Monday 9 February 2015

Book review: Masquerade by Kylie Fornasier


Goodreads Description:

It's the Carnevale of 1750 and Venice's ballrooms, theatres, palazzos and squares are filled with delicious gossip, devilish fun and dangerous games. In this glittering masked world, everyone has a secret...

Set in an age of decadence made famous by Casanova, Masquerade uncovers the secrets of seven teens, from the highest aristocrat to the lowest servant – their dreams, desires, loves, loyalties ... and betrayals.

All the world's a stage. Let the show begin

 

Title: Masquerade 
Author: Kylie Fornasier
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Romance,
Format: Paperback
Pages: 304 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia
Source: Purchased from Dymocks



Secrets, drama, romance wrapped up in an enchanting story!





I always wanted to go to Italy and reading this book was like  The Doctor take you to Venice but he took you to the wrong century but you're glad he did anyways!!


I usually am not a fan of historical fiction and usually find it the hardest genre for me to read but Kylie Forniser's writing made it easy breezy to follow and picture and all the 18th century language was surprisingly easier to understand (though FYI for those of you who have yet to read the book or have read and have not noticed but there is a glossary of all the terms she uses at the end of the book).

Talking placed in 1750 in Venice, Italy, we follow a group of characters who all intertwine and tell a story of the masked city.

The main character Orally's visits Venice to get some answers about her mother's past and has to keep her identity a secret. Orally was a sweet and strong character and as the book progresses both we the readers and Orally herself learns more about the haunting truth of her family's past.

Orally's cousins Veronica and Angelina 's story reminded me of the movie 10 Things I Hate About You.

Veronica was my favourite character to read about. Strong, brave and independent, she is not your average aristocrat who will take any man who ask her father's hand in marriage in a heart beat.
As for Angelina, she's cute, hopeless in romance and happy-go-lucky personality was fun to follow. She's the total opposite of her sister Veronica.

Anna who work for Veronica and Angelina's family as a maid was an interesting character. She's sweet, intelligent and loyal but with a secret that makes her go against her morals.

My reaction when I first read about Bastion... *swoon
Bastion... gosh I both love and hated him! While I was swooned with his charms and wit, I hated some of the decision he made! He's a player so yah... players gonna play.

As for siblings Claudia and Marco, Claudia's story was a forbidden romance and gosh I feel so sad for her character. As for Marco, no.. just ugh! not a fan of him.

The plot was, fast pace and addictive as there were so many secrets and drama with a thick air of mystery that I needed to know what happens next. Even the ending was dramatic and full of feels! I like how the book is split up into acts just like a play. The way ending rounded up I'm hoping there will be a sequel cause I feel like Orally and the gang's story is not over yet (*hint *nudge *wink).

I like the alternate between the multiple characters POV and stories. It all intertwines and flows really well with each other with its distinctive voices. I also like how diverge the characters are as we have from top of the hierarchy aristocrats to the bottom with the servants.

Overall this book was dramatic, mesmerizing and beautiful! Its a great book to get into the Historical Fiction genre.
I saw this revealed at PTA LIVE 2014 and heard all the raves from aussie book bloggers and lovers hype for this book and it is worth the hype!!!


 


4 comments:

  1. I need to read this one!! I've heard so much about it--and plus, Aussie author, so I'll definitely be picking up a copy sooner or later. The plot also sounds like something which is right up my alley. Great review. :D

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    1. Yes check it out!! its a great and addictive book considering I'm not a fan of Historical fiction, I love this!!! Also the author is really awesome and sweet on twitter!! :D

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  2. It's so great isn't it???? :D I'm so glad you liked it! I SWOOOONED over Bastian too!!! And Orelia was just so cute! I loved her reactions to Bastian! ha ha ha
    and Veronica, just a babe! <3 her!!!

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    1. I know right!!! I was like where can I get a Bastian in my life xD

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