you, you might really enjoy it. Obviously, I did not.
Top reviews from other countries
- Doug HurleyReviewed in Canada on January 14, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Non stop action
Great book lots of twists and turns, great story
-
Ulla FleuReviewed in Germany on May 1, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars Wirklich fantastisch
Wunderbarer Start der "The Bone Mask Trilogy" mit mehreren Handlungssträngen. Die Welt ist gut durchdacht, es gibt unterschiedliche Landschaften (siehe Karte), für mich überzeugende Magie und gut charakterisierte Personen.
Da ist Sofia, eine Edelfrau, die nach dem Tod ihres Bruders die Rolle als Beschützer der Stadt Anaskar übernehmen soll. Da ist der Söldner Notch, der unter falschem Mordverdacht im Gefängnis sitzt und mein Liebling, der Fährtensucher Ain aus der Wüste. Und da sind viele andere, die aber gut auseinanderzuhalten sind. Im Verlauf der Geschichte begegnen sich ihre Wege. Sehr fantasievoll und spannend.
Ulla FleuWirklich fantastisch
Reviewed in Germany on May 1, 2017
Da ist Sofia, eine Edelfrau, die nach dem Tod ihres Bruders die Rolle als Beschützer der Stadt Anaskar übernehmen soll. Da ist der Söldner Notch, der unter falschem Mordverdacht im Gefängnis sitzt und mein Liebling, der Fährtensucher Ain aus der Wüste. Und da sind viele andere, die aber gut auseinanderzuhalten sind. Im Verlauf der Geschichte begegnen sich ihre Wege. Sehr fantasievoll und spannend.
Images in this review
- robReviewed in Australia on February 20, 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars Mediocre
Started out as a good series but gradually I lost a bit of interest am reading last book now just to see how it finishes up, when a book fully draws me in I have trouble putting it down and can't wait to pick it up again, not happening here.
- TremebundaReviewed in Spain on February 4, 2017
3.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing
Liked the different but converging story lines and the imaginative twists in the plot, as well as the detailed descriptions. Need to read the second book to fill in the gaps.
- KJDReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 14, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful sword and sorcery tale – a must read for fans of the genre and of great writing.
First off, I have to say I read an ARC of this story and loved it so much I decided to buy a copy for my Kindle. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
This is a wonderfully complex tale that weaves three, no four, (or it is five?) character-based stories seamlessly. And the character are king in this beautifully wrought fantastical tale. The author never looses control over the plots.
The story opens with Notch, a forty-something mercenary in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He escapes with the aid of Flir, an immensely (and mysteriously) strong female merc, but not before he meets, and takes a fatherly liking to the young Sofia, defender of the mystical and powerful Masks of the title.
Mr Capes does a wonderful job of pulling everything together into a believable whole. His grasp of action, emotion, dialogue, and description mark him out as one to watch. I can’t tell you how much I liked this book. Even the villains are well-rounded people rather than the one-dimensional bad guys with whom readers often have to contend.
Take Ain, for example, a Pathfinder from the dessert bent on destroying the city Sofia has sworn to defend to the death. His character is so well written and sympathetic, I wanted him to succeed as much as I wanted Notch to save Sofia from the evil bombers.
There are mythical creatures, terrorist plots, explosions, and sword fights a-plenty, all told beautifully and with huge skill.
Nope, I’m going to stop there before I give away any spoilers.
I could go on and on all day about the quality of this novel, but why don’t you grab a free sample and see for yourself? I’d be amazed if the quality of the writing and the depth of the storytelling do not hook you within the first few paragraphs.
Go on, spoil yourself.