The 5th book on the series. I'll be honest after the pace of the previous 4 books and the climax of the 4th book I was expecting great things from this one. Whilst it was good I'm not sure it quite reached the heights of the previous book.

There is a lot less spice in this one (not a bad thing) and this book more deals with Lydia's complicated relationship with Aon now that he has become king of all. It is in essence a cat and mouse game. On the one hand you have everyone who was previously against Lydia now on her side and then aon standing by himself. He's obviously still conflicted by what has happened and doesn't quite know Lydia as he can't really remember much.

You do get a little interaction with the ancients but they seem almost a sideline now.

This book more deals with how Lydia is torn by what she knows is right and her desire for aon.

There's a few battle scenes but they do some more like they've been thrown in rather than part of the story.

The ending almost feels inevitable and whilst it's not a bad book I just feel that perhaps it could've been more.

Looking forward now to the final book and seeing what happens.

Love this series and the way Kathryn Ann Kingsley weaves the story. Can't wait to see what the final book has in store for readers!

This is a common review for King of Blood and King of None ((The Masks of Under Book 4&5)
What I'm appreciating is the good balance between the fantasy and romance elements. There's a romance but it's set in a very interesting and well developed world.
It may be a bit of a problem the definition "The Ancient"as it made me think about Lovecraft and we're not talking about Cthulhu here (who's not even an Ancient)
There's a lot of evolution it felt like the two books should be read one after the other as King of Blood seems to be the long introduction to what will happen in King of None.
Lydia is evolved and became a powerful magical being, The Queen of Dreams, and she's still involved in a love/hate relationship with Aon, who underwent a big change as it was revealed who he was.
There a lot more world building in these two novels, there's action, and there's a attraction/passion.
The balance between the different genre is well done and I appreciated how the author never pushed too much the passion pedal and made the main characters a sort of horny hormonal magical being (which can be very funny but also kills the atmosphere).
I look forward to read the next and finale novel.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Oh, I loved reading these books! I've really enjoyed getting to know these characters and this world! It's dark, twisted, depraved, and oh, so complicated with morals, and figuring out the best path forward-especially when up against such a powerful, almost all-knowing threat like the Ancients?

Lydia has been through a lot since she's been brought to Under, a lot she's had to adjust to, and almost all of it bad. That another attempt is made on her life, and that it falls into place with the prophecy? Yeah, I was thinking that Aon went the wrong way with his interpretation, but yeah, that was wildly off!

I wasn't sure how they were going to resolve this fight with the Ancients, there's such a big threat. And there's Aon, craz and broken, without the bits of the Ancients to piece him together. On the other is the King of All, sane but maybe that's not a good thing. It was just a complex situation, and I didn't envy Lydia for having to navigate it.

One thing that I'm wondering, is if the other series set in this world, the Fall of Under, if it's going to be revised as well? I don't know if it's set before or after this series, but it was published after this one, so maybe the story is where Kathryn Ann Kingsley wants it to be. I don't know, but I can find that information out!

Loved reading these books, and I can't wait to read more by Kathryn Ann Kingsley!

This is the 5th book in the series and I have been fortunate enough to have arc read all of them so far. I fell in love with this universe and Lydia’s story from the very beginning. Watching the relationships evoke, dissolve and end has been a rollercoaster of a ride and I love it.

King of None was no exception, Kingsley brought out all the feels and emotions, and once again I was on the edge of my seat to finish this. My only issue is what felt like a lack of climax on this book, perhaps it could have been combined with the next book, but it felt a bit too short. But overall it was great.

Kathryn's books always have me in a chokehold, this series is one of my favorites and you won't be disappointed.

This was a strong fifth book in the Masks of Under series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed how everything worked in the series. Kathryn Ann Kingsley always does a great job in writing this type of book and was invested in what was happening with the characters.

Thank you Second Sky/NetGalley for this ARC❤️

As a shock to no one, I love this series. King of None serves as a great penultimate for the series (and also begs the age old question: if evil why sexy?). I’m so excited to read the last book!

I have already finished the series by the time I come back to review this book and that it just a testament to how utterly addictive this series is.

I really enjoy Aon and Lydia. I love the unique world. I just have a wonderful time. Getting to meet more of the Kings and Queens in this book was really refreshing and the twists by the end, I was floored.

I had a blast. This is absolutely worth the read.

4.25/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the wonderful opportunity to read and review this book