One of Briggs' first novels, slightly edited and released with it's sequel. I'm never quite sure what to make of authors doing this - but on this occasion I really enjoyed it, and shows that Briggs has had a powerful talent across the genre, not just for werewolves. It is occasionally slightly rough in places, with a few awkward scene transitions, but generally works very well. The pacing a description evoke a fascinating and well thought through world.

Aralorn is a half-blood, mostly human but part true green mage shapechanger. Mostly she's just a storyteller who happens to be lithe, fast and skilled and doesn't reveal her heritage doing odd spying and thieving jobs. Along the way she rescues an abnormally intelligent wolf who'd managed to fall into a pit trap. The wolf seems to recognise her non-human half and although frequently disappearing for long times always reappears. Aralorn is sent to spy on the ruling human mage (a very different branch of magic) and realises that something isn't quite right. He is supposed to be guarding all the lands from the vile dark magic practises that caused such destruction centuries ago, but in his presence she can sense that he's been subtly influencing everyone and seeking to extend his powers through forbidden means. Aralorn meets a band of rebels and when Wolf finally reveals his true nature, comes up with a sort of plan to save the world.

In the sequel we get to visit both sides of her family and explore some of the consequences of her actions. It si shorter than the original.

I'm only aware of Brigg's werewolf novels which I've enjoyed. This encourages me to seek out her other writings. ( )