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ac223's review
4.0
I hope this is not the last of The Others series. Bishop is an excellent author, with thorough world/character building, and the imagination to create something new. Unlike most of the urban fantasy genre, The Others are not simply regurgitated stories, with a few plot differences, and new character names.
Though most of the terra indigene look at humans (or monkeys) as edible, the Lakeside Courtyard, with the help of Meg are an example of the way they can all work together. With the Humans First & Last movement sweeping the globe, the tensions between the two species is growing. Although the terra indigene only act when provoked, the humans so easily forget how devastating it is when they do finally act. Meg is learning to live outside of the compound where she was only property to the handlers there, and having the security, and safety of living in the Courtyard is making the transition a little easier. She is now free to make the decision of when to cut, and the prophesies she sees are used to help the Others, as well as the humans who aren't involved in attempting to destroy the terra indigene.
***Spoilers***
The HFL (Humans First & Last), and more importantly the Controller (the man who controlled Meg before her escape) are using the blood of the cassandra sangue to make new drugs in their attempt to defeat the Others. The blood collected from the cut when the Cassandra sangue is able to speak her prophesies (which gives the girl a feeling of euphoria) is being used to make the drug feel good, which causes the user to feel so much euphoria, he cares nothing of what goes on around him or what is done to him. The other drug, gone over wolf, is collected when the Cassandra sangue is unable to speak her prophesy, causing her extreme pain, and the user extreme aggression, to the point he will engage in a dangerous way with no thoughts of the repercussions. These drugs are being used to kill the Others, and if you add that with the fact that humans are refusing to sell to the others, even though it was a part of their agreement for the land they live on and a war is about to break out. Simon and the other terra indigene are able to locate the compound with the help of their police friends in Lakeside, and rescue the girls once they destroy the handlers.
Though most of the terra indigene look at humans (or monkeys) as edible, the Lakeside Courtyard, with the help of Meg are an example of the way they can all work together. With the Humans First & Last movement sweeping the globe, the tensions between the two species is growing. Although the terra indigene only act when provoked, the humans so easily forget how devastating it is when they do finally act. Meg is learning to live outside of the compound where she was only property to the handlers there, and having the security, and safety of living in the Courtyard is making the transition a little easier. She is now free to make the decision of when to cut, and the prophesies she sees are used to help the Others, as well as the humans who aren't involved in attempting to destroy the terra indigene.
***Spoilers***
The HFL (Humans First & Last), and more importantly the Controller (the man who controlled Meg before her escape) are using the blood of the cassandra sangue to make new drugs in their attempt to defeat the Others. The blood collected from the cut when the Cassandra sangue is able to speak her prophesies (which gives the girl a feeling of euphoria) is being used to make the drug feel good, which causes the user to feel so much euphoria, he cares nothing of what goes on around him or what is done to him. The other drug, gone over wolf, is collected when the Cassandra sangue is unable to speak her prophesy, causing her extreme pain, and the user extreme aggression, to the point he will engage in a dangerous way with no thoughts of the repercussions. These drugs are being used to kill the Others, and if you add that with the fact that humans are refusing to sell to the others, even though it was a part of their agreement for the land they live on and a war is about to break out. Simon and the other terra indigene are able to locate the compound with the help of their police friends in Lakeside, and rescue the girls once they destroy the handlers.
mels_reading_rook's review against another edition
5.0
A few months off the back of the previous book, Murder of Crows begins as tensions between humans and the Others rise. A sickness is spreading in the form of two new drugs, affecting both species alike, and the Others believe the humans are responsible for it. Not to mention the attacks the humans have been committing against the Others as well. As the tensions continue to rise, tragedy will surely strike if nothing is done to stop it, as the Others will only take so much aggression before they've had enough and decide a lesson needs to be taught.
