Paige works with Arcturus as she goes on a journey through the French underworld, seeking to escalate her fledgling rebellion while coming to terms with her own ordeal.

The Guardian's Lisa Tuttle lists The Mask Falling among the best recent science fiction and fantasy, applauding its "uniquely different and complex setting".

[2][3] Prior to publication, Grazia named The Mask Falling among the most anticipated books of 2021, commenting, "Fiercely intelligent and articulate, Samantha Shannon ha been blazing a trail for a new generation of feminist fantasy authors.

"[2] The American Library Association's Donna Seaman writes "For all its superbly choreographed action and paranormal inventiveness [The Mask Falling] is is, at heart, a gripping tale of trust and love, valor and sacrifice, and equality and justice.

"[4] Publishers Weekly said of The Mask Falling, "Shannon expertly blends genres to create a story that is at once a political thriller, a dystopian epic, and a paranormal adventure".