Helpful Score: 5
This is the first book in the new Others series by Bishop. Previously I have read The Black Jewels series by Bishop and absolutely loved it. I got this book to review through the Amazon Vine program, so thank you to Roc and Amazon for providing it for review. This was a spectacular read, the characters were fascinating, the world building was spectacular I just really really loved this book. The second book in this series, Murder of Crows, is scheduled for a March 2014 release date.
Meg Corbyn is a blood prophet, she has fled the facility where she was kept and sold cut by cut for prophecy. Meg ends up in a Courtyard of the Others and applies for a job there as a Human Liaison for the Others. Simon Wolfgard, who leads this group of others, hires her on. What follows is an interesting story where Meg is trying to make a living among the Others while eluding the evil people who want her back as property.
This was a spectacular urban fantasy read. The world building was wonderful and complex, the characters were incredibly interesting, and the plot was solid and well done. I loved, loved, loved this book.
Every character in this book is fascinating. There are quite a few characters here, but Bishop does such a wonderful job introducing them that its not hard to keep track of them all. You have ponies that are Elementals, young women who are Seasons, werewolves, vampires, Crow girls, and even creatures that the Others dont completely understand. All of them have mysterious pasts and are just a treat to read about.
Meg is also a wonderful character. She has gone through a lot but still has an innocence about her. Shes never lived out in the real world before, so there are funny things that she just doesnt understand. This ends up being a benefit to her in dealing with all the strangeness that defines the Others, she doesnt know what normal is so she just takes it all in stride and tries to be kind to everyone. There is a lot of humor throughout the book as well, which only adds to its awesomeness.
The world is fantastic. This is a world where the Others used to rule until humans started inhabiting the lands. Now the Others live in small communities, but God forbid that humans ever do anything to upset the Others. The Others can wipe out humanity in the blink of an eye. It makes for a very interesting balance. The humans fear the Others and the Others are ready to pounce on the humans whenever they feel slighted. Its a super creative world and one that is well put together and very engaging.
The plot is also very well done. The plot is mainly about Meg trying to escape her captors, but there are a lot of other small storylines going on at the same time. The main story wraps up well, but there are still things to be resolved in future books.
Overall I absolutely loved this book. It was a wonderful read. The characters are all very creative and engaging, the world is spectacular, and I just loved the whole story. I highly recommend this series to urban fantasy fans who are looking for something new and fresh and spectacular. This is a very creative book and an absolutely wonderful start to a great new series. I will definitely be reading more books in this series.
Meg Corbyn is a blood prophet, she has fled the facility where she was kept and sold cut by cut for prophecy. Meg ends up in a Courtyard of the Others and applies for a job there as a Human Liaison for the Others. Simon Wolfgard, who leads this group of others, hires her on. What follows is an interesting story where Meg is trying to make a living among the Others while eluding the evil people who want her back as property.
This was a spectacular urban fantasy read. The world building was wonderful and complex, the characters were incredibly interesting, and the plot was solid and well done. I loved, loved, loved this book.
Every character in this book is fascinating. There are quite a few characters here, but Bishop does such a wonderful job introducing them that its not hard to keep track of them all. You have ponies that are Elementals, young women who are Seasons, werewolves, vampires, Crow girls, and even creatures that the Others dont completely understand. All of them have mysterious pasts and are just a treat to read about.
Meg is also a wonderful character. She has gone through a lot but still has an innocence about her. Shes never lived out in the real world before, so there are funny things that she just doesnt understand. This ends up being a benefit to her in dealing with all the strangeness that defines the Others, she doesnt know what normal is so she just takes it all in stride and tries to be kind to everyone. There is a lot of humor throughout the book as well, which only adds to its awesomeness.
The world is fantastic. This is a world where the Others used to rule until humans started inhabiting the lands. Now the Others live in small communities, but God forbid that humans ever do anything to upset the Others. The Others can wipe out humanity in the blink of an eye. It makes for a very interesting balance. The humans fear the Others and the Others are ready to pounce on the humans whenever they feel slighted. Its a super creative world and one that is well put together and very engaging.
