Book Shelf: Masquerade (Heven and Hell #1) by Cambria Hebert

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.



***
Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.

Blurb from Goodreads......


Review:

Cambria Hebert’s novel Masquerade is a mysterious, enticing read that will having you wondering until the very last page!

I admit it took a tiny while for this story to pick up, but once it did, I found myself very engrossed. The story focuses around Heven, a normal teenage girl who was in an accident that changed her life, one she doesn’t remember and yet still bears the scars of. Nothing seems to be getting better or changing, until Sam walks into her life and changes everything......

Told in duel perspectives, this book is one that will have you guessing the entire way through and with plenty of twists and turns, you’ll never be bored. There’s a real aura of mystery surrounding this novel and as the reader you don’t know exactly what is going on for a long time. The author throws hints and clues in as she writes; catching your interest more and making you wonder just what exactly is going on. The book progresses at a steady pace and the story is constantly evolving. The myths and lore in this book are very much unique to it and it is a refreshing change from a lot of books out there. You never really know what’s going to happen next.

Heven is a decent heroine to read about. She’s been through a great deal recently and her life has changed a lot. She’s plagued by nightmares and fears over an accident that she can’t even remember and as you watch her struggle with her insecurities, you can really see as she evolves throughout the book. She grows as a character, thanks a lot to Sam, but she also learns to accept herself more, even as her world is continuously changing. I think Heven’s fears and problems are very natural and I think even with the supernatural aspect to this book, readers should be able to emphasise with Heven’s insecurities.

Our male lead and love interest, Sam is not that much different from other male leads out there, however I don’t feel this lessens his appeal. His personality and fierce protective nature fit in well with the story and his devotion to Heven shines throughout the book. He’s a mystery for the first half of the story as the author continues to keep us in the dark about Sam’s nature and past, but as everything progressed and we came to lean what Sam was I really came to see Sam in a different light. He’s haunted by what he is, but he doesn’t let it rule him and I feel like he will continue to grow in future books.

With dangerous enemies, teen angst, and supernatural abilities, Masquerade proves to be a thrilling read. Heven’s normal world blends with Sam’s paranormal one beautifully and as this chapter of their journey draws to a close an endless supply of questions and mysteries leaves me eager for this next book!

Rating:
Source: Sent by author for review for blog tour.
Format: ARC pdf ecopy.
Release Date: 16th December 2011.
Recommend: Yes.
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy it.
Cover: It's very pretty--love the gold and glitter!
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes....