In between my monthly READ/INTERVIEW/REVIEW posts, there were some authors I never got a chance to interview, but every time a new title hits shelves, I’m there. So going with the personal review theme for this year, I decided to throw in some of the series I didn’t get a chance to interview their creators on.
First up is a writer who manages to create worlds so real it’s hard to leave—the lovely, multi-award winning, Anne Bishop. Now some of you may have discovered Anne when the first in her Others series came along —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.
I found her a bit earlier when I picked up my copy of DAUGHTER OF THE BLOOD, the first in her Black Jewels Trilogy. This stunning fantasy series haunts me even now.
Seven hundred years ago, a Black Widow witch saw an ancient prophecy come to life in her dazzling web of dreams and visions.
Now the Dark Kingdom readies itself for the arrival of its Queen, a Witch who will wield more power than even the High Lord of Hell himself. But she is still young, still open to influence–and corruption.
Whoever controls the Queen controls the Darkness. Three men, sworn enemies, know this. And they know the power that hides behind the blue eyes of an innocent young girl. And so begins a ruthless game of politics and intrigue, magic and betrayal, where the weapons are hate and love–and the prize could be terrible beyond imagining.
Bishop manages to create entire worlds so lush in description, you know they exist out there somewhere. Fill it with a cast of characters who can’t easily be lodged into the appropriate niches, and you have story that will suck you in and keep you under until you’re happy to drown in it.
While I read the first four books in her Black Jewel series, there are five more I need to go back and read. The problem was my reading shifted from fantasy to urban fantasy, which is why her Others series resonates with me now. There are four books out in the Others series, with the fifth, ETCHED IN BONE, set to release in March 7, 2017. However, I have every intention of going back and finishing up the Black Jewel books which are now listed under Realms of the Blood series.
Of course, like many series writers, these are not the only ones to her name. There are two smaller fantasy series: The Landscapes of Ephermera and The World of the Fae, plus Bishop took part in a collection called Summer in Mossy Creek. You can find all of these and more at her web abode at: http://www.annebishop.com.
Nifty fact, she’s on tour with the awesome Patricia Briggs in 2017 and she’ll be in Houston, TX., San Diego, CA., Atlanta, GA., Edina, MN., and Seattle, WA. I’m just saying, if you can make one of those, you really should.
So if you love a good fantasy or some great urban fantasy, you need to add Anne Bishop to your reading pile for 2017. Anyone have any great insight into Anne’s other series? Are they just as compelling as my two favorite?
I am totally in love with her writing. I’ve read them all including the Fae series, which isn’t my favorite. I did like the Landscapes of Ephermera even if I haven’t read the 3rd book yet. Somehow I keep rereading the Jewel books.
I want to live in her Black Jewels world.
You and me both, Beth. She’s such a fantastic writer and her worlds…(*fans self*) just stunning.