*slight spoilers*
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The follow up to Rachel Burge's The Twisted Tree had a lot to live up to. I often find that ya horror doesn't quite get the right level of spookiness and atmosphere but The Twisted Tree was definitely an exception to that, it was creepy, full of mystery and had great characters. The Crooked Mask is a direct continuum and continues Martha's journey of self discovery as well as trying to find out the truth about Nina's "accidental" death at the circus.
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I loved the circus setting, the way Burge describes the colours and sounds really brings it to life and adds to the unsettling, creepy feel. The characters are brilliantly written with humour and heart, making you feel for them and want the best outcomes for them all, even if they've made questionable choices and actions! I also really enjoyed the non-human characters, particularly Loki who, while undeniably evil, brought an extra sense of fun and intrigue. I don't pretend that my knowledge of Nordic myths and god's extends further than my love of the TV show Vikings but the inclusion of these gods and histories is so well entwined in the book it never felt like I didn't understand what was going on. When the book reaches it's thrilling and dramatic climax it doesn't disappoint and Martha is proven again to be a strong, badass girl and though I do hope that Stig will be in Martha's future, the ending felt like the right decision for her.
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Overall I absolutely loved this book and I would recommend both this and the first book to anyone who loves an old fashioned, hairs on your neck raising, jump inducing, creepy horror. Just read them, you won't be disappointed.