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Sianim #4
Wolfsbane
The exciting follow-up to New York Times #1 best-selling author Patricia Briggs' Masques features the further adventures of the shapeshifting mercenary Aralorn.
Aralorn's dangerous existence has taken her far from her aristocratic roots and kept her from her homeland for more than a decade. Now, she must return home to mourn the death of her father, the Lyon of Lambshold. But when Aralorn and her companion Wolf arrive, they discover that home is gone forever and they must take on an old enemy more sinister than they ever could have imagined.
Aralorn's dangerous existence has taken her far from her aristocratic roots and kept her from her homeland for more than a decade. Now, she must return home to mourn the death of her father, the Lyon of Lambshold. But when Aralorn and her companion Wolf arrive, they discover that home is gone forever and they must take on an old enemy more sinister than they ever could have imagined.
291 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 2, 2010
About the author
Patricia Briggs
115 books30.5k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.
Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
April 17, 2019
** Note: This novel starts with an introduction by the author herself explaining the updated edition. **
I finished listening to Masques and just had to dive into Aralorn and Wolf’s next story, Wolfsbane. Their are two other titles before Wolfsbane in the Sianim series, I have yet to listen to them, but plan too, and this is the second in the Aralorn series. I’m so glad I grabbed this one next.
I’m in heaven. Briggs did an stunning job with this novel. The storytelling is magical, vivid, and just all-around outstanding. You are pulled into the story from the moment it starts and each additional moment keeps you in rapture.
When we start Aralon is on her way home for her father, the Lion of Lions Guard’s, funeral. Wolf is not with her. He has just up and disappeared. He's been doing this a lot throughout the years that they have been together. It’s his way of not getting attached, but we know and so does Aralon that both are attached.
I adored getting to see Aralon’s family. We meet her father’s family as well as the shape shifters side. Many don’t like Aralon and some even fear her. It was sad to see this, but Aralon new that she didn’t really belong and did the right thing in leaving even if some of her family missed her. Things would not have been good if she stayed.
Briggs weaves a story full of adventure and we learn fast that it’s a trap for both Wolf and Aralon. We get to meet a Death Goddess, Aralon’s family, some of the shape shifters, and who knows; the A Majie may not be gone as they thought.
It’s an epic fantasy full of twists, turns, and stories inside stories. I can’t stop thinking about this world and characters and what might come next for them. It’s one mind-blowing listen.
Narration: Katherine Kellgren did an exceptional job with her narration. The storytelling was striking and the magical fight scenes were extraordinary. All the voices where distinctive, pleasant, and nice. I have to say I’m oh so glad I listened. I highly recommend the audiobook for Aralorn’s stories.
Rated: 5 Star
I finished listening to Masques and just had to dive into Aralorn and Wolf’s next story, Wolfsbane. Their are two other titles before Wolfsbane in the Sianim series, I have yet to listen to them, but plan too, and this is the second in the Aralorn series. I’m so glad I grabbed this one next.
I’m in heaven. Briggs did an stunning job with this novel. The storytelling is magical, vivid, and just all-around outstanding. You are pulled into the story from the moment it starts and each additional moment keeps you in rapture.
When we start Aralon is on her way home for her father, the Lion of Lions Guard’s, funeral. Wolf is not with her. He has just up and disappeared. He's been doing this a lot throughout the years that they have been together. It’s his way of not getting attached, but we know and so does Aralon that both are attached.
I adored getting to see Aralon’s family. We meet her father’s family as well as the shape shifters side. Many don’t like Aralon and some even fear her. It was sad to see this, but Aralon new that she didn’t really belong and did the right thing in leaving even if some of her family missed her. Things would not have been good if she stayed.
Briggs weaves a story full of adventure and we learn fast that it’s a trap for both Wolf and Aralon. We get to meet a Death Goddess, Aralon’s family, some of the shape shifters, and who knows; the A Majie may not be gone as they thought.
It’s an epic fantasy full of twists, turns, and stories inside stories. I can’t stop thinking about this world and characters and what might come next for them. It’s one mind-blowing listen.
Narration: Katherine Kellgren did an exceptional job with her narration. The storytelling was striking and the magical fight scenes were extraordinary. All the voices where distinctive, pleasant, and nice. I have to say I’m oh so glad I listened. I highly recommend the audiobook for Aralorn’s stories.
Rated: 5 Star
March 15, 2017
Finishing this book became a chore by the time I reached half-way mark. I just wanted it to be OVER!
Its strange how I liked its prequel, which was popularly disliked while I lost my way with this one which many readers enjoyed. I am doomed to always fall in the other side of the spectrum... Gaah!
1.25-headache-inducing-story-which-would-go-on-and-on-stars :(
Its strange how I liked its prequel, which was popularly disliked while I lost my way with this one which many readers enjoyed. I am doomed to always fall in the other side of the spectrum... Gaah!
1.25-headache-inducing-story-which-would-go-on-and-on-stars :(
June 19, 2018
The follow-up to Briggs' first book, Masques. Aralorn and Wolf are together and return to Aralorn's childhood home when she gets word that her father is dead. Things aren't as clear as they seem and there is a mystery to be solved and more healing/redemption for Wolf.
