4.5/5

I'm so, so happy I was sent this. I really enjoyed the Twisted Tree but had said that it didn't seem to be getting a sequel and it needed one... guess who jumped the gun on that one?

Martha is a fantastic character and I loved seeing her in this new setting. The circus is amazingly creepy and gorgeous sounding at the same time (who else would love to go to a circus that re-enacted Norse legends??). I liked the new characters, especially Ruth. I still haven't warmed to Stig but I liked his use in this book much more.

I have to say, I prefer this to The Twisted Tree over all. It's so rare to prefer a sequel but The Crooked Mask has a few more things going for it (the larger cast, setting and imagery). I also want to say that I really appreciate the representation of accident victims, people with facial disfigurements and partially blind people that Martha provides. Soon after her accident in book 1, she can barely look herself in the mirror. In the Crooked Mask, she still struggles but is much more confident and knows how she wants to appear. This is handled very well and reflects my own experience.

I can't wait to see where this goes.

I was provided a copy of the Crooked Mask for free in exchange for an honest review.