The Mask Falling is my favourite instalment in The Bone Season series so far!

Following the events of The Song Rising, Paige Mahoney finds herself the Scion Citadel of Paris with Arcturus Mesarthim, where the Domino Program has plans for her, while Paige has ambitions of her own.

I loved that this book was set in Paris: as someone who used to live there, I'm always a bit wary to read books set there, but Samantha Shannon did a fantastic job! You could tell how much research she put into this book through her vivid descriptions of the city and how she tied French history to the history of clairvoyants and Scion. Samantha Shannon expanded her world yet again: I found so interesting to learn how things worked in the Scion Citadel of Paris, from the governing body, led by the terrifying Benoît Ménard, to the inner workings of the criminal underworld. If The Mime Order is your favourite book in the series, you are sure to love The Mask Falling!

Paige Mahoney still remains one of my favourite protagonists to read about, she feels so real, and I wish I could hug her and tell her that everything is going to be okay, she sure needs it. The Mask Falling introduced a new cast of characters that I loved to get to know, as well as made me reacquainted with characters we hadn't seen in a while. My only problem with the characters is that I still don't love Arcturus Mesarthim like everyone else... I am so indifferent to him, whether he's there or not doesn't change much for me, and I don't know why...

I really enjoyed that the author took her time with the plot, starting by showing us how the characters were dealing with what happened in The Song Rising, as well as exploring this new Citadel. Once the plot really got started, I flew through this book, because it was full of twists and turns, Samantha Shannon sure didn't hold back her punches. The Mask Falling was a game-changer for this series, the stakes got even higher for the characters, and this ending left me shocked and speechless.

Overall, The Mask Falling was a fantastic fourth instalment that set up so many things for the series, I can't wait to see where the next few books will go! It has amazing character development, a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and to me, it was the strongest book in the series.

This is definitely my favourite book in the series so far. You can really feel the difference and maturity in Shannon's writing between the first three books in the series and this book. This gives Paige more maturity, there is a lot more flow to the story. The slower and still moments have greater impact on the plot, and while the story is still very linear with no side stories to explore off of the main line, I didn't find it as jarring in this instalment as I had in others.

There are plot twists and reveals a plenty, exploring Scion Paris, how it's underworld functions, the return of unexpected familiar faces and a lot of political intrigue all over the place. We get to explore Sheol II, Scion Paris and its Underworld, all of which build the lore and picture of this world even further. I love the detail in the worldbuilding and I really love that we are starting to get more and more insight into it.

All of this is going on while Paige is dealing with both the physical and mental fall out of the events of Book three and re-establishing her relationship with Warden. I actually found myself drawn to the quiet and reflective moments as they had such depth of emotion and really gave such insight into Paige. For me they were not as repetitive as they had been in previous books and more about showing her striving to work through her emotions and the problems she faced, wrestling with her morals etc.

This Book really got me excited for the series again and I hope that we don't need to wait too long to see how it continues.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Having just read all the other books in this series for the first time, I couldn't wait to get stuck into this. And boy, I wasn't disappointed. Shannon keeps up the relentless pressure of the storyline but, by moving the narrative to Paris, allows us to glimpse a whole new layer of Scion control. I feel sorry for Paige - she never gets a break! Shannon's series will be read for years to come and holds up as a shining example of contemporary fantasy writing.

The Bone Season septology is one of my favourite series. After reading The Song Rising as soon as it came out back in 2017, I have been patiently waiting and highly anticipating the publication of this fourth instalment. And let me tell you, my experience reading The Mask Falling has been quite a roller-coaster. I didn’t love the first two-thirds as much as I loved The Mime Order and The Song Rising. I even thought this would turn out to be my least favourite instalment in the series. But then, the last third of the book happened and it completely blew my away.

Dealing with the aftermath of the previous book, Paige arrives to the Scion Citadel of Paris. She knows the clairvoyance cause needs more allies and, in order to accomplish that, she decides to explore the Parisian underground with the goal of finding its syndicate, also known as Le Nouveau Régime. At the same time, the mysterious Domino Programme and its network of spies are expecting Paige to carry out a mission that can get both parties the answers they need in order to take Scion down.

