Customer Reviews

Masquerade

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4 star:		(1)
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Heven used to be popular, a cheerleader, beautiful ... all that was Before. Then she was attacked and left with scars on her face - now she hides herself behind her hair, inside hoodies, under baggy clothes. She tries not to be noticed. Then he comes to school - Sam. Tall, muscular, gorgeous - and he wants to be with her. But he holds mysteries - has he told her the truth about who he is? Can she live with that truth when it comes out?

"Masquerade" is Cambria Hebert's first published novel, although she's had a couple short stories released recently as well: "Whiteout" and "Before," which is the prequel to "Masquerade." This may be her first published novel, but it is obvious she has been honing her skills for a good while - the plot flows smoothly, the characters are well developed, the twists and turns come without warning. All in all it is a great story and one that fans of paranormal books should all love. If you haven't yet experienced the "Masquerade," you need to do so ... now.

First of all i want to thank the mods on PNR & UF Fanatics who gave me this book as part of the R2R event.

I need to point out that I've read "Before" the prequel to "Masquerade" and I fell in love with the story from the start.
It's a short story about Sam and some events that occur on Heven's life.

The story line it's so well developed that even though it's just a couple of pages you understand perfectly everything that's happening and at the same time gives you an extra pull to read masquerade.

Is one of the best prequels I've read.

The story centers around Hev a really beautiful girl both on the inside and out, that has the perfect life: lots of great friends, good grades a loving family, did I mention already that she is also cheerleader squad captain? No? Well there you go, she is no average Barbie she is super smart loving and caring; and one day her life fell apart.

She hides from herself and from the world and lives an empty life for a few months and then Sam appears.

I just loved Sam character he's strong willed and has a heart of gold, I loved the way the author plays with the concept of good an evil inside him; he isn't the typical knight in shining armor that can't do a thing wrong.

This book has strong content and really gory details about murders that take place alongside the story, I was shocked cause even though it really is very detailed (my stomach can't take it) it fits perfectly and it gave me a really good insight of the twisted mind of the villain of Masquerade.

The fact that the love story was extremely well developed earned a gazillion points on my part, the way Sam made his way into Hev's heart was ideal and made me love this book even more; also there wasn't just blind acceptance of the strange things happening around Hev, she wonders, thinks. The girl has a mind of her own YAY!!!!!!! Long time no see!!!!!
The only thing that had me unsettled at first was the fact that she hides into herself from the world but when Sam arrives, she starts to hide behind Sam, that isn't a healthy relationship at all, but, as the story progress she emerges from her cocoon and bam!!!, we have a heroine on our hands.

This is one of the best reads I've had in 2011 I can't wait to read more of this story.

Masquerade (Heven and Hell 1)
By: Cambria Hebert
ISBN: 9781936593255
Published December 16, 2011 by Otherworld Publications
Available Format: Hardcover, Paperback, ebook

My Rating: '''''

Life was perfect for Heven, Before. She was beautiful, popular, and happy. Then one day she was attacked by some animal. Or was it an animal? Heven can't remember. She leaves her old life behind and hides behind her mask. That is, until Sam comes along. For some reason Sam doesn't see or care about Heven's scars. But Sam has secrets of his own--secrets that could completely destroy Heven and everything she feels for him. There is something much larger at stake, and Heven and Sam will both play a part.

Masquerade is everything you want a great paranormal young adult novel to be. It has fantastic and completely relatable characters. The plot is familiar but with a very unique and fresh twist. There is emotion, drama, and definitely action. And you find yourself completely absorbed and desperately hanging on until the very end. What more could you ask for?

The book is told from several different points of view, and I think this really helps the reader get the whole picture. We aren't stuck one character's head, and Cambria does a fantastic job of using the shifts of POV to keep us on our toes about what exactly is going on. All throughout, there are bits and pieces of the puzzle that are going to come together in a big way. And, without leaving you completely hanging, the ending is a perfect setup for the next book of the series.

