Review: my favorite in the series
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 16, 2012
4.5/5Before I begin to praise this book, let's clear something. Masquerade is book ten in the Vampires Realm series. It features many of the characters from previous novels, and presents all of the bloodlines, vampire hunters and the Law Keepers. If you're new to this series, don't worry, Felicity did a pretty good job on giving a good picture of this world to the newbies as well so they can enjoy it as much as those who are already familiar with it. Well, they probably will not fangirling when Lord Hyperion and the rest of the crew arrive, though. I have to confess... I am reading this series completely out of order. I started with Hunter`s Moon, which is the 9th book, then I've read Winter's Kiss, the book eight in the series, and now Masquerade. Of course, if you can, start with Book one, Prophecy: Child of Light, but if you cannot wait to read Masquerade, that is completely fine too.There's a main and a subplot. I think the main is the relationship between Vivek and Sphis, the subplot is that the hunters are back. And what could be a better time to destroy their mortal enemies, than when all the powerful vampires are in one place? Although, there's a twist. They're confronted by threats within their own family. You'll never guess who's the traitor!! I was suspicious of everyone but that person.So, here's our heroine, Sophis. A warrior. Y'all know how much I love women with balls!! I love that she's a bit reckless. After all, it created a few, and the main conflict between the hero and the heroine. All she wants is to prove her worthy of her current position as a captain in the guard of her bloodline: Venia, to her men, Commander Tynan and her ex mentor and friend, Vivek. She's young, but a good warrior, although a bit short-tempered. She does not get why Vivek is trying to have her thrown out of the guard (that bastard!). When both of them assigned to make sure everything will going fine on the Masquerade ball, she finds herself craving for the friendship (or more?) they once shared.Ten years ago, Vivek saw his friend and disciple to bleed almost to death because of their enemies, and because he let her take the duty while she was still young and reckless. And that night changed everything between them. One week ago, he had to save her again. Now that their old enemies back, he's out for revenge. At first I said, he's an ass... But then I thought, oh maybe he's just a bit (?) overprotective. Even though he takes drastic steps that not really good for her (or him as Seth wisely reminded him). I really liked his coldness and cruelty that he used as a shield. It was really refreshing to see a male character who isn't going for the girl immediately and thinking about how to get her laid in every minute.The romance is like dynamite. A spark and it catches fire really rapidly and explodes in great force. Now just imagine a pretty long fuse.The secondary characters are simply awesome! Tynan is their commander. And such a good one! He has a hard hand, but not cruel. I liked him. And all of the bloodlines, vampire hunters and the Law Keepers are in the book that means some scenes with Prophecy, Valentine, Venturi (I really have to read their story after this close encounter), and Hyperion along with Winter. Hyperion sense of humor is really twisted! I loved him, can't wait for his book. And Dmitri, lord of the free werewolves with his gang. (in a house filled with vampires... just saying!).We get to meet with Sophis's Sire, who actually was surprisingly likeable. He was really kind to her. I'd slap her best friend, though.OVERALL: Great story filled with danger, secrets and passion. Great characters. Just perfect, slow-burning romance. There could be a lot of info at once for those, who haven't read the previous books in the series, but still enjoyable and understandable. This is my favorite so far in the series. (Sorry Nicolae!)