Written in Red by Anne Bishop

March 5th, 2014 Kimberly Review 90 Comments

5th Mar
Written in Red by Anne Bishop
Written in Red
by Anne Bishop
Series: The Others #1
Narrator: Alexandra Harris
Length: 18 hrs and 32 mins
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 5 cups

No one creates realms like New York Times bestselling 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

Thanks to following book review blogs I stumbled upon some amazing reviews of Written in Red by Anne Bishop. To: Loupe @ Hot Listens, Maja @ Nocturnal Library and Carmel @ Rabid Reads…I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To say I loved Written in Red would be an understatement. To say I was obsessed with listening to it would ring closer to the truth. I listen to the eighteen hour and thirty-two minute audio in less than three days! When I wasn’t listening I was thinking, obsessing and talking about it. Mini review: Compelling, magical and engaging. Brilliant, breathtaking and world-building euphoria.

Written in Red was bloody brilliant. It is the type of book where you finish and want everyone you know to immediately read it. You question why it isn’t on the news. Why doesn’t this novel have a crazy cult of followers flooding Facebook with images and quotes? Not since Potter and his magical world have I been this excited about a place and its characters. You must visit Thasia. That is all.

Bishop introduces us to the Others (terra indigene) and humans who live in Thasia. The terra indigenes live separately from the humans and govern themselves. I imagined a compound similar to a military base allowing limited access to humans. Here human law does not apply, and their laws are pretty straight forward. Humans referred to by the others as “monkeys” only have access to the restaurants and a few stores. The compound is filled with others which include Wolves, Sanguinati (vampires), shifters, Elementals and so much more. While in the public area of the compound, they take human form to interact with the monkeys. To make interaction easier especially for trade they hire a human liaison. Keeping one is difficult that is until Megan Corbyn comes into the main store, half-frozen and smelling of fear and determination. She asks Simon Wolfgaurd for the job of liaison. This liaison intrigues him. He knows she is running, and she doesn’t smell like food. Megan is hiding a secret. She is human, but a rare type called; Cassandra Sangue or blood prophet. She fears being found, but human law doesn’t apply in the compound and here she might be safe. The tale that unfolds left me breathless as I slipped into the world of Thasia and watched Meg change the world.

In Written in Red, Anne Bishop spun a tale that unfolded before my eyes, and I quickly became immersed in this world, with its brilliantly fleshed out characters, suspenseful plot, humor, and tender moments. The residents within the compound are all supernatural characters we are familiar with, but Bishop portrays them in a refreshing way. She gave me a small-town story that quite frankly I never wanted to end. Each character was fleshed out from the humans to the elements. There were moments of discovery, laughter, fear and magic. We had villains to loathe and the overall danger that was a threaded throughout the tale was slowly revealed to us. The more I learned, the harder it was to stop listening. These characters especially the terra indigene became my friends. I cared for them, felt their emotions and wanted to bop them on the head occasionally.

Alexandria Harris is the narrator, and once I settled in with her voice I began to appreciate how she gave each character their own unique tone, the subtle way her tone changed as the tension built. Her ability to capture and convey the characters emotions was effortless. Written in Blood is the kind of story that is almost impossible to put down. Be wary of just one more chapter, as you will soon find yourself lost within this world, unable to pull yourself back to reality. By the time, you read this review I will listening to Murder of Crows which releases on March 4, 2014 in audio, eBook and hardcover.

Do I recommend Written in Red and the Others series? Hells yes!!

 

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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

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90 Responses to “Written in Red by Anne Bishop”

  1. Wendy Darling

    KIMBA. I’m so, so happy that you loved this book so much! Isn’t this world amazing? And the characters?! I’m always so excited when people start reading this series, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of book two. Yay!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Gads Wendy, I consumed the audio of Murder of Crows in less than 3 days and it was soooooooo good!!

  2. Ginny

    Wow! What a terrific review and you convinced me. I downloaded the audible and plan to start listening to it tomorrow.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hells Yes…SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

  3. kim { Book Swoon }

    Kim, you review is awesome! I’m heading ove to the local bookstore today, and guess what? Anne Bishop and I are going to have a lovely book-date;) It better be there on the shelf…Thanks for the drool-worthy review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! I hope you love it as much as I did, book two is just as awesome:)

  4. aurian

    only 5 coffeecups? lol. I loved this book so much, I reread it immediately after finishing it and i have never done that before. I read Murder of Crows yesterday, and it is soo good as well, but not as good as the first one imo. Will you read it soon?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      5 amazing cups. I finished Murder of Crow on audio, and plan to listen to them both again a little each night..I am over the moon for this series 🙂

  5. Amy

    Sounds like a fabulous story! I love when a story is written so well that even when you’ve stopped reading/listening to it, you just can’t stop thinking about it and the characters!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I finished book two and have started re-reading them..LOL Thanks Amy!