I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first one. Surprising, since it was written later in Briggs' career and sat unpublished for years until she became popular enough for a re-release of the little-read Masques. It was interesting to see the themes so prevalent in the Mercy Thompson novels in Aralorn's separateness from the family she loves and loves her in return, yet her half-shapeshifter status keeps her from feeling entirely at home and has led her to create her own home with Wolf and her adopted people, the mercenary Sian.
I think it was the lack of action. There was a lot of discussion in trying to solve the mystery and it didn't hold my interest quite as well. Still, I enjoyed it, and was glad to get the HEA hinted at in Masques.
I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first one. Surprising, since it was written later in Briggs' career and sat unpublished for years until she became popular enough for a re-release of the little-read Masques. It was interesting to see the themes so prevalent in the Mercy Thompson novels in Aralorn's separateness from the family she loves and loves her in return, yet her half-shapeshifter status keeps her from feeling entirely at home and has led her to create her own home with Wolf and her adopted people, the mercenary Sian.
I think it was the lack of action. There was a lot of discussion in trying to solve the mystery and it didn't hold my interest quite as well. Still, I enjoyed it, and was glad to get the HEA hinted at in Masques.
December 7, 2010
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 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.
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 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.
March 16, 2012
Written years after Masques, this book gives evidence of Briggs' growth as a writer over that time without compromising the characters and setting of the original.
In Wolfsbane, we catch up with Aralorn on the way to her father's funeral. She hasn't been home in over ten years, so she is anxious of what she will find and the reception she'll receive. When she arrives, she finds the welcome she had hoped for, but also surprises she hadn't expected. The story flows naturally in this setting both familiar and strange to Aralorn—a feat that is extremely difficult to pull off as a writer though so well done that I'll bet few would suspect what an amazing feat Briggs has managed here. The familiar never feels like a convenient excuse to get out of a bind and the strange is never felt as a mere device to drive plot.
Aralorn's family was strongly shaped by her father—a man rich in love and acceptance—and his personality strongly imprints those in his care. His demise is affecting them strongly. When Aralorn finds that his body isn't, quite, dead yet, she makes something of a sensation in announcing that fact. It doesn't help that his predicament is likely a trap for Aralorn and/or Wolf.
I love Aralorn and Wolf's relationship. It's my favorite part of the story—even if Wolf can be something of a drama queen on occasion. Their love is deep and their devotion touching. It's so rare to find a strong relationship depicted so well in fiction—too many authors succumb to the temptation to create tension by sabotaging the central relationship. They don't always act in unison, but then, what couple always does? In short, they're realistic with a love that creates a unity without diminishing either in return.
The ending had me in tears, but my family will tell you that's not so very strange. Still, you'd have to be made of stone not to shed one or two at the end. Good tears, I hasten to add, on being reminded by my daughter that there's a distinction...
In Wolfsbane, we catch up with Aralorn on the way to her father's funeral. She hasn't been home in over ten years, so she is anxious of what she will find and the reception she'll receive. When she arrives, she finds the welcome she had hoped for, but also surprises she hadn't expected. The story flows naturally in this setting both familiar and strange to Aralorn—a feat that is extremely difficult to pull off as a writer though so well done that I'll bet few would suspect what an amazing feat Briggs has managed here. The familiar never feels like a convenient excuse to get out of a bind and the strange is never felt as a mere device to drive plot.
Aralorn's family was strongly shaped by her father—a man rich in love and acceptance—and his personality strongly imprints those in his care. His demise is affecting them strongly. When Aralorn finds that his body isn't, quite, dead yet, she makes something of a sensation in announcing that fact. It doesn't help that his predicament is likely a trap for Aralorn and/or Wolf.
I love Aralorn and Wolf's relationship. It's my favorite part of the story—even if Wolf can be something of a drama queen on occasion. Their love is deep and their devotion touching. It's so rare to find a strong relationship depicted so well in fiction—too many authors succumb to the temptation to create tension by sabotaging the central relationship. They don't always act in unison, but then, what couple always does? In short, they're realistic with a love that creates a unity without diminishing either in return.
The ending had me in tears, but my family will tell you that's not so very strange. Still, you'd have to be made of stone not to shed one or two at the end. Good tears, I hasten to add, on being reminded by my daughter that there's a distinction...
May 11, 2020
I liked this -- Aralorn dealing with her large family that she has avoided for a decade; she and Wolf figuring out their emotions, different kinds of magic and creatures, and a basic kindness and compassion that believes in forgiveness and trust.
