Who Would Like This Book:
Looking for a truly unique urban fantasy? "Written in Red" flips the usual supernatural script - here, the vampires, werewolves, and shifters (aka the Others) unapologetically rule, and they’re definitely not just humans with fangs or fur. Anne Bishop’s world building is incredibly deep and detailed; the interactions between inhuman monsters and ingenue Meg, a woman on the run with a mysterious power, are often hilarious, touching, and refreshingly non-romantic (for now!). Meg’s innocence and unexpected courage win over even the most terrifying creatures, and her journey toward found family shines. If you love slow-burn relationships, inventive world-building, and found-family tropes - and don’t mind a dark twist - this book (and the series) will suck you right in. Fans of Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, and Kelley Armstrong will feel right at home.
Who May Not Like This Book:
This book might not click for everyone. If you prefer fast-paced, action-heavy plots, the slice-of-life feel and slow build here could feel meandering. Some found Meg to be a bit too sweet or "Mary Sue"-ish, and the villains are not exactly criminal masterminds. The writing style is simple, and the tone can teeter into cute territory, which may frustrate those seeking gritty or hard-edged urban fantasy. Importantly, trigger warning: The story does include graphic depictions and repeated discussions of self-harm through cutting (integral to the protagonist’s supernatural gifts), so readers sensitive to this topic - or those concerned about glamorization - should approach with caution.
About:
Written in Red by Anne Bishop follows the story of Meg, a blood prophet who escapes from captivity and finds refuge in the Courtyard, a sanctuary for the Others, shape shifters who are feared by humans. The book delves into Meg's integration into the terra indigene society, her interactions with the unique inhabitants of the Courtyard, and the dangers she faces as she tries to forge a new life for herself. The plot is focused on characterization, world-building, and setting the stage for the sequels, with a slow-moving narrative that eventually builds up to intense action and suspense.
The book explores themes of power dynamics between humans and the Others, the concept of humans as prey, and the development of relationships between the characters. It introduces readers to a world where supernatural creatures are in control, and humans are allowed to exist only because of their usefulness. Written in Red also touches on the character of Meg, a gentle yet determined protagonist who navigates a world she is unfamiliar with, showcasing her growth and resilience as she finds her place in a society vastly different from her own.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers include themes of self-harm, cutting, abuse, violence towards women and children, and murder.
Has Romance?
The book has a medium level of romance, focusing more on the development of relationships and friendships than on explicit romantic scenes.
From The Publisher:
Enter the world of the Others in the first novel in New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop's thrilling fantasy series: a place where unearthly entities-vampires and shape-shifters among them-rule the Earth and prey on the human race.
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.
Ratings (170)
Incredible (44) | |
Loved It (69) | |
Liked It (41) | |
It Was OK (11) | |
Did Not Like (3) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (283):
Read It (177) | |
Want To Read (58) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (47) |
5 comment(s)
Meg Corbyn is on the run from the Controller, an gilded prison where girls like her, blood prophets, get cut to induce visions.
Freezing and out of options she applies for a position of Liaison between humans and the Others. They are shape shifters of some sort, the native inhabitants of the world and they pretty much eat us.
Simon Wolfgard doesn't know what to make of Meg, she doesn't smell like prey like other humans do, though she isn't Other either. Though he has many misgivings, he hires her on the spot and so our story begins...
My take on the book:
I absolutely loved it!!! For some reason I kept stalling to read this book so I've been smacking my head a tad for being such an idiot.
World-building is great! The world itself is near identical to our world, regions and geological locations are called differently (as are weekdays), but apart from the Others inhabiting (and ruling) the world, it's pretty much the same.
Locations and scenes were very well described, making it so easy to get drawn in.
Character development was good. We got to know a good amount of the cast. Though all pretty much in the here and now. We've only caught glimpses of the past from Meg, when she was being cut and some of her visions but nothing much about Simon or the other cast members. Hope we get plenty more info in the next instalments.
Pacing and flow were superb! There was a great mix between action and conversations, showing us how lethal and no-nonsense the Others are while on the other hand how clueless they are around humans, even how clueless poor Meg is (though she did know how to drive a car without ever doing it before). There was ample time to get to know everyone without it starting to get boring. There was always something going on. Very well done!
The book in itself is well written, I have found no (noticeable) errors. There is no sex described in the book, though we know some characters have had sex (if that is important to you).
All in all, yeah, I'm an idiot for waiting this long to start this series. I loved this book and recommend it to everyone enjoying a good long urban fantasy. The next is already loaded on my e-reader and ready to go!
Re-Read Review @ 2023
Ten years later and I still loved this adventure into this intriguing world. I'll probably re-read up until the story veers away from the Courtyard since those were my favorite.
First Read Review @ 2013
An original, fascinating world full of unique and somewhat frightening characters! Highly recommended for UF fans looking for something new with a bite.
Loved. Loved, loved, loved. Next one, now please!
Ehhhhh.....I don't know. A few years ago I probably would have given this more of a chance. I try to read at least 100 pages before giving a book the DNF, but this one just didn't inspire me to put in that much effort. Bishop is doing much the same thing that Nalini Singh does in her Psy/Changeling series, but somehow it just didn't hook me. Maybe I'm not in the mood to be called a monkey? And why aren't there any shapeshifting monkeys? I think I've just read too many great books lately to slog through something that doesn't grab me right off the bat.
interesting characters
What can you read after
Written in Red?
About the Author:
New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop is a winner of the William L. Crawford Memorial Fantasy Award, presented by the International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts, for The Black Jewels Trilogy. She is the author of the Novels of the Others…
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