I really don't know what else to say about this novel, other than hurry and get yourself a copy RIGHT NOW! You absolutely will not regret it! '

I am so excited right now I am just squealing all over the house lol, today, in the mail I received my signed copy of Masquerade and, I get to bring to all of you my review of not only this amazing book with its oh so gorgeous cover as well as its amazing author. You see the reason I am so excited about not only this book, as well as the author, Cambria Hebert, a very great friend of mine and I am so proud of her with the release of her new book, or should I say 3 books, yup that's right 3 books, I will tell you about the others shortly.

Cambria and I met last March not long after I had found the Goodreads website and we became fast friends, she was one of my very first few that had started to follow my new blog and gave me so much support and encouragement to keep going, even though I had no idea what I was doing lol. We had none the less became fast friends, Cambria has a huge heart, and one of the nicest ladies I have been blessed to call friend, so when it was her time to get her blog up and running, I returned the favor and helped her the best I could, we had so much fun making and fixing our blogs together and over time I learned she was in the process of writing a book. I couldn't wait for when it would be released as I knew it would be the most amazing book, Cambria emailed me from time to time and ask my opinion on what I thought of the blurb or the unfinished pic for the cover or the look for her new website. Cambria, you will never know how much that meant to me that you wanted my opinion. Thank You for including me in one of the most important events in your life!

On to my review, after reading the blurb for this book, I knew it was going to be a great one, I just didn't realize HOW good until I started reading. BEFORE, Heven was a very happy, popular, normal teenage girl who had every reason to believe that life was going to be good, until one event in her life changed everything, after coming home from the library one night she was attacked and woke up in the hospital, the biggest problem.......Heven can't remember how or what attacked her, and how she got the scars on her face she now works so hard to hide from everyone. Was it an animal that attacked her, she doesn't remember anything. Then Sam shows up, the new kid at school, who doesn't seem to notice her scars, but what Heven doesn't know is Sam has his own secrets that could destroy Heven and how she feels for Sam.

Cambria's storytelling takes you right into the story, I love when a great book can do this to me, it makes me feel like I'm right there with the characters, her way of setting up the scenes, describing how Heven feels, what she has been through, the pain, sadness, helplessness, her anxiety, you can feel it right along with her, so much emotion has been put into this story. Usually I find a story that is told from different POV's sometimes hard to follow, but the way Cambria has done this is fantastic I had no problem following. At first when reading Heven seems like a weak character but as you keep reading you come to understand why but as the book goes on and Heven comes to terms with who she is you just cant help but to love her. I love Sam, he's so sweet and oh so gorgeous :) who makes Heven feel beautiful now like she did BEFORE when life was normal.

If your looking for a book that takes you on a wild ride, this is the book to pick up, twists and turns you will absolutely not see coming and make you gasp out loud, the fighting scenes are freakin amazing, a slow to start novel which is not a bad thing as it sets you up with a smashing huge finish with passion and steamy scenes, you will not want to miss out on this book, I loved everything about it, such originality and left me wanting the next in the series RIGHT NOW LOL. I hope you will all run to get your copy of this amazing book, and enjoy it as much as I did. Enjoy everyone!!!!

I never thought it'd be so hard to write a review about a book I loved, but here I am, not knowing what to say about this fabulous book...

Ok, let's take it one step at a time.

The story:
Masquerade is the first book of the Heven and Hell series. Heven is a teenage girl who after a terrible attack she can't remember got disfigured. Her life had changed completely after that, she lost everything, her friends, her selfconfidence, her life. But after a new boy arrives at her school everything is about to change once more. Sam is everything any girl would ever hope for, or at least that what it seems like. He has a terrible secret and he seems to know more about Heven's accident that even she does.

The characters:
I loved Sam. Through out the whole book he was my favourite of them all. Always protecting and loving Heven, but still always feeling like he was evil deep inside. Perfect boyfriend material from any point of you. And I loved seeing everything through his eyes. His PoV was my favourite.
Heven is the actual main character but although I loved her and felt sorry for her she wasn't my fav. I didn't like seeing her not feeling comfortable in her own skin, but after thinking about it I realized that she was the most normal person in the whole book. Exactly like a real life person. She has her own fears and insecurities and she grows the most as a character. I really started liking her new self at the end of the book. I think I am going to love her even more on book two.
All the other characters where great too. Kimber and Cole, Heven's cuckoo mum, her granmother, they were all very unique and interesting characters. Yeah, even Heven's cuckoo mum.

