Written in Red

A Novel of the Others

By: Anne Bishop

Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

No one creates realms like New York Times best-selling 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.

©2013 Anne Bishop (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Amazing...A compelling story set in a seamlessly crafted universe.” (Fresh Fiction)

“A stunningly original yarn, deeply imagined, beautifully articulated, and set forth in clean, limpid, sensual prose.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Bishop has a way of making your heart wrench with joy and pain within a breath.” (Fantasy Book Critic)

slow start but good listen

This book was slow to start but once it picked up (for me around ch. 11) it got interesting espeically the mythical/horror monster, elemental etc. they are my favorite parts about the book.

worth it

i honestly love any of Anne Bishops series they never disappoint me Would definitely recommend

A Good Read

I was taken by the authors depth in her character development. She did a great job in differentiating between innocence and naïve. I thought it started slow, but when she started tying the characters together through Meg, I could see the bonds she was forming throughout the community. By the end of this book, I was enthralled and could not put it down. I was not disappointed, the ending was excellent

Engrossing story

I love this story! The characters come to life as the book proceeds. A few quibbles with mispronounced words. I'm looking forward to more books in the series

loved it!

it was such a neat twist on "monsters"
I enjoyed the character build and how all the relationships developed. well written and preformed.

Good Story and Looking Forward to Where it Goes

I found a few inconsistencies in the story, which always costs a review one star. Also, I don't like the narrator for this series. Specifically for the protagonist.

Overall, a very creative, suspenseful, and fun read! As a fan of the Black Jewel Trilogy (by the same author), I'm sure this story is going to build and grow in interesting ways!

Mixed Reaction

I’m not sure how I feel about this story. I was engrossed in the story and enjoyed it, but it is an odd world the author has developed and if you allow yourself to think about it, there is a lot that just doesn’t make sense. I don’t mean the magical parts - of course you have to go with the make believe - I mean the plot and world often have things that just don’t make sense. For instance (I don’t think this is too much of a SPOILER) The Others read lots of books and watch movies made by humans, but they only think of them as meat and don’t understand humans at all. Really, how would this be possible? Still, there was a certain charm about the story that - while not as fantastic as a lot of the reviews would have you believe - was enjoyable.

Some reviews thought this was a Young Adult novel, but I found certain parts to be quite dark with hints at rape. It ISN’T a flimsy excuse for pornography like so many paranormal romances so maybe that’s why some classify it as young adult.

I’m baffled by numerous reviews that say the narration is bad. I thought it was quite good and I think I’m fairly sensitive to bad narration.

Trying to decide if I want to give the next book in the series a go. I did enjoy the characters.

Fantastic story as expected of Anne Bishop

Fantastic story as expected of Anne Bishop. Although nothing can ever surpass the Black Jewels series Anne Bishop has once again drawn us into an amazingly woven fantasy story. My only complaint is the performer reading the story was obviously not familiar with any Anne Bishop books or how to portray the characters. The book was read but not performed at all.

Original, Fresh, bites.

New, fresh story with a new angle on werewolves, vamps and other nightmare beings. Audio has very few flaws, easy to listen and follow. Story sounds new original angle. A good read/listen at a bargain price.

Great Story

I love this whole series. The main character Meg is fun to follow as she learns about her new surroundings and the whole idea of the Others is wildly creative and fun. I am not a huge fan of the reader but not something I can change.