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lynseyisreading's review
2.0
I hate it when this happens, but sometimes you come across a book that you really thought you would like, because your friends and fellow readers/reviewers liked it, but for whatever reason, it just leaves you cold.
This was one such book.
Nothing happened! Maybe it's a case of bad timing- I am also in the middle of reading the Hunger Games trilogy and was listening to this in audio format while at work- and for anyone else who's read the Hunger Games, you'll know it's very exciting and fast paced, etc. Which only served to make this seem even more slow and plodding.
The plot is essentially wrapped up in the blurb. Aralorn hears her father is dead, returns home to find he isn't dead but ensorcelled, then 8 more hours of audiobook go by and the situation is pretty much the same as it was after the first 30 minutes. And it kills me because Aralorn and wolf are two fantastic characters. I really loved them in MASQUES. Wolf with his damaged soul, tortured by memories of what he's done and what's been done to him. And Aralorn, a rather plain-looking but witty and intelligent shapeshifter/mercenary that you can't help but like. I just feel like they were wasted in this story. All the magic they can do between the two of them should have made them a formidable team, if anything in the plot actually required them to use it at any point.
Sigh. It sucks too because I love Patricia Briggs and hate to give her a low star rating. I even listened to the last couple of hours of audio on double speed just to get through it....that's not good.
The only positive I found was the progress Wolf made in his ability to be with Aralorn without running from his feelings as he's always done in the past. I thought they had a couple of sweet moments.
"It took you, who had nothing to compare it to, rather longer to figure it out, to understand what is between us. But even when you did not understand or recognize it—it was always love."
But that wasn't enough to make it enjoyable overall. It all boils down to one thing: I was bored. And I don't like wasting my reading time on boring books, so it's only 2 stars from me.
zeezeemama11's review
5.0
Even upon second reading this series is phenomenal. Read everything by Patricia Briggs. There is nothing more to say.
craftingrama's review against another edition
4.0
once again the character voices almost caused me to quit but once again I persevered, which I'm glad I did but once again as with the previous book the narrator cost a star
ufcasey's review
3.0
3.5 stars
This was much better than the first book in this series, but I would hope so considering it was written 17 years later. You can definitely see how much Briggs has grown as an author. The mystery is more nuanced, the characters are better defined, and the pacing of the story is much improved. However, there's still some things that don't quite jive well, which keeps me from rating this book higher. The relationship between Aralorn and her family seemed odd. She hadn't been home in a decade and there's no hard feelings from anyone? If anything almost all of them act like she is a beloved aunt instead of a sister/daughter who hasn't been around. The resolution of the mystery is also kind of resolved too neatly in a way that the reader wouldn't have been able to possibly guess because the existence of the real issue isn't given until shortly before the 'big reveal'. But despite all that I did enjoy Wolf and Aralorn's unique relationship, the way that information was revealed over time and how possibilities were eliminated, and that Aralorn isn't just some Mary Sue who can do everything. Now I will wait impatiently for the next book in Briggs' Mercy Thompson (or it's spin-off) series! Though I am still sad for her about her husband's unexpected passing in real life :(
This was much better than the first book in this series, but I would hope so considering it was written 17 years later. You can definitely see how much Briggs has grown as an author. The mystery is more nuanced, the characters are better defined, and the pacing of the story is much improved. However, there's still some things that don't quite jive well, which keeps me from rating this book higher. The relationship between Aralorn and her family seemed odd. She hadn't been home in a decade and there's no hard feelings from anyone? If anything almost all of them act like she is a beloved aunt instead of a sister/daughter who hasn't been around. The resolution of the mystery is also kind of resolved too neatly in a way that the reader wouldn't have been able to possibly guess because the existence of the real issue isn't given until shortly before the 'big reveal'. But despite all that I did enjoy Wolf and Aralorn's unique relationship, the way that information was revealed over time and how possibilities were eliminated, and that Aralorn isn't just some Mary Sue who can do everything. Now I will wait impatiently for the next book in Briggs' Mercy Thompson (or it's spin-off) series! Though I am still sad for her about her husband's unexpected passing in real life :(
tomokizu's review
5.0
This is the second book in a series that Patricia Briggs invented early on in her career. This sequel continues only several months after the first book ended and pulls you back into the captivating story and world that Briggs invented.
Will Wolf finally realize what Aralorn really means to him? And will Aralorn be strong enough to back him up on the black quest to save someone very dear to her?
Check out this read - you don't need to know the first part to understand the second, but honestly, just read both. This story will be worth it!
Will Wolf finally realize what Aralorn really means to him? And will Aralorn be strong enough to back him up on the black quest to save someone very dear to her?
Check out this read - you don't need to know the first part to understand the second, but honestly, just read both. This story will be worth it!
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
Wow, I loved reading this book! Loved being back with these characters again, and the story was so great to read!
keyeung's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rclz's review
5.0
This is the second book in Patricia Briggs Sianim series. Loved every minute of it and hope she writes more with Aralorn and Wolf. They are a wonderful pair. As with all Briggs books, wonderful mains and secondary's a world that works very well. Great plot. Can't ask for more.