Search - Masques (Sianim, Bk 1)

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.

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.

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.

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.