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437th out of 995 books
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3,143 voters
When Demons Walk (Sianim #3)
Sorceress. Lady. Mistress. Thief. Just call her an overachiever.
To survive, Sham has spent most of her young life stealing from Southwood's nobility. Now, as the city's nobles fall prey to a killer, Sham is called on to help, and must use all of her magical wisdom to send the demon away.
To survive, Sham has spent most of her young life stealing from Southwood's nobility. Now, as the city's nobles fall prey to a killer, Sham is called on to help, and must use all of her magical wisdom to send the demon away.
Mass Market Paperback, 272 pages
Published
June 1st 1998
by Ace
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I can't say I was disappointed in this book, but I think it's much weaker than Briggs's later efforts.
The world is interesting (although this is the third in a trilogy, apparently, it's the only one I've read), but the story itself is uneven. Toward the end the explanation of the magic was complicated and, after reading one segment about three times I decided to trust it would all work out and moved on. That's not to say it's bad, perhaps just a bit technical and convoluted. It led to a very ex...more
The world is interesting (although this is the third in a trilogy, apparently, it's the only one I've read), but the story itself is uneven. Toward the end the explanation of the magic was complicated and, after reading one segment about three times I decided to trust it would all work out and moved on. That's not to say it's bad, perhaps just a bit technical and convoluted. It led to a very ex...more
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This gives the impression of being a slight book (slighter than it actually is) from Patricia Briggs early work (1998). It's set in the Sianim universe though with no crossover characters from Steal the Dragon except for the Prophet of Altis (who's mentioned but doesn't appear on the page). It’s slight but it's absorbing, a crossover between fantasy, murder mystery and romance. Sham, sorceress and thief was exiled to Purgatory (the bad part of the bad part of town) when the hated Cybellians inva...more
I enjoyed this book. It's another early work by Patricia Briggs, and you can see that the editing isn't perfect, but the characters are interesting and the story is compelling. I was engaged for the entire book. It's the 3rd in the Sianim series, and again it is a stand alone novel set on the same continent as the first 2, but in this case 12 years later in a country that is new to the reader. You get to see that there might be hope for the followers of Altis and magic users co-existing side by...more
One of the things I enjoy most about the writing style of Patricia Briggs is she takes average females and makes them heriones by their cunning, personality, empathy, self-discovery and shear determination. Briggs is a master at weaving an alternative reality and making you feel like you are there. Sham (Shamera)has entered a life of crime when her island was invaded and taken over by Cybellians. She formerly lived in the palace with her servant parents. However, they were killed and she now is...more
I love this book; it's not as polished as Brigg's later series (this is the third book in the verse though they all read as standalones) but it's light easy reading.
The story is Sham's. Sham is very self-assured and enjoys her dressing up and shocking people. I liked Kerim's enjoyment of her mischief, there's no great romance or sparks but more a warm playful appreciation of each other, I could see these two getting together amongst a lot of laughter. Their both strong independant people. It wou...more
The story is Sham's. Sham is very self-assured and enjoys her dressing up and shocking people. I liked Kerim's enjoyment of her mischief, there's no great romance or sparks but more a warm playful appreciation of each other, I could see these two getting together amongst a lot of laughter. Their both strong independant people. It wou...more
Shamera is a wizard, she has been a thief for the last 12 years protecting and caring for her Master the Wizard Maur, who was blinded and tortured 12 yrs ago when the kingdom was overrun. Her father and mother were murdered then also. Now she is just Sham the thief.
Kerim is Reeve of Southwood. He rules from the palace where Sham used to live. One night while he rides through Purgatory he sees Sham and speaks to her at the docks. By the time she gets home it is to find Maur in a battle for life...more
Kerim is Reeve of Southwood. He rules from the palace where Sham used to live. One night while he rides through Purgatory he sees Sham and speaks to her at the docks. By the time she gets home it is to find Maur in a battle for life...more
Shamera was once the daughter of nobles. When the castle fell, she became known as the boy named Sham. Sham was best known as a thief, but was well versed in magic. One of the best, in fact. When her Master is killed by a demon, she sets out to hunt it down.
