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emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
4.0
I am very prejudice toward Patricia Briggs. I love her other books and expect a riveting time when I read them. This wasn't quite the journey to another land I wanted it to be, but it was still very good. (Much better than that leopard one!) I enjoyed the story, world and characters and she really is a fun writer.
Recommend it if you like her others. If you haven't read Mercy Thompson books, read those first!
Recommend it if you like her others. If you haven't read Mercy Thompson books, read those first!
crystalstarrlight's review
5.0
Rialla had been a slave, but she escaped to the Sianim, a mercenary clan. Now, Ren, the leader of the clan, is having her leave with Laeth to protect Laeth's brother, Karsten, from death. But their mission changes drastically, threatening the safety of their lands.
I Liked:
Most of my experience in the fantasy genre has been Tolkein's works (and one Forgotten Realms book by Elaine Cunningham). On one hand, this is great, as I have little preconceived notions; on the other, I might get lost in typical fantasy fare.
Fortunately for the fantasy novice like me, Patricia Briggs wrote an easily accessible novel. I was fortunate to begin with as this wasn't a novel set in a huge series (such as the Wheel of Time or the Shannara) so that made it easy too. But Briggs writes her story very well, weaving it intricately, not forcing a million new terms down your throat. You learn locations as you go, instead of being force fed them in a huge narrative the beginning. The same goes with traditions, names, government, magic, Sylvans, and more. This made the story very enjoyable for me and easy to "fall" into.
Her characters were fascinating. There was a perfect amount for the length of the story. My favorites were Riallan, Laeth, and Tris (not many leftover from them though!).
In some ways, Rialla is a Mary Sue. She has red hair, green eyes, is empathetic, is good with animals, was a dancer, can fight, and becomes bonded to the healer, Tris. However, I felt her a sympathetic character and real, and not a Mary Sue at all. Her attractiveness makes sense if she were a dancing slave. As for being empathetic, Rialla wasn't even able to use her abilities to the fullest until a good ways through the book, and even then, she only gradually regained the use (she didn't just "find" the talent and know how to use it perfectly). This is also how she communicates with animals, which she does much better than with humans. Also, her purpose in the Sianim wasn't as a fighter, but a horse trainer (unfortunately, the book cover deceives one into thinking she's a swordswoman, which isn't quite true). When she fights, she uses her empathy more than her physical prowess. So, I thought she was real, interesting, a perfect combination of opinionated, strong-willed, yet tender and feminine. She was haunted by her past, which kept her from using her abilities to the fullest. And even then, her abilities do cause her to screw up.
Laeth is another amazing character! I so enjoyed how he wasn't Rialla's love interest, but a truly "brotherly" character. I liked how he retained his Darranian roots, yet behaved like a mercenary at times. His scenes with Rialla were amusing, his love for his brother palpable, and his longing for his brother's wife (who was, before his brother married her, his girlfriend) heart-wrenching. I wish he hadn't left midway through, though.
Lastly, Tris is highly unique! A slight departure from your typical prince charming (at least I thought), in that he was a huge, burly, bearded guy who hid among the villagers as a healer (not using his talents for big, grandiose things). Yes, he did develop a soft spot for Rialla, but it was well done, not rushed and made sense. I loved his actions, his defiance of the aristocrats, his at-times flagrant use of magic, and his bonding to Rialla. In fact, the romance between Rialla and Tris is muted and beautiful. A delicately woven blanket.
The story is very interesting too. Briggs sets us up for a typical scenario: Laeth and Rialla must keep Karsten alive. But things go very wrong very quickly (won't give away too many details) and now our heroes must figure out what to do next. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. Then the chase sequences...very on the edge of my seat!
I Don't Like:
While Briggs doesn't go overboard on Rialla's appearance, a few instances (namely Laeth saying "Couldn't you gain weight or change your hair to make you less attractive?") where it does become quite heavy handed. I also found Briggs had a tendency to forget to mention something in narration (like that Tris was shuddering from laughter; you only knew because Rialla brought it up in conversation, which was confusing for me). Similarly, Briggs glossed over the dances. I think she did this to shorten the book, but I felt that she ought to have done one really big scene with dancing (though I have no clue how to write one and she did, in a sense, when Rialla performs at Karsten's castle).
