Helpful Score: 6
If you can even get this book, you'll probably be disappointed. Yes, it is a rare book, but as a fantasy lover, I just don't see why it is in such high demand! Here is a copy of the review I wrote on Amazon...
It really was not that great. While the story is OK and -maybe- worth more than one star, I've read MUCH better fantasies for MUCH less hassle! If you like female authors with something of substance to offer, look to Tanya Huff, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, Gael Baudino, Anne Bishop, Meredith Anne Pierce, Marion Zimmer Bradley, P.C. Cast, Diane Duane, Esther Friesner, Yasmine Galenorn, Robin Hobb, Marjorie Kellogg, Ursula LeGuinn, Holly Lisle, Jennifer Roberson, etc. While the story and the romance between the two characters was OK, I did not think the characters were as developed as they could have been, especially the ae'Magi and Myr. I didn't think there was enough plot to explain how the ae'Magi managed to convince entire populations of countries that he was really a nice guy, and I thought the constant use of Uriah every time they turned around got old. I have seen this used book priced at $349 and up!!! Don't waste your hard-earned money! Unless you can get ahold of an e-book or library version, it will sorely disappoint you. Maybe Briggs' later books got better. Lets hope so. There are so many other books out there to spend money on, if this book is priced at more than $4.99, buy yourself a cappuccino instead. It will entertain you a bit longer.
It really was not that great. While the story is OK and -maybe- worth more than one star, I've read MUCH better fantasies for MUCH less hassle! If you like female authors with something of substance to offer, look to Tanya Huff, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, Gael Baudino, Anne Bishop, Meredith Anne Pierce, Marion Zimmer Bradley, P.C. Cast, Diane Duane, Esther Friesner, Yasmine Galenorn, Robin Hobb, Marjorie Kellogg, Ursula LeGuinn, Holly Lisle, Jennifer Roberson, etc. While the story and the romance between the two characters was OK, I did not think the characters were as developed as they could have been, especially the ae'Magi and Myr. I didn't think there was enough plot to explain how the ae'Magi managed to convince entire populations of countries that he was really a nice guy, and I thought the constant use of Uriah every time they turned around got old. I have seen this used book priced at $349 and up!!! Don't waste your hard-earned money! Unless you can get ahold of an e-book or library version, it will sorely disappoint you. Maybe Briggs' later books got better. Lets hope so. There are so many other books out there to spend money on, if this book is priced at more than $4.99, buy yourself a cappuccino instead. It will entertain you a bit longer.
I read the original 1993 edition of this book a few months back, and it really wasn't very good. However, this re-written edition is a much better, smoother book, without changing the storyline. The only thing that I could absolutely say was different was the added prologue that shows us the first meeting between Aralorn and Wolf. The rewrite upgrades this book from 'just ok' to 'liked it', and this time I did want to know what happened next in the sequel Wolfsbane.
Helpful Score: 5
Even though Patricia Briggs says this is inferior to her newer novels, I loved it!
I don't usually like political novels so I didn't expect to like Aralorn, a mercenary spy. But she is a terrific heroine who puts herself in danger to help her friends and allies. This is a political intrigue where the evil wizard wants the ultimate power of immortality and is willing to sacrifice whomever is necessary in order for him to succeed. Aralorn and Wolf join forces to stop him. I liked the sexual tension between them and wonder where it will lead. Wolf is such an enigma. He's a mage and a shifter with secrets that dribble out slowly. He is, by far, my favorite character and I can't wait to see where Ms. Briggs takes Aralorn and Wolf in Wolfsbane.
I don't usually like political novels so I didn't expect to like Aralorn, a mercenary spy. But she is a terrific heroine who puts herself in danger to help her friends and allies. This is a political intrigue where the evil wizard wants the ultimate power of immortality and is willing to sacrifice whomever is necessary in order for him to succeed. Aralorn and Wolf join forces to stop him. I liked the sexual tension between them and wonder where it will lead. Wolf is such an enigma. He's a mage and a shifter with secrets that dribble out slowly. He is, by far, my favorite character and I can't wait to see where Ms. Briggs takes Aralorn and Wolf in Wolfsbane.
Helpful Score: 1
I rather enjoyed this book. I was totally intrigued by the shape shifters and I liked Patricia Briggs style of humor in her character Aralorn. There was plenty of mystery to keep me going, but I will say that it dragged just a tad in the middle. I was curious enough and wanting to know what was to happen with the mysterious Wolf and their budding relationship, so I didn't notice too bad. ^_^
I liked that Briggs made the characters seem very real and not super heroes who had no faults or fear. I just ordered book two....
I liked that Briggs made the characters seem very real and not super heroes who had no faults or fear. I just ordered book two....
Helpful Score: 1
I like all of Patricia Briggs books and expected to like this. I liked it very much. The mystique of "Wolf" slowly emerging and the sexual tension between him and Aralorn are well written and keep me interested in reading the next book. I like the mercenary society and hope that other people of interest are revealed as the story unfolds. King Myr and the Dragon must be a future story unfolding.
Helpful Score: 1
A bit different then most of her books. This was the first book she every wrote and she says herself the first printing of the book should not have been printed. It starts slow but then you get to know the people in the story and it starts to flow. By the end you are pulling for all the right people wanting the next book to come out. This book is not just for fan of wolf books but also for people that like magic, dragons and kings you will love this book too.
This review is for the above edition, the revised (by the author, after a few years of honing her craft) edition - not the original that one reviewer so vehemently complains about above.
I picked up Masques because I LOVE Patricia Briggs' work. I especially love the characters she brings to fully 3D life and her worldbuilding. So, am I glad I read her (revised) first novel? You bet! A terrific medieval-style fantasy world with great characters and clever little bits of stage work that make you eager to read the next page. Was it a first novel? Sure, but that didn't affect my enjoyment. I started reading the sequel immediately after (Wolfsbane) because I had to know what happened next to Aralorn and Wolf.
I picked up Masques because I LOVE Patricia Briggs' work. I especially love the characters she brings to fully 3D life and her worldbuilding. So, am I glad I read her (revised) first novel? You bet! A terrific medieval-style fantasy world with great characters and clever little bits of stage work that make you eager to read the next page. Was it a first novel? Sure, but that didn't affect my enjoyment. I started reading the sequel immediately after (Wolfsbane) because I had to know what happened next to Aralorn and Wolf.
Very good for a 1st novel.
