Anne Bishop - Wild Country

There are ghost towns in the world—places where the humans were annihilated in retaliation for the slaughter of the shape-shifting Others.
One of those places is Bennett, a town at the northern end of the Elder Hills—a town surrounded by the wild country. Now efforts are being made to resettle Bennett as a community where humans and Others live and work together. A young female police officer has been hired as the deputy to a Wolfgard sheriff. A deadly type of Other wants to run a human-style saloon. And a couple with four foster children—one of whom is a blood prophet—hope to find acceptance.
But as they reopen the stores and the professional offices and start to make lives for themselves, the town of Bennett attracts the attention of other humans looking for profit. And the arrival of the Blackstone Clan, outlaws and gamblers all, will uncover secrets…or bury them.

Comment: This is the second installment of the Wold of the Others series by Anne Bishop. Or, like me, some readers just think of it as installment #7 of the Others series. The author's writing is quite unique and the some times apparent simplicity of the interactions between her characters is a very fascinating detail to focus on and one that compels me to read each time a new books comes out.

In this book we have the tale of how the city of Bennet is slowly being re-shaped into normalcy again, after the events that happened through other books. It's as if this is a sort of parallel story along Etched in Bone, although most of the plot doesn't really match the plot of the other book.

Bennet is a city that suffered a lot of revenge by the Others and ow they are controlling the town and those who are eligible to live in it again, especially humans.

Among the several new characters being introduced, is Jana Paniccia, the first female cop to be graduated and someone who will have an important role in the city, especially because she can act as a sort of liaison between the city's rulers (Others) and most of the inhabitants (humans). 

But there is danger coming to Bennet and will Jana and those she becomes friend with enough to help protecting it?

I've been reading a few comments here and there about this book and some readers mention a detail, others noticed another and after seeing some sentences I have to say they managed to touch some of the aspects I couldn't exactly put into words which have made me think about this book and why, although I still enjoyed the experience of reading, it felt a little less good than the previous stories in the series.

After finishing the book, what I thought the most about is how the stories feel too much alike. This was already obvious from book #1 to the one after and so on but in this one, somehow, it felt more obvious. I can appreciate the fact the author is true to her own world and rules and set ideas but once again we have a group of characters who band together to defend a place/a person against another group that is clearly the enemy.

I can also find some interest in the fact the bad guys are always humans, a message which the author doesn't certainly disguise regarding mankind's negative actions and all the wrongs done.

I just think that, in this mission to stress out how weak humans can be (but sly and mean and cause for harm and evil) compared to Others, it also can feel a little bit condescending to use them as opposition when there are also good humans in the stories. What I mean is, the "good human characters" that by not being special (like human Meg is) are still used to make a point and this makes the series feel like a bad lesson at times. I wish the good humans and Others had a more balanced relationship and that the strong or important good humans weren't only those in need or in a weaker position.

Another element that wasn't such a decisive element but that in this book I thought more and more as the plot moved forward is the limitation the author created by having the rule that Others and humans cannot form a life long romantic partnership/relationship. They are friends, they can be occasional lovers but they are so different they can't be each other's mates (in the PNR sense of the word).

It's positive yes, that the author has maintained her own rules but then some relationships, which I assume are supposed to stress out the ability everyone, both human and Other, have to be respectful or considerate of the other or even accepting of someone once an enemy and know a valuable member of the community, simply lack even more emotional levels because they can't be more than friends. 

In this book, the author actually introduced interesting elements regarding relationships but I don't think I feel as happy about the state of things knowing a "good human" and an Other wouldn't be mates.

The author is very talented, I've said this practically in every comment about all the books by her I've read so far. I think the positive aspects surpass the negatives by far. However, even though her novels aren't pure romances but fantasy, I still expected a bit more in that regard, especially comparing to some of her previous work in other series.

Another issue when it comes to her writing is the fact, plot wise, Others are so worried about maintaining the order, about letting it be obvious who's boss, how can the "bad humans" always get to far with the mean and destructive plans? I can get why but it is something easily changeable in the plots if needed...

All in all, this was great but it did feel a little bit more angsty, a little unfair, a little heavier on the sadness and hopelessness of some facts (and some not necessary, even if the author wanted to shock readers with violence and death) and to be very honest, I liked reading the book mostly for the community feel rather than the characters. I would change a few things and that would change the book so, I liked it but I didn't love it as I did some of her other work.

Grade: 7/10

Anne Bishop - Lake Silence

Human laws do not apply in the territory controlled by the Others–vampires, shapeshifters, and paranormal beings even more deadly. And this is a fact that humans should never, ever forget . . .
After her divorce, Vicki DeVine took over a rustic resort near Lake Silence, in a human town that is not human controlled. Towns like Vicki’s have no distance from the Others, the dominant predators that rule most of the land and all of the water throughout the world. And when a place has no boundaries, you never really know what’s out there watching you.
Vicki was hoping to find a new career and a new life. But when her lodger, Aggie Crowe–one of the shapeshifting Others–discovers a dead body, Vicki finds trouble instead. The detectives want to pin the man’s death on her, despite the evidence that nothing human could have killed the victim. As Vicki and her friends search for answers, things get dangerous–and it’ll take everything they have to stay alive.

