Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me a free copy of this advanced copy of the book to read and review.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

I want to start off by saying that this book meant a lot to me. It was the first time that I saw someone who was like me in a book. Asexuality, and more specifically Demisexuality, is never seen in any sort of modern culture consumption. Seeing a character that I've loved for years turn out to be just like me, putting a name to how I am, not only helped me bond further to the character but also further committed me to the series. Thank you Samantha for bringing light to Paige's sexuality.

With regards to the story, it's absolutely soul wrenching. Living through the trauma with Paige, wanting to save her world with her, while trying to save herself absolutely destroys you. This book is so heavy but so worth it. I highly recommend reading this when you're in a good head space. It is a very heavy book but such a great part of the story.

I cannot wait for the next book. Well, I can wait, very patiently. But I'm very eager for it.

An excellent addition to the Bone Season series. Obviously would not recommend it to readers who have not read the previous three books, but the character development and narrative pace are wonderful for lovers of the series. Eager for more from Samantha Shannon!

This was…fine, I guess.

Because the gaps between books are so long, this series seems to struggle with momentum, and the lengthiness of the individual books isn’t helping. This was planned from the start as a seven-book series, but the last two installments have had me wondering if that might have been an excessive decision.

I loved the first two books in this series, and the next two were okay, but they’re a bit flat and getting flatter. I enjoyed the change of setting to Paris for this book, which helped but didn’t entirely solve the problem of a struggle to engage with the narrative.

I don’t really care much about the relationship between Paige and the Warden, and this book devoted a LOT of ink to that. Part of what had previously been good about this series was that the romantic subplots never took over the narrative, a welcome change from a lot of fantasy novels aimed at female readers. In that sense this feels like devolvement for a series that didn’t need to lean on this kind of stuff to be engaging. For me personally, it made an otherwise generally exciting story kind of boring and made for uneven pacing.

I don’t think there’s any cause for giving up on the series at this point, but I do hope Shannon can find her way back to the superior plot-driven content that made this series so good in its early days.

This is the 4th of Shannon’s unique fantasy world based on psychic powers, underground psychic criminal gangs, and a malevolent species that preys on psychics.

Paige is an excellent main character who is flawed, sometimes makes the wrong choices, but gives everything to protect those she cares about.

Like the other books this one has excellent pacing, well-drawn old and new characters, and a host of new problems for Paige to face. Top-notch fantasy.

A solid continuation of the series. It was very interesting to see the politics of Scion in France and figuring out allies and enemies along the way. I've been a fan of this series since the first book came out and I'm excited to see what else Shannon has in store for the rest.

Big thanks to NetGalley, Bloomsbury and to Ms. Shannon for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

Despite the long wait for this book, I had no trouble getting back into the swing of things. The book does pick up right where the previous one left off, with Paige and Warden/Arcturus being smuggled into Paris. Paige is still reeling from the repercussions of her torture, while Arcturus is doing his best to ensure she rests. But through it all, she tries to convince the Parisian underworld to join her cause. Ms. Shannon is a master at world building; the scenery above and below ground was graphic and authentic..

Paige Mahoney's decision-making was nerve-wracking, impulsive, and frustrating; she trusted the wrong individuals and distrusted the right individuals. Paige was a the breaking point, and I kept wondering how much more physical and mental abuse could she bear. Arcturus, who exhibited a lot of human qualities in this book, was patient and nurtured Paige. The bond and tension between Paige and Arcturus Mesarthim was palpable, and in the end, heartbreaking. Jaxson's interaction with Paige was mind-blowing.

This novel has non-stop action and intrigue, as Paige travels from underground Parisian catacombs to the mirrored halls of Versailles, The plot has multiple elements, with lots of surprises and heartbreaking moments; there are may detestable characters, too..

When I first started reading this series, I wondered how Ms. Shannon would be able to write a 7 book series of this scope and magnitude. Now, with all the twists and turns in the series, I can see that happening. I must say that "The Mask Falling" ends with bang and a cliffhanger; I can't wait to read the next book on the Bone Season series. .

Ms. Shannon, I don't know how you write such extensive and engaging tomes. I hope you will publish book 5 of this series in a year, because I can't wait to read the next installment soon.

I loved the little bit I read of this but I also realized that I want/need to read the entire series again from the beginning because of the length of time between the third and fourth book! Shannon is amazing, and I'll read and enjoy everything she ever writes!

This is, by far, the worst book of the series. Nothing of significance occurred, minimal plots, and a disappointing cliffhanger. I think I won't read further Shannon books because I disliked this so much.