June 22, 2017
3.5 stars
This was much better than the first book in this series, but I would hope so considering it was written 17 years later. You can definitely see how much Briggs has grown as an author. The mystery is more nuanced, the characters are better defined, and the pacing of the story is much improved. However, there's still some things that don't quite jive well, which keeps me from rating this book higher. The relationship between Aralorn and her family seemed odd. She hadn't been home in a decade and there's no hard feelings from anyone? If anything almost all of them act like she is a beloved aunt instead of a sister/daughter who hasn't been around. The resolution of the mystery is also kind of resolved too neatly in a way that the reader wouldn't have been able to possibly guess because the existence of the real issue isn't given until shortly before the 'big reveal'. But despite all that I did enjoy Wolf and Aralorn's unique relationship, the way that information was revealed over time and how possibilities were eliminated, and that Aralorn isn't just some Mary Sue who can do everything. Now I will wait impatiently for the next book in Briggs' Mercy Thompson (or it's spin-off) series! Though I am still sad for her about her husband's unexpected passing in real life :(
This was much better than the first book in this series, but I would hope so considering it was written 17 years later. You can definitely see how much Briggs has grown as an author. The mystery is more nuanced, the characters are better defined, and the pacing of the story is much improved. However, there's still some things that don't quite jive well, which keeps me from rating this book higher. The relationship between Aralorn and her family seemed odd. She hadn't been home in a decade and there's no hard feelings from anyone? If anything almost all of them act like she is a beloved aunt instead of a sister/daughter who hasn't been around. The resolution of the mystery is also kind of resolved too neatly in a way that the reader wouldn't have been able to possibly guess because the existence of the real issue isn't given until shortly before the 'big reveal'. But despite all that I did enjoy Wolf and Aralorn's unique relationship, the way that information was revealed over time and how possibilities were eliminated, and that Aralorn isn't just some Mary Sue who can do everything. Now I will wait impatiently for the next book in Briggs' Mercy Thompson (or it's spin-off) series! Though I am still sad for her about her husband's unexpected passing in real life :(
October 18, 2019
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
I continued to have a lot of fun with this early work from Patricia Briggs. Aralorn and Wolf are really enjoyable characters and I can’t help but love my time with them.
The book starts with an introduction from Briggs explaining that she wrote this book with the intention of it never being released. The first book, Masque, didn’t have a lot of success and she thought her writing career was done, so she continued the story of Aralorn just for her own amusement. This was still a really great story and just shows what a great storyteller she is.
Wolfsbane starts off with Aralorn on her way home for her father’s funeral. She hasn’t been home in many years and really hasn’t kept up with her family. Her father’s death has made it where she needs to return home to mourn with her family. Wolf is not with her. He is on one of his trips without her. He likes to go away for a while to try to keep him from becoming attached, but it isn’t working. They are both very attached.
I really liked seeing Aralorn’s family. They are an interesting bunch. They also seem to accept that Aralorn is different from the rest of the family. She never would’ve been able to put on dresses and be the socialite like other members of the family. It is the reason she left, so that the family wouldn’t have to deal with her differences. I also liked getting to know Aralorn’s father, even if only through the eyes of others.
I don’t want to go too much into the story, so as to avoid spoilers. I will just say that I will miss my time with Aralorn and Wolf. They are two really great characters. I would love to see more stories with them.
Narration
Katherine Kellgren is a great narrator who really takes this story to the next level. I love all of her voices and she really brings out the scene, no matter if it is fighting, mourning or sexy, she uses the perfect pacing and tone. I really love when Aralorn goes into telling a story. Katherine changes her tone to that of an old world storyteller. I loved these stories within the story as much as the main story.
**I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I continued to have a lot of fun with this early work from Patricia Briggs. Aralorn and Wolf are really enjoyable characters and I can’t help but love my time with them.
The book starts with an introduction from Briggs explaining that she wrote this book with the intention of it never being released. The first book, Masque, didn’t have a lot of success and she thought her writing career was done, so she continued the story of Aralorn just for her own amusement. This was still a really great story and just shows what a great storyteller she is.
Wolfsbane starts off with Aralorn on her way home for her father’s funeral. She hasn’t been home in many years and really hasn’t kept up with her family. Her father’s death has made it where she needs to return home to mourn with her family. Wolf is not with her. He is on one of his trips without her. He likes to go away for a while to try to keep him from becoming attached, but it isn’t working. They are both very attached.
I really liked seeing Aralorn’s family. They are an interesting bunch. They also seem to accept that Aralorn is different from the rest of the family. She never would’ve been able to put on dresses and be the socialite like other members of the family. It is the reason she left, so that the family wouldn’t have to deal with her differences. I also liked getting to know Aralorn’s father, even if only through the eyes of others.
I don’t want to go too much into the story, so as to avoid spoilers. I will just say that I will miss my time with Aralorn and Wolf. They are two really great characters. I would love to see more stories with them.
Narration
Katherine Kellgren is a great narrator who really takes this story to the next level. I love all of her voices and she really brings out the scene, no matter if it is fighting, mourning or sexy, she uses the perfect pacing and tone. I really love when Aralorn goes into telling a story. Katherine changes her tone to that of an old world storyteller. I loved these stories within the story as much as the main story.
**I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2023
Great Sequel
This was a much stronger story than the previous book, indicative of the author's greater experience when she wrote this one. I enjoyed the new views into magic this time, the mystery, and the guile and indomitable will of the main character.
This was a much stronger story than the previous book, indicative of the author's greater experience when she wrote this one. I enjoyed the new views into magic this time, the mystery, and the guile and indomitable will of the main character.
