The year is 1779, and Carlo Morelli, the most renowned castrato singer in Europe, has been invited as an honored guest to Eszterháza Palace. With Carlo in Prince Nikolaus Esterházy's carriage, ride a Prussian spy and one of the most notorious alchemists in the Habsburg Empire. Already at Eszterháza is Charlotte von Steinbeck, the very proper sister of Prince Nikolaus's mistress. Charlotte has retreated to the countryside to mourn her husband's death. Now, she must overcome the ingrained rules of her society in order to uncover the dangerous secrets lurking within the palace's golden walls. Music, magic, and blackmail mingle in a plot to assassinate the Habsburg Emperor and Empress--a plot that can only be stopped if Carlo and Charlotte can see through the masks worn by everyone they meet.
THERE IS SO MUCH TO LOVE. I've been wanting to feature this book for a while now, because it's currently the 2016 release I'm most excited about. (I only see its status changing if the next book in the Queen's Thief series is announced.) Look at the cover! Read the synopsis! And it's written by Stephanie Burgis, who I know I can trust to write the best of stories.
Masks and Shadows releases on April 12, 2016
Comments