Lord Kerin, Reeve of Southwood, turns to Sham for help when the number of murders become too many. At first, Kerin does not believe in magic or demons. However, his aide convinces him to get the help of a mage. When Sham turns out to be a fe...more
Lord Kerin, Reeve of Southwood, turns to Sham for help when the number of murders become too many. At first, Kerin does not believe in magic or demons. However, his aide convinces him to get the help of a mage. When Sham turns out to be a fe...more
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a huge fan of the Mercy novels by Briggs, so I decided to branch out. This is apparently the third set in this realm, but I hadn't read the others when I finished this. No problem-- Briggs creates a self-sufficient novel that describes the world in enough detail (but not exhaustively, which is the mark of a novice world-builder) and in a way that isn't intrusive to the flow. I liked the heroine and hero, and found the revelation of the villain to be well thought-o...more
This is a fun romp through fantasy. Briggs built a one-plot, stand-alone book* that should appeal to any woman who has ever spent time with theater people. The main character, Sham, is a thief by trade, a mage by training, and woman who knows how to use her smarts. Sham takes on the world through bold entrances, fabulous costumes, and over-the-top acting. There are laugh-out-loud sections and some odd repetitions which give the book a slightly stop-start feeling. Regardless, I enjoyed it and oft...more
When Demons Walk is the fourth book in the Sianim series. Author Patricia Briggs has an amazing talent for weaving tales of fantasy. That said, each tale has an underlying them woven into the structure that allows the reader to relate to the characters without finding the story tired or predictable. In When Demons Walk, Patricia Briggs apologetically present both sides of a classic group animosity based upon the conquered and the conqueror. -OK, and she throws a demon into the mix for good measu...more
When Demons Walk was the first of Patricia Briggs' books I had ever read, and it instantly hooked me on the author. I've since reread it several times, and it has yet to get old for me. Like Briggs' other works, this book has a little bit of everything going for it: great chemistry between characters Sham and Kerim, plenty of magic, a little mystery, even a few chuckle-worthy moments. I also think this is a good book for introducing people to the fantasy genre, as it keeps one big toe a modern,...more
Oct 23, 2010
Estara
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
re-read,
read-in-2010
Still on my comfort rereading trip this book holds up extremely well on a second reread. You have the mystery, lots of great characters, lovely descriptions of sexy wardrobe ^^, a nicely understated romance and a villain who is so alien that you can eventually feel sorry for it. Not to mention that at least the setting of Purgatory and the Shadow Tides come alive.
We get two more memorable women in this one, other than the heroine, which is better than usual for P. Briggs. Also this is very much...more
We get two more memorable women in this one, other than the heroine, which is better than usual for P. Briggs. Also this is very much...more
I love you Paticia Briggs.
Everything in this book was awesome. In fact, it was so awesome that it was awesomer (not a real word, I know) than the other books in this series, which are also awesome. I tried to find a picture of what I imagine Sham looks like, but I couldn't find anything that would work, so have some happy minions instead.
Everything in this book was awesome. In fact, it was so awesome that it was awesomer (not a real word, I know) than the other books in this series, which are also awesome. I tried to find a picture of what I imagine Sham looks like, but I couldn't find anything that would work, so have some happy minions instead.
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I'm very very glad I found Patricia Briggs later in her career -- which means I read this one of hers 5th or 6th.
This is obviously an early work. The core of creativity and future focus on great characters is there, but not yet polished. This book is rough and rambling and has a bit of an identity crisis on what kind of story it wants to be: a gee-whiz magical wonder tale, a revenge tale, a clash of (too hastily devised) cultures, a mild romance. I very much wanted to like it, but in the end, I...more
This is obviously an early work. The core of creativity and future focus on great characters is there, but not yet polished. This book is rough and rambling and has a bit of an identity crisis on what kind of story it wants to be: a gee-whiz magical wonder tale, a revenge tale, a clash of (too hastily devised) cultures, a mild romance. I very much wanted to like it, but in the end, I...more
Dec 03, 2007
Brownbetty
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
bored people
Pretty much as expected, a decent read if one doesn't expect too much. The cheesy cover art was redeemed, however, by the main character's delight in the ridiculousness of the costumes she wears. That said, it resembled a vampire novel in the detail given to costume changes, which, while a plot point, were not as interesting to me as they evidently were to the author.
Plus:
Briggs has never been good at romances, in my opinion. Generally, in her books, two opposite gender characters develop a dec...more
Plus:
Briggs has never been good at romances, in my opinion. Generally, in her books, two opposite gender characters develop a dec...more
I really enjoyed this story and have to say that, if this had not been a recommendation from a friend, I probably never would have picked it up (It doesn't have a pretty cover, for one). I found the interactions between Sham and the Reeve to be very funny and the story to be very good - I read the entire book in one Sunday afternoon. I have to say, that I had figured out who the demon was about 3/4 of the way through the book.
After I got started on this book, I realized I'd tried to read it once before and just couldn't get into it. This time, however, it went much more smoothly. I enjoyed the badinage between Sham and Kerim, and her over-the-top lady-mistress facade. It didn't break any new ground but it was a decent effort. I have to say, though, that the cover art was almost enough to put me off even buying this book.
I enjoyed this book once I finally got into it. The beginning is quite slow, and the characters' names are weird, so I felt like I had a lot to try to remember as I read.
Sham is a strong female lead, and she stays that way throughout the book, despite the "complications" that come her way.
This book reminded me a lot of the books in Maria V. Snyder's "Study" series. I love those books, so I think if you're a fan of that series, you'll like this book.
Sham is a strong female lead, and she stays that way throughout the book, despite the "complications" that come her way.
This book reminded me a lot of the books in Maria V. Snyder's "Study" series. I love those books, so I think if you're a fan of that series, you'll like this book.
I enjoyed this book for the most part.
The only thing I didn't really enjoy was the relationship between Sham and Kerim. There were never any of those "moments" that actually make you think they are falling in love....just random thoughts thrown in but it didn't really connect for me like some of her other books did.
Aside from that, the actual story was well written and easy to read....I didn't even figure out who the demon was until right before the very end so I guess that was good as well.
