The Hob's Bargain

By: Patricia Briggs

Narrated by: Jennifer James Bradshaw

Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Beauty and The Beast

Hated and feared, magic was banished from the land. But now, freed from the spells of the wicked bloodmages, magic-both good and evil-returns. And Aren of Fallbrook feels her own power of sight strengthen and grow….

Overcome by visions of mayhem and murder, Aren vows to save her village from the ruthless raiders who have descended upon it-and killed her family. With the return of wildlings to the hills and forests, she strikes a bargain with the Hob, a magical, human-like creature imbued with the power of the mountains. But the Hob is the last of his kind. And he will exact a heavy price to defend the village-a price Aren herself must pay....

©2011 Patricia Briggs (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A clever mystery with appealing characters in a fantasy setting...topnotch reading fare.” (RT Book Reviews)

"[A] fun fantasy romance...There’s plenty of action, with battles against raiders and magical creatures, a bard who isn’t what he appears, and an evil mage - but there’s also plenty of humor, and some sweet moments of mischief and romance.” (Locus)

“Ms. Briggs blends adventure, romance, and innovative fantasy with a deft hand. Highly recommend this one to all my readers.” (S. L. Viehl, author of the Stardoc series)

I want more!

This book was strange to me at first after reading all of Patricia Briggs' other books, but once I got into it, I found it extremely attention catching. I admit that I'm a huge fan of Ms. Briggs literary art work, and I would recommend her books to anyone. the performance of the book was also well done. I forgot I was just listening to one person change their voice. Overall this book was a fun filled, slightly erotic, and thrilling adventure. I hope that we will see a sequel in the future.

Great book, just like the others.

This book was even better to listen to than it was to read (something that doesn't happen that often) I'd recommend this or any of her other series' to anyone.

A nice love story, fairly light and yet compelling

What did you love best about The Hob's Bargain?

That it had enough drama to interest but somehow did not bury me in the character's angst. I like Patricia Briggs however she does have a tendency to get a little more macabre then I really want.This one somehow managed to be more of a love story.

Any additional comments?

It's a little preachy at times. A lot of fiction is and this one is preachy in the same way 90% of all modern fiction is. Sometimes it's like they're all following the same playbook.

Rambling Review

I loved this story, I only got it at first because it was a briggs story and the narrator threw me off a little at first but overall this is actually one of my favorite stories now.

Rich story line. a strong innovative plot

I've re-read this book several times and see something new each time. The characters are complex and interesting. The story line moves along at a strong pace. The magic is innovative while calling on deep traditions. Even the bad guys are complex

Fantastic

I love this book! And have read it several times. Patricia once said she had planned a trilogy. Please, please write it. While I really enjoy her Mercedes Thompson series I really enjoy her older books and would really enjoy reading more set in those universes

Love it!

My favorite author plus my first audio book. Add in the wonderful narrator, and you have perfection! I loved this and will be listening to another soon.

Loved it!!!

As good as the Mercy Thompson books. Wish there were more with these characters

yea!!!

I really liked the reading of this book. I feel it was very well read and was able to truely enjoy this delightful tale while at work.

Really excellent romantic fantasy

I adored Erin and her Bog! It’s sad that there was so much loss of life for the blood magic to be released from the land. I am glad that Kip got freedom at the end.