Another really petty gripe I have is the book cover: "Slave. Swordweilder. Spy. Some girls have all the luck." This is lame because A) when was slavery "lucky" or good? and B) Rialla was a horse trainer, not a swordweilder. Misleading.
Lastly, the end has a scene with the villain explaining his entire plan. I know, petty, but it does get tiresome after awhile.
Overall:
Amazing, truly amazing! I was not expecting this novel to be so good and I was pleasantly surprised. No, it's not highly complicated or intricate, but it is exciting and interesting, a good, quick read to take your mind away. 5 stars.
I Liked:
Most of my experience in the fantasy genre has been Tolkein's works (and one Forgotten Realms book by Elaine Cunningham). On one hand, this is great, as I have little preconceived notions; on the other, I might get lost in typical fantasy fare.
Fortunately for the fantasy novice like me, Patricia Briggs wrote an easily accessible novel. I was fortunate to begin with as this wasn't a novel set in a huge series (such as the Wheel of Time or the Shannara) so that made it easy too. But Briggs writes her story very well, weaving it intricately, not forcing a million new terms down your throat. You learn locations as you go, instead of being force fed them in a huge narrative the beginning. The same goes with traditions, names, government, magic, Sylvans, and more. This made the story very enjoyable for me and easy to "fall" into.
Her characters were fascinating. There was a perfect amount for the length of the story. My favorites were Riallan, Laeth, and Tris (not many leftover from them though!).
In some ways, Rialla is a Mary Sue. She has red hair, green eyes, is empathetic, is good with animals, was a dancer, can fight, and becomes bonded to the healer, Tris. However, I felt her a sympathetic character and real, and not a Mary Sue at all. Her attractiveness makes sense if she were a dancing slave. As for being empathetic, Rialla wasn't even able to use her abilities to the fullest until a good ways through the book, and even then, she only gradually regained the use (she didn't just "find" the talent and know how to use it perfectly). This is also how she communicates with animals, which she does much better than with humans. Also, her purpose in the Sianim wasn't as a fighter, but a horse trainer (unfortunately, the book cover deceives one into thinking she's a swordswoman, which isn't quite true). When she fights, she uses her empathy more than her physical prowess. So, I thought she was real, interesting, a perfect combination of opinionated, strong-willed, yet tender and feminine. She was haunted by her past, which kept her from using her abilities to the fullest. And even then, her abilities do cause her to screw up.
Laeth is another amazing character! I so enjoyed how he wasn't Rialla's love interest, but a truly "brotherly" character. I liked how he retained his Darranian roots, yet behaved like a mercenary at times. His scenes with Rialla were amusing, his love for his brother palpable, and his longing for his brother's wife (who was, before his brother married her, his girlfriend) heart-wrenching. I wish he hadn't left midway through, though.
Lastly, Tris is highly unique! A slight departure from your typical prince charming (at least I thought), in that he was a huge, burly, bearded guy who hid among the villagers as a healer (not using his talents for big, grandiose things). Yes, he did develop a soft spot for Rialla, but it was well done, not rushed and made sense. I loved his actions, his defiance of the aristocrats, his at-times flagrant use of magic, and his bonding to Rialla. In fact, the romance between Rialla and Tris is muted and beautiful. A delicately woven blanket.
The story is very interesting too. Briggs sets us up for a typical scenario: Laeth and Rialla must keep Karsten alive. But things go very wrong very quickly (won't give away too many details) and now our heroes must figure out what to do next. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. Then the chase sequences...very on the edge of my seat!
I Don't Like:
While Briggs doesn't go overboard on Rialla's appearance, a few instances (namely Laeth saying "Couldn't you gain weight or change your hair to make you less attractive?") where it does become quite heavy handed. I also found Briggs had a tendency to forget to mention something in narration (like that Tris was shuddering from laughter; you only knew because Rialla brought it up in conversation, which was confusing for me). Similarly, Briggs glossed over the dances. I think she did this to shorten the book, but I felt that she ought to have done one really big scene with dancing (though I have no clue how to write one and she did, in a sense, when Rialla performs at Karsten's castle).