We continue the story of Meg Corbyn, Simon Wolfgard, and the terra indigene that live in the Lakeside Courtyard. I enjoyed following their stories once again as they race to figure out what outside forces are not only attempting to take Meg away from them, but are also sparking the flames that could ignite a bloody war between the two races.
I still love all of the characters in this novel, both old and new. The author takes her time to develop the characters in front of you, and I couldn't help but follow along as they progress through the story, making discoveries that help the story unfold in a natural yet enthralling way, as she only gives you enough new information to keep you hooked and wanting to know more.
I especially loved following Meg and Simon once again, as their relationship is evolving from friendship to something new and different that has the potential to change how humans and Others interact forever. I enjoyed watching them grow with their changing relationship to find a new balance that works for them as they attempt to come to grips with the changes in their feelings in the only ways they know how.
I also loved watching Monty and Burke, the human policemen who gained the trust of the Others in the Lakeside Courtyard. With the increasing number of attacks on the Others, they raced to maintain peaceful relations between the two species while trying to discover the source of the drugs because they knew that the survival of the Midwest Region and the humans that resided there rested on their success...or failure.
Know that this book, and this series, is built on the characters and the worldbuilding around them. Time will be taken to flesh out the characters as they engage in dialogue so we the readers can see how they interact. The author makes sure we understand every aspect of the setting she introduces with enough detail to keep you interested in continuing to follow the narrative. And the pacing of the story was never an issue for me because not a single word was wasted - I constantly wanted to know more and see what happened next.
That is still true even now; I am eagerly anticipating to read the next installment because I want to know the aftermath of the events of this novel and learn even more about what else is hiding in this world.
We continue the story of Meg Corbyn, Simon Wolfgard, and the terra indigene that live in the Lakeside Courtyard. I enjoyed following their stories once again as they race to figure out what outside forces are not only attempting to take Meg away from them, but are also sparking the flames that could ignite a bloody war between the two races.
I still love all of the characters in this novel, both old and new. The author takes her time to develop the characters in front of you, and I couldn't help but follow along as they progress through the story, making discoveries that help the story unfold in a natural yet enthralling way, as she only gives you enough new information to keep you hooked and wanting to know more.
I especially loved following Meg and Simon once again, as their relationship is evolving from friendship to something new and different that has the potential to change how humans and Others interact forever. I enjoyed watching them grow with their changing relationship to find a new balance that works for them as they attempt to come to grips with the changes in their feelings in the only ways they know how.
I also loved watching Monty and Burke, the human policemen who gained the trust of the Others in the Lakeside Courtyard. With the increasing number of attacks on the Others, they raced to maintain peaceful relations between the two species while trying to discover the source of the drugs because they knew that the survival of the Midwest Region and the humans that resided there rested on their success...or failure.
Know that this book, and this series, is built on the characters and the worldbuilding around them. Time will be taken to flesh out the characters as they engage in dialogue so we the readers can see how they interact. The author makes sure we understand every aspect of the setting she introduces with enough detail to keep you interested in continuing to follow the narrative. And the pacing of the story was never an issue for me because not a single word was wasted - I constantly wanted to know more and see what happened next.
That is still true even now; I am eagerly anticipating to read the next installment because I want to know the aftermath of the events of this novel and learn even more about what else is hiding in this world.
midora's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
magikspells's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy the world building, the history, the characters. I love the terra indigene and how they interact with the humans as well as each other. I just feel like the book built to a very quick climax and then it ended very suddenly. Idk, we'll see how it goes. I'll may write a little more on this later.
halynah's review
5.0
Brilliant sequel with rich plot, my only regret is that it is not twice its size, because the appearance of many well-liked characters like Sam is too short and, frankly speaking, one can never get too much of this world with so many wondrous creatures. Need the third book right now!!!!!!!!!
with_whimsy's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kzimm2024's review
5.0
Re-Read Aug 2023- buddy read with my nephew. Past Krista did not do any review so Present Krista is going to fix that! :)
This is such a great story, with some horrible and gory parts that really hit home as to how evil humans can really be, but all the characters and how Meg becomes their touchstone is so satisfying. Some spoilers ahead but not really since I just highlight my favorite bits.