March 8, 2024
You should really have read the first book Masques before reading this one. The story might be slow to get into without the backstory and world building from the first book.
Here we are back with Aralorn the shape shifter mercenary spy, and Wolf (aka Cain), not too long after the first book ended. They are together but Wolf is still secretive and troubled by his past and his magic.
This was better than the first book, Masques, but I still thought 4 stars was too much.
Mild spoilers below;
Here we are back with Aralorn the shape shifter mercenary spy, and Wolf (aka Cain), not too long after the first book ended. They are together but Wolf is still secretive and troubled by his past and his magic.
This was better than the first book, Masques, but I still thought 4 stars was too much.
Mild spoilers below;
September 19, 2018
This is not what i would normally pick, because i don't usually like reading fantasy. But since it was gifted to me, i thought of giving it a try. I read this sequel without reading Masques first, because i don't have it, so while reading this book, i felt a bit lost at the beginning where i was discovering the characters and their natures, what they do and the world they live in, because i'm sure all of these information were introduced in the first book.
This novel was full of fantasy to me since i'm not used to reading this genre. There were new types of unnatural creatures and different kinds of magic. But i didn't really enjoy it and i'm not sure if it's because of me or because of the book. However, i did like the romance in the story between Aralorn and Wolf and i was more excited when i was reading about their relationship.
I found that the plot was slowly described and there were not that much of events after all. There were more descriptions and talking between characters and less of actions, until the last three chapters where the story starts to get more exciting.
All in all, the story is good and i liked the idea of it, but what i didn't like was how long it took, because i find it difficult to understand this type of novels.
This novel was full of fantasy to me since i'm not used to reading this genre. There were new types of unnatural creatures and different kinds of magic. But i didn't really enjoy it and i'm not sure if it's because of me or because of the book. However, i did like the romance in the story between Aralorn and Wolf and i was more excited when i was reading about their relationship.
I found that the plot was slowly described and there were not that much of events after all. There were more descriptions and talking between characters and less of actions, until the last three chapters where the story starts to get more exciting.
All in all, the story is good and i liked the idea of it, but what i didn't like was how long it took, because i find it difficult to understand this type of novels.
May 24, 2013
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
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
February 22, 2024
Book 2 after Masques. I really enjoyed Masques and this was ok, but not as interesting in my opinion. I love this narrator and as I liked the characters from the first book, I finished it.
July 16, 2014
3.5 or 4 stars. In this sequel to Masques, Cain and his lover Aralorn (a shapeshifter) try to bring her father back from the brink of burial. Fighting black magic with their green magic, they take on Howlas, Shadow Slime, Dream-speakers, and assorted other villains, human and other.
Cain, the dead wizard's son, takes the form of a wolf in much of this fantasy. At other times, he is a man, badly scarred by fire, wearing a silver mask. Only rarely does he show his unscarred image, handsome and elegant. He must hide his true self, for the world believes he killed his supposedly benign papa, an evil wizard.
On the lighter side, their love tightens into marriage. Sweet. Meanwhile, they bond with her exuberant family. Several vivid secondary characters added much to my enjoyment. Good dialogue, rich storytelling, some humor, several fight scenes.
A good read!
Cain, the dead wizard's son, takes the form of a wolf in much of this fantasy. At other times, he is a man, badly scarred by fire, wearing a silver mask. Only rarely does he show his unscarred image, handsome and elegant. He must hide his true self, for the world believes he killed his supposedly benign papa, an evil wizard.
On the lighter side, their love tightens into marriage. Sweet. Meanwhile, they bond with her exuberant family. Several vivid secondary characters added much to my enjoyment. Good dialogue, rich storytelling, some humor, several fight scenes.
A good read!
February 28, 2011
Basic plot: Aralorn and Wolf must figure out who put the Lyon of Lambshold into a death-like state before it's too late.
Briggs is a good author and weaves a good tale. She's found real success with the Mercy Thompson books, but from reading the introduction to this novel it's pretty easy to tell her heart lies with more traditional fantasy.
This story reminded me a bit of a locked-room mystery. There are only so many people who could be involved, so it's a matter of figuring out who among them is guilty. There are a few heavy-handed moments from the author (methinks the author tries to deny this person's guilt too much), but it's all in all a good story.
Briggs is a good author and weaves a good tale. She's found real success with the Mercy Thompson books, but from reading the introduction to this novel it's pretty easy to tell her heart lies with more traditional fantasy.
This story reminded me a bit of a locked-room mystery. There are only so many people who could be involved, so it's a matter of figuring out who among them is guilty. There are a few heavy-handed moments from the author (methinks the author tries to deny this person's guilt too much), but it's all in all a good story.
December 22, 2012
This was an excellent tale. I couldn't put it down. Her knowledge of horses astounds me. Most authors do not understand horses as she seems to. I've been riding all of my life and have worked with a number of horses, including training young ones. Sheen was well portrayed with a horse's mind set. I have ridden horses like him and could feel what Aralorn felt when riding him. Her writing has gotten better, so its not so obvious what is coming next. I really hope she writes another book about Aralorn.
