City of Masks by Ashley Capes

When a royal conspiracy topples the noble House Falco, Sofia must take up the burden of her father's mantle and assume guardianship of his Greatmask. Yet the sentient bone mask, powerful enough to Compel those around her, will not speak - and Sofia is left defenceless. Hunted by the king, she is driven from the palace where she alone must fight for survival in the cold streets of Anaskar... that is, until she crosses paths with Notch, a bitter mercenary. Notch has survived both war and the betrayal of his king on the very battlefield where they were victorious and though the former soldier burns for revenge, he finds himself unable to turn his back on Sofia and her own struggle for justice. But if they want to take back their city and cast down the tyrant on the throne, they must face the blades of Anaskar's robed assassins, the rage of a mighty sea beast and finally the mysterious Lupo, a man with his own Greatmask and who has masterminded vicious terrorist attacks on the city that spurned him. Follow unlikely heroes on an epic fantasy adventure where the struggle over the Greatmask and its power threatens to tear their city - and kingdom - into shreds.

Adult • Fantasy/Sword and Sorcery