Masks and Shadows, Stephanie Burgis

Masks and Shadows

Stephanie Burgis

Storyline

The year is 1779, and Carlo Morelli, the most renowned castrato singer in Europe, has been invited as an honored guest to Eszterháza Palace. With Carlo in Prince Nikolaus Esterházy's carriage, ride a Prussian spy and one of the most notorious alchemists in the Habsburg Empire. Already at Eszterháza is Charlotte von Steinbeck, the very proper sister of Prince Nikolaus's mistress. Charlotte has retreated to the countryside to mourn her husband's death. Now, she must overcome the ingrained rules of her society in order to uncover the dangerous secrets lurking within the palace's golden walls. Music, magic, and blackmail mingle in a plot to assassinate the Habsburg Emperor and Empress--a plot that can only be stopped if Carlo and Charlotte can see through the masks worn by everyone they meet.

Review

“Masks and Shadows,” authored by Stephanie Burgis, is a compelling historical fantasy set within the richly atmospheric context of the 18th century. The narrative intricately intertwines historical events and figures, creating a captivating storyline. The novel's vibrant setting is further enriched by the significant incorporation of music, which Burgis adeptly employs to construct a vivid and immersive environment. This fusion of historical and fantastical elements positions “Masks and Shadows” as a work that provides readers with an engaging narrative experience.

Set in 1779 at the court of Nikolaus I in Hungary, the narrative unfolds entirely within the opulent Eszterháza Palace, a magnificent structure erected by the Austrian Eszterházy family on the site of a former hunting lodge. The story features two central figures: Carlo Morelli, a celebrated castrato singer, and Charlotte von Steinbeck, the elder sister of the mistress of Prince Nikolaus Eszterházy. Despite the palace's outward appearance of paradise, its grandeur serves merely as a façade, concealing darker realities. Beneath the layers of courtly intrigue and political maneuvering lies a more sinister and potentially catastrophic secret—one that, if revealed, could jeopardize not only the Eszterházy family but also the entire Habsburg dynasty.

What particularly engaged my interest in this novel is the complex scheming among the courtiers, as intrigue is a favored literary element of mine. The incorporation of supernatural elements adds an additional layer of peril, further motivating my exploration of the text.

The characters are notably well-developed, with a particular focus on Charlotte, Carlo, and Anna, Charlotte’s maid who ascends to become an opera star. The narrative is conveyed through the perspectives of five distinct characters, each offering a unique voice that reflects their individual roles and statuses within the court at Eszterháza. This multiplicity of viewpoints enriches the narrative, providing a nuanced examination of the characters' experiences and the dynamics of the court.

However, the plot is hindered by a lack of coherence and organization. The novel attempts to navigate multiple plotlines: one involving supernatural and urban fantasy elements, another centered on court intrigue, a third focused on opera, and at least two others concerning the emerging romances of various couples. While a diverse array of plotlines can enhance a narrative's depth, they necessitate careful management to ensure cohesive convergence, thereby avoiding the disjointed experience of abrupt shifts between them. Regrettably, this integration is not successfully achieved in the novel; the various plotlines fail to coalesce smoothly, resulting in a narrative that feels unbalanced.