Comment: Being  a fan of the author's writing style, of course I couldn't say no to dive in to her latest book, another installment in the Others series but this time the setting is different, even though we still recognize some names and places.

In this new adventure we get a new main character as well. Vicky DeVine is a woman used to be mistreated and bullied but she feels her luck would change after a messy divorce that gave her only a rustic resort near Lake Silence and some peace of mind. Things seem to go well enough, she managed to make some friendships in Sproingers, the nearby city, and she has finally a lodger after all her effort. The problems begin when that lodger wants to heat up an eyeball for breakfast not only starting a huge problem but also revealing herself as an Other, a detail Vicky hadn't really thought about.

However, the eyeball belonged to a man killed in her propriety and it seems that he might have something to do with Vicky herself, even though he wasn't anyone she knew. When things get even more difficult, will Vicky feel her Other "friends" are those she trust?

Once again, I enjoyed a story by this author but I kind of hoped I would. Any text I write about this author's work will be repetitive but she has incredible talent thinking about the little details, as are, for instance, the technicalities of how to be fair in construction work, a little detail that doesn't influence the story line at all but that enriches the character's actions and decisions and makes us care a lot more for Vicky, because she is honest and reliable.

Vicki is clearly the heroine and not only because she is the main character. Anne Bishop does like to put the good traits of a person in evidence, especially in stories where we also have beings that can the total opposite due to their nature or temperament. It's always rewarding to think if we were to all behave as honestly and respectfully about nature, other people and animals around us, life would be fair and good for everyone. In real life we don't have beings to establish control over things like justice and punishment without human action but it's certainly a lesson to imagine how it would be if it wasn't so. In this regard, mrs Bishop did/does a great job with her Other books.

As for the plot, of course bad guys try to harm Vicky, of course their methods are careless of what is good and fair. It's, however, always a pleasure to see bad guys being punished before they kill/maim/forever destroy good characters. There's a sense of justice in the non-human beings in these stories that I love and feel always completely vindicated in a way that in real life, sadly, doesn't happen.

Compared with her other five previous installments in the Others world, this one was a little more obvious when it comes to a potential romance. Nothing happens, so don't get any hopes up. This is clearly not a romance based story but there are some nice touches here and there. Perhaps this would be what I would love to be different. That the social/romantic differences between Others and the good humans thy help and grow to care about wouldn't be as obvious and more romantic relationships could exist. Still, I can just accept friendships and camaraderie among those who live close by and develop interesting if not solid connections.

I'm very glad the good guys always win and bad ones get their deserved punishment. Decidedly very gratifying, especially when considering unfairness in real life. Some people comment on the violence content but I don't think it's that negative; there are books out there much more remarkable and vivid in violent scenes or situations.

This fantasy story works out very well despite the details that (personally I think ) could be improved or changed a bit.

I'll definitely keep reading this series.

Grade: 8/10

Anne Bishop - Etched in Bone

After a human uprising was brutally put down by the Elders—a primitive and lethal form of the Others—the few cities left under human control are far-flung. And the people within them now know to fear the no-man’s-land beyond their borders—and the darkness…
As some communities struggle to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed, though Simon Wolfgard, its wolf shifter leader, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn must work with the human pack to maintain the fragile peace. But all their efforts are threatened when Lieutenant Montgomery’s shady brother arrives, looking for a free ride and easy pickings.
With the humans on guard against one of their own, tensions rise, drawing the attention of the Elders, who are curious about the effect such an insignificant predator can have on a pack. But Meg knows the dangers, for she has seen in the cards how it will all end—with her standing beside a grave.

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the Others series by author Anne Bishop. This series has been very successful and the world building one of the best that probably has been created in the last years in fantasy.

Although this was also the last book in the series that focused on characters Meg and Simon and the Lakeside Courtyard community, it appears the series will continue in another setting, still featuring Others and humans and this is great news!

In this last installment we see the repercussions of the Elders' actions in the last book when the humans' movements against the Others were defeated in a huge counter attack.

In the Courtyard life seems to go on as usual, with the normal situations to be dealt with but suddenly things change because two Elders decide to see what's special about the human pack within the Courtyard and also because Monty's brother and his family come to live in Lakeside. But the brother's reputation isn't the best and his actions shady and with second intentions. How will his presence affect the balance the community has? Can Meg and Simon maintain the human pack intact?

As it has happened with the other books in the series, I was very eager to red this one and when I finished it, this feeling of having been with beloved friends was still with me as well.

I know I keep repeating myself in every comment I write about this series' installments but this author is an absolute genius when it comes to give life to every character, to construct a community and our understand of it. Even when nothing more serious than a simple conversation happens we still have the feeling is an important part of the whole thing. I really like how each single word seems to matter and always gives us some feeling or notion.