As I mentioned before, I had some issues with this book. I just think some aspects happen too quickly and very easily, with some revelations being pretty much convenient. Furthermore, and for the first time while reading this series, Paige got on my nerves. I just couldn’t understand a couple of very reckless and crucial decisions she makes in The Mask Falling. That being said, I absolutely loved the last part. There are so many insane plot-twists, shocking revelations and heart-wrenching scenes. It has been more than a day since I finished this book and I’m still thinking about everything that takes place in that last part. Samantha Shannon is a genius. A sadist genius. There is absolutely nothing that could have prepared me for those intense last chapters.

I might re-read this instalment once my finished copy arrives so I can properly take it all and formulate a more solid opinion. Because I feel that one of the revelations that takes place towards the end does justify Paige’s main reckless decision, the one that bothered me. Honestly, I just need to comprehend how this went from a 3-star book for me to an infinite-star instalment in the last third. Because those last scenes were truly a masterpiece.

As always, I cherished every scene between Paige and Warden. This book truly delivers in that sense, since it’s the one that has more scenes of these two together. Their relationship is so pure, complex, beautiful and angsty. I also liked how this book is so focused on how Paige deals with PTSD and aquaphobia, something we already got a glimpse of The Dawn Chorus, a novella that takes place between the third and four instalment and that I highly recommend to every fan of the series because of how it focuses on mental and physical health—and because of the foreshadowing that includes.

Overall, and even thought my start with The Mask Falling wasn’t as promising as I hoped for, I ended up loving this instalment. I honestly don’t know how I’m now supposed to wait two years to know what happens next after that ending. I never thought an ending could have shocked me as much as Golden Son did, but Samantha Shannon just proved me wrong and managed to achieve the impossible. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, I really don’t know what are you waiting for.

I was late to the party with reading The Bone Season Series and honestly I wish I could have read them sooner! The Mask Falling was my favourite in this series and honestly I have just felt like the series just keep on getting better! Samantha Shannon kept us all engaged and on our toes and I spent half the time saying Oh My God out loud because of everything that was happening! Phenomenal book!

As an avid Samantha Shannon lover, I have been anticipating The Mask Falling ever since I read The Song Rising.

For the first time, I am struggling with what to say about a book in The Bone Season series. I enjoyed The Mask Falling. I enjoyed the writing and the plot…but I can’t help but feel a little let down by the one and only Paige Mahoney.

The Mask Falling immediately follows The Song Rising, picking up with Paige and Warden — sorry, Arcturus — in the Scion Citadel of Paris. Paige is suffering from the repercussions of her torture, while Arcturus is doing his best to ensure she rests.

Samantha Shannon’s writing never fails. Her attention to detail and pain-staking research is evident, with French appearing frequently throughout the novel and an exceeding amount of detail woven through a few short sentences. There is no doubt that her worldbuilding is fantastic. I could comb her novels over and over again, and always find something new and wonderful to digest.

My love for Arcturus will never fail. Watching him develop from cold, stone-like blood-consort, to a more human version of himself that Paige (and readers) come to know and love, has been an amazing journey. His character arc in this book is no different, despite him being, more often than not, on the sidelines.

Paige, on the other hand, is perhaps the source of my frustration. A number of monumental events take place in this book, and the way Paige reacts to them had me shouting at her through the pages. The Black Moth has been through an awful lot — it was good to see these things being dealt with — and yet she often reverts back to her naïve self of the first novel. Generally, I think I was hoping for more development. For someone as clever as she, there are a lot of things she misses that readers are bound to pick up on. For many, this might be part of the fun of the novel. Yet for me it was simply frustrating.

With regards to the other characters in The Mask Falling, I was pleased with Shannon’s further foray into diversity. Not only has a non-binary character been introduced, but we are also given a little more information about Paige’s own sexuality.

The new side characters are all equally as interesting and I look forward to seeing more of the Court of Miracles and the perdues in particular. Once again, Samantha Shannon has been able to create rounded characters that we come to care about, even in a short space of time.

The plot of the novel involves a great many elements, with heart-in-your mouth moments followed by tears-in-your-eyes moments. Although not every scene succeeded in drawing out the correct emotion from me, enough of them did to remind why I love this series so much.