Simon:
If someone had told him a few weeks ago that he would befriend a human and care enough to watch over her at night, he would have laughed his tail off.
Meg, after a nightmare/prophecy:
“It was nothing,” she said, wanting to believe it. “Just a dream.”
Even blood prophets had ordinary dreams. Didn’t they?
“It scared you enough that you kicked me off the bed. That’s not nothing, Meg.” Simon’s arm tightened around her.
“And just so you know? You may be small, but you kick like a moose. Which is something I’m telling the rest of the Wolves.”
Great. Just what she needed. Yep, that’s our Liaison. Meg Moosekicker.
I love how Simon is totally up for telling everyone about Meg being a kicker. LOL.
The best parts are with Simon and Meg navigating a new "relationship":
The Wolf didn’t notice. “What difference does it make if I’m furry or not?” He pointed at Heather, and the look in his eyes made it clear he expected an answer.
“Aaaaahhhh,” she said, glancing at Monty. “Weeeellllll. When my mom takes a nap, our cat curls up with her, and my dad doesn’t care. But I don’t think he’d like it if the cat suddenly turned into a man.”
“Why?” Simon demanded. “The cat would just be a cat in a different form.” Heather made a funny sound and didn’t answer.
Monty quietly cleared his throat before he said, “A form that would be able to have sex with a human female.”
“I didn’t want sex!” Simon shouted. “I just wanted my share of the covers.”
and more thoughts from Simon that I loved:
"Besides, Jester had told him that Meg felt nervous about being too alone. Very Wolfish of her, not wanting to be too alone. He approved."
---------
“You sure you feel all right to do this today?” He opened her carry bag, took out a couple of containers of food, and put them in the under-the-counter fridge.
“I’ll be fine,” Meg replied, sounding testy.
If she would let him sniff her properly, he’d know if she was all right without having to keep asking.
---------
“Maybe you should go home and rest,” Simon told Meg. Maybe he could go home with her and they could cuddle for a while or play a game. Or she could watch a movie and pet him.
“Merri Lee is helping me make some sample packages of cookies,” Meg said, sounding like the only game she wanted to play right now was whack a Wolf.
And when the Others meet Namid's terrible creation? Priceless:
“Simon?” Charlie finally said. “It was just a mouse.”
“I know,” he replied.
“A small mouse.”
He sighed. “I know.”
“So,” Alan said after a long pause. “That’s Namid’s terrible creation?”
“Yeah. That’s Meg.”
Love the world building, love the characters, love Simon and Meg :)
This is such a great story, with some horrible and gory parts that really hit home as to how evil humans can really be, but all the characters and how Meg becomes their touchstone is so satisfying. Some spoilers ahead but not really since I just highlight my favorite bits.
Simon:
If someone had told him a few weeks ago that he would befriend a human and care enough to watch over her at night, he would have laughed his tail off.
Meg, after a nightmare/prophecy:
“It was nothing,” she said, wanting to believe it. “Just a dream.”
Even blood prophets had ordinary dreams. Didn’t they?
“It scared you enough that you kicked me off the bed. That’s not nothing, Meg.” Simon’s arm tightened around her.
“And just so you know? You may be small, but you kick like a moose. Which is something I’m telling the rest of the Wolves.”
Great. Just what she needed. Yep, that’s our Liaison. Meg Moosekicker.
I love how Simon is totally up for telling everyone about Meg being a kicker. LOL.
The best parts are with Simon and Meg navigating a new "relationship":
The Wolf didn’t notice. “What difference does it make if I’m furry or not?” He pointed at Heather, and the look in his eyes made it clear he expected an answer.
