Wolfsbane (Aralorn)

by Patricia Briggs

Paperback, 2010

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Publication

Ace (2010), Edition: Original, Mass Market Paperback, 304 pages

Description

Fantasy. Fiction. Romance. Thriller. HTML:The second Sianim novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Masques. For the last ten years, shapeshifting mercenary Aralorn has led a dangerous existence�a far cry from her noble upbringing. Now she must return home under the most unfortunate circumstances. Her father, the Lyon of Lambshold, has passed away. But when Aralorn and her companion Wolf arrive, the combination of their magic uncovers something wonderful yet alarming�he�s not actually dead, but only appears so. Yet a dark mist is also very much alive within him... The Lyon of Lambshold has been ensorcelled by the ae�Magi, who�s using him as a conduit to finally destroy Aralorn and Wolf. With her father as the pawn, can Aralorn overcome this mysterious mist with her magic? Or will she finally fall to the blackest of magic, losing not only her one true companion, but also her life...… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey

Better than Masques from a writing viewpoint - as good as the Hurog books. From a story viewpoint - just as good (as Masques and as Hurog). A very rich story, with a lot of confusion and unclear motives on several people's parts - Wolf's trick on Kisrah to get him out from under the spell was neat.

Aralorn's trick on Wolf was pretty good too, even if it didn't work right. Heh - one bit she borrowed for other books (she mentioned that there are several in her intro) is having a werewolf for a partner! Not at all the same (as Alpha and Omega), but... It's interesting dealing with all these people who knew Cain as a youngster - and Aralorn as a youngster, for that matter - it gives interesting new insights into both of them. The dreams are a bit of a shortcut - no way Wolf would ever have told her those things - but they serve several purposes besides telling Aralorn and us more about Wolf's upbringing. Excellent story, want to read the other Sianim books even more, hope she keeps writing in this vein.

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LibraryThing member Berly

A different feel from Brigg's Mercy Thompson Series: slightly darker, more magic, set in olden times. And yet, there is the same good vs. evil plot, a strong lead woman, and star-crossed lovers. Aralorn has returned home for her father's funeral, only to discover that he is not dead, but enchanted.

She must find the evil doer and discover the reason behind the magic. Is her father the true target? Or is it Aralorn or her shape-shifting wolf companion? I enjoyed this book thoroughly and now I have to go back and read the first in the series! (Obvioulsy it was a good read even out of sequence, but if you have a choice I'd read Masques first and then this one!)

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LibraryThing member kmartin802

Aralorn and Wolf come home to bury Aralorn's beloved father only to discover that he isn't dead but rather ensorcelled. Aralorn and Wolf thought that they had killed Wolf's father who was an evil sorcerer but it seems that he isn't quite dead yet. This was excellent high fantasy and had a wonderful

romance too.

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LibraryThing member rhonda1111

I enjoyed the book. It was fun to find out more about wolf and other characters from Masque and the new characters. The setting was good. It was easy and flowed well. look forward to reading more of her books

LibraryThing member ReginaR

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!

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LibraryThing member SunnySD

For Aralorn, the relief of the ae'magi's death was short-lived. Wolf has vanished, and when new of her own father's death reaches her she begins the long ride home to Lambshold after a ten-year absence a bit unsure as to the welcome she'll receive.

Her arrival coincides with Wolf's and brings the

discovery that her father isn't actually dead but lies ensorcelled and guarded by a black, life-sucking shadow. Is it possible that the ae'magi still lives?

Without Masques as a precursor, this would have made far less sense - a bit predictable, but well told. Romance, sacrifice, adventure and plenty of action.

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LibraryThing member thewalkinggirl

A bit awkward at first and the story isn't totally original, but once it gets going it's a smooth and enjoyable ride. While it's definitely a fantasy novel, there's a strong romantic element--actually, it does a better job with Aralorn and Wolf's relationship than many of the romance novels I've

read recently. And for those who are as squeamish as I am, there are references to previous episodes of torture and sexual assault but minimal on-screen ickiness. It could be read as a stand-alone, but will definitely make more sense if you've read Masques first.

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LibraryThing member hjjugovic

Solid book by Briggs - much delayed sequel to Masques - but not her best. Too much psychological analysis of everyones motives and not enough real suspense. Still fun!

LibraryThing member rivkat

Long-unpublished sequel to Briggs’ first published novel Masques, featuring a mage/spy and her lover who spends most of his public time in wolf form. She goes home because her father dies—except there’s a lot more involved. Palace intrigue outside the palace, and a muted romance that is about

learning to love more deeply rather than falling in love. Definitely an earlier work.

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LibraryThing member Capnrandm

Reading Wolfsbane made me want to revisit The Hob's Bargain and When Demons Walk, hints of sweet relationships and clever, strong characters. While I don't think Wolfsbane will be one I reread often, I am glad I read it once.

LibraryThing member hailelib

Wolfsbane is the sequel to Masques and begins with Aralorn going home to Lambshold for the first time in ten years to attend her father's funeral. When she arrives with Wolf they discover that her father isn't actually dead but rather under some kind of spell. The story revolves around who cast the

spell and why, with some insight into Aralorn's background and why she left her home to become a mercenary. I found this to be a pretty solid story, perhaps better than Masques.

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LibraryThing member blodeuedd

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

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LibraryThing member TheYodamom

The author tells at the beginning of this book that she wrote the book she wanted to write, that she has carried and loved the characters for a long time. It shows, this book is a wonderful treat to read.
I love Wolf and Aralorn, they are so connected and the story never brings any doubt their

relationship. They travel to Aralorn's home for her father's burial. Something is not right, danger and mystery surround her family. Lady death is near, somebody will die.

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LibraryThing member Linyarai

This is a nice, easy read with a great plot. It's captivating the whole way through, the characters are likeable, and there's enough surprises that it doesn't become predictable. I look forward to reading more about Aralorn.

LibraryThing member thanbini

Excellent book. Good, fun characters. A fun world and a mystery that had me fooled until the end. Wish there was more.

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