The plot is also very well done. The plot is mainly about Meg trying to escape her captors, but there are a lot of other small storylines going on at the same time. The main story wraps up well, but there are still things to be resolved in future books.
Overall I absolutely loved this book. It was a wonderful read. The characters are all very creative and engaging, the world is spectacular, and I just loved the whole story. I highly recommend this series to urban fantasy fans who are looking for something new and fresh and spectacular. This is a very creative book and an absolutely wonderful start to a great new series. I will definitely be reading more books in this series.
Helpful Score: 3
Wow!!!!! Anne Bishop has long held the distinction of being my all time favorite author and holds pride of place on my bookshelves. I own her stories in hardcover and in paperback. I see her as a fantastic writer so my expectations regarding her new series were very high. It takes off in a new and interesting direction.
Inside cover blurb:
"As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cuta gift that feels more like a curse. Megs 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 Courtyarda 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 shes keeping a secret, and second, she doesnt 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 shes wanted by the government, hell have to decide if shes worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow."
Shifter culture with various species, vampires and elementals are shown in fresh perspective. I could not put this book down and read it through in one day. It has wonderful world building that Ms. Bishop has previously shown as one of her strengths and one aspect of her talent. The characters are well developed and are interesting people. OK, the female villain is one that I was happy to see get her due but it plays well within the story. There is tension between major characters but no gratuitous sex. The story is well developed, with great pacing, and has me on tether-hooks waiting for the next in the series.
Inside cover blurb:
"As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cuta gift that feels more like a curse. Megs 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 Courtyarda 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 shes keeping a secret, and second, she doesnt 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 shes wanted by the government, hell have to decide if shes worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow."
Shifter culture with various species, vampires and elementals are shown in fresh perspective. I could not put this book down and read it through in one day. It has wonderful world building that Ms. Bishop has previously shown as one of her strengths and one aspect of her talent. The characters are well developed and are interesting people. OK, the female villain is one that I was happy to see get her due but it plays well within the story. There is tension between major characters but no gratuitous sex. The story is well developed, with great pacing, and has me on tether-hooks waiting for the next in the series.
Helpful Score: 2
An extremely well-written and enjoyable story! I thoroughly enjoyed her Black Jewels series, and while very different from that series, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Others. For those who have read Patricia Briggs's stories, the Others is similar but Bishop's writing is more realistic, descriptive, and intense.
Helpful Score: 1
Half blinded by the storm, she stumbled into the open area between two buildings.
Meg Corbyn is a Cassandra sangue or blood prophet who has escaped from her Controller. She seeks sanctuary in the Lakeside Courtyard which is controller by the Others. Human law does not apply within the confines of the Courtyard. Humans enter at their own risk knowing that they are considered meat to the residents. Simon Wolfgard runs a bookstore in the Courtyard and is the leader of the Courtyard. He is tasked with hiring a Human Liaison to serve as a point of contact with the human community. Meg does not smell like prey when she arrives poorly dressed in a snowstorm. Simon is curious about her but still offers her the position. The Business Association is surprised at their leader's uncharacteristic behavior with a human. Little by little, the Courtyard residents become attached to Meg and consider her one of their own.
The police in nearby Lakeside have formed a team of officers to interact with the Others. Lieutenant Crispin James Montgomery "Monty" has been sent to Lakeside after shooting a human pedophile that was attacking a Wolf. Monty was not aware that the child was a Wolf and left her with the wounded man and Monty was held accountable for the man's death. He becomes the officer in charge of the Lakeside Courtyard patrol. Meg sends off warnings in his head when he meets her. Her obvious innocence and mannerisms make him unsure of her position in the Courtyard.
