Saturday, October 6, 2018

Written in Red - Urban Fantasy Review


Rating: Very Good
Source: Purchased (Audible)

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.

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Why I Picked This Book:
  Everyone, even people who generally didn't enjoy this genre, seemed to really enjoy this series so I decided it was time to give it a try.

My Impression: 
I wasn't sure about this one.  Yes, pretty much everyone seemed to love it but there were shapeshifters and a different world and all kinds of things that fall into the way out of my comfort zone category.  And at first I just wasn't quite sure it was going to work for me.  I couldn't decide if I should just DNF it and pretend that the whole thing had never happened or just admit that all things urban fantasy weren't for me.  But I decided to give it just a little bit longer and suddenly - without even realizing it was happening - I was hooked.

This is my first urban fantasy so I can't really talk about how it compares to other books in the genre. I can say I did really like getting to know Meg and the dynamics of the courtyard in general.  I liked Henry and Vlad, Sam, Captain Montgomery, and Tess especially.  The villains don't feel to evil for the sake of being evil which I like.  Once I was hooked I really couldn't wait to find out what happened and kept finding excuses to listen just a bit longer.  I've already gotten the 2nd book from Audible and can't wait to find out what happens next.

Audio Note:  I loved Alexandra Harris's narration.  She wasn't overly dramatic but at the same time her pacing was enough to keep me listening and I enjoyed her different voices for the different characters.  I haven't looked but I'm hoping she continues with the series.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?
  I would!  I'm looking forward to the next one and am considering reading more in this genre.

Would I Recommend this Book?
  I would!  If you're like me and new to urban fantasy than this is a good one to start with though be patient with it in the beginning.


7 comments:

  1. I don't read a lot of urban fantasy either although I'm always looking for a series that I'll like! I've had a little bit of success! Glad this one worked for you- I have heard lots of good things about Anne Bishop!

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  2. This is an author I haven't read, but given that I'm fond of well-written urban fantasy, it certainly sounds like I should! Thank you for sharing, Katherine and I'm delighted you have the genre a go and enjoyed it. I've had hours of fun reading this type of book:))

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  3. I've often wondered if I quit the book too soon as I hardly read any of it. Maybe I'll try it again at some point in the future.

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  4. I feel the same way about trying this one! Not my usual genre but EVERYONE seems to enjoy this series. Glad you liked it!!

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  5. So delighted to know you hung in there and got hooked. I loved the characters, especially Sam! I haven't taken on the second series, I think I might just stick with this first group of stories.

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  6. Yes, several bloggers I know who don't usually read anything like this love these books. I'm almost afraid to read it because I don't want to get hooked on another series. 📚

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  7. Aw shucks on not liking this one. I know many have loved this series. It's on my TBR also.

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