The rating only refers to the first book but this review encompasses the first three books because they are very much one continuous story and it would be hard to address them individually.

I very much enjoyed this story as long as the plot didn't get in the way.
Sadly, it does. Big time.

Let's start on bad and go to worse from there.
First, the sex scenes. I think the only books I've read with longer forplay sex scenes were explicitly tagged as erotica. That in itself isn't the issue... ehem... The weird part is that after endless pages of pretty kinky foreplay, the actual sex scenes always just fade to black or pov switch or cut to "the next morning". It's the tease of the Millenium and I really don't understand why. The books have no problem portraying casual sex at fucking orgies. Why chicken out on a bit of one on one sex?
If you want to leave the sexy times out I am totally fine with that but then leave them out entirely for god's sake. This got more to me than it probably should have. First getting me all hot and bothered with endless suspense and then suddenly "When she awoke the next morning" or some shit. AAAAARRRGG.

Onto the darkness. It seems like the author very much wanted to write a dark story and does a very good job of creating the right atmosphere but she can't stop herself from constantly adding justifications for the actions of her beloved character's. This extends to a much larger problem especially in the third book where morals (or the lack thereof) are thrown all over the place. Consistency is important in all things!

But the biggest weakness of this author is the actual plot construction.
It's incredibly frustrating how lazily the plot is being manoeuvred by the whole zoo of the worst clicheé plot-devices you can come up with. From the unnecessary exclusion of vital details to all the misunderstandings you could possibly imagine, to non-stop illogical or stupid or just completely out of character behaviour sometimes by very old and wise beings just to mention a few.
There are lots of other typical writing sins here as well that are being talked about everywhere but I am too tired to even bother listing them all.

This was a very disappointing insight because the plot only started to really move abruptly one-third into the second book. Almost everything up to this point was just an introduction to the world etc. I thought there was careful plot navigation happening, hidden from view. But not at all. There just was no effort spent into plot development up to this point beyond the emotional character development and general world-building. This series nailed that part! I was totally engrossed in the world and its characters but then the rude awakening happened.
I had a really hard time to actually finish the third book even though I just did it to make sure I wouldn't make false accusations.
I can't even put into words how infuriating it is that this one vitally important aspect of the series is so abysmal while everything else is very enjoyable. I can't fathom how such superb worldbuilding ended up with a disastrous plot like this.

If I had to rate the first 3 books collectively I'd sway between 1 and 2 stars.
So despite my thorough enjoyment of the first book, I don't recommend this series and the first book can not be read as a standalone either. ( )

Wow just wow!!
I read a lot and King Of Flames (The Masks of Under Book 1) most certainly stood out from the crowd in terms of content and uniqueness, in fact, I would go as far as to say that this was my stand out read for this year it was just that good folks.
This absolutely knocked my socks off and I am now gagging for the next fascinating instalment to hit my kindle and I so need it like now.
So yeh My first read by this author but I am now most definitely a new fan of this talented writer's fantastical imaginings.
This was really unusual and imaginative with an almost steampunk fantasy vibe to it: the world building here was exceptional really setting the bar high in terms of its descriptive realism.
Its been a while since I was this excited over a newly discovered author and series but this is a shiny new star in a sea of fiction.
So half the time I was reading here I had no idea what the crack was, but did I care? hell no I just couldn't put this enthralling and addictive new story down it was like it was surgically attached to my hand until that final dramatic curtain.
I can honestly say I have never read anything quite like this before its just that unique.
So the main characters themselves my thoughts: Lydia I adored she just had so much gumption and really wasn't afraid to push the envelope and question things.
I also really appreciated her sense of humour and ability to see the funny in the most unusual places it was almost an added coping mechanism that really benefited Lydia's mindset and mental health: it was also a really refreshing quality of hers.
Nick was also a really likeable individual and the friendship between him and Lydia felt authentic and genuine despite there current dire situation.
The world of Under itself is also something that I am extremely intrigued by it employs a hierarchy system on its inhabitants and I can't wait to learn and experience more of it all and explore Under itself in much greater depth.
So the two main kings themselves and the current conflict between the two is so fascinating.
Edu, the King of Flames and Aon, the King of Shadows: Lydia seems almost a pawn caught between these two powerful figures.
I am also hopefully detecting a hint of sexual tension between Lydia and Aon so I will watch this space gleefully I am keeping my fingers crossed as I am really digging The king of shadows delicious and devilish vibe.
Also, the finale here was so good, tantalising and teasing my senses.
I as such am now really looking forward to that next delicious instalment here really can’t wait.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of King Of Flames (The Masks of Under Book 1).
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com ( )

Wow just wow!!
I read a lot and King Of Flames (The Masks of Under Book 1) most certainly stood out from the crowd in terms of content and uniqueness, in fact, I would go as far as to say that this was my stand out read for this year it was just that good folks.
This absolutely knocked my socks off and I am now gagging for the next fascinating instalment to hit my kindle and I so need it like now.
So yeh My first read by this author but I am now most definitely a new fan of this talented writer's fantastical imaginings.
This was really unusual and imaginative with an almost steampunk fantasy vibe to it: the world building here was exceptional really setting the bar high in terms of its descriptive realism.
Its been a while since I was this excited over a newly discovered author and series but this is a shiny new star in a sea of fiction.
So half the time I was reading here I had no idea what the crack was, but did I care? hell no I just couldn't put this enthralling and addictive new story down it was like it was surgically attached to my hand until that final dramatic curtain.
I can honestly say I have never read anything quite like this before its just that unique.
So the main characters themselves my thoughts: Lydia I adored she just had so much gumption and really wasn't afraid to push the envelope and question things.
I also really appreciated her sense of humour and ability to see the funny in the most unusual places it was almost an added coping mechanism that really benefited Lydia's mindset and mental health: it was also a really refreshing quality of hers.
Nick was also a really likeable individual and the friendship between him and Lydia felt authentic and genuine despite there current dire situation.
The world of Under itself is also something that I am extremely intrigued by it employs a hierarchy system on its inhabitants and I can't wait to learn and experience more of it all and explore Under itself in much greater depth.
So the two main kings themselves and the current conflict between the two is so fascinating.
Edu, the King of Flames and Aon, the King of Shadows: Lydia seems almost a pawn caught between these two powerful figures.
I am also hopefully detecting a hint of sexual tension between Lydia and Aon so I will watch this space gleefully I am keeping my fingers crossed as I am really digging The king of shadows delicious and devilish vibe.
Also, the finale here was so good, tantalising and teasing my senses.
I as such am now really looking forward to that next delicious instalment here really can’t wait.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of King Of Flames (The Masks of Under Book 1).
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com ( )