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)

Breathtakingly good.

There are a few books and series of books that I listen to over and over again. These books will join those few to make a welcome addition to my listening library. I am about to start Lake Silence and hope that this expansion of the Others' world will be equally riveting.
All the characters in this world are believable. Even the very minor characters are rounded so that when we come across them again they are recognisable.
Although these are all very long books they are not boring. Most lengthy tomes have soggy boring patches in the middle. The character, plot and world building have kept up the momentum right to the end.

awesome

Awesome series, I hope it never ends ❤️
The author paints a vivid picture of this interesting world.

Not what I expected!!!

Wow! This was so good. The way the world is developed and the characters I just so enjoyed it.

This has no steamy parts but the drama and action are so worth it. I can honestly say I liked the narrator for the most part but struggled at moment on deciphering who she was at time male or female. But I was so submersed in the story it didn’t bother me too much.

I also had to pay attention like most of the book I tend to read are less intricate so I can work and listen but on this one you have to pay attention if not you will get lost.

I can say it’s work a credit and I will definitely get book two.

awesome characterization

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

strangely sweet; macabre

What was one of the most memorable moments of Written in Red?

I liked the subplot of Sam and Meg. It's cute and still retains that danger of the misunderstandings which can happen when interacting with a cuture so alien. Of course for Meg, almost all culture is alien.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked when meg stepped on the watchwolf's foot on purpose because it shows she is getting assertive. It is fun to see all of the tough guys trying not to make her upset. She is a physically frail heroine because she has genuine medical issues but she is not a "mary sue." There are no heaving bosoms or fainting and it is all the more impressive because she was determined and she ran from the only place she knew with only some stolen clothes. She is not physically a warrior but she has a fighting spirit and isn't afraid of the big bad wolf (mostly).

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

When she slept on the sorting table because she was afraid of being retaken and her statement she would rather live free and die early than go back.

Any additional comments?

I would have never thought I could be sympathetic to characters who turn into animals and enjoy eating humans. Anne makes these characters likeable without making them into cuddly animal versions of really tough (but good hearted) people. The "others" continue to be very alien and horror inducing, and yet I was cheering for thier team. Fanastic writing, original premise, a plot that kept my attention, creepy, and strangely heartwarming.

Finally a different paranormal world to read about

Where does Written in Red rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book ranks in my top 5 books this year.

What did you like best about this story?

I really enjoyed this book because of the world that Anne Bishop describes. The "Others" being inclusive of all non-humans. They just like humans are part of the natural order and are dominant, and are not fun lovable creatures. Love it.

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

I think the narrator did a good job with the voices. She has a different sound to all characters and they weren't annoying.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I totally wanted to listen to this book in one sitting but couldn't because its so long and I didn't want to skip any of it. Sometimes, long books get a little boring so I'll skip, but I didn't want to miss anything in this one and am glad a listed to the whole thing not missing anything.

Psychology Turned Into Fantasy

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

Understanding personal growth

What other book might you compare Written in Red to and why?

Sebastian, another book by Anne Bishop. It has the same sort of gentle sweetness wrapped up in bravado "tough".

Have you listened to any of Alexandra Harris’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to Alexandra Harris's other performances. This was a first for me. I was impressed with the way she could introduce voice differences without sounding strained. Since her narrative voice is a light soprano, this is truly impressive.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. And I could not. It gave me something to look forward to at the end of my work week.

Any additional comments?

I have read all of Anne Bishop's books and short stories that I could obtain. I own copies of the Black Jewels series and the Ephemeral series. Like many of her books, Written in Red seems to pick up on a current social trend -- in this case, cutting -- and examines possible reasons and even an element of solution. It taps into the need for children and youth to make connections with others and to learn useful skills in order to survive. It examines values that are true "inside the tribe" and treatment of those "outside the tribe." At the same time, the plot is fast paced, the characters are believable. Her "others" are not as gritty as Patricia Briggs wolves or Ilona Andrews Edge dwellers, nor as ethereal as Charles de Lint's urban mythic creatures, but they have a charm of their own. Overall, the book comes across as light, playful, yet strong.

Anne bishop is one of my favorite authors

the narrator was good if the voice of meg. good first book if you you have never read any of Anne Bishop's other titles

Unknown venture

What did you love best about Written in Red?

It was a new genra for me to listen to. I absolutely loved it. In the beginning of the book it was really spooky. The others were seeing the humans as food only. Creepy chilling. Love especially the sam story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

well now that is the heroine herselff. But I do like sam ans simon too. Tess is also on a top list as well as winter.

What about Alexandra Harris’s performance did you like?

It was a bit different for me to get into but once i had no problem. I was just used to other stronger voices. She dont have a weak one at all but a bit softer. She performed wonderfully.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Dididnt give me a good laugh but many smiles and a bit oh nooo dont let that happen and holding my breath.

Any additional comments?

storyline. is definately a new twist on good and bad or if there is any at all. I find this series after book 1 a must have so i am racing of to get book number 2 asap.

This book did it

Although it isn’t Lucas Davenport Anne Bishop has me addicted to the others and what happens to Meg. I went ahead and used credits for the next four books in anticipation of the future. The next book didn’t disappoint me either. I would put this author on my friends list of must reads.

Interesting and sorta fun read.

An unusual book with strange but likable characters. Good vs evil in a very broad sense with the good gal doing ok. Will start reading book 2.