Audiobook Review: Masques (Sianim #1, Aralorn #1) by Patricia Briggs (Narrator: Katherine Kellgren)

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Masques Book Cover Masques
Sianim #1
Patricia Briggs (Narrator: Katherine Kellgren)
Fantasy
Audible Studios
September 28th 2010
Audiobook
9 hours and 42 minutes
Bought

 

Before #1 New York Times best-selling author Patricia Briggs created her two hugely successful urban fantasy series, Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega, she wrote her debut fantasy epic, Masques. Newly revised and expanded, and available in audio for the first time, Masques arrives in our store just in time, with the fourth book in this series, Wolfsbane, coming soon.

After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. Her latest mission involves spying on the increasingly powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae'Magi. But in a war against an enemy armed with the powers of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is – or where he will strike next?

Katherine Kellgren (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), one of Audible's favorite narrators and one of the premier voices of science fiction and fantasy, sweeps listeners away on this engrossing adventure.

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an introduction written and read by author Patricia Briggs.

 

** Note: This novel is an updated edition of Patricia Briggs first book. It includes an introduction by the author herself explaining the updated edition. **

I’m a huge Briggs fan and wanted to try out her other works. I love her Urban Fantasy series Alpha & Omega along with Mercy Thompson. This is nothing like those series. This is high Fantasy. We are treated to action, intrigue, mercenaries, mages, wizards, shape-sifters and engaging characters. All of this made it a highly entertaining story to listen to and I can’t wait to pick up the next.

Masques is the first book in the Sianim series and the first in Aralorn.

Aralorn is a mercenary with a bit of magic, who rescued a Wolf. She’s got magical gifts that make her a great spy/mercenary. Her latest mission takes her to a powerful mages house to spy and learn of an attempted assassination, but what she discovers is much worse. So, Aralorn sets off on her adventure with a mysterious shape-shifting wolf and a young king who is impervious to magic to fight against the evil that wants to control the world. I enjoyed Aralorn. She cleaver, skilled, and compassionate. She has depth, courage, and is an engaging heroine. She likes to go her own way and work alone, but knows this time she is ill-equipped to do it alone. 

Wolf is an interesting puzzles. Who is he? Is he a man, a wizard, or is he more? His past is not good and we learn about him and who he is. I loved Wolf. He’s so complexed. His past is slowly revealed and he must face it; before he can move on. He also must learn to trust. 

WOW, the world is vast and in-depth. Their’s a lot of storytelling and information to digest. The lore and legend is beautifully weaved into the story and they play a strong role in helping Aralorn and her friends against the evil taking over the world. 

I was captivated and devoured this novel from the first to the last word. The storytelling was wonderful, but also a bit overwhelming at times. Their is also a dose of romance, but the fantasy, action, and intrigue take up the story. 

Narration: Katherine Kellgren did a fabulous job with her narration. The story is mainly in Aralorn’s view, but we do get Wolf and a few others. The storytelling was majestic and the fight scenes were great. The voices where nice and distinctive. I have to say I’m glad I listened. If I’d read I would have been to overwhelmed. Not saying I wasn’t, but I digested it better in this formate. 

Rated: 4.5 Stars

Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on Goodreads (Angela)!

Challenges (2018):

 


 


 

Ends June 30th, 2019: One (1) lucky winner will receive 3 Months on Audible (3 credits, plus monthly Audible Originals a $45 US value). “If you are already a member-great! Instead of a monthly membership, you’ll get all the credits upfront. Your current plan will not be extended or interrupted.”

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I'm an outdoor sun loving reader living near San Fransisco. I’m a mother, wife, animal & book lover. I'm the owner, reviewer & mind behind Angel’s Guilty Pleasures. My favorite animals are horses & dogs. As for reading I love all things paranormal & urban fantasy & my favorite shifters are dragons.

18 comments on “Audiobook Review: Masques (Sianim #1, Aralorn #1) by Patricia Briggs (Narrator: Katherine Kellgren)

  1. I had a great time with this book too. I can’t wait to get some questions answered in the next book.
    Melanie Simmons recently posted…Masques Audiobook by Patricia Briggs (REVIEW)My Profile

    • I jumped to Aralorn’s next book and will be going back to book two in the Sianim series now. I wanted more of Aralorn and Wolf. Loved them to pieces. ^_^ Glad you enjoyed!

  2. I need to try this. Thanks for the reviews. I’m so interested to see what life was like before Mercy! haha.
    Jen recently posted…Review: Wolf Rain by Nalini SinghMy Profile

    • It’s quite interesting and very different. I’m enjoying Aralorn and I’ve also picked up the others in this series to listen too. The world is fascinating and so epic fantasy. I hope you enjoy!

  3. Excellent review! I think this is one of her early works. I plan to listen to it sometime. I believe I settle into fantasy better in audio format too.
    Anne – Books of My Heart recently posted…ICYMI: The Singer by Elizabeth HunterMy Profile

    • Yes it’s one of her first works, but has been finished out more and revised some. I really loved the audio. It brought out so much in the fantasy world and storytelling. Enjoy!

  4. I don’t really remember much about this series, however, I do know i liked it.

    • Thank’s for stopping in. Have a great week!

  5. I’ve not read any of this fantasy series, even though I love Patricia’s Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega books. I really need to do so!

    • I love Mercy and Alpha & Omega. I thought it was time to give some of there other work a try and I’m happy with how intense and spectacular this story was. Thank’s for visiting!

  6. Oh yes I had a good time with this one!
    Melliane recently posted…Paper Ghosts by Julia HeaberlinMy Profile

    • Thank’s for stopping in. Glad you enjoyed!

  7. I have this one on my print tbr shelf. I need to try it out. I’ve stayed with her regular series and one standalone that was very different, too. Good to see she rocked it yet again!
    herding cats recently posted…[memes] Favorite Contemporary Reads!My Profile

    • I like the revised version that we get here in the audio… It’s so different from the Mercy series, but just as intense and interesting. I was captivated. I hope you enjoy. Thank’s for stopping in!

  8. Fabulous review Angela!!! Sounds good!! Shared on my socials!!??

    • Thank you, Kathy!

  9. I’ve been curious about Briggs’ high fantasy works. I’m not a big fantasy reader because the worlds sometimes just overwhelm me, but I love her writing. I’m glad you enjoyed this!
    Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict recently posted…Review ~ The Unlikeable Demon Hunter: Burn by Deborah Wilde @TantorAudioMy Profile

    • I think if I read this I might have been overwhelmed. The audio made it easier to enjoy the story inside the storytelling. . Aralorn the character is a master storyteller. It’s deep and mirrored in stories inside the stories. It was so different from what I’m use to from her, but so amazingly good. I hope you enjoy!