For me, the final part of the novel was the most provoking, and the part that had me the most invested. This section truly raised the stakes, demonstrating just how much more content the author has up her sleeve. I never once thought about putting the book down, and I am sure Bone Season fans will be thrilled with this new addition.

Overall, The Mask Falling was a great addition to a fantastic series, and I am already looking forward to my reread!

We’ve had quite a wait for the 4th instalment of Samantha Shannon’s Bone Season series (and for The Priory I’ll forgive that wait ❤️), it’d been quite a few years but I can safely say this, The Mask Falling was worth it, you can feel the time and thought and love put into this book.

I won’t talk much about the plot because there’s a synopsis for that and I want to avoid spoilers, but this book is an emotional rollercoaster to say the least! I’ve read a lot of books since The Song Rising and without even a recap I was able to pick up where I left off, this book carries straight on from this (well, technically on from The Dawn Chorus) with a recovering Paige and Warden fleeing to Paris and i found it incredibly easy to step back inside this story.
I particularly loved Paige and Warden getting closer in this book, he is my favourite character and it was lovely to know more about him. This book has such beautiful intimacy to it as these 2 guarded people open up to and learn each other, to the point that in this book Warden is referred to as Arcturus. Paris is a delightful backdrop and again you can really tell Shannon has done her research without this information looking misplaced and gratuitous. Talking of Shannon’s commitment, a lot pieces finally get out together in this book, a lot of questions are answered. Like I said earlier, this book really takes you on an emotional journey so brace yourself for a lot of stress with this one! There are some fantastic action scenes, tender scenes, wonderful world building and agony that will leave you shouting WHY??? at the book.

Samantha Shannon is a fantastic writer for many reasons; the world building, the research, the writing, but for me what sets her apart is her commitment to the character. Paige in The Song Rising is brutally tortured, including being water boarded. PTSD plays a key role in this book, the triggers, a touch, a choice of words, even a position Paige lies in, takes her back to her torture room and we follow her through these inner battles and the victories. When Paige is I’ll or injured, this becomes part of her story, it’s not something that just happens and is done, it’s something that makes life harder and so you follow that with her, Paige has a recurring cough that is often referred to and her pneumonia is treated throughout, similarly at one point she injured her leg, and it’s not a plot point, but it’s something that Paige feels and so you feel it with her. A key example of this that I found so wonderful to read was at one point Paige’s body recovers enough for her period to start again. I have read countless books with a female protagonist and yet this is the first time I have read this in a book and it took me aback because it just never happens, despite it obviously being something the character must experience on top of whatever else she is facing. Not only does Shannon acknowledge that Paige is uncomfortable and in pain while life goes on and she still has to get stuff done, she also writes an exchange with Warden where he respectfully asks about it. This is what I love about Shannon’s writing.

Thank you NetGalley for the early copy of this book, I’ve been excited to read it for a long time and once again, Shannon has brought something wonderful into this world.

To be honest I thought this was the first in a new fantasy series and the discovered it was the fourth.
That said I loved every moment and couldn't put it down even if I'm sure I didn't understand some references to the previous stories and some parts of the world building.
I found the storytelling excellent and was enthralled loving the tightly knitted plot and this fascinating universe.
The world building and the character development are excellent and I loved the characters.
I'm happy I read this book because I have three to read and look forward to the rest of the series as I'm hooked.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

An amazing fourth book in this incredible series!! I was on the edge of my seat while reading and was so invested int he story and characters. Highly recommend picking it up!

This book has been on TBR ever since I knew The Bone Season was going to be a seven-book series... So basically ever since the start. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Mask Falling, and as soon as I received it, I started reading it straight away.

Dreamwalker Paige Mahoney has eluded death again. Snatched from the jaws of captivity and consigned to a safe house in the Scion Citadel of Paris, she finds herself caught between those factions that seek Scion's downfall and those who would kill to protect the Rephaim's puppet empire.

The mysterious Domino Program has plans for Paige, but she has ambitions of her own in this new citadel. With Arcturus Mesarthim-her former enemy-at her side, she embarks on an adventure that will lead her from the catacombs of Paris to the glittering hallways of Versailles. Her risks promise high reward: the Parisian underworld could yield the means to escalate her rebellion to outright war.