Meg's childlike persona makes her the perfect caregiver for Simon's nephew, Sam. Sam reverted to Wolf pup after his mom was killed and has not been able to shift for two years. Meg finds a way to get him out and about that horrifies some of the Courtyard residents. Her unknowing actions while Simon is away creates a bad situation for her. Her innocence also attracts the attention of the senior vampire in the Courtyard. He allows her passage where no other human has ever gone...and returned.
Meg seems to bring out the best in everyone she meets. The Elemental, Winter considers her a friend. The ponies that carry the mail learn to love her after she gives them treats. The Crows are her ever faithful watchers. And Tess, the really scary owner of A Little Bite, takes her under her wing, something no one expects.
With the help of a meddling human, Asia Crane, Meg's Controller discovers her hideaway and comes after her. This is something that the residents of the Courtyard along with Monty and his patrol will not allow.
There are simply so many good things to say about this book. I was just blown away. The fact that the Others are not portrayed as animals that can be easily influenced by humans was huge. These are not cuddly weres that want to fall in love with humans. The Others refer to humans as monkeys and the local butcher shop often offers "special meat" after a human ends up somewhere he is not allowed. The Courtyard has very strict rules about human activity inside the walls. One infraction can cost you your life.
The relationship between Meg and Sam is one of the best I have ever read. The two are so innocent and vulnerable. The story of the safety line applies to them both.
I don't know how I missed out on the wonderful book when it was released. I am eager to read the next one in the series as soon as possible.
A HUGE 5 stars on this one!
Meg Corbyn is a Cassandra sangue or blood prophet who has escaped from her Controller. She seeks sanctuary in the Lakeside Courtyard which is controller by the Others. Human law does not apply within the confines of the Courtyard. Humans enter at their own risk knowing that they are considered meat to the residents. Simon Wolfgard runs a bookstore in the Courtyard and is the leader of the Courtyard. He is tasked with hiring a Human Liaison to serve as a point of contact with the human community. Meg does not smell like prey when she arrives poorly dressed in a snowstorm. Simon is curious about her but still offers her the position. The Business Association is surprised at their leader's uncharacteristic behavior with a human. Little by little, the Courtyard residents become attached to Meg and consider her one of their own.
The police in nearby Lakeside have formed a team of officers to interact with the Others. Lieutenant Crispin James Montgomery "Monty" has been sent to Lakeside after shooting a human pedophile that was attacking a Wolf. Monty was not aware that the child was a Wolf and left her with the wounded man and Monty was held accountable for the man's death. He becomes the officer in charge of the Lakeside Courtyard patrol. Meg sends off warnings in his head when he meets her. Her obvious innocence and mannerisms make him unsure of her position in the Courtyard.
Meg's childlike persona makes her the perfect caregiver for Simon's nephew, Sam. Sam reverted to Wolf pup after his mom was killed and has not been able to shift for two years. Meg finds a way to get him out and about that horrifies some of the Courtyard residents. Her unknowing actions while Simon is away creates a bad situation for her. Her innocence also attracts the attention of the senior vampire in the Courtyard. He allows her passage where no other human has ever gone...and returned.
Meg seems to bring out the best in everyone she meets. The Elemental, Winter considers her a friend. The ponies that carry the mail learn to love her after she gives them treats. The Crows are her ever faithful watchers. And Tess, the really scary owner of A Little Bite, takes her under her wing, something no one expects.
With the help of a meddling human, Asia Crane, Meg's Controller discovers her hideaway and comes after her. This is something that the residents of the Courtyard along with Monty and his patrol will not allow.
There are simply so many good things to say about this book. I was just blown away. The fact that the Others are not portrayed as animals that can be easily influenced by humans was huge. These are not cuddly weres that want to fall in love with humans. The Others refer to humans as monkeys and the local butcher shop often offers "special meat" after a human ends up somewhere he is not allowed. The Courtyard has very strict rules about human activity inside the walls. One infraction can cost you your life.