The plot isn't too complicated, basically the Elders show up, they don't reveal themselves to many characters but they are key in why certain decisions are taken, namely why it's allowed for Monty's brother Jimmy to stay in the Courtyard for so long. All action revolves around this idea and many decisions seem to derive directly from Jimmy's actions and choices. There's an interesting sociological aspect here, even from a reality POV, and obviously things don't go too well for Jimmy... but there's a good pace in the story and, like I said, because everything feels important, it feels like we are just getting news from people we care about and time doesn't seem to go by in a unsatisfactory way.

The personal relationships are the best part of this series...it's amazing to see characters that were "designed" a certain way or come from a specific background, I'm referring to the Others in particular, and how by dealing with humans, other emotions and expectations come to surface.

Simon and Meg, an Other and a human (even if special) have a strong bond and in this book we finally have them talk about it. I do confess the end wasn't what i expected but it was extremely sweet and adorable.

I don't have enough words, nor can I write them with talent as mrs Bishop does - and she makes it seem to easy and flawless - but this series really is amazing. It offers such a large range of emotions and human aspects, even in the characters who are not human. The best thing I always get out of these books is simple: be a good, honest and loyal person and no matter what is around you, no matter how bad things can get, you'll always have your own conscience and, eventually, maybe, someone else will know the goodness of your heart.

Grade: 9/10

Anne Bishop - Marked in Flesh

Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn, see the new, closer companionship as beneficial—both personally and practically.
But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don’t realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others—and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs…

Comment: I've been eagerly waiting for this book to arrive but since I was told it was dispatched until I finally got it 29 days have gone by. It seems incredible how long it took for the book to arrive, especially when books I was informed were dispatched later from the same local, have arrived sooner than this one. Could the mail services really hold on this book for so long and others not? It's quite the mystery but part of me thinks this book probably wasn't dispatched until later that what I was told...

So, this is the fourth installment in the Others series by Anne Bishop, an author whose writing is one of those I cherish the most because she is elegant, perfect and polished.

In this sequel, Meg and the Others she now cares about, along with the human "pack" that loves Meg too and all the people who share the task of helping others like Meg are getting ready to face the enemies of the HFL, more so now that their radical attacks are escalating. But there's a weapon the Others will let happen even when they also fear it, the Elders, beings so powerful and capable of destroying everything in their paths that is important to be certain who and what should be protected.

How will this fight end, will the future be truly final for some people or countries?

I liked this book but I have to be honest, two things have probably decreased my overall appreciation of all its glory... first, the amount of time I waited and despaired (although nothing to do with the author's talent ) got me in a certain mood, so I felt like I had to really enjoy it because of my eagerness, which means I kind of felt all the little issues like daggers, and then the book itself is like a heavy plan being set, so lots of planning and set ups, meaning the action wasn't the same as in the previous books, where we saw many domestic scenes and world building I couldn't gorge myself enough in.

The talent is still here, bit the book isn't as perfect as the others in terms of content.

The plot keeps all the things that have been happening in the other books but obviously new situations happen here that have to be dealt with. The setting up is quite clever and filled with details one wouldn't even consider but the author explains, develops and presents in such a way it's almost amazing how we wouldn't think of the same things, but indeed they matter. However, this doesn't really make the action develop much, and even less in terms of character's interactions, because it's all so contained and to the point...I felt the lack of situations where the characters I care about would do or say things that the Others, in particular, would see as good traits and how some people are worthy of being respected and taken care of.

This is a book where tension is building and building but the things we do want to see never really get to explosion moment.

Closer to the end we Meg and Simon, whose relationship is cautions, innocent but with hidden sensual layers - never acted upon of course - try to be bolder in what comes next, but it happened in such a way I don't think was very up to what it should, mainly because all their interactions before were too innocent for it to be believable they jumped from one conscious notion to the other. I don't know, maybe it's the setting up of a series finale or something, but I expected a bit more romance, even in their clumsy, innocent mindsets.

The surprises in this book weren't many and not to the point where we could say "game-changer", but it gave an idea of how this is supposed to go into. I really hope the next book can shows the good guys again, having a different but better take on life and friendship.

This world remain amazing, special, strong, but this book didn't have the impact others had, both in terms of plot and characterization. But it's still a wonderful installment and, once again, I can't wait for the next one.

Grade: 8/10

Anne Bishop - Vision in Silver

The Others freed the  cassandra sangue  to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before—both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.
Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.
For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep… 

Comment: I've been waiting for this book for a year, as soon as I finished reading the previous one. I think this must be the same for every fan because the stories are so amazing, the waiting is torture and starts right away after one is read.

In this third installment of the Others series by Anne Bishop, we see Meg more used to the live among her new friends, but now that she's feeling safer, her brain can't keep up with all the information she sometimes gets and sometimes that influences her need to cut and how others react o her distress.

However, the biggest problem is the Humans First and Last (HFL) movement that is increasing its silent attacks to Thaisia and that will engineer a counter attack from the Others. How would that affect all the humans that aren't part of the conflict? What about the secrets that arrive at Lakeside? Can Meg help her new friends?

In this new installment we continue to see the amazing talent of this author and her huge look for detail because things happen and there are countless details and information that makes this story feel complete and full of important information.