The only thing I didn't really enjoy was the relationship between Sham and Kerim. There were never any of those "moments" that actually make you think they are falling in love....just random thoughts thrown in but it didn't really connect for me like some of her other books did.
Aside from that, the actual story was well written and easy to read....I didn't even figure out who the demon was until right before the very end so I guess that was good as well.
The 3rd book by Briggs set in this particular world, it's ok. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I hadn't read the 2nd book in the series. This book introduces a completely new set of characters, which would be ok, but it references large-scale events from the previous book...but doesn't really address what had happened from book 2 to book 3. Since book 2's plot pretty much revolved around this event (the gathering of information about an impending war & the identity of the enemy's ar...more
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Good read. This is set in the same fantasy universe as 'Steal the Dragon' but has no real overlap unless you count one letter from the Voice of Aldis. In fact, Aldis [and the Voice:] are given a somewhat different spin here which is a bit jarring if you read the other first.
As much as I enjoyed Steal the Dragon, this is a better book. The hero is noble and determined to do the best by both his people [the conquerors:] and her people [the conquered:]. The heroine is smart, determined and talente...more
As much as I enjoyed Steal the Dragon, this is a better book. The hero is noble and determined to do the best by both his people [the conquerors:] and her people [the conquered:]. The heroine is smart, determined and talente...more
It would have gotten 5 stars but I felt the ending was lacking something *shrug* For the most part was a page turner and had me giggling plenty. If you've read the other books you'll notice a rather large gap time wise, without a whole lot of explaining how things got the way they are. But I was able to shrug it off and just enjoy the story anyhow.
Sorceress. Lady. Mistress. Thief. Just call her an overachiever…
When a spate of horrific murders touches the nobles in the town of Southwood, people begin to suspect a demon. Kerim, the town’s new protector, is at a loss to discover the killer. Despite the rumours, he is convinced the murderer is human and hires the help of Shamera, a girl from the slums and a Lady in the old regime, to play his mistress in an attempt to flush out the killer. But Sham was trained as a mage and she is more than c...more
When a spate of horrific murders touches the nobles in the town of Southwood, people begin to suspect a demon. Kerim, the town’s new protector, is at a loss to discover the killer. Despite the rumours, he is convinced the murderer is human and hires the help of Shamera, a girl from the slums and a Lady in the old regime, to play his mistress in an attempt to flush out the killer. But Sham was trained as a mage and she is more than c...more
Easily the best of the Sianim series, this intriguing story grabbed me and didn't let go. The scrappy, courageous wizard/thief heroine of this book is both flawed and admirable, as are the other main characters. Each defied the stereotypical role I expected them to play, culminating in a suprise ending that left me sorrowing it was over. 4.75 stars
I Love Sham! She is so feisty and alive. Her entire family was lost in the war. The only one she had left was her mentor/teacher. When the Easterners overran the castle, they tortured and blinded the Old Man. Sham made her way in the slums by thieving from the Eastern nobles, utilizing her wizard talents. When a demon kills her mentor, she is given an offer by the Easterner Reeve to help find and eliminate that demon. Sham is awesome. She does it her way, and what a great ride that was. Enjoyed...more
Re-read #5 (4/17/2012): I tend to skim the opening, read every word in the palace, and follow the demon mythology closely. This is a fantastic mix of mystery and mythology. Sham is among my favorite heroines, she's funny and complex and utterly capable. I would have loved to see more of her and Kerim, but this book is very satisfying on it's own.
This is a stand alone novel but the third set in this world. Shamera is a kick butt heroine with a sly sense of humor. When she is asked to act as the mistress of the Reeve in order to find a killer, she throws herself into the part. While looking for the killer, Shamera enjoys poking fun at society by wearing outrageous outfits.
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the main character and found the relationship between her and the love interest really fun.
Not super smutty but good story and interesting character interactions.
Only thing that bothered me was that I figured out who did it really early on. Thought that ended up being a bit too obvious.
Not super smutty but good story and interesting character interactions.
Only thing that bothered me was that I figured out who did it really early on. Thought that ended up being a bit too obvious.
Cardboard characters. Cardboard situation. Random people introduced for no particular purpose... "The Shark"--What purpose did this man serve, other to than to provide the heroine with some easy "hidden" information, and to carry the colorful name?
Never has demon possession been so tame, never has the demon's purpose been so...anticlimactic. Never has magic evoked such little wonder. Never has a curse that slowly warps a man's body to cripple him been so... boring.
Her later writings are SO much...more
Never has demon possession been so tame, never has the demon's purpose been so...anticlimactic. Never has magic evoked such little wonder. Never has a curse that slowly warps a man's body to cripple him been so... boring.
Her later writings are SO much...more
Shamera knows a demon is stalking and killing people in the palace. The prince doesn't believe in magic or demons but believes her skills as a thief will help him gather the info he needs to catch the murderer. Shamera soon becomes a target for the demon.
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| Alternate ending please | 3 | 28 | Jul 11, 2011 03:59pm |
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a na...more
More about Patricia Briggs...
Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a na...more
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“Over a lifetime of dealing with difficult women, I have learned it is often better to give into their demands immediately.”
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