Briggs first published novel

Masques is Briggs first published novel. This is en rewrite of novel and frankly I didn't really expect very much as Patricia herself says she has learned alot since.
What do I know! I enjoyed the story, the action and the characters. Yes it is the first and is shows but the plot, the suspence and Briggs subtile writing style is great.

I do hope Audible will stock Briggs other books, including the Mercy Thompson serie and the Alpha and Omega serie.

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13 people found this helpful

Interesting but read/listen Mercy Thompson first

This is Patricia Briggs first novel - as she explains in the Authors notes she thinks she is a better writer now than she was when it was written and she is right.

That's not to say its a bad book - it is fine - there are far worse books in this genre around but her books with Mercy or Anna and Charles are definitely better.

That said I enjoyed it - it has a fairly predictable plot but the main characters are well formed and our heroine is likeable. Its also the first in a duology and the second book Wolfsbane is better - I think it was written a bit later and Patricia had polished her storytelling a bit by then.

I decided to try this having finished all the Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega books and don't regret it. The narration is fine Katherine Kellgren is no Lorelei King but she does a good solid job - give it a go if you like her other work but I would recommend starting with "Moon Called" if you are new to Patricia Briggs as a writer

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5 people found this helpful

Spoilt for me by narration

I like all of Patricia Briggs, books. This is a very early book, but I still enjoyed her characters and storyline. However, I was very sad at the choice of narrator whose performance spoilt the book for me. In my view, she has a sharp, penetrating voice with strange inflections.

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3 people found this helpful

seriously irritating narrator voice.

couldn't focus on the story, had to give up. Real shame, as I love this author and i sure the story is great.

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Superior fantasy

If you could sum up Masques in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, magical and heartfelt. The last one might seem a little strange for a fantasy novel, but there is a bit more depth than usual. There is a great human core to the story, focusing on relationships and family as well as magic and fantasy.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Got to be the lead character Aralorn herself. She is strong and brave, and really well written. She is not the usual damsel in distress, she is self reliant and very handy with a sword.

Have you listened to any of Katherine Kellgren and Patricia Briggs (introduction) ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I have not heard anything else by either of them. On the strength of this performance, I would not be disappointed. Patricia Briggs provides a great insight into her work in the introduction, which is a real bonus. Katherine provides a wonderful narration. Her voice is clear and very easy to listen to. Her delivery is also well paced, with an excellent distinction between male and female characters. She is a real bonus, and I think I would enjoy listening to her again.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not a particular moment, but any scene featuring Aralorn and Wolf is a delight. The gradual deepening of their relationship is believable and very well played.

Any additional comments?

I can't believe this is Patricia Briggs' first novel. It is very accomplished, and very well written. There is a depth which is sometimes missing from this genre, which is very refreshing.

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3 people found this helpful

The narrator spoils it

The narrator reads in a very strange way - tones and inflexions spoil the story. Shame as its a good book

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Awful narration

Sadly I had to give up on listening to this. The over-emphatic voice, with its hard edges and swooping volume changes made it impossible to focus on the story.

Yes, this is a beginner’s piece which bears little resemblance to the author’s later works, but it is probably worth a read on Kindle. If you haven’t read or listened to the Mercy Thompson or Alpha and Omega series, don’t be put off by this one. Both those series are skilfully written and excellently narrated.

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