Review: Written in Red by Anne Bishop

Written in Red
(The Others #1)
by Anne Bishop
Published: March 5, 2013




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.

I've heard a lot of good things about this book and I was deeply intrigued when I read the summary so I was excited to start it at once although I admit I was kind of reluctant to pick it up when I finally had my copy. It gives off that 'this-is-going-to-be-an-amazing-book-with-extraordinary-writing' feeling by just staring at the cover. Kind of intimidating, really. But every time I scroll through my e-books it kept snagging my attention that I finally gave in. And by giving in I meant reading until the introductory 'DAYS OF THE WEEK' part - pause (I'm literally buzzing with excitement by then because 'ohmygod, that sounds new'). A few hours later and I proceed to reading the 'Brief History of the World' part aaaand pause (that was very interesting, at the same time a little overwhelming..I haven't reached Chapter 1 yet). Another few hours and I think I got enough incentive to keep reading the book. Just like that, I can't stop. It was addicting.

Let me just get this clear. I didn't know this was an adult book! Not that I have anything against them but.. huh, no one told me that. This is my first Anne Bishop book so I didn't know what to expect though I certainly did not expect an adult one. I can't tell from the summary and I honestly forgot what it was about by the time I started it. It wasn't until I was a few pages in and there was some mention of one of the main character reminiscing something that happened to him 20 years ago and I was like '20 years ago? How old are you people?'. I shouldn't have been surprised but you never know about books these days and the role authors give their characters. Nothing to worry about that part, actually. No explicit contents if that makes younger readers reluctant. No cliched romance or anything like that either. But watch out for lots of blood and action.

Written in Red is different in every aspect. It's a fantasy book set in a modern world much like ours today. But humans aren't the only dudes roaming this world. In fact, it is ruled by these paranormal creatures called the Others: wolves, vampires, crows, Elementals, all of whom have evolved and can shapeshift into humans. There is this long-term conflict between humans and the Others but they somehow found a way to benefit each other and live somewhat peacefully. But humans do all kinds of idiotic things just to dominate and get rid of the Others - to no avail (humans are prey for god's freakin' sake)- because the Others have the capability to wipe the world if pushed. They live separately from each other and they hate each other. Piss them off and there's no way you can hold on to bits of your body parts. If you think for one second you can defeat the Others, you are dead wrong. Emphasis on dead.

That is until Meg Corbyn stumbled into the other side of the fence and it gave, albeit very little, hope that the Others can finally be able to understand humans better. Ugh. I could talk about the plot for the whole day and we'd never get to the end of it unless you read the whole thing yourself. It's the type of book that would be better experienced on your own. It was terrifying and gory and at first disturbing. Also has lots of Ohshiz moments. There is much to learn about the history of the Others enough to make you turn the pages faster and faster. Werewolves and vampires are living together, ya know. Vampires can turn to smoke and draw blood from victims just by touching them!

Just know that the characters are amazing and that they will keep your eyes open for the rest of the day. Not all characters because mind you, there was this one girl who made me shout 'Kill her!' repeatedly. It was amazingly written as predicted, touching, action-packed and just.. gimme the damn sequel 'coz one is not enough! Man, I need the next book now.

"Whether you're beaten or pampered, fed the best foods or starved, kept in filth or kept clean, a cage is still a cage." 

-Meg