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Apr 30, 2013JCLChrisK rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
This was: good, but. I really liked the world building and original setting with a lot of under-the-surface, unstated-but-implied history and culture and legends, but I felt like we barely scratched the surface of the potential. I really liked the hints of atmosphere and Dickensian street urchin life, but wanted much more so that I really felt embraced by it instead of merely dipping my toes in it. I thought the characters were interesting with decent personalities, motivations, and growth, but didn't feel like I was ever really caught up in their experiences or feeling their emotions. I thought the story built to a decent climax, but halfway through I wouldn't have thought that was the defining conflict of the plot and the whole thing left me wanting much more. I wanted to be delighted by all the insight provided by the theme of masks and the power each of us has to determine reality, but felt we just got a glimpse at the idea. I felt like this was a small appetizer of a story, when what I wanted was a full meal. It left me wanting.