If there's something I could fault is the slightly less amount of scenes between Meg and Simon. They do happen, we see some which are obviously cute and special and amazing, but in the middle of everything and the tension throughout the book because of the HFL actions, their relationship seems to not move forward as quickly as I'd hoped for.

Anyway, I'm still very pleased with the book. Some books seem to work so well for us while other readers don't see them as fascinating as that, but this is a series that seems to work out wonderfully for me. Like I most likely already said about the other books before this one, the author is talented and it shows. I love her peculiar style of almost telling a domestic tale about a certain community and how it develops, considering the outside forces against them. The unique voice of this author isn't seen in practically anywhere else - in terms of style and care with the simple things, the things that matter - so, I'm always so happy with a book by her.

The plot hasn't evolved much in general terms. The conflict between the Others we know and the humans seem to have escalated to the whole Thaisia (the continent where "our" Meg and her community are). While the action was mainly centered in what happened to Meg and those surrounding her, now things are becoming more global, despite Meg still being in the middle of it all.

Meg is getting better in social terms. But she still has issues to get over with and she now feels the pressure of being the sort of role model to all the others like her who have escaped and need help. I'm curious to see how the cassandra sangues like Meg can live in this world and if it will mean they get to grow up as individuals and what that could mean to their personal lives in all aspects, economical, social, romantic, professional, etc. Something for the author to explore even more, I'm sure.

I also like how the author has so many little details to bear in mind in this amazing world she has created, it's the plot and the conflicts details, it's the little things about each personality of the characters, each type of Others that has so many aspects to develop, the interactions, the domestic side of things that seems easy or inconsequential but it's one of the strongest things in the books and of course, the relationship Others/humans. I think for so many things to juggle, not only does the author a great job, but one we can "see" will still have much to be told, making this interesting and with a lot of potential still. I can't wait!

All in all, this worked out perfectly for me. I'm already eager to read more despite not being written yet. The wait is hard if one thinks about it.

This book is amazing and I recommend this series to all fantasy/paranormal/romance readers out there.

Grade: 9/10

Anne Bishop - Bridge of Dreams

When wizards threaten Glorianna Belladonna and her work to keep Ephemera balanced, her brother Lee sacrifices himself in order to save her-and ends up an asylum inmate in the city of Vision.
But a darkness is spreading through Vision, perplexing the Shamans who protect it. And Lee is the only one who can shed any light on its mysteries...

Comment: This is the third book in the Ephemera world created by Anne Bishop. The first two books focused on Sebastien and Belladonna, two of the main characters in the trilogy. Now it's time for Lee's protagonism, although his presence is a bit ore subdued and probably why the title isn't 'Lee'.
I had hopes for this book and in terms of plot, it delivered.

In this book, Lee sends himself to an unknown place in Ephemera in order to save those he loves from being touched by the enemy. He ends up in Vision, a city where the inhabitants weren't aware of the danger of wizards and their actions. Lee comes up with a plan to return home but he sees he has a lot to do to help those he comes to care about, like Danyal, the shaman responsible for the asylum where Lee is and Zhahar, the strange woman he seems to be falling for...

This book is part of a trilogy and in my opinion can't be read as a stand alone, because there is too much information to know previously. Although the story is understood anyway, I still think the jump from nothing to the place where the plot happens can be a bit too confusing for new readers. I'm not a new reader and I found the difficulty of reading about a place that didn't know about how Ephemera worked and about the happenings in the previous books.

The plot is, as the author has got us used to, impressive in terms of imagination and world building. There's the trademark society building which I find appealing and captivating in every book by her. I feel confidant to say she is one of the most talented writers out there in her field. In this novel, we follow Lee and two other main characters in the voyage through their fears and beliefs and in finding out what they can be to achieve well being and that need to help and be helpful. I felt the character's choices and the difficulty it pertained. The most obvious thing is how the characters think what they should do but they always took action and how that shows their personality is done very precisely by the author and is one of the reasons she does this so well, in my opinion. 

The plot revolves around the same issues of the previous novels and this time there's a new place that is danger and Lee is the one who sees what is happening and tries to find help not only for the city of Vision but for Zhahar as well. In terms of plot, once again it took imagination and creativity but in that area I think it had the necessary course and end, everything seemed to be balanced ad interesting until the end.

In terms of personal development, I think there was some kind of closure missing at the end. We get quite the idea about Lee and Zhahar from the moment they meet and the end is promising but honestly I found it lacking because so much has to do with Zhahar and her people and how that affects her actions and beliefs in relationships and rituals. However, we never see an explanation for certain issues and I feel that wasn't done well and I ended up feeling we never get an objective answer to the problems Zhahar had to deal with before getting her happiness. I really think this had to be addressed and it wasn't and although there's a hint of HEA in the end, I wasn't convinced because Zhahar's problem wasn't dealt with, at least not in a way the reader could understand completely. What a pity....

