This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
It is 1891. Richard Carnby, Terrence Alexander “Axel” Hastings, Percival Wallace, Dr. Stanthorpe Whitehall, Emma Westover, and Jane Halifax each receive a letter offering membership in a clandestine organization. To accept, they must appear at a specific address. As they heed the invitation, they meet their host, Lord Ernest Renfield, who reveals that he is part of an organization called The Order of the Steel Rose, dedicated to fighting evil in the world. They have been chosen to replace the Order’s aging generation for their talents: Carnby, East London’s finest burglar; Axel, a hardened marksman; Percival, connected and resourceful; Dr. Whitehall, a physician; Emma, an actress; and Jane, a researcher. They’re required to complete one task before full initiation into the Order. However, they might not be ready for what awaits them. Find out how it all goes down in Dark Masquerade: Order of the Steel Rose Book 1 by R. Slater.
If you are looking for a gothic horror novel flavored with drama, history, dark fantasy, mystery, a hint of humor and romance, and suspense, Dark Masquerade by R. Slater is a perfect pick. Slater transports readers back to the Victorian era with vivid imagery and dynamic prose. The diverse, exciting cast allowed me to experience the distinct lives of different members of society during that era. As the six invitees came together at Lord Renfield’s opulent quarters in Belgrave Square, I could not stop laughing at the way their backgrounds and strong personalities clashed. I learned a lot about how the poor and the rich lived, and how men and women were supposed to interact and behave in the 1890s. The nuanced conversations and the sentiment accompanying the narration gave the characters authenticity and made the story intriguing. I loved how Slater made the storylines unpredictable and packed them with surprises. I am excited that this page-turner is the start of the series because I definitely want to read more about these compelling characters.