I had to take some time to sit with this book before writing a full review. Every time I read something by Samantha Shannon, I am in awe by her creativity and writing. Scion London has intrigued me since I picked up book 1 after learning of the series from a friend. Shannon has captured my attention with her words. I feel anxiety when the main character feels it and I feel boiling rage when she is wronged. The pleasure of reading about this dark and gritty world further from London into Paris was immense.

Shannon as always breaks my heart and leaves me desperate for more. She is still on track of making this book in the series a little different in the sub-genre as she has with the others. I am so excited that there are three more books in the series to which I can look forward. She has paced this series remarkably well so far and I cannot wait for book 5!

The new characters are fantastic, but my sole focus is always on Paige and Warden. I would never call this book a romance, but their silent passion for another makes my heart beat faster.

Oh no. Here we go. I’m not returning emails or texts promptly, work is suffering, I’m late for everything, the laundry isn’t done, my husband is starving and I’m behind on all my Bravo shows. All because I cannot put down yet another book in The Bone Season Series!

“The Mask Falling” by Samantha Shannon does not disappoint. I wish I had re-read the previous three books before starting this so all was fresh in my mind, but not necessary, especially with the handy “Who’s Who” in the back with mini bios of all the characters.

The story starts off just where we left off in book three. It takes us into a different direction than the previous books did. We meet a whole new cast of characters and see some we know. Paige and Warden head off to Paris where things are run quite differently than in London. Many questions are answered, secrets revealed, new storylines are added, and more stuff left unanswered!

These books are a fun read mixing mystic powers, unknown creatures (nice and not so nice), the future world, war, friendship, and tons of emotion.

Get into these, sit back and have some fun.

Thank you Bloomsbury USA, Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an ARC version of this book in exchange for my honest review.
#TheMaskFalling #NetGalley

The Mask Falling is my favorite installment yet in this series and I just loved seeing Paige and Warden in Paris. Okay, I just loved seeing them together. I also loved how this book handled trauma and recovery while also normalizing the inclusion of menstruation in novels. It was also fascinating to see how the world expanded in this book and to learn so much more about the Rephaim. I can’t say much more without spoiling the book but just be prepared (But also know that you’re 100% not prepared). I honestly don’t know how I’m going to wait until the fifth book in the series comes out.

I actually reread the entire series before starting The Mask Falling and I’m so in awe of how Samantha Shannon has developed this fantasy/dystopian world so well. And how each book is a different type of story but how they all fit together perfectly. I’ll always recommend this series to any fantasy fan!

Samantha Shannon has done an excellent job of building out the world of SciLo in her first three books and Mask Falling is an abrupt departure from that world. Scion Paris is a whole new world to meet and Shannon’s worlds are very much characters. Paris is the star of the show here and in many ways this book feels like a reset in the series. There were a few points that felt quite rushed-Domino, Sheol II. However, my initial thought had been that I would miss the relationships and characters left behind in London. Instead the book really developed Paige and Arcturus’ storyline further (and at a cost!). Other than feeling rushed and a bit short my screams of frustration upon finishing the book were just because I’m worried I’ll have to wait four more years for the next.

Another excellent addition to the Bone Season series. This one is simultaneously packed with a TON of action and an abundance of intimate dialogue between Paige and Arcturus. It'd go from calm to chaos in a matter of pages. It's clear the series is ramping up, and Shannon manages to weave even more into the story that now has loose ends to tie. I am so excited to see where the next novel takes us.

Wow! Just when I think this series can't get any better, Shannon does it again! I absolutely loved this follow up. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I love these characters and this world and I'm now dying to know what is coming next. Completely exceeded my expectations!

Big thanks to NetGalley, Bloomsbury and to Ms. Shannon for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. This review was requested but not required and all thoughts are my own.

Despite the long wait for this book and the subsequent small struggles to remember details in the beginning I had no trouble getting back into the swing of things. It's like getting into a hot bath when you're freezing: at first you feel like you're on fire but once you acclimate, OMG, there is just nothing better.

