Set in ancient China, at the start of the Ming dynasty, The Man in the Dragon Mask by Amanda Roberts is a re-imagining of Dumas’ Man in the Iron Mask. It was neat to see a new take on this old story, especially set in China. I love historical fiction, and the cultures of Asia are always fascinating to me. It’s a glimpse into cultures that are quite different from the past of my own. I loved the description in this book. It was easy to conjure the illusion of the Forbidden Palace or ancient Nanking.
Like it’s predecessor, this is a story of intrigue, and deception. When rulership falls upon Hongdi after his father’s death, he spirals into disaster. He makes the choice to move the capital from Nanking to Peking, a phenomenal and expensive undertaking. From there, his behaviour becomes more erratic. But unknown to Hongdi, and his mother Chun, his twin lives, smuggled to safety long ago. Far from being unlucky, he becomes a hidden blessing. Perfect for those who enjoy historical fiction!
***Many thanks to the author & publisher for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for Silver Dagger tours.