Overall, I liked this story like I have enjoyed most of the author's work, but this book did have a lack of resolution good enough to be accepted. I can't get past that, so despite the good mark for the book in general, it just isn't better because character explanation is missing and it feels like a ripped page we never got. Really nerve wracking.
Grade: 7/10

Anne Bishop - Murder of Crows

After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.
The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murders of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard—Lakeside's shape-shifting leader—wonders whether their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or of a future threat.
As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet—and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.

Comment: This has been one of the most talked about books recently. I also couldn't wait to read it and I did start it the moment it arrived. I think the author did such a good job with the previous one I had hopes for this one and, to me personally, she did deliver.

In this sequel to Written in Red, Meg is an established part of the Others' society, opposed to the human one. Despite this, Meg's presence has lead to the acceptance of more humans in the courtyard, especially the ones friends to Meg. At the same time our heroine is setting up her life after the happenings in the previous book, another threat comes to stir the life in the community. War seems to be on the horizon and Meg is once more the key because her talent and abilities are things some people want at any cost. But the Others won't just let what's theirs be taken...

I won't tell much about this book because so many people have reviewed this book recently and I think the majority of the readers agree this is a winning book again, even if they mostly disagree on some points. I, too, thought this book kept the wonderful world building we expected and we could see more of the author's ability to create. Fantasy is beautiful in this, the ability to creation because fantasy authors use settled things to base their plots but they create, they're artists with a pencil (ok, a computer keypad) and they can think a multitude of details to put in the worlds they create and envision. Anne Bishop has the latent and the imagination and also important, the voice. All this is beautiful but she can write things in a very special way, where the reader can learn so many things from a character with a scene, a conversation...this isn't only creative writing, it has to be a talented voice working too. I have complete confidence a good part of her success is her talent and not only her stories.
All this to say, this book has many information, details, scenes and ideas that enrich the plot and the world, but wouldn't be as important without a good writer behind. I think this book has a feeling, a whole aura if I can call it that. It's simply special.

Meg is the main character and she is key to many things, although like so many others have said already, she didn't seem to have such a strong presence in this book. Despite this, we see her evolve, get more confidant and also thinking about her relationship with Simon. This is slowly developing which can be good because of Meg's past experiences and she needs to believe in herself. But on the other hand, I also hope this doesn't take very long because how amazing and interesting it will be to see them interact with each other if they're a couple..and what about the others around them? Hopefully this will happen soon. But this slowness isn't that bad, it just builds up more eagerness to see them and a smile when they do.

As for the plot, I won't say much about it, many things seem to be developing, being set up for the next book...I wonder how many this series will have...and most characters are deep into the situations because of the apparent war in the works. I have faith this won't reach the characters we love directly because each character has importance and a unique print in the story and I hope to see them all more.

My humble opinion is this book is wonderful, a little bit less than the other, after all the novelty isn't as big, but it has so many elements and the author's trademark society interactions as a community, I feel always glad to read and it's like time doesn't exist while I'm reading a book by this author. I still have high hopes for the next one. Despite a little not as well done thing here and there in terms of plot sequence, I still thought this to be good for me and for my enjoyment of it.
Grade: 9/10

Anne Bishop - Written in Red

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.

Comment: This is most recent work by the author. So far, I've read almost everything she wrote and I can say I'm a fan. I also know many people have enjoyed this book a lot and it surpsised even those who didn't expect as much. I was very curious and I bought the book and now I didn't resist it anymore.

This book tell us the story of Meg. She is a cassandra sangue, a blood prophet with skin and blood perfect to cut and to be the path to the visions girls like Meg have. She lives in a facility controlled by those who own her and her fellow prophets but Meg gains the visions to know how to escape and one day she finally does.
Meg ends up in a place ruled by the Others, a group of beings not human but who live near humans because of commercial needs. The world is made of humans and Others and the relationship isn't always peaceful. The Others don't like humans and when those invade or try to do anything to Others, they eat them. The world is dangerous for humans but sometimes they still try to get their hands on what doesn't belong to them, but Others don't care about that. Meg is going to find out how much, indeed.

Wow, this book is great and this world rocks. I'm convinced there are few who could create such a world like Anne Bishop and to put fantasy to its highest wonders. I was so eager to get it I got the hardcover edition too!
This was a wonderful story and very well prepared and set and the author has done an amazing job in portraying a world and a society where many human traits are rules, like a sense of community, protection and help and a place where is important to be polite and respectful even when the Others claim they are against humans and their worse qualities. But all this serves to the beings part of the Others to show humans a side of them more reliable to be accepted and dealt with because deep down, they are predators waiting to kill their prey. Still, I enjoyed the dichotomy in their actions vs their beliefs.

I liked how the story unfolded and how Meg needed help and despite being human she became important to the community where she applied for work. Step by step she ended up being important to everyone and she prved some humans can be important as well and not everyone had a hidden agenda. Meg slowly but firly becama a part of them and it was both sweet and magical to watch the Others there giving their protection and respect to her. Meg was afraid to be a danger to them or to be caught by her previous controllers but her personal development in that place also proved her she could be a part of them and be helpful. I liked this sense of familiar actions taking place in a community where it's so important to help and be truthful. Meg never did anything to be punished and she tried her best. When it was time, she was defended because she belonged. I love that idea, the image of someone who apparently didn't have to be accepted, to belong and be wanted.