July 24, 2013
Patricia Briggs continues to wow me with her creativity. I loved it. She has a way of bring worlds and characters alive and even making the bad guy have some goodness in him. Fascinating creatures. Interesting magic. Amazing ending.
In some ways reading this was like the 1st time I read The Hobbit as I got lost in the book and was hardly aware of the world around me.
In some ways reading this was like the 1st time I read The Hobbit as I got lost in the book and was hardly aware of the world around me.
February 15, 2011
Well stayed up to 1 am to finish (teach me to start at 9 pm).
Interesting continuance from Masques, I'd like to see a third eventually -- interesting world they built.
Interesting continuance from Masques, I'd like to see a third eventually -- interesting world they built.
November 12, 2010
Aralorn has received the heartbreaking news that her father, the Lyon of Lambshold, has died. For the first time in a decade the shapeshifter spy returns home to mourn and bury the first man she ever loved. But going home isn't always easy and certainly isn't always painless.
It is while she's paying her respects to her father as he lies in preparation of burial that she discovers that rumors of his death are a bit precipitous. Ensorcelled by a complex black magic spell and guarded over by a mysterious malignant shadow that attacks Aralorn after she works her magic, the Lyon has been laid low by a malicious hand. Even Aralorn's powerful lover Wolf can't break the spell on his own.
Aralorn and Wolf have two weeks to find the source of the spell and deal with it before the black magic drains the life from her father. The only problem...the prime suspect is one Geoffrey ae'Magi, a horrifyingly brutal, sadistic mage with an unslakable thirst for power, and father of the Wolf once known as Cain.
Okay, there are two problems, because Geoffrey ae'Magi is dead.
Or so they thought.
Aralorn and Wolf must race to confirm the source of the spell and negate it before it makes that planned burial a necessity, then find the ae'Magi and stop him once and for all. But how do you fight someone who, even from beyond the grave, seems powerful enough to kill them all?
Patricia Briggs is a consummate storyteller. While Wolfsbane and its predecessor Masques are two of Briggs' earlier works, though Wolfsbane just recently published, the stylistic integrity of her craft is strongly in evidence. The plot is a bit linear and lacks the depth and complexity of her Mercy Thompson series, but the creativity in the mythos and the exemplary characterizations are strong contenders with her latter work.
Simply put, I'm very fond of Aralorn and love Wolf. This character-driven tale wouldn't be nearly as entertaining if it wasn't for the fun mix of Aralorn's stubborn tenacity, quick wit, and confidence in her abilities, tempered with a realistic self image and a dedication to protecting those she loves at any and all cost. Wolf is a complex and damaged man, intensely powerful in human magic but completely out of his depth with green magic. He's a king of self control, keeping his emotions bottled deep after a childhood fraught with trauma, manipulation, and the oily stain of black magics. He's got a lifetime of regrets for his misspent youth and is physically and emotionally scarred from having a father who is a murderous, megalomaniacal psychopath who has spent years framing him in the court of public opinion...or trying to kill him. Wolf's issues are so deeply ingrained that they're manifesting as a death wish, throwing a major wrench in his magical mojo, and panicking Aralorn.
The relationship between them is one of my favorite things about this book. It's a rare treat to have as protagonists an established, loving couple with so many years of history between them. They know each other intimately, understand each other so well, and accept each other, wounds, warts, and all. It changes the dynamic of the romance of the book in original, unique ways that I appreciated.
I wish there had been more exposition provided throughout the book and more physical description of the world around these fantastic characters. And I don't know if I'd recommend this one for readers who haven't read Masques (yet). Those unfamiliar with Geoffrey and the origins of Aralorn and Wolf would, I think, miss out on the full extent of the emotional impact and rich pathos that comes from what was introduced in that book. I'd definitely recommend reading Masques first.
The main conflict of the plot arc was good, but I had some issues with the way the conclusion developed. I found aspects of it a bit too convenient and the big reveal struck me as being slightly cliched. There were also some plot threads that I wish had been more fully developed.
Despite those few issues, the strength and freshness of the relationship between Aralorn and Wolf and the charming interactions between Aralorn and her family really endeared this book to me. It felt more personal to Aralorn as the main character, and that made it easier to emotionally invest in the story. The ending did have one other impact. It left me wanting a lot more. I'm such a big fan of Aralorn and Wolf and there is such tremendous potential for future development for them. Knowing, however, that Masques and Wolfsbane were earlier works from Briggs, I worry about seeing them again. I'll be hoping for more.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
It is while she's paying her respects to her father as he lies in preparation of burial that she discovers that rumors of his death are a bit precipitous. Ensorcelled by a complex black magic spell and guarded over by a mysterious malignant shadow that attacks Aralorn after she works her magic, the Lyon has been laid low by a malicious hand. Even Aralorn's powerful lover Wolf can't break the spell on his own.
Aralorn and Wolf have two weeks to find the source of the spell and deal with it before the black magic drains the life from her father. The only problem...the prime suspect is one Geoffrey ae'Magi, a horrifyingly brutal, sadistic mage with an unslakable thirst for power, and father of the Wolf once known as Cain.
Okay, there are two problems, because Geoffrey ae'Magi is dead.
