Written in Red by Anne Bishop on March 5th 2013
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Format: eBook
Source: Library
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No one creates realms like New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop. Now in a thrilling new fantasy series, enter a world inhabited by the Others, unearthly entities—vampires and shape-shifters among them—who rule the Earth and whose prey are humans.
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.
I’ve been wanting to read Written in Red and this series for years! I’m now equal parts mad at myself for waiting to enter this world so long and also completely thankful that now I do not need to endure the long wait in between releases.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read the synopsis for these books so I completely forgot this was an adult series heading in but was totally okay with that realization. The author gives a little brief on the background of the world building at the beginning that made heading into the actual story so much easier. In this world, the humans are the lesser creature and it’s the Others (terra indiguene) – werewolves, vampires, elementals, etc. – that control most of the world. I absolutely loved this flipped dynamic and learning how these fascinating creatures lived. They are such terrifying beings, and we get to see just how terrifying they can really be but we also get to see this entirely new side of them, especially when Meg enters the scene with her own secrets and becomes such a huge part of their lives and everything shifts.
Meg is hiding from those wanting to capture and use her for her gift as a blood prophet and finds herself in the Lakeside Courtyard obtaining a job as Human Liaison. She is sort of newly learning about life and has such a wonderfully innocent quality about her. The way she fit into the world and broke down barriers made this book as delightful as it was. She developed such amazing connections to everyone she met. And when lives are threatened, she becomes just as protective of them as they were of her.
This book and world is just so unbelievably captivating. It was easy to get hooked and attached to the characters and so many of them really stood out, especially little Sam. And I’m anxious to see if a romance starts to brew between Meg and Simon. I did feel like the middle got a little monotonous with Meg and her everyday life within her job but that was just a minor blip. There is a lot of action and edge of your seat excitement and I cannot wait to continue with the series and see what happens next!
Jenea’s Book Obsession
I do like the sounds of this and Meg seems like she would be a great character too. You do have me curious if her and Simon have a little bit of romance brewing. I’m gonna have to check my library for this one! Great review.
Sara @ Forever 17 Books
They are perfect library picks. I got the ebook on loan from my library for this one. I’ve read books 2 and 3 now as well and my library has the physical copies for the whole series too!
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Meg sounds like a character I would really like. I had actually never heard of this series before so thanks for putting it on my radar 🙂
Sara @ Forever 17 Books
A great time to hear of it because it is complete! Really fun books if you want to check them out someday!
Tanya Atkinson
I might have actually squealed out loud when I saw that you were reviewing Written in Red. LOL I only discovered this series last year and I was hooked from book one. This was so unlike anything I’d read before but I immediately liked Meg and came to love the whole cast of characters at the Lakeside Courtyard. Including Sam (wasn’t he the sweetest?). Like you mentioned, I loved how Meg became protective of those at the Courtyard, just as they were protective of her. I enjoyed reading your thoughts, Sara. And it makes me want to experience this one all over again. 🙂
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Sara @ Forever 17 Books
So different and awesome, right? I do adore Sam! He is adorable. I’ve read the next two books after this and can’t wait to finish out the series!
Alyssa Susanna (The Eater of Books!)
I’ve heard such great things about this series! A close blogger friend adores this author’s books. I’m glad you loved this one, Sara! Wonderful review!
Have a great day. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
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Sara @ Forever 17 Books
I’ve been enjoying the whole series so far. I’m hoping to start book 4 in the next couple weeks!