As Scion widens its bounds and the free world trembles in its shadow, Paige must fight her own memories after her ordeal at the hands of Scion. Meanwhile, she strives to understand her bond with Arcturus, which grows stronger by the day. But there are those who know the revolution began with them-and could end with them.

The first thing that I'm going to say about this book is that it ruined me. It completely and utterly ruined me. I feel like that's all this review should be, because I'm trying to write this pretty much as soon as I've finished it, and I don't think that my brain can properly form words right now. So, if this review sounds like a mess, it's because I am.



"I am of the considered opinion that for every person, there exists a book that will sing to them."

- Samantha Shannon, The Mask Falling




The novel started off slow, setting the scene for when Paige and Warden arrive in Calais. But obviously, that was not going to stay like that for long. Paige just can't seem to stay still 😂, and we all know that when books start slow, it just means that shit is going to hit the fan later on.

One of the things that I absolutely love about this series is the characters. It was amazing to fall back in love with existing characters, but also to fall in love with new characters that made The Mask Falling my favourite book in the series. It's not just the characters though that made this book wonderful, Samantha Shannon's was truly brilliant, and I feel like this is her best writing yet.



"The only way to survive is to believe you always will."

- Samantha Shannon, The Mask Falling




ALSO. PARIS. I LOVE PARIS SO MUCH. Seeing Paige navigate her way through one of my favourite cities was breathtaking. Paris is a place that fits the aesthetic of the series so beautifully: it's a magical place that has dark, historical undercurrents. I hope we get to stay in Paris a little bit longer in the next book (which I kinda need right now 😅)

Samantha Shannon portrays Paige's PTSD in such a real, terrifying way. I do wish I had read The Dawn Chorus before I had read The Mask Falling though! So if you haven't read either of them yet, read the novella beforehand!



"Fear is a constant for us mortals... but so is the knowledge that no matter what happens, no matter how careful and afraid we are, life does not end. So you might as well take every shot you get."

- Samantha Shannon, The Mask Falling




I think I finished this book at about 4am? I really didn't want to stop reading it. There were so many revelations about the characters, so many heartbreaking moments, so many things that I wanted to throw the book across the room. It just made me feel SO MUCH! I had to stop when I had about 100 pages left because I had to try and wrap my mind around what I had just read... So, I went to the kitchen and got a snack.

I also genuinely thought that I had about 30/40 pages left, but then the story just... Stopped. And then there was a list of language/terms/characters. I flipped crazily though the book to see if there was anything that I had missed, but no. There wasn't. That was where the novel had ended, and I needed to know more. To be honest, I might just re-read the entire series again.

I just know that I'm going to have a book hangover...

It's Samantha Shannon, need I say any more!

A great addition to a fantastic series picks up well from the previous book despite the length of time between the books being published! If you haven't read The Bone Season series pick it up now! A must-read for ANY fantasy lover.

The Mask Falling is a wonderful 4th installment in an already amazing series.

In The Mask Falling we follow Paige and Arcturus in Paris, and we see how enormous Scion and its operations really is on a global level as well. There are more complex politics, more characters to follow, everyone has their own (private) goals and the stakes have never been higher. The story continues brilliantly from the previous books, and make Paige’s past hardships especially relevant.

The Mask Falling is a fast-paced adventure. It gives answers to previously asked questions, but then immediately leaves you with just as many things to wonder about and even more. It makes you want more and more. The characters are interesting and feel alive, the world building is gorgeous and the story itself is a rollercoaster from start to end.

I can’t wait for the next part to arrive.