The relationship between Meg and Sam is one of the best I have ever read. The two are so innocent and vulnerable. The story of the safety line applies to them both.
I don't know how I missed out on the wonderful book when it was released. I am eager to read the next one in the series as soon as possible.
A HUGE 5 stars on this one!
This is a great story and I'm sorry I didn't read it sooner, but now I'm moving on to the 2nd book in the series!
Highly Recommend!
Highly Recommend!
Outstanding book. Very deep well written character, different and interesting Urban fantasy, Different premise and world. Very good story telling.
Terrific series
This author has crafted an a unusual earth with facinating character development. I suckered up her 1st 3 stories and put in my Kindle order for the 4th book.
This is a wonderful alternate world fantasy. It's almost impossible to not have spoilers. Meg, the main character in the story was raised in an institution,kept in a cage, and considered property by the Controller who runs it. She has a strange need to cut herself and when she does it she spouts prophecies that are truth. This is a money making proposition for the Controller. But Meg escapes and runs until she is in the middle of a blizzard where she crosses the path of the earth natives who rule this world. These include vampires, shifters, elementals and other mythical creatures who consider humans as food.
They are intrigued by Meg because she doesn't smell like food. So they rescue her and give her shelter from the humans who are hunting her. The action is almost non stop as the earth natives clash with the humans, some of it horrendous but there are lighter moments as Meg learns what being human means. Simon is a wolf earth native and the leader of Lakeside Court who is also helping Meg figure out how to be human, some of it is hilarious. And then there is Sam, a traumatized wolf pup, the sweetest little guy you ever met.
I made the mistake of starting to read this story when I had to go to work the next day. It was so hard to put down. I immediately sought the next books in the series, it was so good.
They are intrigued by Meg because she doesn't smell like food. So they rescue her and give her shelter from the humans who are hunting her. The action is almost non stop as the earth natives clash with the humans, some of it horrendous but there are lighter moments as Meg learns what being human means. Simon is a wolf earth native and the leader of Lakeside Court who is also helping Meg figure out how to be human, some of it is hilarious. And then there is Sam, a traumatized wolf pup, the sweetest little guy you ever met.
I made the mistake of starting to read this story when I had to go to work the next day. It was so hard to put down. I immediately sought the next books in the series, it was so good.
I was hooked on the first page. The Others are the paranormal characters who are very accepting of Meg. She charmes most of the Others immediately, especially Sam a young wolf shifter who has been unable to shift following the death of his mother. Simon Wolfguard, the leader of the Other's Courtyard hires Meg to be their liaison with the human world. The Others are painted as much more humane than the humans. Fabulous world building and character development.
Really nice urban fantasy in an alternate Earth, with humans definitely not the dominant species. Excellent world-building and well-defined characters. The story hangs together well although one wonders how humans, after all that time, still think they can win against the Others. But no matter, lots of good conflicts await. I'm thinking there's potential romance here too but after the intro I would have a hard time believing in it. Still, I read it straight through and I'll be looking for more in this series.
Riveting. Compelling. Intriguing. Different.
I enjoyed this book so much, I really didn't want to put it down. I quickly requested the sequel from the library - ended up whizzing through the entire series in less than a week - so glad our local library had the last few as ebooks. I am wish-listing this because I'm pretty sure my kids will love these books as much as I did. Highly recommend!
I really like these kinds of books that help me to think about concepts like fair trade, exploitation, commerce, slavery, racism and prejudice without pointing fingers at real people I might run into.
I enjoyed this book so much, I really didn't want to put it down. I quickly requested the sequel from the library - ended up whizzing through the entire series in less than a week - so glad our local library had the last few as ebooks. I am wish-listing this because I'm pretty sure my kids will love these books as much as I did. Highly recommend!
I really like these kinds of books that help me to think about concepts like fair trade, exploitation, commerce, slavery, racism and prejudice without pointing fingers at real people I might run into.
