Masques

Aralorn is a shapeshifter - and a spy. However, she would be in deep trouble if it weren't for her friend Wolf. Having rescued Wolf years earlier, she only knew him as a wolf, until she happens upon a subversive plot on an assignment and finds him to be a powerful sorcerer and shapeshifter. Drawn into a plan to save the royalty of her country as well as the people from a powerful sorcerer, Aralorn and Wolf have to work together and trust each other - something that doesn't come easily to either one. This is a Great Story! I love Briggs' books.

I can't say enough good things about this book. A close friend loaned it to me in the 8th grade and I can still remember reading it secretly under the desk in English class. Though Ms. Brigg's later novels exhibit more technical excellence (and less corny plots), this one remains my personal favorite: the compelling, endearing characters, humor, witty dialogue, and (of course) the romance make MASQUES the kind of story you can return to again and again. In addition to the main story line, the central character, Aralorn, is a story teller, and the novel is sprinkled with the legends and fairytales she enjoys. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys any of the following: a)Patric C. Wrede novels b)Fantasy novels (minus the stupidity) c)Fairy tales d)Rather sweet (if dark) romances

Patricia Briggs is a top notch story teller and this was no exception. The main character, Aralorn, is a self-reliant heroine who happens to be spying on the most powerful mage in the world. Happily, according to the author's website, this book will be revamped and re-released with a sequel in 2006. yeah!

Patricia Briggs writes books filled with characters you can't help but like. They have a sense of humor about themselves, aren't omnipotent, care about others, and have fears and flaws that enable us to relate to them. Masques is her first book and I've read on her Web site that a sequel is planned, possibly sometime in 2006. The world of Masques is interesting and original and her characters Alalorn, the shapechanging female lead who has a gentle sense of humor even during times of intense stress, and Wolf, the enigmatic and powerful male lead, are wonderful characters you want to learn more about.

Aralon and her counterpart Wolf are beautifully written. Full of Briggs' creative details and mastery of plot, I definately recommend this book. Though it is Out of print, try to find it at your library or used book store. It's worth it.