The writing was adorable. Cambria is a really great writer and you can get captivated by every single word.

I especially loved the last few chapters. They are setting the mood for the next book, which I am sure I am going to love because of where it'll take place.

I absolutely adored Cambria's prequel to Masquerade, Before, (review can be found here: [...]) it left me in suspense over what would happen next and I just couldn't wait to find out all about Sam and the mystery of the Hate and Hope and even Heven, so I just knew I would really Masquerade and I wasn't wrong.

What I didn't know and wasn't expecting was just how much more I was going to fall in love with this series. And let me tell you, my expectations for this book were already high and yet, Cambria still managed to blow them out of the water with her beautiful writing, loveable characters, her creative and imaginative story line, the sweet forbidden romance and the mystery surrounding it all.

This book really is like no other. This series is like no other.

It is fun and so hard to put down. The characters feel real and you just completely fall in love with them. You get so caught up in the story that it is hard to put it down. In fact once I started it, I had to force myself to stop and do other things that needed to be done, like you know, eat and sleep.

I love that in this book we not only get Heven's point of view but also Sam's and then they mysterious names of Hate and Hope.

Heven is strong character that has been through so much already in her life, from being popular and beautiful to lonely and disfigured. She really is just lost trying to find her way in this new life that was created for her.

And then there is Sam. Sam stole my heart.

He is so wonderful. He is loving and devoted and strong and just wants to be good. He sees the best in Heven and is there for her no matter what. He constantly puts his life on the line for her and doesn't even think twice about it, in fact he would die for her.

He is the ultimate bad boy with a heart of pure gold.

There are so many twists and turns through this story that you can't help but be swept away with it. Cambris is a master at grabbing hold of your attention and refusing to let go. The world she created was captivating and I just was left wanting more and sad that it had ended.

I truly can not wait for the second book in the series and know that this will quickly become an all time favorite for anyone who tried it.

Cambria is a very talented writer that shows a lot of promise and I know that her writing will just keep getting better and better and I am so glad that I will be here reading it and watching her grow.

Heven scurries home from her late, study session at the library. The crisp, click of her heels on the pavement, echoing in the darkness, as she hurries to each inviting, safe, splash of light, dotted along the sidewalk that break up night's dark blanket. Suddenly, there is a rustle in the bushes, a streaking blur, followed by ferocious growling and clawing. Heven's piercing scream shatters the stillness, as she awakens; a sweaty, trembling heap in a tangle of sheets. Another nightmare disturbs her slumber. A cool, slosh of water on her face and an inadvertent glance in the mirror reveals the cruel, slashes on the side of her face, reminders that the terrors in the night are now reality. The twisted scars, remnants from that fateful evening, when an unknown assailant attacked her and forever changed her world. Now, Heven is thin, pale and constantly hiding her once beautiful face behind a curtain of golden hair. Gone are the short skirts and bright smiles, replaced by baggy hoodies and slouches. The halls of her high school where she once chattered and giggled with friends, today are a gauntlet of whispers and stares. At least Kimber, her best friend, has remained loyal and at her side. Heven is haunted by the fear that something is stalking her every move. She continually glances over her shoulder, trying to shake that terrible feeling of unease. Then a handsome, blonde boy shows up at school and Heven is inexplicably drawn to him; yet, her scarred face holds her timidly in the shadows, but why is it when Sam is near she feels safe? Why is he such a source of comfort? What secrets is he hiding?

