Mask of Shadows

Available Formats

---

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

In the first book in an immersive new fantasy duology, going from street thief to elite assassin is Sal's only chance to gain both a new life-and revenge. Now in paperback. "I love every aspect of this amazing book-a genderfluid hero, a deadly contest, and vicious courtly intrigue. Get! Read! Now!" -Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author I needed to win. They needed to die. Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class-and the nobles who destroyed their home. When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand-the Queen's personal assassins, named after the rings she wears-Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge. But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive. This heart-pounding YA story of magic, danger, and revenge is perfect for readers looking for- epic books for tweens and teensgay and lesbian fantasy and science fictiongripping stories with queer and gay magic and sorcerygender fluid representation and gender diversitydazzling world-building and relatable charactersPraise for Mask of Shadows- A Bustle Most Anticipated YA of 2017! "Compelling and relatable characters, a fascinating world with dangerous magic, and a dash of political intrigue- Mask of Shadows completely delivered. Fantasy fans will love this book."-Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling coauthor of My Lady Jane "An intriguing world and a fantastically compelling main character make for a can't-miss debut. Miller's Mask of Shadows will make you glad you're not an assassin-and even gladder Sal is."-Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken and Now I Rise "It is fabulous. Go forth and read the Hunger Games-like craftiness and intensity, Kaz Brekker-ish determination and moral questionability, and utterly charming romance." - LGBTQ Reads "Uber bloody and action packed, Mask of Shadows is the book for anyone who loves a heavy dose of grit and gore with their fantasy." - TeenVogue.com Don't miss the highly anticipated second book in the Mask of Shadows duology, Ruin of Stars, and Linsey Miller's standalone YA fantasy Belle Revolte, both available now!

Reviews

"It is fabulous. Go forth and read the Hunger Games-like craftiness and intensity, Kaz Brekker-ish determination and moral questionability, and utterly charming romance." - LGBTQ Reads
"Miller's setting is vividly drawn... a solid addition for collections in need of gender diversity" - Booklist
"Uber bloody and action packed, Mask of Shadows is the book for anyone who loves a heavy dose of grit and gore with their fantasy." - TeenVogue.com
"Miller's gritty, lightning-paced debut features a rough-and-tumble yet movingly vulnerable protagonist: Sal is uncompromising in their convictions, and doesn't hesitate to kill when necessary but wishes to be more than just a weapon of vengeance. A complex but intriguing start to this planned duology." - Publishers Weekly
"An intriguing world and a fantastically compelling main character make for a can't-miss debut. Miller's Mask of Shadows will make you glad you're not an assassin-and even gladder Sal is." - Kiersten White, New York Times bestselling author of And I Darken and Now I Rise
"Compelling and relatable characters, a fascinating world with dangerous magic, and a dash of political intrigue: Mask of Shadows completely delivered. Fantasy fans will love this book.

" - Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling coauthor of My Lady Jane

"Gory, well-plotted, suspenseful on every page, and poised for the sequel." - Kirkus
"Teen genre fiction featuring a strong gender-fluid main character." - School Library Journal
"This fantasy's gender-fluid protagonist, Sal Leon, makes Miller's book worth picking up for diversity's sake alone. Her treatment of the gender issue is most notable in that it isn't really an issue... Violent and action-packed, this offering by first-time novelist Miller will circulate." - School Library Connection
"This is a memorable, sharply written character. While readers who identify on the GLBTQ spectrum may be easy fans as Miller handles Sal's identity with aplomb, that's certainly not the only point of note here; the impressive, intricate world building, tense action, and fierce competitors are equally strong." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Author Bio

LINSEY MILLER is a wayward biologist from Arkansas who previously worked as a crime lab intern, neuroscience lab assistant, and pharmacy technician. She currently lives in Austin, Texas, and can be found writing about science and magic anywhere there's coffee. She is also the author of Mask of Shadows, Ruin of Stars, and Belle Revolte. Visit her online at linseymiller.com.