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)

another winner for bishop.

I loved this new world Anne bishop has created. I can't wait for the other books in the series.

Wonderful World-building, Excellent Story

The story of how humans and the Other co-exist is a fascinating one, and while there isn’t a ton of back to back action in this like you might find in most urban fantasy, there’s plenty of delicious world-building as you get a feel for this. I found the various types of shifters fascinating, especially the avian shifters (Crowgard, Hawkgard, Owlgard). The narrator used a distinct speaking rhythm for them that made them instantly likable, especially the Crowgard who are as impish and intelligent as their animal counterparts. Even though the crows’ obsession with shiny things is a myth, I still couldn’t help being entertained by it being used in throughout the story. The vampires in the story are a mash-up of dated B-movie tropes, but they still add to the story in their own kitschy way, even if I did keep imagining Nyx as Morticia Addams.

The Lakeside Courtyard is more progressive with how it interacts with humans, but Meg’s presence allows for a stronger trust to form between the humans and the Others. While the Others are certainly imposing, they’re not nearly as cunning as humans who have perfected lying and betrayal, something that doesn’t come easily for the Others (aside from maybe a group of them) who are mostly upfront. This may be because they are the apex predators in the story and have no need to for that type of dishonesty. The Others who choose to interact with humans are only slowly coming to realize that humans do share some of their base level emotions when confronted with things such as triumphs and injustices. Despite taking human forms, they’re only simulating humanity to the best of their abilities. They don’t understand many aspects of human life, and tidbits of useful wisdom about humans are imparted on them throughout the story, which in turns makes them begin to see them as more than just prey.

I thought it was great storytelling to have the shifters proud and in control. They’re not hiding who they are. They’re not holding control by working behind the scenes while humans remain oblivious. They’re not ruled by human laws and integrated into human society because they have to be. It was heartening to see humans and the Lakeside Courtyard accomplishing so much together as they learned to trust each other more, even if the catalyst is Meg’s sweetness. They’re not giving up control, but choosing to explore ways that humans and Others can continue to live together with more mutual trust and respect. Trust and respect are hard for both sides given their histories.

Having Meg squeak and stumble around while everyone felt the need to baby her was disappointing, though. I’m not saying that I needed her to be some superwoman who could handle anything because rounded female characters aren’t just the ones who can hang with the big boys, but it’s unfortunate when a character like Meg, a character that I could like wholeheartedly, isn’t allowed much agency. That’s why I preferred the character Monty in this case of showing how both humans and Others could actually have some sort of relationship. He’s a human in the story who smells like prey unlike Meg. For that reason, he’s not given automatic trust as Meg is, but because of his positive interactions with the Others, concessions and considerations are made for him, as well, because they start to see him as more than prey and even “useful meat.” That felt more believable considering the circumstances.

The narration for this book really added to my enjoyment. Alexandra Harris’ is exceptional. She captured the innocent vulnerability of Meg well, and I enjoyed the voices she used for the different animal gards and the Sanguinati. She does have a voice that can come off very young sounding, which can make the story feel a bit juvenile in places, but I still would highly recommend this. I’m anxious to find out what happens next. This makes it hard to stick to my reading plans, and I think I might have to make an exception for this series. I’m almost sad it took me this long to start this series.

Fantastic read!

Very pleased with this book! Excellent world building and characters. It was easy to slip into the story and get lost in another, dare I say alternate, world. My family can attest because I was grumpy when they interrupted me! 😄

I'm so invested in the story that book two is downloading to my phone now. Can't wait to start it!

Great book and narrator!

My husband and I both love this series, we have all three audio books, and really like the narrator that reads this series. I wish that she could narrate for all the books series that I love! :-)

Excellent book/story

Written in Red has a very interesting story. Not usually my kind of book because it is so much a fantasy. But it was easy to follow and the characters had great personalities. Looking forward to the next book. The narrator did an excellent job of distinguishing each personality.

THE BEST BOOK I'VE READ THIS YEAR!!

If you could sum up Written in Red in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, Imaginable and Fantastically mind blowing!

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is Simon because he tries so hard to just not care about humans.

What does Alexandra Harris bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This is the first book I've listened too by Alexandra Harris and and I have to say she does a fantastic job giving the characters a way to leap up and out of the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the Human Liason was delivering mail to the vampires.

LOVE IT!!!!

love it, would definitely reread!! my hair stylist suggested I read, definitely glad I got to listen to it!

Unusual Blood Prophecy.

Surprisingly an awesome story. It had action, humor, and a touch of possible romance. The book kind of reminded me a bit of Kate Daniels story, except that the main character is sweet not kick ass. I like the characters and the world that has been built it is intriguing with lots of possible opposition that could create a great storyline. I liked how Meg grew and learned to have friends that are not your normal everyday characters. I look forward to more from this series and will be spending my credits to get them. Narrator isn’t my favorite but after time she grows on you.

Wow!

I didn't read this for a long time thinking it was just 'another' fantasy novel. I am so glad I decided to give it a try because boy was I wrong!!! Excellent read with a wonderful cast. Enjoyed the horror bits too. Cannot wait to read/listen to the next one!!!!

Slow to start but couldn’t put down.

Slow going at first but I am ready for the next in series. A lot of people to keep track of by the middle but a good understanding of each character. Just started with this author and liking her so far.