All the characters play their part and have something to add to the story. I found this amazing because even the ones who don't seem to matter, do. Meg and Simon are the main characters and I liked ho they build up their friendship very slowly but they did. I wonder if some romance might happen int he future, but so far Simon needs to accept that, in case it happens.
As for Meg, she is a good enough heroine, full of beautiful and worthy feelings. Many people mention the cutting as a bit disturbing but as I see this as a fantasy world and being Meg a sort of special human, I don't find it as weird or worrying as that. She cuts herself to help and although in real life it can be a sign of deep issues, in this novel I could put myself apart from that idea long enough to just enjoy the story.

In the end, this amused me, thrilled me and seduced me a lot! I can't wait to read more although the next book will only be out next year. Still, what a fascinating and perfect world, so many little details to cherish and that made the boo seem fuller and more structured...I loved it and how amazing it was. I recommend it to everyone!

Anne Bishop - Belladonna

The Eater of the World is casting its shadow over the landscapes of Ephemera, tainting people's souls with doubts and fears. Glorianna Belladonna possesses the ability to thwart the Eater, but she is not alone. In dreams, a call -- "Heart's hope lies within Belladonna"-- has traveled beyond the Landscapes, and reached Michael, a man with mysterious powers of his own. Together Glorianna and Michael may offer Ephemera the very hope it needs...

Comment: This is the second book in the Ephemera series by Anne Bishop. Although I wasn't much impressed with the first story, I decided to keep reading because I already had the book, and this way I could tell myself the job would be done. 

In this book we follow Belladonna more closely, as she is the one that could save Ephemera from the evil that flows through the world. She is very powerful and people fear her, so it's obvious why she prefers the company of her family.

Michael is like her, not as powerful, very much untrained, but in a smaller scale he can influence the earth, especially with his music. Trying to help his younger sister, he feels the call from Belladonna and eventually they get together and he is the one who teaches her how to defeat the villain.

I have to say I was expecting this book to be better. At least I was hoping to feel more comfortable reading it because I am used to the plot and the "feel" of the story. In a way I was, because I could follow the plot and many things weren't weird at this point, something a new reader would certainly feel.

However, this story, which promised so much, considering the personality and characterization of Belladonna, was a bit meh. Not boring, as I  read it relatively fast and wanted to know what was happening next. But it wasn't amazing and although some of the scenes were meant to be understood as confirmation of certain facts, the way I saw it, it seemed more like a delay of actions. I mean, things took their while. It was interesting to see the tidying of things - I suppose this was meant to be just two books at first - but the real action only took place in the last pages and honestly it felt flat. The villain was so bad and so powerful, I was hoping for a bigger end for him, for something more spectacular.

As it wasn't as brilliant as I expected, I couldn't help but feel a bit let down. Plus I really wanted this book to be great because I like the author's other works and she writes inspiring things in her fantasies..apparently this series is not the case for me.

The romance, which I also hoped would be amazing because Belladonna was this figure of someone unapproachable by anyone, except those she cares about, I thought her love story with Michael would be sizzling but despite some sweet moments, it was rather plain and I think she deserved more flair.

In the end, I don't know what else to say...I really wished for more with this one. The fantasy elements are strong as ever, but the story itself felt lacking for me.

Anne Bishop - Sebastian

Long ago, Ephemera was split into a dizzying number of magical lands-connected only by bridges that may take you where you truly belong, rather than where you had intended to go. In one such land, where night reigns and demons dwell, the half-incubus Sebastian revels in dark delights. But in dreams she calls to him: a woman who wants only to be safe and loved-a woman he hungers for while knowing he may destroy her.And an even more devastating destiny awaits him, for an ancient evil is stirring-and Sebastian's realm may be the first to fall.

Comment: I’ve had this book to read for a long time, since 2009 actually. I really need to get going with my TBR pile.

I delayed the reading of this one because I like to space the reading of books by the same author that aren’t in the same series, just another tactic to not mix worlds together.

Sebastian lives in Ephemera, a place where the world exists as created places come out of the power of talented women. Then, talented man create the bridges, which can be stable or moody, to connect all the places. One day, a young apprentice unleashed the trapped evil and from that moment on, freedom starts to disappear and the only hope is with Belladona, the most powerful of them all.

First of all, I’ve read this book translated. I got it a long time ago, in a book fair and I couldn’t wait to get it, although, obviously, I didn’t get to it at the time. I have to confess, these days, I read a lot more in English. Not only it’s cheaper but the words flow better. This is awkward saying as I’ve studied translation studies and I know the importance of them to the culture and the possibility to people who don’t understand foreign languages. I should advocate more nicely reading in Portuguese, but the truth is, lately, I find reading certain books in Portuguese too awkward because I can’t stop thinking how weird some things get, as I know them in the original. The same doesn’t happen when I read classics, for instance. I assume it’s the language factor, but with other works, it feels wrong to read some things in Portuguese, it sounds translated, and it shouldn’t but I know it’s not easy to use words and expressions that we don’t have and make them sound like every day's talk. It’s complicated.