What I Liked:
*I enjoyed the evolution of Heven. In the beginning of the book, she is a frail, scared recluse, far removed from the glory of her head cheerleader days. It was an eye opening experience to see her decline and witness the suffering, that stems from the mutterings and pitiful gazes of her peers. This novel brings to light the pain and struggles that so many disfigured people endure. Hopefully, Heven's story will speak to readers and perhaps it can even help some of these victims. As Heven navigates through her new life, she begins to accept her image and slowly she transforms and becomes the beautiful girl that radiates from inside; no longer letting her scars define her. This is the aspect of the story I appreciated most. By the end of the book, Heven is confident, determined and strong; an amazing transformation.
*Sam is an enigma. He is brave, noble, and protective, as well as good looking. The tender, terms of endearment that fall from his lips will cause many hearts to flutter. Yet, he is clearly hiding a big secret. There are hints that lead you to believe that Sam might be one of the typical, paranormal, male leads but when his true identity was exposed, I was shocked! The reveal was unexpected, creative and far different from anything I anticipated. A clever, twist that readers will devour! To learn the specifics of his past tore at my heart strings, but it clearly defined him and helped him to become the strong man he is today. He may have his stash of secrets but he is still a responsible gentleman, who loves to drink bubble tea (I am now in search of a taste of this delightful beverage). He has definitely thrown his hat into the competition for favorite, paranormal hunk.
*Heven has her scars and Sam his secrets but love allows them to see beyond the obstacles and they learn to accept each other as they are. A wonderful message!
*I admired Ms. Hebert's fluid, easy writing style. The story naturally flows along with just the right amount of precise detail. I liked the way she carefully described Heven's apparel, a well as a typical day. I loved the different and clever array of descriptive words and phrases that are prevalent throughout. Cambria Hebert is certainly a talented new voice in the young adult world.
*The story is suspenseful; I enjoyed that I spent the entire time calculating my guesses, only to find time and time again, that I was wrong. This book is brimming with the unexpected. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it morphs into something beyond expectation. It is unique among the other books I have read in the paranormal genre. Be prepared to be shocked and dazzled!

And The Not So Much:
*Heven's mother remains a mystery. In the beginning she appears to be a typical mom, who cooks an ample amount of atrocious chicken. She is always nagging Heven to attend bible study, which caused me to raise an eyebrow in skeptic wonder (even though I can't really do the one eyebrow trick). As events transpired, I understood why she insisted on Heven, reading the Bible (don't worry this is not a book with heavy, religious undertones) but I never had a firm understanding of the why and how behind her motives. I would like further clarification on the mother's behavior and her beliefs.
*I still had a few unanswered questions regarding the other two point of views: The Hate and The Hope. I am not clear on all the motivating factors behind the voices. Sometimes, the additional view points broke up the even movement of the story line; leaving me pondering their importance in the plot.

Cambria Hebert's, Masquerade, is a paranormal, debut novel that should end up atop the lists for best, new, young adult novels of 2011. This book delivers everything you hunger for in a good book. There is tender, romance, biting action and thick suspense, as well as several, shocking turns of events. Many of these unforeseen elements will no doubt, astound and astonish readers. Masquerade is a book you won't want to miss. I advise you to get your hands on a copy immediately! You will tear through it and wonder when you can read the next installment! I can't wait to take a tour to Italy with Sam and Heven in the next book, Spring 2012!

Favorite Quotations:
"I shouldn't feel safe. I never felt safe around anyone new, but his presence was like a blanket to my shivering insides, whatever he projected reached out and wrapped around me, keeping my fear at bay."

"Your scars do not define you, young lady. Your actions do."

"It was a simple insignificant brush of his hand as he took the keys from my palm, but I would remember that one second contact with him like it was my first kiss."

"His eyes shone like the summer sun with a hint of surprise."

"I learned a long time ago a person's appearance is only a disguise for who they truly are."

"You've unlocked every place inside of me and left me completely vulnerable."

"Masquerade" begins a few months after "Before" ends. Heven remembers nothing of the night she was attacked leaving the library. The only indication of that night are scars along one side of her face. Scars that cause Heven to turn inside herself and leave her self conscious, depressed, and having feelings of low self-worth. She quits the cheerleading squad and withdraws from everyone but her friends Kimber and Cole.

Then Sam arrives - The New Guy in school. She feels safe around him and he makes her feel as beautiful at she did "Before" the incident that left her scarred and scared.

