Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Review: Masquerade by Cambria Hebert

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Masquerade
Cambria Hebert
Release date: December 16th, 2011
by Otherworld Publications

Goodreads

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.
***

Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws – her frailties – to become much more.

*A copy was provided by Cambria Hebert for review purposes*

Dark, twisted, full of unexpected turns- Masquerade does not lack in originality! You go in this expecting certain developments when all of a sudden, the rug gets swept out from under your feet you get thrown into a completely unconventional story. To be honest – I freaking loved it!!

Masquerade is told in alternative perspectives between Heven and Sam. After Heven’s attack – by who or what, she doesn’t remember – she has these horrible scars covering the left side of her face which has completely changed her world. That is, until she meets Sam. Gorgeous, incredibly sweet Sam who makes her feel as beautiful as before. But Sam has some deep dark secrets. Secrets that are bound to transform Heven’s life all over again. This is a story where you’ll love going over theories in your head and trying – and failing – to figure it all out. Getting a glance at both POVs keeps the mystery thick and the romance alive. We also get a peek at the villain’s perspective. I didn’t enjoy this one as much, however. It reminded me of the cheesy scenes in comics where you get a glimpse of the villain muttering empty threats. Fortunately, they are far and few – the focus is kept on Heven’s story.

Expect a lot of twists and turns in Masquerade! And believe me, you will not see them coming. My assumptions were completely thrown off track. It starts as a simple enough – even seemingly contemporary – story. But by the end, you won’t even know what hit you! Cambria does not shy away from eccentric plot lines for which I have to applaud. It wasn’t at all what I expected; nonetheless, I was not disappointed in the least. The romance, however, does leave a little to be desired. There is definite passion and steamy scenes, but the relationship develops very quickly which didn’t give me the chance to really feel their connection from the beginning.

All in all, Cambria gives us a peculiar tale with tons of surprises and great personalities. If you’re looking for something unique, Masquerade is the book to pick up!

4 Hot Espressos
Make sure to drop by on December 15th for the Masquerade blog tour!
For my review of Before, the prequel to Masquerade, click here.

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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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24 Responses to “Review: Masquerade by Cambria Hebert”

  2. Maji Bookshelf

    Great Review Giselle!! I like it when i read books that are unexpected! Even though i havent heard about this book, it surely does sound interesting!

    Farah @ Maji Bookshelf

  3. Jenny

    Ooohhh I love dark and twisted! It’s always fun for me to be reading thinking I know what’s going to happen only to find out I’m completely wrong and am actually out in left field all by myself:) Really looking forward to this one, thanks Giselle!

  7. Angie

    You had me at “alternative perspectives” because I loooove multiple POVs. It just seems to bring something extra to the experience.

    Even though you didn’t give anything away about the plot, you’ve definitely intrigued me enough to add this to my to read pile. 🙂

    Angie @ Pinkindle Reads & Reviews

  8. Lauren M

    Oh my, that cover is definitely not my favorite! It’s a bummer, because the book actually sounds awesome! I love dark and twisted stories. Thanks for the review, Giselle! 🙂 – Lauren

  9. Missie

    Oh! I love twists you don’t see coming! I think I’ve read too many books that were just so predictable. LOL

    Thanks for this review. I hadn’t heard of this book before.

  11. FABR Steph

    This is such a great review for Masquerade. Well done. It really is unique, isn’t it?
    I am not done with my Dusty reads, but I am still planning on participating. Late. 🙁

  14. Candace

    That cover isn’t my favorite {it’s kind of weird…} but the story sounds really good! And I totally trust your opinion so if you loved it then one day I might have to give it a try! And unique is very important to me!

  15. Mimi Valentine

    “Dark, twisted, full of unexpected turns…” <– It's almost like you were describing this book just for me!!! x) My favourite kinds of books are ones that keep you guessing all the way through, and the way you describe this one makes me so much more excited for it than I was before!

    AMAZING review as always, Giselle! I’m definitely going to pick this one up now!

  17. Giselle

    @Candace
    @Mimi
    @Savannah

    Thanks so much ladies you’re so sweet! I will be stalking your blogs for this review if you ever get your hands on a copy (fyi – you may want to drop by on Thursday *whistled inconspicuously*)

  19. A Canadian Girl

    Oo, you make this one sound really interesting. I normally would just look over a book like this one but I like how you make it seem like it’s more than just a contemporary.

  20. Heidi

    I am glad I got to read and review this with you but the best part is that I made a new friend 🙂 Looking forward to your tour spot!

  21. Sam

    I hear nothing but good things about Cambria Hebert’s work! Great review, Giselle. You make me want to read this even more! 🙂

  22. Dani @ Refracted Light

    I had never heard of this book until now, and now I’m super intrigued! I love the fact that the heroine isn’t flawless. That’s rarely seen and instantly makes her appealing to me. I do have issues with insta-love, but it depends on if it’s well developed. Fantastic review 🙂