  6. Cyn

    I haven’t read any Anne Bishop yet, but I’ve heard a lot of good things! It’s always nice to find that book you want to share with everyone haha. I’m such a sucker for shape shifters! I’m glad you loved it, great review (:

  7. Pamela D

    This sounds like a fantastic book. I have put my life on hold to finish listening to fabulous audio book, and it is always a wonderful experience. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh gosh Pamela, this series is wonderful, I consumed Murder of Crows already on audio, and ended up buying both books too so I can have them in my hands as well.

  8. Heidi

    I started listening to this yesterday as I needed something terrific since I am still suffering audiobook hangover from Stephen King. So far so good and I can’t wait to get fully invested!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy I am listening to book two and it is wonderful

  9. Lindy

    Wow! This review blew me away! I can really tell how much you loved this story! Wow 5 Stars!!! This sounds amazing!!! I love how the author was able to give each fleshed out character a unique voice. I love magical stories, and the fact that this one was full of suspense, humor, and tender moments have me excited. I like how the author was able to give you a “small town feel!” I’m adding this to my TBR right now!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Gads Lindy this was so darn good and book two is stellar, I am listening to it on audio and purposely slowing down since I do not want it to end. 🙂

  10. Tabitha

    Yesyesyes! Meg is going to change the world! I felt the same way…I kept on going, just one more chapter until I was done. Ahh I need more!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I finished Murder of Crows and gads it was amazingballs too!

  11. Carmel

    Thanks for the shout out! So glad that you enjoyed this one just as much as I did. Anne Bishop went from being an unknown-to-me-author, to in my top 5. I loved everything about this book; the world-building is PHENOMENAL! I downloaded Murder of Crows the day it came out, and just finished it this morning. <3

    • kimbacaffeinate

      So jealous you finished, I had to work yesterday and shit is going down with my poor mother’s health but with all that I am about 75% done..I actually backed off a little to savor it since I won’t be able to stand the wait for the next book..bwahaha!

      • Carmel

        I saw your update on Facebook, sorry to hear about your mom. I hope everything goes well, and that she recovers quickly. At least you have Meg to keep you company. 🙂

  12. Michele-A Belle's Tales

    A wonderful review that has me wanting to read this incredibly unique sounding book; but sadly, I just can’t “listen” to my reads. Every time I’ve tried, my mind won’t allow me to focus on what I’m hearing. Maybe one day. Very happy you enjoyed this one so much! I’m intrigued!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is available in hardback and eBook. When I first tried audio it was a hot mess. I couldn’t concentrate or enjoy it..but I kept at it and retrained my brain. While reading is my first choice, audio has allowed me to listen while cleaning, cooking, walking etc and I can sneak in an additional read or two each month..unless it is Anne Bishop then she takes over my life and all I do is listen for hours on end..hehehe

  13. Stephanie

    This sounds awesome! I love a good audio and after reading your review will definitely be looking for this one. The fact that you listened to it so quickly says a lot. Yeah! I listen to books in my car every week and this will be one I will be enjoying soon. 🙂 Sometimes it is hard to get out of the car if I am really into a book (a neighbor once knocked on my car to see if I was locked out, but I was just on the last chapter of a good book-lol). 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Gads Stephanie..book two is consuming me as well. I hope you grab them 🙂

  14. Lauren

    YAY! *bounces* So happy that you love this book too, it makes me all the more excited to read it! I keep reading such amazing reviews, but 5 stars from you is fantastic news. I might do this one on audio now. Brilliant review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Lauren the audio is brilly and I am listening to book two now and it is amazing!!

  15. Candace

    I’ve been listening to this one for quite awhile and really, REALLY love it! I love it so much I almost bought the book because I’m not finding enough time to listen. But the narration is really great. It took me awhile to be sure, but once I got into it I was completely addicted. It really is amazing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I bought the book for this two Candace just so I could read bits and parts here and there between books..LOL I am listening to Murder of Crows now and lordy is it good.

  16. Melissa (Books and Things)

    SWEET! I just got the book and have to find time for it and I just know that I’m going to LOVE this book. I am already stoked for the second book and I haven’t even cracked open this one! I’m so glad it rocked in audio as well. Good to know in case I decide to do the second one on audio. I’m guessing the narrator would be the same.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes narrator is the same and I am loving book two already!!

  17. Naomi

    Oh wow!! I think I might have to get onto this one myself!! It has all of the elements that I love. And going off your review, I think you need more stars!! Fantastic review Kimberly.

    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

  18. Braine Talk Supe

    I want to read this series, all I’ve seen are praises for this book and series. Thanks for another gushy review, I’m more than SOLD!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am loving this on audio and so far book two is rocking my ears off!

