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Turns of Fate by Anne Bishop – a Review

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Turns of Fate by Anne Bishop – a Review

 

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Description:
Words have power. Intentions matter.

Most people come to Destiny Park for entertainment. They come to have their cards read to tell them a bit about their future. They come to walk through a beautiful park and to eat at the hotel’s restaurant. They come in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Arcana, the paranormal beings who rule the Isle of Wyrd.

But some people come to make a bargain with the Arcana—to change their fate. And some people come for dark purposes.

When Detective Beth Fahey is sent to Destiny Park to inquire about a “ghost gun,” she will begin a strange journey on which she must learn to navigate the Arcana’s unforgiving laws and dangerous attractions. Her search will draw her into seemingly impossible cases and the secrets of her own past as tensions rise between the Arcana and their human neighbors across the river.

For the Isle of Wyrd is a place where the dead ride trains to their final destinations, predators literally become prey, and seekers’ true natures are revealed in the ripples of destiny unknowingly stirred in their wakes.

Who will live? Who will die? And who will be lost in between? 

 

 

Review:

Turns of Fate by Anne Bishop is the first book in her new Isle of Wyrd series. People come to Destiny Park for entertainment, have their cards ready to tell them a bit about their future; they walk through the  beautiful park and to eat at the hotel’s restaurant. They come in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Arcana, the paranormal beings who rule the Isle of Wyrd.

New Detective Beth Fahey has just moved to Penwych to join the 13th precinct, as they are liaisons between human laws and Arcana.  The town is the closest to the Isle of Wyrd, where many humans cross the river on the Ferry to view the gardens in Destiny Park. Beth works for Captain Forrester, who runs the 13th District, which is also in the Fate River.

Beth ends up with the short straw, as she must take the ferry to the Isle of Wyrd, to get answers. She meets Lucas Frost, the Sorcerer King or leader of the Isle of Wyrd, warning her about the Arcana bargains, which could come with severe consequences. Those who sneak onto the island, walk through the moon gates, can find themselves lost and never found again or get help to hide when necessary.  People come to have their palms read or ask Ladies Three to look into their futures.  Arcana will help, but there is a cost. Arcana sees justice, right and wrong differently than humans, having their own rules.   

A gang of boys’ capture Captain Forrester son’s (Colin) to bully on the island, and things went very wrong with the boys finding serious actions and bodies discovered. Colin will find a place in Arcana to be safe and become happy to learn about the jobs he helps with; until he will eventually be free.

Beth is smart, tough, inquisitive, and had an abusive childhood with a caretaker. We learn more about Beth’s truly powerful protectors, which the Ladies Three project that she is one of them.  They know the protectors have been looking after her since she was a child, as they know there is something different about Beth. Along the way, Beth learns more about herself and her past.  

Turns of Fate was a fabulous story, filled with suspense, police investigations, diverse characters, violence, abuse, greed, bullying, in this fantasy world.  Turns of Fate was very well written by Anne Bishop.   I am a big fan of Anne Bishop and have read and loved all her books. I look forward to more from the Isle of Wyrd.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Lady in Glass and Other Stories by Anne Bishop – a Review

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The Lady in Glass and Other Stories by Anne Bishop – a Review

 

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Description:
A magical collection of stories new and old spanning across all of Anne Bishop’s most beloved fantasy worlds.

Here, together for the first time, the shorter works of New York Times bestselling fantasy author Anne Bishop are included in one dazzling volume.

A master of bringing fantasy worlds to life, this collection showcases Bishop’s impressive range, from rarities of her earliest writing to the Realms of the Blood, from darker fairytale retellings to the Landscapes of Ephemera, and from standalone stories of space exploration and fantastical creatures to the contemporary fantasy terrain of the World of the Others.

Includes previously published and unpublished tales, as well as two brand-new stories, written especially for this “Friends and Corpses,” a murder mystery in which the corpse has some decidedly unusual qualities, and “Home for the Howlidays,” a heartwarming return to the Blood Prophet Meg Corbyn and the shapeshifting Simon Wolfgard from The Others.

 

 

Review:

The Lady in Glass and Other Stories is an anthology of a collection of short stories written by Anne Bishop throughout her career.   Anne Bishop is a master in creating wonderful fantasies, which I have loved them all.  Some of these stories are previously published or unpublished tales from her fantastic fantasy world of amazing books; which include my favorites, Black Jewels, Ephemera, and the World of the Others. Two brand-new stories include Home for the Howlidays (The Others), and Friends and Corpses (unusual murder mystery).

Some of the collections were very short from her early days, and others were longer; such as from Realms of the Blood, Fairytales, Landscapes of Ephemera and the World of The Others. Of course, my favorites were from Black Jewels and The Others, though I have loved everything she has written.

