by Anne Bishop
Series: The Others #2
Narrator: Alexandra Harris
Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more. The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat. As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.
Murder of Crows is the second book in The Others urban fantasy series by Anne Bishop and I chose to listen to the audio version. Alexandra Harris, the narrator, did a stellar job of giving the character’s voice, and I once again I gave up my life for two days to consume this. Bishop is brilliant and I am in awe of her world. Mini-review: Epic, complex, dark, light and brilliant.
With the appearance of two addictive drugs in Thasia reports of humans and terra indigene dying have created problems for the humans as the terra indigene responds with force. In the Lakeside community though they are working side by side to figure out what is happening and for the first time, thanks in part to Meg the terra indigene are protecting those in the human pack. Meg has prophecies of blood, snow and black feathers putting them all on alert. HFL (Humans First and Last) is active, and the tensions are high. The tale that unfolds held me captive as I worried, laughed and held my breath.
Gods above and below I love the characters that Bishop has created. I have always loved shifters, vampires, wolves and elementals, but Bishop’s interpretation of those residing in Thasia is unique. They are a little raw and use to seeing humans as prey. Yet we see tremendous growth in them as well as the humans who interact with them. Simon Wolfgaurd the leader at Lakeside made me laugh, and swoon a little. I truly enjoyed his developing relationship with Meg. Meg is such a refreshing heroine, and unlike any I have encountered in urban fantasy. She is tough when dealing with the others and shows little fear, but she is also timid and unsure. Sometimes she has this childlike innocence about her and at other times she seems wise beyond her years. All these complex sides of Meg work and make her feel genuine. I loved the growth we see in her, and when she gets annoying I cannot help but laugh. Characters from the previous novel are further developed. I love all of the supernatural characters in the courtyard and appreciated how Bishop took the time to develop these secondary characters. Bishop introduces Skippy, Intuits, and additional supernatural creatures who added humor, enriched the world and at times made me giggle-snort. We get another perspective from another cassandra sangue that was brutal, and clearly showed how these girls have suffered. Her voice is strong and she brings a clearer picture while enhancing the story in her own right. Bishop introduced villains, and other humans which added to the tale and furthered my enjoyment of this world. I did miss some of the interactions in the courtyard, but am confident we will see more.
In Murder of Crows, Bishop’s world and character building blew my mind. The threat intensified as we gained more insight into the HFL, traveled to other parts of Thasia, and new characters came into the fold. Those things alone made the book stellar, but then Bishop fleshed out relationships, introduced three dimensional characters and increased our knowledge of the terra indigene. We learn about their books, movies and have an interesting time with cookies. Meg and the community are beginning to understand more about the cassandra sangue and Meg’s prophecies. From the first page to the last the tale ebbed and flowed perfectly as the tension increased. Bishop does an outstanding job of balances the darker tones of this plot with the light. We get multiple povs, including those of the Controller and another cassandra sangue which intensified the story keeping me enthralled. The treatment of the cassandra sangue by these controllers was dark and violent from abuse to rape. Bishop didn’t attempt to flower these details. She simply presents the facts leaving them to smack and enrage the reader. When reading my reviews you often hear me say, “I wanted more world-building and fleshed out characters.” Murder of Crows and Written in Red are exquisite examples of what I crave. All of my needs were satisfied from the panoramic view to the depth of details. Nothing was rushed; the plot was well thought out, and every word and detail was relevant. If every author gave me these beautiful details as seamlessly as Bishop, I would be on a never-ending book high.
I was very excited to see that once again Alexandra Harris was the narrator. Harris did a wonderful job narrating Written in Red and impressed me even more with Murder of Crows. Her depiction of Meg truly captures her emotions and even her growth. She brought the characters to life for me, and I think her pacing is perfectly matched for the Others series. She uses different voices for each character that were unique and clear. I could immediately identify them.
I rarely re-read books. My habit is to read favorite passages of books that I loved, but I will tell you I own both the books and the audios for this series and plan to re-read them again a little each night. If audio books are your thing I totally recommend, you listen to Written in Red and Murder of Crows. If not buy the books, rent them, or borrow them but for heaven’s sake read them. *flailing hands*
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Judy-Ree
I totally loved the first book in the series and read a bad review of this book so I was hesitant about getting this one. Thanks for the great review, so I can get it without any doubts. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Gods above and Below Judy read it, if you don’t love it I will give up coffee for a week.
