Thursday, June 13, 2013

Review: Written in Red


Written in Red
Anne Bishop
Fantasy
The Others/Book 1
NAL/March 5, 2013

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut — a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

Anne Bishop, where have you been all my life?  Yes, apparently I've been living under a rock since this is my first Anne Bishop novel.  I do have a few of Ms. Bishop's novels on my TBR pile but instead decided to start my Bishop reading experience with her latest release.  If her previous novels are anything like Written in Red, I will be one very happy reader!

Ms. Bishop has created a captivating world combining humans, vampires, shapeshifters and other worldly creatures to create an absorbing tale of a woman trying to survive in the midst of these creatures.  Meg Corbyn escapes right into the path of Simon Wolfgard who both scares and fascinates her.  But Meg has no choice, she must work for Simon and try to fit in if she is to have any chance of avoiding capture and returning to enslavement.  Meg brings a different light to the district.  She has plenty to fear from but she tries not to prejudge everyone she meets, instead overcoming some of her fears and in turn making friends.

I love how the district is made to feel like a small town with some very odd citizens.  One of the things that stands out is how those citizens each have their own sense of identity and place in the community. The ponies for one, are such a treat with their unique personalities.  I loved when they came on the scene.  The characters show life's contrasts and how tragedy can bring together even the most unlikely allies.

Ms. Bishop has created a world reflecting our own world of diversity, her inhabitants just happened to have some unusual abilities.  I would highly recommend Written in Red.  

Rating: A

The Others Series ~

Written in Red
Murder of Crows (March 2014)

4 comments:

  1. I loved this - can't wait for 'Murder of Crows' and I hope this becomes a really long series.

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  2. I'm so glad you loved this book too, Leslie! I loved the shifters and the whole premise for the series. Like you, this book was my first by Anne Bishop! I have the Black Jewels trilogy in my TBR... I'm dusting it off. *g*

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  3. Danielle ~ It's going to be a long wait for the next book but I think it will be worth it!

    Hilcia ~ yes, Black Jewels is what I plan on reading next from Ms. Bishop.

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  4. LOL, well it seems you're not the only one who has never read Anne Bishop, Leslie, so don't feel bad! What matters is that you picked up and enjoyed this book! yay! :) I'm really glad you did too :)

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