5 "How Do I Not Fall In Love?" Stars
Anne Bishop is seriously one of my favorite authors of all time. And I do not say this lightly for I literally have thousands of books on both my nook and kindle... so I have a lot of authors to choose from when it comes to favorites. But Bishop definitely takes the cake when it comes to Fantasy Romance novels.
My first series with Bishop was the Daughter of Blood Series and I was really doubtful that anything could be better than that or even come close...
and yet this series has totally dropped out of the sky, landed in my lap, and takes my mind on this whirlwind journey in a whole new world where everyone is a threat and yet just as relatable and lovable as ever. The Others Series is a MUST read for anyone who loves fantasy novels, or is even just interested in them.
Etched in Bone is the fifth book in the Others Series, and man does it not disappoint. So far in this series a lot has gone down... I mean what else does Meg have to go through to get her happily ever after without the world falling to pieces around her feet. I became invested in these characters from the very first page and in each book they have grown even more complex and enriching and just simply amazing all around. There's so much detail and thought put into this book that it's hard not to get swept away with the words.
The thing I love most about Anne Bishop's writing style is her ability to bring thought provoking questions into her novels. You think this is just a simple fantasy read and suddenly a moral issue is raised and you realize just how much these characters relate to our own world. There hasn't been a book yet where I haven't found myself contemplating just what drives human nature towards the evil and corruption seen daily both in this world and within our own because Bishop makes it understandable through her words and gives a whole new light to the issues often ignored.
Simply amazing.
On a lighter note, Etched In Bone was everything I wanted and didn't know I needed all wrapped into one pretty package that fit between my hands. This novel follows the after affects of an almost end of the world situation and its interesting seeing how all of the characters introduced so far fit into this new definition of society created by the Elders. There's definitely a shift in mentality focused on recuperating losses and trying to balance out the order in the cities that were still left across the nation. And yet not only is the Lakeside Courtyard dealing with these differences, but also the threats that come from humans in their packs as their pasts come back to haunt the lovely Meg and therefore humans in general.
There was definitely an advancement in relationships across the board with this novel. The human pack of the Courtyard in Lakeside continuously grew closer to the Others and yet this trust still holds precariously near the edge as other dangerous factors (humans) come into play. Another relationship that develops is the one between Meg and Simon. *gasp* Their relationship in the last few books has been roughly defined at best and in this book the Elders presence kind of forces a new definition between Meg and Simon and I'll just say that it gets interesting ;).
Overall, this book was so amazing, invigorating, and entertaining! I've loved the characters from the start and this book just really adds to the ongoing complexity of the story as a whole. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone... and I mean anyone at all. Even if you don't think you like fantasy, you should try this book before making any judgements because Anne Bishop is a magician with the written word. I am so thankful that I got to read this novel and I have my fingers crossed that the story continues with another one... (or maybe even a snippet of Simon and Meg in the future?)
Start the Series with Written in Red:
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.
Or Continue with Etched in Bone
As some communities struggle to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed, though Simon Wolfgard, its wolf shifter leader, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn must work with the human pack to maintain the fragile peace. But all their efforts are threatened when Lieutenant Montgomery’s shady brother arrives, looking for a free ride and easy pickings.
With the humans on guard against one of their own, tensions rise, drawing the attention of the Elders, who are curious about the effect such an insignificant predator can have on a pack. But Meg knows the dangers, for she has seen in the cards how it will all end—with her standing beside a grave.