The Mask Falling could be otherwise called Paige Mahoney takes bath. I swear she was in the bath or submerged in some body of water for fifty percent of this book. And yes yes this is significant because she was waterboarded I appreciate that but honestly the girl must look like a prune.
This is the fourth instalment of what I think is a seven book series and in this book the breaks have been put on. This book is all about Paige and Arcturus. We join them in Paris away from everyone they know and trust and we see the global scale of Scion and it’s operations. This however I found was detrimental to the nuts and blots of the plot. There was a lot of the same stuff happening that had happened in the previous books. Paige is kidnapped and tortured then rescued then someone else is kidnapped tortured and rescued. Then Paige has a showdown with a powerful figure and comes out triumphant. Paige and Arcturus nearly get it on but don’t. Seen it all before.
I don’t particularly care for Paige I don’t know why. She’s a bit of a Mary Sue. She is however some sort of medical miracle because she can be repeatedly beaten to near death and have pneumonia and still manage to scale a building for a bit of rest and relaxation. What?! I want whatever she’s on please.
I almost threw my kindle across the room at the last twist for Paige to become so suddenly dense at the end when she is supposed to be the cleverest girl in school elicited some mega groans but hey let’s blame her infected lung.
We are over the fourth book hump now though and a lot of threads have been laid out so hopefully the next book will get things moving again. If Paige can drag herself out of the bath that is.

The Mask Falling makes me realise that the dangers that Paige is facing are greater than I ever thought.

There is a lot to take in when reading The Mask Falling. As there is;

Underworld of Paris
Spying
Paige Recovery
Arcturus and Paige relationship
Information for the Mime Order.

Having all these different elements kept the plot entertaining with a great pace. The moments of Paige recovery and her relationship with Arcturus gives emotional and heartwarming moments.

I loved the action that the spying, and finding connection in the underworld brought. One of my favourite moments is when Paige is using her dream walking abilities for spying. It kept my heart pounding when you're worrying if she will get caught or not.

There are several moments and revelation that did take me by surprise. The ending especially. I spent the last chapter going No, No, No, No, NO, NO, NO.

Overall my rating for The Mask Falling is 4.5 out of 5.




Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for gifting me an E-book copy for review.

I couldn't put this down, I wanted it to last but I wanted to know what happened & read it in two days, but now it's over & I'm already dreading waiting to find out what happens next.

Samantha Shannon has created a world that it is a pleasure to get completely lost in. So similar to our own that it is easy to imagine but different enough to take you somewhere else entirely. Paige & Arcturus remain two of my favourite fictional characters & their supporting cast are awesome (in the traditional sense of the word). There is a fine line between good & bad, hero & villain and this is pushed every which way in The Mask Falling.

I'm genuinely at a loss for what to read next.

Samantha Shannon’s ‘The Mask Falling’ is probably my favourite one in the series so far. Possibly because is set in Paris, and I loved the more international landscape in this fourth instalment of ‘The Bone Season’. With more characters and more complex politics coming into play in ‘The Mask Falling’, the stakes have never been as high before. All with different goals and ambitions, the characters are the driving force of this book, forcing Paige to navigate increasingly difficult landscape of wartime Paris, while at the same time still dealing and coming to terms with the aftermath of the events in the previous book. It was good to see that Paige’s injuries or mental repercussions weren’t brushed off, but rather had played important role in ‘The Mask Falling’ from the beginning to the end. Once again, the action picks up in the latter half of Samantha Shannon’s book, but that’s not too say that the first half isn’t intense – from the immediate fallout of ‘The Song Rising’ (also explored in the novella, ‘The Dawn Chorus’ which bridges the gap between both books) to exploring the current dynamic between Paige and Arcturus, her work for Domino Programme as well as the (possible) new alliance with clairvoyants of France, ‘The Mask Falling’ is fast-paced, and will definitely be a great read for those who have been following Paige’s adventures. While ‘The Bone Season’ series wasn’t one that I was completely engrossed in since the very beginning, I’m finding myself enjoying each book more and more, perhaps also seeing how the author is growing and developing her narrative skills further, which is always great to see! And considering the ending of the previous books, I shouldn’t perhaps be surprised with another cliffhanger. I guess now I have to wait patiently for another instalment.

I feel like I have waited so long for this book! I’ve missed Paige and Arcturus and was excited to dive back into their world. This time we’re in Paris having escaped from the Scion Citadel of London. The books picks up seamlessly from the third book and we’re back with Paige and Warden in a container on a cargo ship.

Paige, still suffering from the effects of destroying Senshield and the subsequent damage caused by the poltergeist on her dreamscape is struggling to hold herself together. Not only is her damage mental, but it is physical too. Suhail Chertan, a Rephaite we met in the previous books, tortured her almost to the point of breaking her through waterboarding and beatings. Paige is a broken woman right now.