Lauren
Ok, I skimmed this review because I am reading it now, but YAY for 5 cups of awesome!!! I am hoping to do this series on audio too, but I have the books so I’m reading first, and I’ll probably do a re-listen. It’s hard to resist after your glowing audio reviews!
kimbacaffeinate
I am a little obsessed. I have audio of both books, ebooks and hardcovers..hahaha!
Berls
Okay – I didn’t read the review because I still haven’t made it to book 1, but I will soon and don’t want to ruin anything. I’m so glad you’re still loving this series, though. Can’t wait to get started on it!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I cannot wait for you to read them…do the audio if you can!
Berls
That’s my plan – I’ve heard great things about the narration and I get through books so much faster on audio. I think its 4 books away on my reading calendar, so later this month/early next month 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy..I am excited for you 🙂
RedIza
I’ll really have to try and read this series ! Thanks for the wonderful review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did Rediza:)
Faye
Super agree with EVERYTHING EVERYTHING EVERYTHING. I love all the characters here, from Henry to Vlad to Grandpa Erebus to the awesome no-nonsense Elementals. I have never been this curious and enchanted by a large cast of characters before. They make me feel like I want to be in the Courtyard and live there despite the dangers (okay, I wanna be Meg and wanna be Simon’s mate but … yes… I always have to remind myself that. this. is. fiction /cry
Great review! I loved every word, every paragraph. They resonate so true!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay..I love that you enjoyed this as much as I did Faye!
Mirjam
Every time I read a raving review of Murder of Crows I get so excited because I love this series and have ordered the book and then really frustrated because I STILL haven’t received it. TBD sent it on the 3rd of March and I am really counting the days here. Why is it that the books I want the most always take forever to arrive?!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh *hugs* It will be there soon Mirjam and then you will be walking around in an Others induced haze!!!
Ginny
Oh…only 10 more days until my Audible credit renews and I can grab this one!!! I listened to the audio of book 1, Written in Red, and then bought the book and I plan to do the same with book 2. Thanks for getting me hooked on this great series. You were right…I love it!
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe..this makes me so happy. I love sharing and then seeing you get so excited. 10 days will be the longest wait ever!
Amir
I’m actually on a Written in Red high right now! I just listened to the audiobook and it’s awesome! I love the world building, the brutality yet sweetness of the Others and how understated Simon and Meg’s relationship is. I skimmed you review cause I have not reaf this yet but now I’m contemplating if I should just buy the audiobook…I was planning to wait for my credits to roll in!
kimbacaffeinate
I am still riding the high on these books, and re-listening!
aurian
And now I really want to re-read this book again. I loved it as well Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
I am listening to the series a chapter a night on audio again 🙂
Jenea
Wow, I really want to read this series! It sounds like it is right up my alley. I am off to see if I can get from ym library. 🙂 Awesome review.
kimbacaffeinate
You must Jenea…they are so good:)
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
YEP YEP YEP! It got a 5 from me too! Your review states it far better than mine will. Mine will say something like “don’t miss the awesome” and “read book 1 first–not because you have to but because you will thank me later” LOL 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I love the audios, and started listening to series from the beginning again..just a little each night. The wait for book three is going to be killer. Have a fantastic weekend Felicia 🙂
Wendy Darling
The characters and world-building blew my mind, too! Wasn’t it AWESOME? I love this series so much. I cannot believe how complex this society is, and Meg and Simon are so endearing together. I’m so glad you loved it, Kimba! But now we have to wait so long for book three. *cries*
kimbacaffeinate
The wait *headdesk* You know this book has set the bar so high it is affecting my ratings and opinions of everything!
Jessica
Every great review of this book makes me feel more and more lame for not having read it myself yet. I just haven’t had time! I love the secondaries in this series too, and it’s exciting that there are even more in book 2 🙂 And I’ll get to it. Eventually . . . sigh.
kimbacaffeinate
WHAT? You mean Carmel hasn’t been bugging you to read them? You are going to kick yourself for not reading them sooner. On the upside, you will have the least amount of time to wait for book three.
Naomi
Wow Kimberly! The world and the characters sounds amazing! I love it when an author gets it right and drags you right into the world that they’ve created! Meg sounds great and I know I’d enjoy this one! Fab review!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo Naomi you mist read these!