“Aaaaahhhh,” she said, glancing at Monty. “Weeeellllll. When my mom takes a nap, our cat curls up with her, and my dad doesn’t care. But I don’t think he’d like it if the cat suddenly turned into a man.”
“Why?” Simon demanded. “The cat would just be a cat in a different form.” Heather made a funny sound and didn’t answer.
Monty quietly cleared his throat before he said, “A form that would be able to have sex with a human female.”
“I didn’t want sex!” Simon shouted. “I just wanted my share of the covers.”
and more thoughts from Simon that I loved:
"Besides, Jester had told him that Meg felt nervous about being too alone. Very Wolfish of her, not wanting to be too alone. He approved."
---------
“You sure you feel all right to do this today?” He opened her carry bag, took out a couple of containers of food, and put them in the under-the-counter fridge.
“I’ll be fine,” Meg replied, sounding testy.
If she would let him sniff her properly, he’d know if she was all right without having to keep asking.
---------
“Maybe you should go home and rest,” Simon told Meg. Maybe he could go home with her and they could cuddle for a while or play a game. Or she could watch a movie and pet him.
“Merri Lee is helping me make some sample packages of cookies,” Meg said, sounding like the only game she wanted to play right now was whack a Wolf.
And when the Others meet Namid's terrible creation? Priceless:
“Simon?” Charlie finally said. “It was just a mouse.”
“I know,” he replied.
“A small mouse.”
He sighed. “I know.”
“So,” Alan said after a long pause. “That’s Namid’s terrible creation?”
“Yeah. That’s Meg.”
Love the world building, love the characters, love Simon and Meg :)
rebeccazh's review
Reread this, Written in Red and Vision of Silver.
I really liked Written in Red because of the interactions between Meg and Sam. Was disappointed to realize that Sam doesn't make much of an appearance in the second nor third books. Meg's kindness and guilelessness is really sweet. My favourite parts of the book was where she chose to be generous and kind, unknowingly winning others over. The arc focused on her coaxing Sam out of his shell is wonderful. Really great to read. I love stories about healing.
Unfortunately, the subsequent books are very heavy on the narrative about gender and romance and all that that the story felt bogged down by it. Should've expected that since this is primarily a series about romance.
Also couldn't ignore the parts that I really didn't like - I have some major problems with this series so far. It's intensely gendered. I've read Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series and I see the similarities. Intensely heteronormative, lots of gender stereotypes (men are protective, dominant, strong, aggressive, dangerous, etcetc; women are precious, need to be looked after, sweet, etcetc), all the men in the series are focused on a single woman who is Immensely Important, characters are referred to by their gender more often than not as though gender predominates everything. Left me with a faintly icky feeling. It also causes the characters to be quite indistinguishable from each other - all the men are similar to each other, and all the women are similar to each other.
Soo. First book was good. Second and third, not so good at all.
I really liked Written in Red because of the interactions between Meg and Sam. Was disappointed to realize that Sam doesn't make much of an appearance in the second nor third books. Meg's kindness and guilelessness is really sweet. My favourite parts of the book was where she chose to be generous and kind, unknowingly winning others over. The arc focused on her coaxing Sam out of his shell is wonderful. Really great to read. I love stories about healing.
Unfortunately, the subsequent books are very heavy on the narrative about gender and romance and all that that the story felt bogged down by it. Should've expected that since this is primarily a series about romance.
Also couldn't ignore the parts that I really didn't like - I have some major problems with this series so far. It's intensely gendered. I've read Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series and I see the similarities. Intensely heteronormative, lots of gender stereotypes (men are protective, dominant, strong, aggressive, dangerous, etcetc; women are precious, need to be looked after, sweet, etcetc), all the men in the series are focused on a single woman who is Immensely Important, characters are referred to by their gender more often than not as though gender predominates everything. Left me with a faintly icky feeling. It also causes the characters to be quite indistinguishable from each other - all the men are similar to each other, and all the women are similar to each other.
Soo. First book was good. Second and third, not so good at all.