Or so they thought.
Aralorn and Wolf must race to confirm the source of the spell and negate it before it makes that planned burial a necessity, then find the ae'Magi and stop him once and for all. But how do you fight someone who, even from beyond the grave, seems powerful enough to kill them all?
Patricia Briggs is a consummate storyteller. While Wolfsbane and its predecessor Masques are two of Briggs' earlier works, though Wolfsbane just recently published, the stylistic integrity of her craft is strongly in evidence. The plot is a bit linear and lacks the depth and complexity of her Mercy Thompson series, but the creativity in the mythos and the exemplary characterizations are strong contenders with her latter work.
Simply put, I'm very fond of Aralorn and love Wolf. This character-driven tale wouldn't be nearly as entertaining if it wasn't for the fun mix of Aralorn's stubborn tenacity, quick wit, and confidence in her abilities, tempered with a realistic self image and a dedication to protecting those she loves at any and all cost. Wolf is a complex and damaged man, intensely powerful in human magic but completely out of his depth with green magic. He's a king of self control, keeping his emotions bottled deep after a childhood fraught with trauma, manipulation, and the oily stain of black magics. He's got a lifetime of regrets for his misspent youth and is physically and emotionally scarred from having a father who is a murderous, megalomaniacal psychopath who has spent years framing him in the court of public opinion...or trying to kill him. Wolf's issues are so deeply ingrained that they're manifesting as a death wish, throwing a major wrench in his magical mojo, and panicking Aralorn.
The relationship between them is one of my favorite things about this book. It's a rare treat to have as protagonists an established, loving couple with so many years of history between them. They know each other intimately, understand each other so well, and accept each other, wounds, warts, and all. It changes the dynamic of the romance of the book in original, unique ways that I appreciated.
I wish there had been more exposition provided throughout the book and more physical description of the world around these fantastic characters. And I don't know if I'd recommend this one for readers who haven't read Masques (yet). Those unfamiliar with Geoffrey and the origins of Aralorn and Wolf would, I think, miss out on the full extent of the emotional impact and rich pathos that comes from what was introduced in that book. I'd definitely recommend reading Masques first.
The main conflict of the plot arc was good, but I had some issues with the way the conclusion developed. I found aspects of it a bit too convenient and the big reveal struck me as being slightly cliched. There were also some plot threads that I wish had been more fully developed.
Despite those few issues, the strength and freshness of the relationship between Aralorn and Wolf and the charming interactions between Aralorn and her family really endeared this book to me. It felt more personal to Aralorn as the main character, and that made it easier to emotionally invest in the story. The ending did have one other impact. It left me wanting a lot more. I'm such a big fan of Aralorn and Wolf and there is such tremendous potential for future development for them. Knowing, however, that Masques and Wolfsbane were earlier works from Briggs, I worry about seeing them again. I'll be hoping for more.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
March 30, 2020
I read this directly after Masques. Not sure what order they really want you to read the series in, but I wanted to read immediately about Wolf and Aralorn again.
I do like these two books about these characters. Any beginners whatnots that the author supposedly displayed went me by. It’s a bit old fashioned fantasy with some nice detective work.
I listened to these books and I really think the narrator made this so enjoyable for me. She has a great voice for this type of story and good acting. The quality is also pretty good (no echo or breathing).
I do like these two books about these characters. Any beginners whatnots that the author supposedly displayed went me by. It’s a bit old fashioned fantasy with some nice detective work.
I listened to these books and I really think the narrator made this so enjoyable for me. She has a great voice for this type of story and good acting. The quality is also pretty good (no echo or breathing).
March 17, 2020
I barely got through this book. There didn't seem to be a lot of action -- felt more like a mystery interviewing a lot of characters and puzzling over who done it. I've enjoyed this author's other books more so I'm not exactly sure why this one didn't do it for me.
April 15, 2022
I didn’t enjoy this as much as the first one or the rest of the Patricia Briggs books that I’ve read. I just found it rather boring. It felt very much like old school fantasy and a DND game but not in a fun way. It just felt dated.
January 29, 2023
Wow, I loved reading this book! Loved being back with these characters again, and the story was so great to read!
January 21, 2024
Painfully bad.
March 11, 2011
I hate it when this happens, but sometimes you come across a book that you really thought you would like, because your friends and fellow readers/reviewers liked it, but for whatever reason, it just leaves you cold.
This was one such book.
Nothing happened! Maybe it's a case of bad timing- I am also in the middle of reading the Hunger Games trilogy and was listening to this in audio format while at work- and for anyone else who's read the Hunger Games, you'll know it's very exciting and fast paced, etc. Which only served to make this seem even more slow and plodding.
The plot is essentially wrapped up in the blurb. Aralorn hears her father is dead, returns home to find he isn't dead but ensorcelled, then 8 more hours of audiobook go by and the situation is pretty much the same as it was after the first 30 minutes. And it kills me because Aralorn and wolf are two fantastic characters. I really loved them in MASQUES. Wolf with his damaged soul, tortured by memories of what he's done and what's been done to him. And Aralorn, a rather plain-looking but witty and intelligent shapeshifter/mercenary that you can't help but like. I just feel like they were wasted in this story. All the magic they can do between the two of them should have made them a formidable team, if anything in the plot actually required them to use it at any point.