So, all this to say I think my experience reading this was a bit ruined by the language. I don’t think I should let it get to me that much, but in a way, it did happen.

Another thing I noted is, after reading the other two published series, I found this one a bit darker. Nothing wrong with that, but I couldn’t help but look for that same usual balance between the darker scenes and the friendly ones where the reader can see the bond between characters. In this story this didn’t happen as obvious as that and I think the story felt unbalanced to the darker side because of that. I hope this issues gets “solved2 in the next book.

The world is quite imaginative. I had some trouble following some processes, but I was delighted by the author’s ideas about how it all should work.

The characters have their strong points, of course, some mystery, otherwise how boring could it be, and it has a romance between Sebastian and Lynnea. I won’t go into spoilers, but I found their romance not only too fast as too easy. I’m used to romances taking time, where the couple knows each other for a long time before being intimate and in here this didn’t happen and when they had sex it wasn’t special, it wasn’t magical, although it was a first experience for them both, in different ways, but still. And not a word about it until later and still very unemotional..I don’t know, I expected better.

I’m reading the next one because I already have it, but it’s a series that didn’t captivate me as much as the others.

Anne Bishop - Shalador's Lady

For years the Shalador people suffered the cruelties of the corrupt Queens who ruled them, forbidding their traditions, punishing those who dared show defiance, and forcing many more into hiding. Now that their land has been cleansed of tainted Blood, the Rose-Jeweled Queen, Lady Cassidy, makes it her duty to restore it and prove her ability to rule.
But even if Lady Cassidy succeeds, other dangers await. For the Black Widows see visions within their tangled webs that something is coming that will change the land-and Lady Cassidy-forever...

Comment: I love this series, it's so magical and full of wonderful details that you can't help but be immersed in them, can't help wishing things go right for the characters you love but mostly, you can't help enjoying tr ride until they do because you know they will be alright.

This is the 8th book in the Dark Jewels series. In each book we get to see a little bit more of all the characters we love and how their lives are progressing.

This book follows the action from the previous book, Shadow Queen. In this 8th book the queen Cassidy has to deal with people from her past, people who mistreat her and still find the strength to help her new court and find the courage to stand by it even when she's afraid she'll lose everything again.

Why I loved this book? Because it's the same familiar writing, the same writing style that makes me eager to keep reading, I can't stress enough the fact the author writes about a fantasy world but she puts in so many domestic scenes, so many apparently unimportant things that make the story closer to the reader, make us want to know more about their lives and even what they're laughing or fighting about. It's addictive and passionate, in my opinion.

This story has a bit of a lesson which is, even if something bad happened to you and now the same thing looms ahead, perhaps it's time to try a different tactic to deal with it and perhaps it's time to trust in the people who stand by you. Cassidy had to gain trust in her new court in order to deal with what happened before and thus, being a better queen, with people who really want and like her.

Of course, we get to see all the beloved characters we love since the first book and that are still part of the world. I admit it's one of the best things.

In the end, I was left happy because things happened in the best way and there was a note of hope to, which makes me glad to think things will work out even for the characters who weren't as lovable. It's really such a pleasure to read a book by this author.

-> Now...and this doesn't relate to this book, but I have to mention it...

There's a book after this one, released last year. It's one of those books with a collection of stories in the Blood world. In those stories we get to see a chapter end and some characters don't make it. I get why, the author has her reasons and she wanted to find closure, I guess, for a series that she gave to us. However, I feel so bad about this but I don't think 'll read it, at least not in the near future. I know some things will happen that I can't deal with right now and in a way, putting it aside is a kind of defense mechanism, like it's not there...You can guess that some deadly things will happen and I liked this world so much, I felt connected to the characters so much too, it pains me to think of them like that.

Isn't this stupid? But yes, I'm one of those who cries over the death of a fictional character...I won't spoil anything more, but part of me feels pretty stupid to not be able to just get it over with, I mean, it's not like I'd hate the writing, but...

So, this to say I'll stop this world here. I hope I can find the will to read the last one, perhaps when my memory isn't as good or as fresh.It's a world of magic and it's so hard to pretend magic doesn't exist anymore even in a wonderful book...

Anne Bishop - The Shadow Queen

Dena Nehele is a land decimated by its past. Once it was ruled by corrupt Queens who were wiped out when the land was cleansed of tainted Blood. Now, only one hundred Warlord Princes stand--without a leader and without hope.
Theran Grayhaven is the last of his line, desperate to find the key that reveals a treasure great enough to restore Dena Nehele. But first he needs to find a Queen who remembers the Blood's code of honor and lives by the Old Ways. The woman chosen to rule Dena Nehele, Lady Cassidy, is not beautiful and believes she is not strong. But she may be the only one able to convince bitter men to serve once again.

Comment: Once again, I've decided to read another book by this author. She writes beautifully about the lives and challenges in the character's lives.