Black Jewels has always been my go to all-time series (I never have enough from this series), and every time Anne gives us a new book, I cannot wait to savor it.  I loved reading more or reminding me of these two additions. It was wonderful to read more about Jaenelle, Lucifer, Daemon and Surreal.

Home for the Howlidays was a wonderful new addition to The Others, as this took place after Etched in Bone. I loved seeing Meg Corbyn, Simon Wolfgard, and all our favorites from this series; it was so much fun to read. I’m would love to have more from the Courtyard and the World of the Others.  The Dark Ship was also very good, with everyone, including the elementals trying to save two officers, as the Elders are creating havoc to stop the evil humans from killing.

Friends and Corpses is one of the new stories, which is a murder mystery, with corpses remaining alive for a short time. It is an unusual story, with solving the mystery, as well as the police controlling these zombies, it was actually good, but very different.

As noted above, I am a big fan of Anne Bishop, loving all of her series, as she is a master at creating wonderful unique fantasy worlds.  I look forward to what she gives us next.  If you are a Fantasy lover, I wholly suggest you read anything by Anne Bishop.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Queen’s Price by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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The Queen’s Price by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
The Queen’s price is to stand against what you know is wrong. To stand and fight, no matter the cost to your court or to yourself. Especially to yourself.

Zoey, a young Queen-in-training at SaDiablo Hall, is wounded…and vulnerable to taunts and criticism. When an opportunity arises to befriend a stranger seeking sanctuary at the Hall, she puts herself and others in danger by ignoring Daemonar Yaslana’s warning to back off.

Meanwhile, the witch Jillian’s family prepares for her Virgin Night, the rite of passage that assures a woman will retain her power and her Jewels. The trouble is Jillian secretly went through the ceremony already. Now she has to explain the omission of that detail to her powerful and lethal family. And the High Lord of Hell’s daughter, Saetien, travels to Scelt to find out about Jaenelle Angelline’s sister–and perhaps to discover truths about herself.

With some guidance from Witch, these three young women will learn when to yield because it is right–and when to take a stand, even if they must pay the Queen’s price.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Price by Anne Bishop is the 12th book in her fantastic Black Jewels series. I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop, as I have read all her series.  Black Jewels has always been one of my favorite all time series, and every time Anne gives us a new book, I cannot wait to savor it.  The Queen’s Price was a fantastic read, I could not put the book down, as this was a masterpiece.

The Queen’s Price focuses on Daemon & Surreal’s daughter, Saetien’s for a major part of the story, with the rest of the story centering on the training at SaDiablo Hall. Daemon, Lucifier and staff offer training for young Queens, Black Widows, as well as the boys who would be part of the first circle courts.

I did not like Saetien in the previous book, even at the start of this book, as she was not likeable and deserved her punishment from the previous book, but in the last half of the book I did begin to like her. She went to Scelt on a heart quest to learn more about Jaenelle’s sister and discover truths about herself.  As Saetien meets Prince Butler, he will teach her the truths about the past, and along the way she begins to change.  I loved the past stories, as we learn more and more about Jaenelle, the purge, and her terrible recovery.

Zoey is considered one the best young Queens, and very close to Titian; when someone new comes to the hall, she over steps herself, not listening to those in control, such as Daemonar.  After Zoey is reprimanded, she loses her confidence, and begins to struggle; not to mention a separate group of Queens, who do not like Zoey, were mean, jealous and manipulative to her.  Zoey’s group of friends, such as Titian, Jhett, Kathleen, Grizande, were all loyal and great friends.  Zoey will need to step up and convince the Queens that they need to pay the price, required by Jaenelle.

I also got a kick of Jillian facing Virgin Night, and Brenda’s help explaining things…this was funny.  I also enjoyed seeing Surreal, who continues to be Daemon’s second hand.  Karla once again was fun in her short appearance; and loved spending time with Jaenelle (Witch), which was always great.    

The entire book was fantastic, exciting, intense, dangerous, with heartwarming moments that do not allow you to put the book down, as you become totally enthralled.  I will say I absolutely loved seeing our favorites Daemon, Lucivar, Surreal, Daemonar, Marion, Karla and of course, my favorite heroine, Jaenelle.  And as always, I love the Kindred.

Anne Bishop not only creates such wonderful leading characters; her secondary characters continue to be to be equally memorable. Black Jewels has always been one of my top favorites, especially all those people we loved, and Anne Bishop continues to bring joy to our lives with these fantastic characters. The Queen’s Price was another masterpiece from Anne Bishop.   I want more.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering copies of THE QUEEN’S PRICE to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.    

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from March 7 – 11, 2023

 

 

 

 

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Crowbones by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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Crowbones by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Crowbones will gitcha if you don’t watch out!