Heven is constantly in fear of the "what ifs" that she thinks are stalking her every move. If only she realized the "what if's" were a real threat to her. She is being protected now by Sam but what she doesn't know is that he is part of the reason she is disfigured, scared of her own shadow, and withdrawn from almost everyone. Does she have the strength to accept what she doesn't know, accept Sam, and become the heroine we know she has within?

Holy Wow!!! This book is so fantastic! I was hooked after reading the prequel "Before." You may read my review of "Before" and see what I mean. "Masquerade" keeps you engaged and wanting more. The plot twists keep you o the edge of your seat....Just when you think you have it figured out, Cambria tosses something else at you. This isn't just a book about a disfigured teen trying to fit back into her own life but a battle between good and evil. Add in shifters - I love me some shifters - and you have an all-out awesome paranormal romantic young adult book that oozes with suspense.

The book is written in one of my favorite styles--Each chapter is told from a different character's point of view.
Chapters 1 and 2 are told from Heven's point-of-view.
Chapter 3 has views from Heven, The Hate, and The Hope.
Chapter 4 is from Heven.
Chapter 5 is from Heven, The Hate, and The Hope.

The characters are strong (even those that have been disfigured - she just needed the confidence built back up within her) and the plot is solid. The supporting characters are just as important to me through this novel and the main ones are. The author did an extraordinary job!! Bravo!

I wont sum up the story becuase I'm at work and there are plenty of reviews doing that. This is my first review on amazon and I just have to say that I absolutely loved both Before and Masquerade! It took me a couple of days to read Before after downloading it, but once I did I was all in. It was a short but fabulous read. The characters even in the short story were well developed and I immediately wanted to learn more about them and see what happened next.

I downloaded Masquerade before I even finished Before and didn't wait to jump into it. I was not let down. There were surprises in every chapter of the book and I fell in love with Heven and Sam, both for different reasons. Hevens story of how her life changed with her attack and then how it changed again when Sam walked into her life was beautiful. They grew and fell in love and made you fall in love too.

I am sorry to see that this book was just published in December of 2011 and I will have to wait for the sequel. I will be reading it just as soon as it comes out, I can't wait to find out what happens next. Masquerade was full of fun and adventure and heartbreak and happiness that I know the next one will be wonderful. To say it's much anticipated is putting it mildly :-)

Ok, so as always, thanks so much to R2R & the author for giving me a copy to read for my review! I am so happy I read this book! and I will try to do it justice, but I doubt anything I say will make anyone get how great this story is!

Heven is the main character in which, she starts off one of those very happy, popular girls (but not a mean one) and things are really looking up! Yes, she's had some loss and sadness in her life, but it doesn't make her cold, until the night she loses everything, or so she thinks so... I understand what it's like to think people look at you differently after an accident, and I feel really bad for her, but I am so glad some things changed, for the better, when Sam came into her life....

And then there is Sam... *sigh* don't you just wanna wrap him up and put him in your pocket! I DO!! Heven knows he has secrets, but she has fallen for him so hard, and he has made her life 1000 times better that she just over looks the strange things that happen sometimes. Until prom, and then she learns a few things about Sam, and she kinda loses it... who wouldn't, ya know! I think I need a real life Sam, supernatural elements and all :)

Now, the supernatural part of this book is my favorite part, because you really never know what is going on, who are these bad guys, and what the hell they are. I mean, you try to guess by some of their actions and words, but trust me, YOU ARE WRONG in what you guess... I was, WAY OFF! :) but, ya know, that's the best part, the mystery in coming to love a book. It's a little romance, a lot of mystery, and some great action!

The author puts her words into forms that are just GREAT! You feel the pain Heven & Sam feel, or their happiness, or the way I really wanna slap Heven's mother with a brick in a glove... sorry, she's not a bad person, just misguided....

My real advice, is read the prequel, BEFORE, (you don't have to but it makes things more awesome) and then let yourself go in this fantastic world Ms. Hebert has build, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one! This book gets a great 5 stars from me :)