Musings and Ramblings

Vision in Silver



The Others, #3
Anne Bishop



Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Penguin
Date of Publication: March 3, 2015
Number of pages: 368

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…

I was so excited to see this book pop up on Netgalley, that I didn't even hesitate to request it.  The first two books in the series, Written in Red and Murder of Crows I listened to in audio format, but I just couldn't wait to get the audio this time. I needed this story NOW! Thankfully, my request was granted.

As I didn't read the first two books, some of the places and names were unfamiliar to me. But after sounding them out, I easily figured out what they were referencing. For most of the characters like Meg, Simon and even Monty, while reading, I was hearing their voices, as spoken by Alexandra Harris. I couldn't believe how much I missed her narration. Getting this on audio is a must, so that I can get the fully narrated experience.

In many ways this book felt very much like a massive set up for something big that is coming. There are no big reveals or exciting action sequences. Just a steady push in the overall story arc. We are finally introduced to Montgomery's young daughter Lizzy in this book and what a little scene-stealer she is. There is more and more cooperation between select humans of Lakeside and the Terra Indigene, with Meg reluctantly leading the way.

One of the things that I really like about the series is that the author doesn't flinch with taking chances. Characters are killed, unpleasant subjects are discussed and the underbelly of society is exposed. No one is guaranteed a happy ending and it gives the story a gritty edge that takes you by surprise. This is a good addition to the series and I gave it 4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin for allowing me to read and review this title.