This Eternity of Masks and Shadows is a standalone young adult fantasy adventure by Karsten Knight. It is almost impossible to pinpoint the genre on this bad boy of a book. This Eternity of Masks and Shadows is a mash up of so many different genres. It is part romance, part fantasy and mythology, plus a ton of adventure...of yea...and a murder mystery! I love fantasies, mythology and murder mysteries, but I don't really read too much of that mash up. And I have to say, after reading This Eternity of Masks and Shadows I am really digging it! This book was great!

In This Eternity of Masks and Shadows we meet our main character, Cairn, who also happens to be the daughter of the latest reincarnation of the the goddess Sedna. Sedna is the Inuit goddess of seal life and marine animals. I loved the diversity in all of the cultures gods and goddesses that were represented in this novel. It didn't just focus on Greek or roman gods, but rather I saw a ton of gods and goddesses that I have never had the pleasure of reading about in a young adult fantasy story, all mingled together in this world that Karsten Knight created. Cairn finds herself thrown in the middle of a big mystery between the Gods as she tries to figure out who killed her mother and why. Joining her is her best friend, and romantic interest- Delaphine, along with plenty of characters that they meet along the way. The romance in this book was very sweet, but it felt overall secondary to the action and mystery plotline. I also kept hoping we would see more of the ever cute and adorable pet Squall. I loved him!

The action in this book was pretty much non-stop from chapter 2! There is so much going on in this book, and with so many characters, I will admit that I had a tough time keeping track of them all at first. But don't worry, if that happens to you, just keep reading. By the end of the story you will have a better handle on who everyone is and their roles. It got easier for me to catalog everyone as we progress on trying to solve the mystery. As far as the plot goes, it oscillates  between present day and various past events and the flow works out nicely as Carin is trying to piece the whole puzzle of the mystery together. Obviously, I don't want to give anything away, but I will say this was one totally epic journey. The Gods themselves were so diverse, not only in culture but on the spectrum of good to totally completely evil. This book also has a broad spectrum of completely light fun moments all the way to moments that felt honestly very scary and violent. I loved how diverse this book was in so many different aspects.

I will say that I was able to predict some elements of the story, but overall I was swept away in this vast tale and murder mystery featuring all kinds of gods and goddesses. I was enthralled. I loved all the different aspects and jobs that the gods have. It was unlike any other depiction of gods in fiction than I have read in the past. For instance, the detective on the case was a Polar bear god! I have always really enjoyed Karsten Knight's books, but it has been some time since I have picked one up. This Eternity of Masks and Shadows was a great reminder of how much I enjoy his writing and story telling abilities. If you are looking for a book that truly does feel unique, fresh and different look no further than This Eternity of Masks and Shadows. This book was one heck of an awesome ride!