I have to admit that I'm truly becoming obsessed with this series. The writing is humorous and brilliant. The characters are all perfection. And this installment was a step above book one. I loved it.

We pick up where we left off. Evelyn and company are searching for new gifted people to accrue. Her plan to help save the world to honor her sister's wishes is in action. But a wrench is thrown into their plans when they run into the previously mentioned (and thought to be evil) Society of Aberrations.

These Ruthless Deeds is fast-paced. Far quicker and more action-packed than These Vicious Masks was. And, it was also ten tons more intriguing this time around. We meet many new characters; members of the Society and even new members of Evelyn's rich society. Her parents are now back in the picture having moved to London. Their intent is to marry off Evelyn.

I still love Evelyn. Shes even more bad ass this time around. She's learning more about herself and her powers. And in many ways, she's extremely independent. However, I absolutely LOATHE her feelings for Sebastian. I know I'm going to be the minority, but I cannot help it. I'm so tired of that dark, brooding hero trope. And it's in full effect in this book. I mean, why is the only man worthy of loving these days always the guy who's broken or damaged, or so "good" because he'll sacrifice his happiness to help others? Especially when he's acting like a baby. I'm sorry, but I just can't always fall for that. It's way overdone. Not to mention that he's rarely in the story. Even in book one! I don't feel there's been enough interaction between the two to develop any realistic loving feelings. But that's probably because I prefer Mr. Kent. His humorous antics are quite possibly the best thing about this series. I look forward to every scene that contains him. And he has known and interacted with Evelyn long enough to hold feelings. And, yes, I know that you can't help who you love. I'm just blah about it being the typical hero constantly portrayed in the genre. Sometimes, I just want it to be the average, nice guy.

Anyhow.

Setting all of that aside, this story is utter brilliance. As the gang tried to determine who is at the head of the Society, I thought I had a pretty good idea. (I was right!) But their plans are fun, even when completely spoiled. So many scenes are filled with tension; I was constantly waiting for someone to be gravely injured. Or captured. Or, killed. And then there's the wondering who to trust... it can be maddening! Several new incredible powers are introduced—ones that make all the characters we love look boring in comparison. And once we find out the truth about the Society... things start to unravel.

The ending is pure insanity. The action scene was so well-written I could envision it as though I were watching a movie. (Side note: this series would make wonderful movies.) I was both excited and upset to be reaching the end. It's clear the story isn't finished, but now I'll have to wait months before getting my hands on the next one. I still don't know the fate of a few of my favorite characters!

This series has quickly made its way onto my favorites list. Thanks to the humorous Nicholas Kent, I find myself laughing at what should be serious moments. There's nothing quite like a good tension killer. So many elements go into these books, and all are woven in seemingly effortlessly. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves X-Men or Vicious by VE Schwab.

4.5 Stars

A HUGE thank you to the publicist at Swoon Reads, who sent me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! I owe you much cake and and confetti. Maybe even confetti cake.

You know that feeling you get when a book is over too soon? When you keep trying to turn the pages of an eBook, even though you know you have reached the end, because you just have a great, terrible, and all consuming need for the story to continue?

May I present to you, THIS book!

I do not know how or why this series does not have a bigger following. It confounds me. Victorian London? X-Men like super powers? A main guy whose name is Sebastian? *Don’t mind me while I swoon…* But SERIOUSLY! PEOPLE NEED TO READ THESE BOOKS! BUY THEM, BORROW THEM, I DON’T CARE HOW YOU DO IT BUT GET YOUR HANDS ON THESE BEAUTIES! Legally, of course.

Where was I? Ah yes… As a recap! Evelyn (I pronounce her name EVE-lyn in my head just cause she is British and that is how I figure they say her name.) has the ability to heal herself and others. Rose has the honestly inconvenient ability to charm others into loving her. Really. I mean the way this book looks into that ability makes it sound awful. Don’t believe me? Read it for yo-self. Sebastian’s “ability” is more of a “causes everyone to fall sick and die” type thing. Which is tragic….EXCEPT that Evelyn’s ability cancels his out and every time they touch there is this electric charge that is their abilities fighting each other and it is truly swoon-worthy. Mr. Kent has the ability to make people tell him the truth. Which comes in QUITE handy in a posh society full of deceitful liars.

This book picks up right where These Vicious Masks left off. Evelyn’s sister, Rose, has died. Sebastian has gone into hiding because he blames himself for Rose’s death. Mr. Kent is still unsuccessfully and unabashedly trying to woo and win Evelyn. We get to see the Society of Aberrations in action. Are they evil, or just chaotic good? I know. But I can’t tell you, that would be cheating!

Sebastian and Evelyn. While he isn’t physically “in the presence” of Evelyn throughout the majority of this book, he is truly felt. Her thoughts and worries often go to him…as well as her anger for him leaving and blaming himself for her sister’s death. She knows it wasn’t his fault. Why can’t he figure that out?! Blast! Also, there are some truly excellent scenes you shall have to read for yourself. I shall leave you with this little teaser: “Mostly I was planning elaborate revenges upon Sebastian for distracting me so thoroughly.”

Also, I am enacting a MOMENT OF APPRECIATION for this cover. I cover lust it. It is everything.

My main complaints: it wasn’t long enough, and I need the next book (please tell me there is another book) immediately. Please. Thanks.

*I got this book because the publisher granted my wish on NetGalley.

