Written In Red

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.

An incredibly original spin on a well trodden path, this book turns the idea of paranormal creatures and humans on its ear. In a world where humans are considered prey/meat/monkeys, and they know it, there is one group of the Others, known as the terra indigene that are slowly testing the waters of treating the humans slightly better. The Lakeside Courtyard is home to numerous different types of terra indigene (means earth natives), including Wolves, Elementals, Coyotes, Corvines, Hawks, a Grizzly Bear, Sanguinati (vampires), and one that the rest know is a terra indigene but not what she is specifically. And frankly they're OK with not knowing, for she scares even the top of the predator food chain. Courtyards exist within cities for groups of the Others who have the task of keeping watch over the city’s residents to ensure that they stick to the original agreements and treaties. Lakeside Courtyard is the only one in all of Thaisia that has a section with shops that both employees a small number of humans and has a few select shops that allows the humans to shop there. It is a rigidly controlled environment, and one where human laws do not apply; if and of the Others take offense from a human they have the freedom to do whatever they desire, from biting off the hand of a first time shoplifting offender, to killing and eating the offender. Regardless of how many times the humans have tried to expand the territory allowed them, they never seem to grasp that they will never prevail and so they continue to try. Each uprising usually ends with the loss of an entire town or city. The day Meg Corbyn shows up in the Courtyard, wet, cold, and frightened, marks the beginning of changes for the Lakeside Courtyard community and possibly the human communities near it. On something of a whim Meg is hired by the community leader, Simon Wolfgard to fill the Human Liaison position, which equates to accepting deliveries, sorting mail, and delivering packages too large for the boxes in her office. Right away Meg puts Simon on edge, and he soon figures out it is because she doesn't smell like prey. But as she settles into a tentative routine, so to do members of the Courtyard community. Eventually Simon and a few others discover that Meg is a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet. It is likely this is why she has survived the job as long as she has, and even begun to make friends. The problem is that Meg's former owner wants his property back. So the question is, does she mean enough to the terra indigene in Lakeside Courtyard that they will grant her their protection, or will they simply give her back? This book is an incredible read, full of suspense, adventure, and rich characters that grow and change throughout the story. The pacing and arc of the story are spot on, eliciting unexpected emotional responses from the reader. Multiple threads of smaller stories are woven together to create a whole tapestry that provides enough material to ponder for days. The hint of a possible romance between predator and prey is by turns, amusing, confusing, tender, confounding, and vastly entertaining, made more so because it appears to be one-sided thus far. The book will leave you beyond anxious for the next installment in the series Murder of Crows.

Not even close. Almost feels like she's writing for a 13-year-old audience. If you're 13, go for it. I really wanted to like it, too. *sigh

So worth it!!!

Exceptionally written-A world just different enough to be totally believable. Can't wait for the sequel!

Really liked both the character development, the world building, and some good tension in the plot. It's not often that you see this distinct a twist on some common themes. I'm looking forward to a sequel, there seems to be plenty of opportunity for more conflict based on what this book sets up. I did find the mechanics of how prophecies are created a bit disturbing, I'm hoping it doesn't romanticize cutting for anyone. I guess that's the parent in me coming out; probably wouldn't have that worry before...

A great read, a new world just slightly off from ours, and totally engrossing. Can't put it down!

Bishop writes another captivating world into existence! But this time it's more real than her other series. Somehow this time Bishop has created a world and characters that you forget aren't living just down the street! Yes, it's still an amazing fantasy world with strong, non-human heroes, but it feels and reads like its happening here, now! The characters are so well developed and created that they are more than realistic they are alive, and you will love them, or if necessary love to hate them. The action and plot will keep you entertained throughout. Hopefully this is the first book of many about this new place and people.

This was fantastic! If you like Patricia Briggs' Mercy stories or Ilona Andrews' Kate stories you'll like this too. I think this is the start of a new series for Anne Bishop. I can't wait for the next one!

It is a great read. It starts and ends great. I can't wait to see how the next story turns out. Loved all the characters . Tess turned out to be my favorite!

A story involving many characters isolated by fear, loneliness & greed. Meg's innocence brings out the best & worst in the other characters as some strive to let go of their fear & loneliness, while others just see an opportunity for profit. An excellent second read as many throw away sentences take on new meaning after the reader knows of the secrets revealed during the climax & epilogue.