Sigh. It sucks too because I love Patricia Briggs and hate to give her a low star rating. I even listened to the last couple of hours of audio on double speed just to get through it....that's not good.
The only positive I found was the progress Wolf made in his ability to be with Aralorn without running from his feelings as he's always done in the past. I thought they had a couple of sweet moments.
"It took you, who had nothing to compare it to, rather longer to figure it out, to understand what is between us. But even when you did not understand or recognize it—it was always love."
But that wasn't enough to make it enjoyable overall. It all boils down to one thing: I was bored. And I don't like wasting my reading time on boring books, so it's only 2 stars from me.
January 30, 2012
I liked this sequel, though the plot was rather too similar to the first for my taste. Good character interactions, though more time should have been spent flashing out the family, rather than just focusing on the villains, given that they are not complicated, but just straight-up evil or brainwashed. Not particularly compelling. But enjoyable bit of fantasy and I did really enjoy Aralorn, Wolf and Aralorn's uncle. (Speaking of him, should definitely have had more of the Fey magic and story here!)
And there are a lot of things left unexplained and up in the air, which is so very frustrating. What about the Dreamer? Wolf had been used by the Dreamer before? Why is this Dreamer never explained? What/who is he/it and its role in all this? He was controlling Nevyn, so why did Nevyn appear as Geoffrey? And the dreams themselves confused me - Did the Dreamer send Aralorn the true dreams? And if it was Nevyn, to what end did he disguise himself as Geoffrey, even to himself?
Does Wolf ever master his green magic? What happens to them? Did the Dreamer awaken in their lifetime?
I really liked Wolf's perspective after they are married - his reactions and just everything about those two was great. I was so hoping that she had written more about these two, even just a short story, but, alas.
I imagine Wolf and Aralorn are happily married with kids, yet still managing to get into trouble here and there, with Wolf healed and happy and Aralorn vivaciously alive and gloriously content. :)
Content: Violence, sexual abuse (by the villains), etc. For Mature readers. You have been forewarned.
And there are a lot of things left unexplained and up in the air, which is so very frustrating. What about the Dreamer? Wolf had been used by the Dreamer before? Why is this Dreamer never explained? What/who is he/it and its role in all this? He was controlling Nevyn, so why did Nevyn appear as Geoffrey? And the dreams themselves confused me - Did the Dreamer send Aralorn the true dreams? And if it was Nevyn, to what end did he disguise himself as Geoffrey, even to himself?
Does Wolf ever master his green magic? What happens to them? Did the Dreamer awaken in their lifetime?
I really liked Wolf's perspective after they are married - his reactions and just everything about those two was great. I was so hoping that she had written more about these two, even just a short story, but, alas.
I imagine Wolf and Aralorn are happily married with kids, yet still managing to get into trouble here and there, with Wolf healed and happy and Aralorn vivaciously alive and gloriously content. :)
Content: Violence, sexual abuse (by the villains), etc. For Mature readers. You have been forewarned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2010
3.75 stars. Great characters, good interaction, very interesting magic. Fans of Patricia Briggs will recognize many themes and story lines from this sequel to Masques which according to an essay at the beginning of Wolfsbane -- she wrote many years ago. Themese such as a very strong female heroine that is liked by others and intersting but a loaner and she is not physically attractive but she is strong and appealing. Additionally, magic in this world Briggs has created has a cost -- it does not come easily, this seems very similar to the world Briggs created in the Mercy Thompson series and Apha & Omega series. Briggs touches on the bonding theme that is so strong in her other two urban fantasy series and it is clear where she got the idea of bonds that join mates but in a metaphysical way are tangible.
Aralorn is the heroine of the story and "Wolf" (aka Cain) is the hero. Their relationship is touching and their interactions are very real. Cain is physically and emotionally scarred -- but he is a very powerful mage and shapechanger. Aralorn is half human and half shapechanger, she is also a spy and a mercenary. These are the main two characters in Masques, so Wolfsbane is a cotinuation of their story. Aralorn visits with her family and we get to know and see Wolf and Aralorn.
Parts of the story were slower and dragged, but it as still a very intersting story, good characters and intriguing use of magic. It closes with the hope of a sequel. It is not clear of Briggs will write one, but I hope she does!
Aralorn is the heroine of the story and "Wolf" (aka Cain) is the hero. Their relationship is touching and their interactions are very real. Cain is physically and emotionally scarred -- but he is a very powerful mage and shapechanger. Aralorn is half human and half shapechanger, she is also a spy and a mercenary. These are the main two characters in Masques, so Wolfsbane is a cotinuation of their story. Aralorn visits with her family and we get to know and see Wolf and Aralorn.
Parts of the story were slower and dragged, but it as still a very intersting story, good characters and intriguing use of magic. It closes with the hope of a sequel. It is not clear of Briggs will write one, but I hope she does!