These Ruthless Deeds is the second book in the These Vicious Masks Trilogy. In this one, we follow Evelyn, who is trying to live with the fact that her sister Rose has been killed. She is sucked into the Society of Aberrations, a group of people who claim to be protecting the country, yet something sinister is beneath all that.

Can I just say that this book surprised me, a lot? It did not go the way I expected at all, but in a positive way. Evelyn is as witty and daring as ever, and the love triangle's conversations keep getting better and better.

OMG Mr. Kent. Let me say that I have a love/hate relationship with him. At the end of the first book I didn't trust him, but he proves to be a very loyal and trustworthy friend in this one. His words though. I laughed so hard.

We are also introduced to a couple of new characters that add depth to the story.

OMG THAT ENDING. *No spoilers. ;) ;) ;)

Those deeds... Definitely ruthless. ;)

I can't wait for y'all to read it. You're gonna love it.

Thank you, Kelly, Tarun and Swoon Reads!!!

Intrigue, action, magic, swords (lots of swords), and fantastic characters await the reader in this newest installment to These Vicious Masks! I really wish that this book would have had the humor that book one had. But it was still an awesome read. This story will take us deeper into the underground world of abilities. Toss in the wonderful victorian society and you have a recipe for an amazing story.

This book did not let me down in any way other than the humor. I can't wait for the next one and the ending of this one will have you screaming for more.

This story starts with a daring rescue and had my blood pumping from the very beginning. We had a learned a that the Society of Aberrations existed in the last book, and here we are immersed into their world, as Evelyn tries to deduce if they are good or bad.

This book was not a typical second book (I am assuming from that ending this will be a trilogy). Many times you read a series and the second books drag, because its real purpose is to link book 1 and book 3. Absolutely, without a doubt, not the case with These Ruthless Deeds. This book brought me deeper into the magical world, and had several extremely surprising plot twists that have me wanting more....now.

There was a lot of action in the beginning of the book, and the authors bring us right into one of the major plot lines and some excellent new characters. However, something was missing, and that something was Braddock. I really missed Sebastian, and reiterated the sentiment expressed by Evelyn:
TO SEBASTIAN BRADDOCK: COME BACK, YOU BROODING FOOL.
Many people complained that book 1 did not have much of a swoon factor. Well, let me tell you why. It's because it was all saved up for this book. There is lots of swoony talk and lots of kissing! Upon Braddock's return, the love triangle really ramps up. It was quite fun when the three were together, and the men were obviously competing for Evelyn's affections. Kent's rake factor was turned all the way to its maximum setting. He was dropping fun and flirty lines left and right.
"Any time is the time to flirt with you," he murmured. A slow smile.

"Before I met you, I went to brothels, gambling halls, scandalous music halls, all sorts of indecent places."
"And let me guess, ever since you met me, you've changed?"
He shook his head. "No, I just want to do these indecent things with you."
The jokes about Braddock and his moods also continued:
If you don't wish me to think of you as some kind of tragic Gothic figure, you really must stop acting like one.

I shook my head slightly and he seemed to brood harder, if such a thing were possible.
Comparing this to book 1 I would say it was just more. There was more action, more details regarding the society and it's "members", more romance, more surprises, and definitely more heartbreak. I thought I was heartbroken at the end of the last book, but this ending is devastating.

Overall: An engaging tale of magic, mystery, and mayhem, which is fraught with romance, humor, and camaraderie. That story and that ending left me yearning for the next book.

Overflowing with thrilling plot twists, fascinating characters, and proving itself as an overall exhilarating read, THESE RUTHLESS DEEDS pens its drama with a sharp knife dipped in darkest blood, curling its tale with poise, short-breaths, and an unyielding hand. But even its gorgeous prose cannot veil the ruthless deeds contained within.
-pooled ink Reviews

I think These Ruthless Deeds started out a bit slower than These Vicious Masks however I was exceedingly pleased with the ending. The books was full of surprises but the ending really nailed it! Full review to come.

Wow! This one was so much fun! I loved book 1 but I think I loved this one more! And i loved the twist even though I had a feeling it may happen! I really need the third book now!

I was very excited to get my wish granted through Netgalley to be able to read this. These Vicious Masks was one of my favorite surprises to come out last year, so this was pretty high on my list to read when it came out. It did not disappoint.

Evelyn Wyndham and the usual suspects are back. She's still grappling with the revelation that it was she who possessed the great sought after healing powers, the reason her sister Rose was taken and lost to her. Our dark and brooding anti-hero Sebastian Braddock has disappeared, blaming himself for the harm his power of well, let's call it the un-doing of life, causes to those around him.
Mr. Kent is still in love with her, and cue the entrance for The Society of Aberrations, the very same society who unknowingly funded research for the doctor who kidnapped and experimented on her sister. Can she trust them? Should she trust them? After everything they have contributed to.
They claim to be a sector of the government, paid through and supported, of like minded people with special abilities through the ages for the betterment of the country. Are they just trying to use her?

These Ruthless Deeds, will take you much deeper into this underground world of those with abilities, which are just as strange and varied as you can imagine. Extreme danger, humor, an attempt to escape victorian society at all turns, by Evelyn of course. For what lady would truly want to spend a lifetime with a man who wanted to be a humble meteorologist? Sounds dreadful.
It's a fast paced, dark and wild ride all the way to the last page.
And has me wishing I had Mr. Kent's power, oh the terrible things I would do with information.

I'll be waiting on the edge of my seat for word of what comes next.