  19. Christy

    OKAY! I’ll read it! 😀

    I read Bishop’s Black Jewel series … well, the first 2 or 3 and found them interesting. They’re definitely different. So I’m curious about this, especially since so many people are going crazy over it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hell Yes, I totally love the audio version and am well into book two and loving it.

  20. Felicia S (The Geeky Blogger)

    Starting this one (yes I got the 2nd one without reading this one first). I just know (and now know even more) that I am going to love it 🙂 It will be back to back listen for me!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      If I wasn’t in love with audio books before this series I am now..I listen every second I can and book two is just as wonderful!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I cannot even begin to tell you how much I am loving this series. LOL

    • kimbacaffeinate

      The audios for this are rocking my ears off 🙂

  23. Amir

    Ok, I skimmed your review cause I was planning to get the book TODAY but now I don’t know of I should get the audio book instead! There are so many rave reviews for this series from people I trust though so I need to get my hands on it either way! Great review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Amir the audios are fantastic, I am loving book two already!

  24. Andrea

    Everyone is absolutely loving this series! It doesn’t seem like my typical read, but I am definitely curious.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Gah..it doesn’t have a romance, well not really but it is amazing. I think you need to step out of your comfort zone and try this Urban fantasy I truly do 🙂

  25. sherry fundin

    Lots of times I will pick up a book just by looking at its cover. This is one of those books, especially after reading your rave review. I have added it to my TBR list and hope to get to it soon. Thanks for bringing the book to my attention.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      OMG..yes I walked around cleaning like a mad woman just for an excuse to listen to it and the best part..book two is amazing..I listen to 4 hrs of it yesterday already!

  27. Kristin

    Dang girl… I don’t think I’ve seen this much emotion about a book from you in like, FOREVER!!! I’m adding this and getting to it yesterday. UGH… where’s my clone??? *clap, clap* “Clone!!!”

  28. Dre

    I read the review for the second book, and after reading this, it solidified my want to start the series. Thanks Kimba for the awesome review!

  29. Lily B

    Those are awesome bloggers to take your recommendation from 😀 sounds like one I would love as well, yay for awesome world building and a compelling story that just drags you in!

  30. Jenny

    WHY HAVEN’T I READ THIS BOOK YET KIM?! I don’t think I’ve seen one negative review for it and all the characters sound outstanding. I love character-rich stories, and this is clearly one of those. Must read this and Murder of Crows!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      OMG Jenny..you will love them. Do you like audio? They are awesome listens. I am well into Murder of Crows and loving it.

  32. Aimee

    I’ve been hearing so many good things about this! I should really read this considering the average Goodreads rating is 4.4 :O I’m interested to read about this “unique tone.” And the plot seems generally interesting. *adds book to wishlist* Great review! <3

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy Aimee..i am listening to book two and it is wonderful!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Squee..yes Ali. If you don’t love it I will give up my morning coffee for a week.

  34. ShootingStarsMag

    I read some rave reviews of this one too. That’s great you loved it so much too. Sounds like I really need to check it out!

  35. Mary

    LOVED this book; loved the second one just as much! Wish there were more so I could do rereads and re-immerse myself in that world.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am enjoyed the audio of Murder of Crows..and yes I will re-read/listen to these again.

  36. Jenea

    There are so many things about this that sounds just amazing. I need to keep an eye out for it. Wonderful review.

  37. Silvia

    WOW, this urban fantasy sounds spectacular! Thanks for bringing it to my attention, Kimberly, I’ll check it out for sure 😉

  39. Jennifer Bielman

    This world sounds amazing. A great world set-up is so important in urban fantasy for me. I think I might have to grab this one.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Gads yes Jennifer you will love the world building and the Lakeside community!

  40. Faye

    You liked it, you liked it!! Wheeee!! I loved reading your review! It reminded me of that time when I first read Written in Red and I just couldn’t stop. The world-building is definitely one of the most enjoyable I’ve read yet. Will you read Murder of crows soon??

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Faye I am listening to Murders for Crow now and Hells YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! bwahahaha!

  41. blodeuedd

    I think I had way too high hopes, yes it was good, but I think I was expecting the most amazing book ever

  42. Melliane

    yay I’m so glad you loved this one. My friend offered it to me for my birthday but I finally read/review it last month and wow it was just awesome! I loved it from beginning to end. I usually don’t buy big hardback book but I did it immediatly for this one and I can’t wait to have it now. I’m so jealous when I see review of book 2 lol.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am so glad you loved it too Melliane, I am listening to Murder of Crows and squee!

  43. Lupdilup

    Aww! Thank you 🙂 I’m so thrilled that you loved it!! And now we’re listening twins YAY! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. I’ve listened all day none stop 🙂 and my house is really clean!..LOL
    Thank you again!