Mask of Shadows

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
2.5 stars

Sal, Sal, Sal from a country destroyed now competes to become an assassin for the Queen. The Goal: Kill all that their kinsmen be slaughtered

Sounds interesting right? The concept really is. There are many moments in the book where I get swept away and hooked, only to be pulled out... here's why.
First off, lack of description.

Yes, I'm complaining about lack of description.... But, for example, I had no idea how these masks were supposed to look– or I thought it was written wrong because how can you have practically every character in a full face mask... then remark that their hair is messy and have them eat?? There is no way. They are that quick or graceful all the time.
Or, needing to re-read passages to figure out it the location changed, time changed or...


Second, unfortunately, is Sal themselves. Maud says to them, you are nice, at one point in the book, but... where– how–when?! Sal is so blunt when they speak and so rude... plus, without being able to see a person's face for cues, you'd think the other person would really think Sal is being so incredibly rude! I guess I didn't understand Sal's way of talking and how people liked them.

Third was the lack of action. I went in expecting action and intrigue... this might be personal, but I wanted more. I wanted Sal to DO MORE, be clever and swift and nimble like you said you are! Why are you UGH!!! Auditioning to be an assassin, but has never killed before and doesn't want to do more, but then is totally ready if need be. I just.... sigh Mostly, I was getting myself excited for nothing, so once I got used to the pace an lack of action– really didn't try to think deeply, I started enjoying the book more (there is no depth to this iceberg).

The romance... ok, this was probably my favorite part. Slow build? CHECK. Genuinely caring about the other person besides looks? C H E C K. I am all for this. I didn't completely get it especially because of one scene, but hell by that point I was already just trying to enjoy what I was getting out of the book.
The gender-fluid was a nice touch, I do admit. I'm cishet, so I don't want to comment too much and say the wrong things. I thought more could be done since I don't know many gender-fluid characters, but I mean, not every non-cis or non-hetero books needs to make a big issue about gender?? I think?? Like, yeah, normalize it man. We do need big issue books–totally important, but I think normalized ones are also equally important.

The thing is, this concept I thought was pure gold. I could probably have 3 books just on assassination training and competition and intrigue. I was ready to dive deep with Sal and figure this alllllll out. Instead, when I ended up in a kiddy pool with nowhere to dive.

In the end, I gotta confess that I'm not going to read more of the series. With blinders on, I was into it, albeit still confused, but I just don't feel it is worth my time.