September 24, 2011
Rating: PG-13
Much, much better than the first book. I feel like I know the characters better now. My only tiny complaint is that the plot fell flat at the end a little, if only because Briggs did the same thing she did last time in the first book - ruined all plot twists by showing the bad guy's thought process within the first few chapters. All that I had to do was a reader was wait until the characters figured it out. I'm a bit disappointed in the plot, actually. I felt a tad recycled from the first book - yes, we get it. Black magic is bad. Wolf (and this will be a spoiler if you haven't read the first book) suffers from the temptation to do black magic sometimes, and actually has the power to handle it for the most part. Wolf/Cain's father is bad. Certain people in the world are afraid of mages/shapeshifters of any kind, and are bigoted and put in place by the end. It's a thin line to walk in fantasy when you add mages. After a while, any story, regardless of how good the writer is, can be predictable.
Overall, this one read and felt better than the first one, I think. I enjoyed it.
Would I recommend it? If you enjoyed this first book, you'll probably enjoy this followup. :)
Warnings/heads up/what's in this book - talk of blood/death magic, a goddess of death plays a role. And it remains relatively innocent and clean, and the two characters are married in the end.
Much, much better than the first book. I feel like I know the characters better now. My only tiny complaint is that the plot fell flat at the end a little, if only because Briggs did the same thing she did last time in the first book - ruined all plot twists by showing the bad guy's thought process within the first few chapters. All that I had to do was a reader was wait until the characters figured it out. I'm a bit disappointed in the plot, actually. I felt a tad recycled from the first book - yes, we get it. Black magic is bad. Wolf (and this will be a spoiler if you haven't read the first book) suffers from the temptation to do black magic sometimes, and actually has the power to handle it for the most part. Wolf/Cain's father is bad. Certain people in the world are afraid of mages/shapeshifters of any kind, and are bigoted and put in place by the end. It's a thin line to walk in fantasy when you add mages. After a while, any story, regardless of how good the writer is, can be predictable.
Overall, this one read and felt better than the first one, I think. I enjoyed it.
Would I recommend it? If you enjoyed this first book, you'll probably enjoy this followup. :)
Warnings/heads up/what's in this book - talk of blood/death magic, a goddess of death plays a role. And it remains relatively innocent and clean, and the two characters are married in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2011
I liked this book. I thought that it was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed going back to the characters. I'm sure that fans of the first book Masques were excited when this book was announced. I know if a book that I liked and thought was only going to be a standalone and then the author says they ar finally releasing the sequel. I would be estatic.
One thing, I wished there would have been more focus on the developing relationship between Wolf and Aralorn. You can see that they care about each other, but sometimes they seemed so distant from each other. I think the fact that they were at Aralorn's father's house and they kept their relationship quiet from the rest of the family they could really be seen together except when they were alone and that's why they seemed distant.
The conflict of the story was, at times, a little confusing. They were fighting the same villain from the first book but not in the flesh really. I guess I just don't understand how it all came about. This could do for a re-read.
I think that the end kind of left it to where Briggs could revisit these characters sometime if she chose. I have no idea if she has plans to but it's nice that there might be a possibility in there.
One thing, I wished there would have been more focus on the developing relationship between Wolf and Aralorn. You can see that they care about each other, but sometimes they seemed so distant from each other. I think the fact that they were at Aralorn's father's house and they kept their relationship quiet from the rest of the family they could really be seen together except when they were alone and that's why they seemed distant.
The conflict of the story was, at times, a little confusing. They were fighting the same villain from the first book but not in the flesh really. I guess I just don't understand how it all came about. This could do for a re-read.
I think that the end kind of left it to where Briggs could revisit these characters sometime if she chose. I have no idea if she has plans to but it's nice that there might be a possibility in there.
October 22, 2011
"Wolfsbane" is the next book in the saga of Aralorn and her mysterious friend Wolf. It was written a couple of decades or so after "Masques", and it shows. Briggs turned into quite a capable writer in the interim, and the awkward phrasings I saw in the first book are gone.
As the novel opens, Aralorn is traveling alone to her home for the funeral of her father. It gives nothing away (if you've read the blurb on the back cover of the book!) to say here that the reports of her father's demise were greatly exaggerated -- he survives, but in a sort of magical suspension. And therein lies a trap for Aralorn, and for Wolf as well, as it appears his father has reached beyond the grave to destroy him, once and for all.
As the novel ends, the stage is clearly set for a third volume. When Briggs was in DC for her "River Marked" book tour last spring, she told fans that she might have another adventure up her sleeve for Aralorn and Wolf. I'm looking forward to reading it.
As the novel opens, Aralorn is traveling alone to her home for the funeral of her father. It gives nothing away (if you've read the blurb on the back cover of the book!) to say here that the reports of her father's demise were greatly exaggerated -- he survives, but in a sort of magical suspension. And therein lies a trap for Aralorn, and for Wolf as well, as it appears his father has reached beyond the grave to destroy him, once and for all.
As the novel ends, the stage is clearly set for a third volume. When Briggs was in DC for her "River Marked" book tour last spring, she told fans that she might have another adventure up her sleeve for Aralorn and Wolf. I'm looking forward to reading it.
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