Author: Patricia Briggs
Publication: Ace; Original edition (November 2, 2010)
Description: Shapeshifting mercenary Aralorn leads a dangerous existence. Now she must return home for her noble father, the Lyon of Lambshold, has passed away. But when Aralorn and her companion Wolf arrive, they find he's not dead, but ensorcelled by the ae'Magi, using him as a conduit to destroy Aralorn and Wolf. She must overcome this mysterious mist or fall to the blackest of magic.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the first in the series. I really like the relationship between Wolf and Aralorn. They are both strong people. They know each other's faults and love each other anyway.
Wolf and Aralorn have a big problem to solve. Aralorn's father has been ensorcelled as bait to draw Wolf into a position to be killed. At first, they are afraid that Wolf's father Geoffrey ae'Magi somehow escaped death. But there are other troubling possibilities too. Is it the new ae'Magi Lord Kisrah who was under Geoffrey's charisma spell? Is it the shapeshifters who are Aralorn's mother's people? Is there some other mage who practices black magic? Is it a creature of ancient evil remembered now mainly in the stories that Aralorn tells? And, because of the holdover of Geoffrey's charisma spell, Wolf is in danger from those who believe that he killed his father. Neither wants to spread Wolf's location around or let people know that Aralorn knows him.
This story has an over-abundance of potential villains to choose from. Along the way we get to see Aralorn interact with the family she loves and learn one of the reasons that sent her away from home ten years ago. We also get to see Wolf learn how to be in love and learn how families work. He had no opportunity to learn this as a child when he was used and abused by his father.
This was an entertaining work of high fantasy. I recommend it to lovers of fantasy and romance. Make sure you read the first book - Masques - too.
Favorite Quote:
He raised on eyebrow. "So why didn't we come her yesterday instead of riding out in the cold?"
"Because now you know who Wolf is," she said. "I was worried how you would react. A body is much easier to hide outside the keep walls."
He stopped walking. "I'd laugh if I didn't think you were serious."
I want to try this series! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!
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