Andrea
I don’t think I’ve come across a less than glowing review for this series. I admit I’m intrigued, though this is completely out of my current comfort zone. I’m glad you enjoyed!
kimbacaffeinate
If ever you were going to step outside your comfort zone..this series is the one to do.
anna
Oh man. I’m really gonna need to give her a try sooner rather than later. Yall are killing me with this one. So many of the bloggers I know just loved it.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes Anna you must..step out and try this!
Michele-A Belle's Tales
Alright, alright, stop your flailing, I’ll read it! LOL. So glad the narrator worked out well for you and that you loved this! You have me so curious about the author’s take on these characters! Wonderful review, my caffeinated friend 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
my job is done. *good things my arms were tired*
Adriana
I love the sound of the characters in Murder of Crows and I love your totally obvious fangirling towards the end of your review. I really like shifters, vampires, and other supernatural creatures especially if they are done right which seems to be the case.
I hope you enjoy the rest of this series (:
kimbacaffeinate
I really held back too..lol thanks Adriana 🙂
Diana Leigh
Wow!!! I’m getting the feeling that you enjoyed it. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
maybe a little 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Darn it! This is making me want to dive into the first book. I can’t wait. So many books… 🙂 Oh I do think I will see if I can get the second book on audio. Love a great narrator! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
My hubby laughs cause I have the books, the ebook and the audios..I am officially an Others fan girl!
Heidi
I am listening to this and about half way through. I love this series. The characters are awesome, the world building excellent and I am enjoying the little romance between Simon and Meg.
kimbacaffeinate
their interactions make me giggle 🙂
blodeuedd
Love love for this series from everyone 😉
kimbacaffeinate
🙂 indeed!
Lindy
The book cover of this story is so pretty! I love that the author did a great job of world building in this story! The characters that the author has created sound amazing! I’m glad you enjoyed the narrator in the audio version. The depth of the characters, and panoramic view of the plot have me intrigued! Excellent Review Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lindy I am still riding the high from it 🙂
Giselle
You and Wendy totally have me wanting to drop everything to read this series asap! I love how well written and complex it all sounds – the world building sounds especially fantastic! I Loooove it when a sequel is just as good, if not better, than book as. It’s so rare – at least I find maybe i Just read the wrong series haha.
kimbacaffeinate
Gads yes you need to read them 🙂
Christy
April … or May, but no later. That is when I will have the first story embedded into my brain. I don’t think I seen anyone rates these less than a 5.
kimbacaffeinate
wahoo!
Kim
Wow, I’m so excited that you
likedloved Murder of Crows as much as you did. I’m so excited to read book one that I picked up from your recommendation, and now this amazing review. I’m curious now as to the audiobook version, it sounds like something I may have to try! Thanks for the wonderful review 🙂kimbacaffeinate
I am so glad you picked up book one! The audio was wonderful and really kicked in my addiction for audio 🙂
Braine Talk Supe
Once again I’m behind things. Everyone LOVES this series and I have to KNOW and experience it for myself. With all the reviews I’ve read, I know I’ll be fangirling as hard as the rest of y’all.
kimbacaffeinate
I cannot wait to see you fangirl!
ShootingStarsMag
Written in Red has been on my wishlist for awhile now. that’s great you loved the sequel. I might try this out on audiobook when I can!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo if you like audio then yes ..it rocks Lauren!
miki
i don’t think i’m ready for audiobook ( at least not without teh text under my eyes) but you did tempt me so i will see if i can get the first book and discover it. i must say that at first i feared it would be too dark but you made it sound like an excellent urban fantasy
kimbacaffeinate
There are dark elements but it is well balanced. If you buy the kindle version you can add whispersync.
miki
i can’t read kindle so not for me but i have the cd for storm warrior for when i want to start trying audio book^^ so far i prefer the old fashioned way a printed book in my hands, cozy place, some tea and great adventures begin^^
kimbacaffeinate
I hear you 🙂
Melliane
wow you really makes me want to dicover the book in audio I’m curious now. I just loved the series and this one was just awesome I totally agree with you. I’m glad you had a wonderful time. I’m so impatient for book 3 now!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I agree I cannot wait Melliane and the audios were impressive 🙂
Carmel
Epic, yes. Complex, yes. Dark, yes. Light, yes. Brilliant—HECK YES!!! Gawd, I love this series. So much so, that I’m just been prowling the blogosphere today reading other peeps’ reviews, and reminiscing on how seriously awesome it is. How’s your nightly re-listen of the audiobooks been going by the way? Ooh, and as usual, great review Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
Ha..I get excited all over again when I read other peeps reviews. I am loving listening to them. I do a chapter a night 🙂
Henrietta
I love this series too!! But I missed Sam in this one 🙁
Simon and Meg were just adorable and I wonder how the HFL movement would pan out in book three.
