Masques

Aralorn, Book 1

By: Patricia Briggs

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren, Patricia Briggs (introduction)

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Before #1 New York Times best-selling author Patricia Briggs created her two hugely successful urban fantasy series, Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega, she wrote her debut fantasy epic, Masques. Newly revised and expanded, and available in audio for the first time, Masques arrives in our store just in time, with the fourth book in this series, Wolfsbane, coming soon.

After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. Her latest mission involves spying on the increasingly powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae'Magi. But in a war against an enemy armed with the powers of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is – or where he will strike next?

Katherine Kellgren (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), one of Audible's favorite narrators and one of the premier voices of science fiction and fantasy, sweeps listeners away on this engrossing adventure.

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an introduction written and read by author Patricia Briggs.

©2010 Hurog, Inc, (c) 1993 Patricia Briggs; (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Yes, a first book, but better than many first book

I would actually give this book 2.5 stars instead of 3. It is a very average book. The plot is, well, a fairly typical and well used plot in fantasy. The main characters, we have seen before and will see again in other authors first attempts at writing. What makes this book better than most "first try" novels is the world that Ms. Briggs creates. She creates a fully fleshed world through her protrayal of the villian. This novel was not bad, it was not great, but it was not bad. It intrigued me enough to purchase the second novel in the series and give it a try. This is not Ms Briggs best work, but considering her considerable talent, that is not saying very much. Her worst work is going to still be better than half the novels out there...and I would say that this novel is better than half the novels out there.

Im having a hard time finishing the book

I got this book this past week and im having a hard time getting into it. It seems kind of flat to me. Im not sure if i can finish this one.

Early work, but entertaining

This is a revised version of the author's first book. As such, it's a bit rough in places, but I enjoyed it. It's about a shape-shifting mercenary and spy who is not-so-great at sword work, who rescues a wolf that is more than he seems. There's also the standard evil wizard who wants to take over the world, a dispossessed king, a dragon, walking corpses (not zombies), and mysterious artifacts. Good fun, and Aralorn, our heroine, is worth cheering for.

interesting

it kept my attention and I do want the next books. but I do not feel a pressing need or desire to get them quickly. not bad on story, but it feels like they refer to things that may have been in a previous installment.

I loved this...

I can't wait to read the rest of series. Some stories you are just like I can't wait to find out what happens next. I can't wait to listen to the next one!!!

Decent fantasy story

Decent fantasy story. Not immersive or gripping but the performance was on point. characters were likeable enough.

Author statement said it all

The book was OK but you can tell that this was one of the authors first books. I like a lot more of the other book more than this one.

incredibly good for a first book

interesting prologue by the author. can't wait for book 2. narrator did a great job.

A nice simple fantasy...

I will admit to being a huge Patricia Briggs fan and for that reason I am trying to read all her works. So I decided that I would start reading her older Sianim series. I will admit that reading Masques was hard at the start. There was not much in the way of world setup, character development, or thematic significance. The plot was pretty straightforward and was simple, nothing that wowed me or drew me in.

What I did like about the story was Aralorn and Wolf’s relationship. Their association with each other was first built on trust and developed over time. It took Wolf years before he even spoke to Aralorn. There was a deep, weighty partnership between these characters and that added much significance to their interactions.

By the end of Masques I was looking forward to more adventures with Aralorn and Wolf. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am that I read this book over twenty years after it came out because I didn’t have to wait the seventeen years that everyone else did to read the sequel, Wolfsbane. Overall,  If you like simple fantasy then Masques would be a book you would enjoy. 

A worthwhile first nove;

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

If you are someone who enjoys the fantasy genre and Patricia Briggs. this first novel is worth a listen. It is far from her best work but it is pleasant and you can see the seeds of her later work in it.