Review: Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop

Series: The Others Book #4

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 489

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Paranormal

Publisher: Roc

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.

But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs…

 

Review

Well that was an adventure. There was a ton of tension which kept me engaged and turning the page. But that also stressed me out. There are so many characters and I care about so many of them, but they can’t all make it out of the series alive right? And the sexual tension went up a lot. At  this point if there isn’t some kind of resolution between Simon and Meg I’m going to be pissed.

I have no idea where this is going in the next book. I’m pretty sure I say that every time and it’s good that Ms. Bishop is keeping me on my toes. And my understanding is that the last one in the series/following these characters. I’m not sure I’m ready for this series to end.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop

Series: The Others Book #3

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Roc

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

The Others freed the  cassandra sangue  to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before—both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.

Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.

For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep…

Review

 

I liked this, but I didn't love it the way I did the previous two books. I still love the characters and world. And there were certainly some emotional moments in this one. And those things have raised the stakes.

 

But most of the book felt like a set up for future things. Laying groundwork for a series is important, but the individual book should also have it's own story. It was just a little lacking in this one.

 

 Thanks for reading!

Holly 

Review: Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop

Series: The Others Book #2

Format: ebook

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Publisher:  Roc

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.

The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.

As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.

 

Review

Holy crap! I haven’t read a book in one sitting in a long time. Like I got up to go to the bathroom while reading this and was actually annoyed by it. The first book slowly worked it’s way under my skin while this one immediately sucked me in and wouldn’t let go.

This book is an excellent example of how to write tension. My favorite-and probably the most minor-is the sexual tension because I love romance. Then there’s the general tension and unrest in the world. It kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat but didn’t stress me out. Sometimes books are too tense and they make me feel like I’m going to have a panic attack which is too much and I don’t like.

First, let’s discuss issues. Well, there’s one: There isn’t enough Sam. OK, that isn’t a real issue but he’s so cute. And I love his relationship with Meg. But there’s so much going on and sacrifices have to be made.

The world building became even stronger in this one. More characters and information was introduced. I feel like I learned more about the different “Others” both as a whole and individuals. Plus, we got to explore more about how the world is set up and different countries/continents. Then, there’s the information that was provided about the Blood Prophets.

I have to talk about the romance or budding romance. In the first book, I thought there would be a romance but I didn’t know if I was just delusional. But this time it was thrown in my face. But I feel like it’s going to be soooooooooo slow. I felt like I was getting book blue-balls because I just wanted them to kiss.

I’m amazed by how much happened in this book. The big climactic moment I knew would happen, but I figured it would be a few books down the line. So, I have no idea what’s going to happen next. I am certainly excited to find out soon. I just have to wait on another library hold. 

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Written in Red by Anne Bishop

Series: The Others Book #1
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Publisher: Roc

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

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.

Review

That was a book! I have no idea how to review this but feel like I need to write something. This is often the issue for me when it comes to sci-fi and fantasy.

This book slowly and methodically made its way under my skin. I don't think that's ever happened before. But I got really invested in all these characters. I think it's because I was often confused. Ms. Bishop would slowly let out information so I just wanted to get more and more answers.

I'm still wrapping my head around the world, characters, and creatures. But I like that. Done well-like here-it creates a three-dimensional and realistic world.

I do want to talk about the "creatures." So many of them I've seen before, but they are just different enough. The Wolves are a perfect example of this. Oftentimes, they are romanticized. That's even made fun of in the story. But they are actually very animalistic and just because they can look like people doesn't mean they are humans. I appreciate this twist.

This "review" needs to end because it makes me want to read the next one and I'm on a waitlist for it!

Thanks for reading!
Holly