Publisher’s Description
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.
Review
I read Written in Red by US dark fantasy author Anne Bishop.
Written in Red is set in an alternate world where the Others are feared predators and at the mercy of the much larger population of humans. Some of the Others have formed compounds or regions where mortals aren’t allowed and the rule of the Others is law. One such territory for the Others is the Lakeside Courtyard where werewolves, vampires, shapeshifters, elementals and ancient gods live surrounded by the human world.
The protagonist and gifted blood-prophet, a cassandra sanguine, Meg Corbyn flees the servitude of an institution and her controller for the unlikely safety and refuge of the Lakeside Courtyard.
Hired as the Human Liaison Officer in the Lakeside Courtyard by Simon Wolfgard who senses something both human and uncanny about Meg, he quickly becomes protective of her. The rest of the Others community adopt Meg as their own and soon rely on her visions for their very survival.
Final Thoughts
Written in Red is a unique paranormal dark fantasy that hinges on a dystopian world resembling our own but much changed – or only slightly similar. The effects of climate damage by humans are answered by the anger and deadly justice of the paranormal beings that control this dark, dystopian world. A place of harsh justice and barely simmering discontent. Bishop brings her world-building to life with a detailed history and vivid characters.
Conclusion
A must-read for those who enjoy solid world-building, a unique dystopian fantasy and paranormal characters. This is an exciting first instalment in a new series. Highly recommended!
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