Another really petty gripe I have is the book cover: "Slave. Swordweilder. Spy. Some girls have all the luck." This is lame because A) when was slavery "lucky" or good? and B) Rialla was a horse trainer, not a swordweilder. Misleading.
Lastly, the end has a scene with the villain explaining his entire plan. I know, petty, but it does get tiresome after awhile.
Overall:
Amazing, truly amazing! I was not expecting this novel to be so good and I was pleasantly surprised. No, it's not highly complicated or intricate, but it is exciting and interesting, a good, quick read to take your mind away. 5 stars.
kathydavie's review against another edition
3.0
Second in the fantasy series, Sianim.
My Take
I very much enjoyed reading the story but Steal the Dragon leaves the question of the alliance wide open. Nor is there any hint of if the slavery question is dealt with.
Briggs creates a believable setting and a great cast of characters; I just wish there was more continuity among this set of stories.
The Story
A horse trainer who escaped now agrees to return when she learns a Darran lord wants to end slavery.
And, naturally, everything goes awry with potentially disastrous consequences.
The Characters
Rialla is a horse trainer in Sianim. Laeth is a mercenary friend who is brother to the Darran lord.
Darran is…
…the country that ambushed Rialla's clan and sold them into slavery. A Darran lord wants to end the slavery.
Sianim is…
…a mercenary nation concerned about Cybelle's intentions. The Spymaster of Sianim sends Rialla on a mission to help Laeth's brother.
Cybelle is…
…a country conquering other countries right and left, and where the Voice of Altis is the current ruler.
Reth may be…
…interested in an alliance but only if its king must marry the Darran king's sister.
My Take
I very much enjoyed reading the story but Steal the Dragon leaves the question of the alliance wide open. Nor is there any hint of if the slavery question is dealt with.
Briggs creates a believable setting and a great cast of characters; I just wish there was more continuity among this set of stories.
The Story
A horse trainer who escaped now agrees to return when she learns a Darran lord wants to end slavery.
And, naturally, everything goes awry with potentially disastrous consequences.
The Characters
Rialla is a horse trainer in Sianim. Laeth is a mercenary friend who is brother to the Darran lord.
Darran is…
…the country that ambushed Rialla's clan and sold them into slavery. A Darran lord wants to end the slavery.
Sianim is…
…a mercenary nation concerned about Cybelle's intentions. The Spymaster of Sianim sends Rialla on a mission to help Laeth's brother.
Cybelle is…
…a country conquering other countries right and left, and where the Voice of Altis is the current ruler.
Reth may be…
…interested in an alliance but only if its king must marry the Darran king's sister.
erikajay's review against another edition
3.0
I love Briggs’s later werewolf books so I’ve been going back to read her early work. There are several books in this series and they do not have to be read in order. This was my first one and I wan’t lost at all.
While not up to the standard of the her later works, this is still an enjoyable read! Magic is used in an interesting and unique way. I really liked both of our main characters, there’s an interesting storyline, and the world building is pretty good. I don’t know that I would read this book again, but I’m glad I read it and would recommend it for a quick fantasy read.
While not up to the standard of the her later works, this is still an enjoyable read! Magic is used in an interesting and unique way. I really liked both of our main characters, there’s an interesting storyline, and the world building is pretty good. I don’t know that I would read this book again, but I’m glad I read it and would recommend it for a quick fantasy read.
embereye's review against another edition
3.0
Ok. This book was wonderfully cheesy, just what I needed, etc. Some of the ideas were neat. It was fluffy, but enjoyable enough.
shaestrong's review against another edition
It drastically deviated from the story of the former two. I wouldn't have chose. this storyline to read for enjoyment .
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Rape
angels_gp17's review against another edition
4.0
Steal the Dragon is book two in the Sianim series by Patricia Briggs and narrated by Jennifer James Bradshaw. This one is very intense, deep, and exciting. It’s filled with wizards, mages, and spies.
I want to get out of the way; dragon. The dragon in the title is miss leading. There is one appearance in a dream of a dragon, but there are no dragons in this book.
Now, I loved book one and four in this series. Both those books focus on Aralorn who is an interesting character, but in Steal the Dragon we get different characters in the same world just a different part of the world. The only common thing is the mercenary guild.
