Wolfsbane

Better than Masques from a writing viewpoint - as good as the Hurog books. From a story viewpoint - just as good (as Masques and as Hurog). A very rich story, with a lot of confusion and unclear motives on several people's parts - Wolf's trick on Kisrah to get him out from under the spell was neat. Aralorn's trick on Wolf was pretty good too, even if it didn't work right. Heh - one bit she borrowed for other books (she mentioned that there are several in her intro) is having a werewolf for a partner! Not at all the same (as Alpha and Omega), but... It's interesting dealing with all these people who knew Cain as a youngster - and Aralorn as a youngster, for that matter - it gives interesting new insights into both of them. The dreams are show more a bit of a shortcut - no way Wolf would ever have told her those things - but they serve several purposes besides telling Aralorn and us more about Wolf's upbringing. Excellent story, want to read the other Sianim books even more, hope she keeps writing in this vein. show less

Yay Briggs, soon, soon I will be finished with her entire backlist.

Right, Aralorn is back home, something is wrong and she must fix it. Wolf/Cain is with her, they are in love, but there is the whole my dad was evil, everyone think I am evil cloud over them.

I think I actually will manage to keep this short. I find myself not with a lot to say. Not in a bad way mind you, just..not much to say.

A nice little story that is better read after you have read book 1 ;) As things went down in that one. I quite like Brigg's light fantasy stories. They are set in an interesting world. Too bad I only got 2 more about another character and then no more fantasy :/

For the Briggs fan, or anyone who likes light fantasy

A different feel from Brigg's Mercy Thompson Series: slightly darker, more magic, set in olden times. And yet, there is the same good vs. evil plot, a strong lead woman, and star-crossed lovers. Aralorn has returned home for her father's funeral, only to discover that he is not dead, but enchanted. She must find the evil doer and discover the reason behind the magic. Is her father the true target? Or is it Aralorn or her shape-shifting wolf companion? I enjoyed this book thoroughly and now I have to go back and read the first in the series! (Obvioulsy it was a good read even out of sequence, but if you have a choice I'd read Masques first and then this one!)

This is a followup to Masques where Aralorn and Wolf meet and defeat the ae'Magi. Time has passed with their relationship deepening but Wolf still going off on solitary trips to show his independence. When Aralorn hears that her estranged father has died she heads home for the funeral. Wolf shows up to accompany her. It's been ten years of mercenary life since she left. She is still an outsider who doesn't fit their lifestyle. Then Aralorn finds her father is not quite dead but ensorcelled by the ae'Magi they thought they defeated. So its back to figuring out how. This didn't have the appeal of the first volume. I just found to slow and less adventurous. Briggs has done better.

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.

Wolfsbane, the sequel to Patricia Briggs’ debut novel Masques, was written later in her career and just published last month. It continues the story of the shapeshifters Aralorn and Wolf, whose relationship has developed significantly since the beginning of Masques. Aralorn has been called home after a ten-year absence because her father has died. When she and her “pet” Wolf arrive, they find some evil magic at work and a mystery to solve.

As you’d expect, Briggs’ writing is better this time. She has a smooth style that I find pleasant to read (or in this case, listen to, since I read this on audio, again read by Katherine Kellgren). I enjoyed spending more time with Aralorn and Wolf and show more agree with Ms. Briggs who, in the humble introduction to the book, said she wrote Wolfsbane because these characters deserve further attention. They’re smart, witty, and good, and their relationship is believable.

Though Wolfsbane may be a better crafted book, I didn’t find its plot to be as compelling as the plot of Masques. This may be partly because it felt very much like a sequel — the characters and the world are no longer something new to explore, so enjoyment of the novel must come from either spectacular style or truly engaging plot and Wolfsbane, though it’s a pleasant read, has neither. There was a lot of talking through ideas and coming to conclusions by discussion or spying rather than by active investigation, so I was bored in spots (but not for long because Wolfsbane is short and quick-paced).

The evil magic that Aralorn and Wolf must overcome directly affects their relationship, and this is the true focus of Wolfsbane. For this reason, I think readers of romances will probably enjoy Wolfsbane more than I did. The plot lacks thrills, but the romance is sweet and satisfying.

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature. show less

Solid book by Briggs - much delayed sequel to Masques - but not her best. Too much psychological analysis of everyones motives and not enough real suspense. Still fun!

The author tells at the beginning of this book that she wrote the book she wanted to write, that she has carried and loved the characters for a long time. It shows, this book is a wonderful treat to read.
I love Wolf and Aralorn, they are so connected and the story never brings any doubt their relationship. They travel to Aralorn's home for her father's burial. Something is not right, danger and mystery surround her family. Lady death is near, somebody will die.