Book 49, 2018

The Hob's Bargain by Patricia Briggs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



With the day off work and no plans other than to relax, I was able to finish reading The Hob's Bargain by Patricia Briggs.

The simple farmers and villagers of Fallbrook fear magic, even though evil bloodmages bound it generations ago. Aren of Fallbrook has the sight, a fact that she keeps hidden. When raiders attack, killing her family, and something unleashes the magic, Aren makes the decision to come out with her ability, in hopes of saving her village.

As the villagers try to protect themselves from raiders, they also come under attack from wildlings--magical creatures now on the loose after the magical binding fell. Aren is just desperate enough to seek out the Hob, a powerful mountain spirit who agrees to help...for a price. The price is Aren herself.

The story was edgy and dark, but endlessly fascinating. It had undertones of Beauty and the Beast, as Aren comes to see the Hob as more than his appearance. He, in turn, teaches her to control her increasing magic and how to use it. Aren's magic, however, is very close to that wielded by the bloodmages, and if she isn't careful, it may exact a heavy toll on her.

Favorite line: "No one's business how you mourn, but your own."

Very good book, four stars:

****