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A review by cutenanya
Written in Red by Anne Bishop
5.0
This book has made it to the top of my 2013 favorites list! I have never read any of Bishop's book in the past but I have heard great comments about her skill in world building and frankly, I love the world she created in Written in Red. The major reason why this is an excellent book is that in the majority of paranormal/ urban fantasies I have read so far, most of the shifters tend to have a human base and the shifting process only enhances their abilities to survive, hunt, and fight. In this book though, all the shifters are practically animals who can shift to humans but mostly retain their animal characteristics, or even find themselves to be more comfortable in their primal form. I really love this part of the book, I like how human values are not superimposed upon animals.
In terms of characterization, while I prefer tough, ass-kicking female leads, Meg is likable and reasonable, given her background. I appreciate the fact that Miss Bishop has taken time to let Meg grow, and all the other characters grow alongside with her, especially Simon, who despite being a leader, has still a lot to learn about humans and about loving humans.
Simon is strong and charismatic, in a way, but I think he is also stubborn and cute, especially the parts when he was playing around with Meg, buying the dog bed, and wanting dog cookies. Other supporting characters such as the kind spirit grizzly Henry, the guard Nathan and Jake who are playing games at the liason's office, the mysterious Tess (I still want to know what Tess is), the beautiful and enigmatic Vlad, and last but not the least, the humans. I really like Captain Burke and Lieutenant Montgomery and of course, I grow to hate Crane too.
The plot is also logical and interesting. Some may find the story a bit slow but I think the pacing is fine, because this is the first book and we need time to absorb the world. I am looking forward to the next book and hopefully, see further developments between Meg and Simon and the rest of the Terra Indigene.
In terms of characterization, while I prefer tough, ass-kicking female leads, Meg is likable and reasonable, given her background. I appreciate the fact that Miss Bishop has taken time to let Meg grow, and all the other characters grow alongside with her, especially Simon, who despite being a leader, has still a lot to learn about humans and about loving humans.
Simon is strong and charismatic, in a way, but I think he is also stubborn and cute, especially the parts when he was playing around with Meg, buying the dog bed, and wanting dog cookies. Other supporting characters such as the kind spirit grizzly Henry, the guard Nathan and Jake who are playing games at the liason's office, the mysterious Tess (I still want to know what Tess is), the beautiful and enigmatic Vlad, and last but not the least, the humans. I really like Captain Burke and Lieutenant Montgomery and of course, I grow to hate Crane too.
The plot is also logical and interesting. Some may find the story a bit slow but I think the pacing is fine, because this is the first book and we need time to absorb the world. I am looking forward to the next book and hopefully, see further developments between Meg and Simon and the rest of the Terra Indigene.