This novel reads as a stand-alone. You don’t have to read in order as you can see I read books one and then jumped to four and then came back for two.
Rialla is a former dancer/slave who is asked to return to the land of her slavery on an important mission for the Spymaster of the mercenary guild. She does this, but it’s not easy for her. Has she really left slavery behind her, even though she’s found her way to the mercenary guild and a new life. I felt for our lead and what she’s trying to do and all that she had to go through to complete the mission/goal.
Things don’t go as planed and Laeth her slaver spy partner is accused of murder. She ends up finding help in an unexpected place. Tris our healer is more than he seams. He’s not quite human. He helps Rialla and Laeth. With Laeth on his way back to the mercenary guild with part of the information, Tris and Rialla stay behind to find the real killer, which puts her in her former owner’s clutches again.
There is slavery and all that that entails. It was hard to listen to the scenes of abuse and rape. Rillalla’s internal conflict is intense and well done. Tris was a nice love interest, tho the focus is the mission with love blooming slowly. I like that they solve their issues with brain power rather than muscle power and even at times running away.
Steal the Dragon is a sneaky chess game with skill and strategy. The storytelling is vivid and outstanding.
Narration: Jennifer James Bradshaw does a wonderful job! I’m glad I listened. It made the story move along and brought out the hardships and issues these characters face. I like how vivid the different voices are for everyone and it felt like the story was coming off the pages.
Rated: 4 Stars
I want to get out of the way; dragon. The dragon in the title is miss leading. There is one appearance in a dream of a dragon, but there are no dragons in this book.
Now, I loved book one and four in this series. Both those books focus on Aralorn who is an interesting character, but in Steal the Dragon we get different characters in the same world just a different part of the world. The only common thing is the mercenary guild.
This novel reads as a stand-alone. You don’t have to read in order as you can see I read books one and then jumped to four and then came back for two.
Rialla is a former dancer/slave who is asked to return to the land of her slavery on an important mission for the Spymaster of the mercenary guild. She does this, but it’s not easy for her. Has she really left slavery behind her, even though she’s found her way to the mercenary guild and a new life. I felt for our lead and what she’s trying to do and all that she had to go through to complete the mission/goal.
Things don’t go as planed and Laeth her slaver spy partner is accused of murder. She ends up finding help in an unexpected place. Tris our healer is more than he seams. He’s not quite human. He helps Rialla and Laeth. With Laeth on his way back to the mercenary guild with part of the information, Tris and Rialla stay behind to find the real killer, which puts her in her former owner’s clutches again.
There is slavery and all that that entails. It was hard to listen to the scenes of abuse and rape. Rillalla’s internal conflict is intense and well done. Tris was a nice love interest, tho the focus is the mission with love blooming slowly. I like that they solve their issues with brain power rather than muscle power and even at times running away.
Steal the Dragon is a sneaky chess game with skill and strategy. The storytelling is vivid and outstanding.
Narration: Jennifer James Bradshaw does a wonderful job! I’m glad I listened. It made the story move along and brought out the hardships and issues these characters face. I like how vivid the different voices are for everyone and it felt like the story was coming off the pages.
Rated: 4 Stars
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
I am slowly going through Brigg's backlist and I am almost done now. This one is part of a series, but at the same time it's a stand alone. It's about a former slave called Rialla, she was a dancer, she ran away. She trained horses now she has to spy.
When I started the book I thought the next book would be about her too, but now, this is a lone book. Rialla has to figure out and protect someone who wants to end slavery. It will be dangerous as she has to pretend to be a slave again. She has help (I liked her help). And then in the end they will have figured it all out and everyone has a sort of happy ending. Everyone is happy, it's, something is still growing.
A really light fantasy, short, quick and enjoyable.
When I started the book I thought the next book would be about her too, but now, this is a lone book. Rialla has to figure out and protect someone who wants to end slavery. It will be dangerous as she has to pretend to be a slave again. She has help (I liked her help). And then in the end they will have figured it all out and everyone has a sort of happy ending. Everyone is happy, it's, something is still growing.
A really light fantasy, short, quick and enjoyable.