I read the books on my e-reader but now that I know how good the audio version is, I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, we only saw a little of Sam 🙁 The audio is amazing and available through whispersync.
Grace
This sounds great! I’ve seen many reviewing this series. I’ll have to add to my audio TBR. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Grace 🙂
Candace
Oh yay! I’m so excited to read this one! I’m not sure that I can get the audio, it just takes me SO long to get through it and I have some review ones, but we’ll see. I did love the audio of the first. So glad to hear this was so amazing, but it’s no surprise. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Either way, I hope you read it..ooh you could do whispersync for it!
kindlemom1
I just skimmed this because I wasn’t sure if there were spoilers but, you should be so proud of me, I finally picked both books up in the series and I will start them so (hopefully!).
I am actually super excited to see what all the hype is about this time instead of afraid of it.
kimbacaffeinate
Nope I try very hard to never reveal more than the synopsis, If there is a big twist, I will say there was a big twist but not the details. I am so excited you are reading them. Feel free to instant message me or tweet when you just feel the need to talk about it..because you will!
Mary
LOVELOVELOVELOVE!! I have such love for this series! (If you couldn’t tell…) The terra indigene and their ways, the reluctant acceptance of humans, Samuel… so good.
kimbacaffeinate
Squeee…me too Mary. I tell ya it has changed the bar for my ratings as well..awesome!
Jenny
Wow. This series is getting such rave reviews, I’m almost nervous to pick it up just in case I don’t have the same reaction! Cathy will be reading this one for the blog as she adored Written in Red, and I have no doubt she’ll love it as much as you did. I really do want to meet all these amazing characters though. One day soon, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
OMG..we were visiting each other at the same time..LOL Ooo and I hope you try this.
Chene Sterckx
I have read so many great reviews about this series. I hope I do get to try this one out on Audio 🙂 Great Review Kimba!!
kimbacaffeinate
The audio rocked Chene 🙂
Lupdilup
Wonderful review Kimba! I couldn’t said it better myself.
I’m glad Alexandra Harris worked for you in every way. What I love the most is her depiction of the heroine, it shows a great understanding of the character, I love that!
Can we have the next book now? please!!! LOL
I’m with you, a re-listen is on my list 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Loupe, I think Harris actually enhanced my connection to Meg. Yes I want the next book now 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Wow Kimba that’s quite an honor and I hope this author acknowledges it for you to not only give a 5* but also a re-read, is huge. Thanks for bringing this to our attention I think I may have to add to my leaning tower of tbrs and add at least the first in the series. Great cover too!
Oh and the mini review epic is the word I picked out right away, my fave 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
A must read Debbie 🙂
Nick
Everyone has been raving about this series, Kim! I’m most definitely getting myself a copy of the first book when I get paid in a few weeks. I need to see what all the fuss is about.
The characters sound absolutely wonderful and Anne Bishope seems to know what she’s doing.
Lovely review, Kim! Your enthusiasm is contagious.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I cannot wait to hear your thoughts!!
Glass
I always skipped this series because it didn’t look like something special, but all of my favorite blogger keep raving about how amazing it is. I’ll just have to read it.
Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you pick them up Glass 🙂
Jeann
WOW you completely blew me away with your praise in your review Kimba! I have this one coming in the mail to me and the first one to pick up at the library. I’ve heard nothing but complimentary things and like you said – it sounds like exactly the type of book that I’m craving for. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I am excited for you..enjoy. I am listening to both books again. I listen to about a chapter a night.
Sophia
Hmm… this book actually sounds really familiar… O_O
kimbacaffeinate
LOL
Sophia
No really. I think it’s the cover. o_o
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, I thought you were being funny, since peeps have been raving about it. I hope you try them Sophia 🙂