Have you read something that left you with nothing but dread?
The serialized web novel Le Masque Parfait will take you to places you never knew existed and make you complicit in something you never agreed to.
Who is the protagonist?
Seeing the title Le Masque Parfait, the first thing that comes to mind is someone who has perfectly curated a false persona.
So, who is Doctor Lucian Von Nacht?
Lucian Von Nacht is the protagonist of the story. He is an ENT surgeon and he is anything but empathetic. He is both a caricature of reality and a metaphor for the world. He observes everything and everyone, taking note of the smallest details such as how a person blinks, how they speak, and their weaknesses and strengths. He studies and adapts.
Lucian takes the study of the human psyche to extremes. When he strikes at the right time, he does so with precision. His goal is preservation and absolute control. He does not flinch. Some may question his morals, but he does not have any. He is calculated in the most intense way.
Anyone who does not see through the eyes of someone like our protagonist would not have even the faintest idea of who he truly is.
But the question remains: Is he a product of nurture, or is it simply his nature?
So, how does Le Masque Parfait differentiate itself from the usual serial killer tropes?
Let’s dive deeper. The story revolves around the mind of the protagonist, who is also the antagonist. But in his own mind, he was never the antagonist. He does not have the capacity to see himself that way. That is why he never feels guilt or hears the voices of the victims that haunt him.
Is he just another copycat? You might want to read the chapters and uncover the symbolism in each line of the book. As a reader, never expect a hero to come and save the day. Do not expect romance or redemption either. You will only end up disappointed.
This book is a slow burn that leaves you with nothing but dread. The narrator is cold and detached. It will make you feel more like an accomplice than someone rooting for his capture or downfall.
Expect dread.
This book was never written purely to entertain, nor is it something you pick up to relax after a long day at work. It may be too niche or too unsettling for some.
Because that is how it is meant to be. Everything is intentional.
The book is currently being released as a serialized web novel and is free to read.
Royal Road - Le Masque Parfait
~ Mari Montclair