This book is about Cassidy. She is a Queen without a Court because her former one left her for a younger, with a stronger jewel. She is still hurt over that and the awful words her former Consort told her. She's recuperating in her parents' house but will son be faced with a request from Jaenelle.
Then there's Theran Grayhaven, the last direct descendant from the Greyhaven family. His family was decimated during the rule of Dorothea, the villain in the realm of the blood. She was killed, as were all of those corrupted by power two years ago, but the remaining of her viciousness remains. Theran knows the Sadist (Deamon) has a debt to his grandfather Jared and asks for a Queen to help recuperating the land and the people in Grayhaven. Daemon accepts if Theran matches some requirements. However, when meeting Cassidy, he knows she's not to be his Queen but with a signed contract she goes with him.
Cassidy decides to help because she's tired of feeling useless but she also knows she's not the Queen for Theran. Still, she goes on because she figures after the year is passed - as signed in contract stipulation - she can return. But Cassidy wasn't prepared to fall for the land, to meet people who are her Court and to start friendships with so many people who not only need her, but start caring foe her and for whom she also starts caring about. Among them is Gray, Theran's cousin, damaged years ago and who is protected for those in Greyhaven. Still, no one would imagine Gray claims Cassidy and they slowly start a relationship.

I loved this book! I mean, I've loved all the books in this world the author has written and that I managed to read. I can't explain how the characters grow on you, how you start feeling they become part of your live for those moments you spend with them. It's a very special kind of magic if an author creates a world and fills that world with beautifully done characters and starts making them live. I can't imagine not being with them, it's the sort of books one can't help but dream about, everything makes sense and feels right because the way society is done, and how characters deal with their position in live, or how they treat their family, it's really special. This is obvious in this book and more than the story itself, it's the fact I got to see ordinary things done in the magical way of the world that appealed the most to me.

This book has a continuation and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Still, I can't help to note that there's a book in the horizon that originated many discussions and I admit it..I'm afraid of reading because just with second hand opinions I cry, so I don't even want to imagine reading it myself...For now I'll just keep the optimism with this book which was truly amazing.

Anne Bishop - Tangled Webs

The invitation was signed Jaenelle Angelline, and it summoned her family to an entertainment she had specially prepared. Surreal SaDiablo, former courtesan and assassin, arrives first. But when she enters the house, Surreal finds herelf trapped in a living nightmare created by the tangled webs of Black Widow witches ... and if she uses Craft to defend herself, she risks being sealed in the house forever.

But Jaenelle did not send the invitation. And now Jaenelle and her family must rescue Surreal and the others inside without becoming trapped themselves - and then discover who has created such a place, and why ...

Comment: This author has written some of my favorite books in the fantasy genre. People can label her books as they want but to me she writes pure fantasy. Her jewels stories are fantastic and I also liked her other trilogy about fae. I'll read eventually her other series but the fact is, her dark jewels trilogy and following novels about the Blood is what made her known.
Her best feature is the fact she mixes up so many scenes full of fantasy actions, imaginative powers and things and at the same time presents cozy scenes and family affairs. I loved it!

This is the 6th book in the world of the Blood. All the main characters are here and the reader is supposed to know what happened in the previous books. I won't be telling but in short order, very bad queens wanted to control the minds of men and the world but Jaenelle Angeline was born and with her the greatest power that existed and she managed to destroy the evil in the world. Of course, with that, many sacrifices were made but still the world is a better one now. Another note to say, the darker the jewel people have, the bigger the power.

So, this book. Surreal is part of the family that is the key presence in the books. She, like many members of the family, receive an invitation from queen Jaenelle to an horror house, meant to be a funny place for those who don't have magic (therefore, simply humans) but when she arrives there with her escort no one else is there, except a group of children from the orphanage close by. Surreal and Rainier - the escort - enter the house with some of those children and they realize they must play the game without using magic otherwise they won't be able to leave..alive. To make matters worse, the children aren't Blood so they don't have any defense against the evil things inside and it's up to Surreal and Rainier to help them. But the game is dangerous and minute after minute it becomes a game to just be alive until the end.
In the meantime, Jaenelle gets the news someone is trapped inside a house like the one she designed and goes there to help, along with her husband, Daemon and Lucivar, his brother.
The run against time to help the ones inside and to find out who was responsible for Surreal's imprisonment and also the whole plan because it's clear the invitation wasn't for Surreal alone...

I really like to return to a world I know I've spent some good time in. When I read the other books in the world I was transported to a different time and place, but with so many known emotions that it's like seeing a friend after a time...how to explain how it feels to read about familiar characters and their lives? How to show how much I enjoyed every page? I'm sure anyone has that feeling about a certain world or book. In this one, we get another adventure with all those characters and we see a bit of where they are emotional and physically. It's really like seeing an old friend. the writing also allows the reader to feel that way, so good for the author to have put things in such a way.
In the end we saw family members helping others and making sure they were ok, which is such a great topic, even if it wasn't in a fantasy book.To be honest, in terms of character development nothing major happens, but this eels like home and for that only, fans of the books should read it, and those who don't know the world, they are truly missing something extraordinary.
This is a world I recommend without a doubt.