Despite her evident trauma, Paige is determined to try and help the Mime Order through connecting with the Court of Miracles in Paris and a mysterious organisation called Domino. New alliances are formed, even with unlikely people.

There’s a masquerade! Which is utterly gorgeous and I would kill for Paige’s mask. Ultimate badass.

I love the relationship that Warden and Paige have, Warden is such a dry character and it’s lovely to see him open up throughout the course of this book. Paige on the other hand is such an interesting character, I love how Samantha Shannon didn’t brush or gloss over her trauma, you live it with her and the fears she has with water and the dark since her torture. She is fractured but slowly is coming back to the Paige we knew, she won’t ever be the same and will perhaps become stronger for the trials she has been through. Also THANK YOU Samantha for 1. including a realistic view and narration of periods and 2. normalising them within a narrative!

Scion are on the move and looking to seek more control and take over the world. Countries are falling like dominoes under the anchor and the stakes are higher than they ever have been. Paige must overcome some huge hurdles to help the Anormales of Paris as well as the Voyants back home in London.

Prepare to have you heart singing, then ripped out, stood on, brought back to life and then set on fire. I was on cloud nine reading some of this story and other bits I had to re-read the page in utter disbelief. It’s an emotional rollercoaster and you feel so invested in the story that it’s an absolute gut punch. Samantha has written an absolute blinder here and she can gut punch me any day because this book was utterly amazing. It’s so easy for a book to just plod along until the next instalment but bloody hell, this book. I can’t stop thinking about it.

If you’ve read the previous three books and have not yet pre-ordered this one, do it now! If you’ve not ready any of the Bone Season, where HAVE you been?

Thank you Samantha for this gift, I can’t wait to see where the story goes after THAT ending.

Prepare yourselves folks.

Unfortunately I dnfd this series so can't possibly read and review this book! This series just isnt for me unfortunately in terms of writing, plot or characters.

What a ride!
Can't say that I was surprised that I absolutely loved this book, but I'm always astounded by the number of emotions Samantha Shannon can make me go through.

These characters have become so dear to be, but, of course, they must suffer. Don't get too comfortable with this series, all happiness will be snatched away.

It'll probably be some time until we get to read the next book, but I honestly can't wait! Who knows where this journey will take us next.

As a long-time fan of the series, I was extremely excited to get stuck into The Mask Falling and my only disappointment was that it had to end. Having read each of the books up until this point, I entered this next instalment with a deep sense of dread in the pit of my stomach as I turned each riveting page. I would nervously relish in every small victory for Team Black Moth, all the while knowing that Shannon must have cooked up new intricate ways to torment us along the way.

The Mask Falling delivers in that we finally get some of the answers to questions we’ve collated over the series. It’s extremely satisfying, particularly as Shannon also answers questions we didn’t even know we had in the first place, so this comes as a delightfully unexpected surprise! Don’t be fooled for a second, however, that this means all the pieces will slot into place. Shannon will leave you both in awe of her latest work and also screaming in rage (and excitement) at its explosive sequence of events as they unfold throughout the book. I finished it on Christmas Day and I struggled to emotionally collect myself, which is why I have taken some time before sitting down to write a review.

This next chapter of the overarching story is set in Paris. You have to admire Shannon’s extensive effort to describe it in such beautiful detail, as well as neatly weave in French language throughout to make the setting feel truly authentic. Following the events at the end of The Song Rising and The Dawn Chorus, we are given an initial moment to catch our breath, witnessing some intimate, tense, and humorous moments between Paige and Warden as they adjust to life in France.

The Mask Falling is very reflective in general, giving appropriate time and attention to important themes such as the exploration of mental health, which was touching to see. There is also the welcome addition of familiar faces along with some new ones. You will soon find yourself questioning every character and their motives as it continues to remain increasingly difficult to know which side anyone is on in the fight against Scion!

I have so much love for The Bone Season series. The Mask Falling is truly another solid addition, perhaps marking what could be regarded as the tipping point before we transition into the next sequence of events. Shannon has created a layered and well-thought out world that is rich in history, clairvoyance and representation. I am so very grateful to Bloomsbury for giving me the opportunity to read it and I just know that this is going to be a series I will continue to rave about in the years to come. Parfait!