The world Ms. Shannon has created is so unique, so complex, and so purposeful. Bits and pieces you thought fell by the wayside a book or two ago have a sneaky way of surfacing again much later. This book does pick up right where the previous one left off, with Paige and Warden/Arcturus being smuggled into Paris. Some very interesting questions are posed about who is actually running things (Scion, the anchor, Domino, etc) and how, and why. Not all of these are answered and I think that's something we'll see more answers to down the line in future books.
I struggled a little bit with Paige's decision-making; she seems to trust the wrong people too easily and the right people too little. I had to try to keep in mind that Paige was not only terribly ill but struggling with - and frankly, succumbing to - PTSD and her decision-making process wasn't at its best. I think one thing that Paige definitely frustrated me with was refusing to admit that she (personally, not her Mime Order) needed help. It was almost too late when her physical condition was finally diagnosed.
The Parisian "anormales" were awesome; the scenery underground really felt authentic. It was a nice change from London.
Overall I saw some definite character development coming from Paige and Warden/Arcturus both, which was very welcome. Not so much decision-making-wise, since Paige continued to make very rash, impulsive and reckless decisions almost consistently. Sometimes those worked out but more frequently she was only saved by the preparedness (and bravery) of others. No, I'd say Paige matured emotionally. She finally gave thought to her father, and obviously to her situation with Warden. And then there was that scene with Jaxon... x_X

I was worried that this would seem like a bridge book, seeing as how there are some 3 more projected books in the series, but it really didn't; it was almost non-stop action. And somehow STILL ended on a cliffhanger *shakes head*. I won't say more because this is a pre-pub review, but I was really left VERY concerned ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING that the next book won't be out for years. Sigh. Let me just say, if you've been waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for The Mask Falling, you will not be disappointed. It is one heck of a ride.

What the hell, Samantha!!! Can't we get like 2 fucking seconds to breathe?!?!
What am I supposed to do with my life for the next 2 to 3 years?
Everything is different. Expect the unexpected and side-eye everyone. Everyone.
I'm so distraught.

I loved this book! What an exciting new ARC in the bone season series!! I always hate getting galleys because it reminds me of how LONG I have to wait for the next one!

"I had no idea what would befall me in this new theatre of war. What names and faces I would wear. Who I might become.
If I had, I might have turned back."

I liked it, it just dragged for me a little. At times it felt slow and chock full of description; however it sets up the field for future books as it is the middle book of the series.

A LOT happened--a lot of truths were revealed. A lot of friends/enemies made. Still don't know what to do about Jaxon, but at least we don't get as many repetitive "Oh my lovely" phrases. The thing about the characters in The Bone Season series (and I just re-read the entire series in anticipation of The Mask Falling) is that the books feel a lot more plot driven than character driven; I don't feel a close connection to any of the characters aside from Paige and Warden. If any of them died I wouldn't bat an eye, but don't you get your grubby hands on Arcturus or we going to war.

It took me a long time to get through-the book is a beast! A lot of times I felt like we were relying too much on things that have already been done (Paige being captured for example), and a lot of others things seemed too convenient. Paige's powers fluctuate in effectiveness; She should be a power house but most of the time she still feels like Paige from book one in how her powers aren't reliable.

The addition of the "spy" network felt weird, but I got used to it. I hope in future novels we branch out into different scenarios--I have no idea what is going to happen in this series that can fill up three more books, but kind of curious to see how it develops.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 5 Stars

Let me preface this by saying that The Bone Season series is an all time favorite of mine. I’m talking top five of all time. The overall world building, the heart pounding action, the romance…it all works for me. That being said, I do let people know when they start the series that the first book was written a while ago and was Samantha Shannon’s first book. There are a few info-dumps and the pacing of book one does suffer a bit as a result. However, one of my absolute favorite things about this series is watching her develop and grow as a writer. Each book gets better and better, and the plot gets more and more convoluted and twisted. There are so many unknowns and so many individual elements for her to keep track of that I am absolutely blown away every time I delve back into this world.

The Mask Falling is without a doubt, unequivocally, the best book in the series. Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down, honestly. Paige’s struggles and development as a character, her relationship with Warden, and the war she continues to wage on Scion kept me hooked from the first page to the last. In this book, Paige and Warden travel to my absolute favorite city in the world, Paris. Somehow, Samantha Shannon captured the magic of Paris all while changing bits of it to fit this new version of Earth that she has created. I would also like to applaud the way she captured grief, trauma and recovery.

There were near constant twists, turns and surprises as well as scenes that made me ugly cry, scream at my book (my poor neighbors), and swoon. I made many predictions throughout the book, and was right about one thing. One. I love being taken completely by surprise by books, but it rarely happens. I am beyond thrilled with the pacing and overall intrigue of The Mask Falling. I look forward to learning more about new characters as well as revisiting old ones that I missed in this book. (I would like to formally petition for the return of Nick, immediately)

At this point I feel like my review is an incoherent ramble as I attempt to form some kind of literate review of what will surely be one of my favorites, if not my favorite read of 2021. If you have made it this far into the series, I have to assume that you love it as well and am happy to say that you will absolutely devour and adore this newest installment. If you are reading this review despite the fact that you’ve never read any books in the series, I hope that my gushing has convinced you to start a series that continues to astound me more and more with each new release.