The Nora Theory

Marked by Masks and Secrets by Maggie Sunseri is a romantasy vampire stalker romance, set in an elaborate magical world with witches, shifters, humans, and of course, vampires. This book perfectly blends spice, romance, and fantasy into a sweeping tale that is impossible to put down. It’s the first in the Everlasting Possession duet.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book, and I was so excited to get the opportunity to read it early and review it for all of you. Marked by Masks and Secrets is set in the same universe as the Eternal Obsessions duet, a series that I adored, with a brief mention of the male main character Rune.

The turned vampires of Ravenia, through a secret society called the Masked Order, are waging a clandestine war against the tyranny of the born vampires who have been in power for centuries. Evie hates it. Not because she has any love for the born and their allies, but because any kind of violence triggers memories of her severe trauma. A half-witch, she just wants to be left in peace to work her magic, magic that she plans to use to help people when she opens her own shop.

But someone is watching her. A dangerous turned vampire that represents all the violence she hates so much. Kylo is a monster, and he’s not letting her escape. As the darkness in Ravenia grows, Kylo just might be her destruction. Or her salvation.

I think I am just as obsessed with Evie as Kylo is. Her character is a delight to read. She is all sunshine on the outside, sweet and caring, but underneath she hides a deep well of darkness, rage, and trauma. Evie has a difficult relationship with people, outside of her family, because they simply don’t understand her, and she doesn’t understand them, something that is so deeply relatable. She escapes reality by dissociating and reading fantasy romances. Evie is innocent with a bratty side and everything about her is a perfect contradiction that somehow makes sense.

Kylo is obsessive and prone to fixations, which makes sense given that he starts stalking Evie the moment he sees her for the first time. He’s the classic morally grey hero in terms of the stalking, but he moves through his world with a strong sense of right and wrong. His character is all about making Evie feel safe. He knows what she needs, and it’s beautiful.

Marked by Masks and Secrets is an incredible exploration of trauma in a fantasy setting, something this author is very skilled at. Kylo spends much of the book patiently earning Evie’s trust, and he uses praise that is absolutely delectable to chase away some of her demons.

My love is not contingent on your behavior. You don’t have to perform for my love. You don’t have to beg for it. Or even ask very politely. I love you for existing. I love you for being you.

One day, being loved by me will feel as certain and effortless as breathing. And I am more than happy to show you how much I care for you, how much I would do anything to earn and keep your trust, every day until then.

Kylo and Evie’s chemistry is electric. He worships her, and it makes for spice that is sheer perfection. There is dominance, bondage, and shadow play, and all of the kink feels so very right for these two.

The world-building used to craft Ravenia is exceptional. There’s an evil witchy cult, gorgeous descriptions of Evie’s magic, and two different kinds of vampires. Goddesses and mortal universities coexist in the same story, and yet it feels completely natural.

One of my favorite things is reading an author and experiencing them getting better with every book, and that is very much the case with this duet. As much as I adored Eternal Obsessions, this book is somehow even better. Political intrigue and rebellion are melded seamlessly with fantasy, character development, and kink in a way that makes for a truly magical read.

Marked by Masks and Secrets will be released on January 31st, and is available for preorder now! Warning: this book ends on a cliffhanger, and the second book in the duet does not yet have an announced release date — so prepare yourself to have some patience to find out how Evie and Kylo’s story ends.

Writing: 5

Spice: 4

Kindle: $4.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited

Hardback: $29.99

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