Deep in the territory controlled by the Others—shape-shifters, vampires, and even deadlier paranormal beings—Vicki DeVine has made a new life for herself running The Jumble, a rustic resort. When she decides to host a gathering of friends and guests for Trickster Night, at first everything is going well between the humans and the Others.

But then someone arrives dressed as Crowbones, the Crowgard bogeyman. When the impostor is killed along with a shape-shifting Crow, and the deaths are clearly connected, everyone fears that the real Crowbones may have come to The Jumble—and that could mean serious trouble.

To “encourage” humans to help them find some answers, the Elders and Elementals close all the roads, locking in suspects and victims alike. Now Vicki, human police chief Grimshaw, vampire lawyer Ilya Sanguinati, and the rest of their friends have to figure out who is manipulating events designed to pit humans against Others—and who may have put Vicki DeVine in the crosshairs of a powerful hunter.

 

 

Review:

Crowbones by Anne Bishop is another fascinating story in her The World of the Others (Book Three)/The Others (Book Eight) series.  Those of you have read my reviews; know that I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop.  I have read every series & books she has written, and loved them all.

Crowbones returns us to the town of Sproing in Lake Silence (terra indigene-controlled Finger Lakes region of Northeast Thaisia); where we get to see Vicki Devine, who runs the Jumble lakeside resort, and is once again in the forefront with her life in danger.  Vickie is human, in a town filled with vampires, shifters (bears, coyote, crows, other humans, etc), elementals.  It was great to spend time with those who protect Vicki, such as Ilya Sanguinati (Vampire), Wayne Grimshaw (human police chief), Julian (intuit), Elementals and the Elders (who will do anything to protect Vickie).  I also got to like Natasha much more.

It all starts when Vicki arranges to have a Trickster Night at the Jumble during Halloween; as the resort, local cabins are now full.  Aggie, Jozi and Eddie (crow shifters) who now work for Vicki, help her set everything up; some strange boys play a prank, and things go bad right after, with a dead body found, causing the town to be closed off from anyone leaving. The mysterious deaths that will follow will include humans, shifters, and even vampires.  Ilya, Grimshaw and Julian suspect that someone is manipulating others to force people to do bad things.  Besides everyone working together, word is out that the mythical predator Crowbones is soon to arrive to find the culprits.

What follows is an exciting enthralling story that will also be deep in a mystery as to who is behind what is happening, as well as why they are threatening Vicki.  The terra indigene, Elementals and Elders are always watching over Vicki.  Vicki has become a bit more comfortable to deal with the scary people who are not human, but who she has befriended, and they in turn are her protectors. Vicki is also called “the reader”, as she reads books three evenings a week, not only for locals, but in the darkness are the Elders who also listen.    

The entire book was exciting, intense, pulse pounding, action filled; especially with many deaths, some horrific. To say too much more would ruin it for you, as you need to read this book from start to finish.  I loved returning to Lake Silence, and the people who watch over Vicki. It is just amazing how Bishop brings us in to this amazing world, and you are so deeply engrossed into the story, that you cannot put the book down.  No one does Fantasy in so many different types of worlds better then Anne Bishop, and I look forward to anything she gives us.  She is a master at her world building and great characters. If you have not read Anne Bishop, what are you waiting for?  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering copies of CROWBONES to TWO (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.    

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9. Giveaway runs from March 8 – 12, 2022

 

 

 

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The Queen’s Weapons by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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The Queen’s Weapons by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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Description:
They are Warlord Princes, men born to serve and protect. They are the Queen’s Weapons, men born to destroy the Queen’s enemies–no matter what face that enemy wears.

Daemonar Yaslana knows how to be bossy yet supportive–traits he shares with his father, the Demon Prince, and his uncle, the High Lord of Hell. Within his generation of the family, he assumes the role of protector, supporting his sister Titian’s artistic efforts and curbing his cousin Jaenelle Saetien’s more adventurous ideas. But when a young Eyrien Queen, someone Titian thought was a friend, inflicts an emotional wound, Daemonar’s counterattack brings him under the tutelage of Witch, the Queen whose continued existence is known only to a select few.

As Daemonar is confronted by troubling changes within and around the family, he sees warnings that a taint in the Blood might be reappearing. Daemonar, along with his father and uncle, must uncover the source of a familiar evil–and Daemon Sadi, the High Lord of Hell, may be forced into making a terrible choice.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Weapons by Anne Bishop is the 11th book in her fantastic Black Jewels series. I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop, as I have read all her series.  Black Jewels has always been one of my favorite all time series, and every time Anne gives us a new book, I cannot wait to savor it.  The Queen’s Weapons was such a fantastic read, I could not put the book down, as this was a masterpiece similar to book 2 and 3 of the initial trilogy. 

Daemonar Yaslana, Lucivar’s son, who is now old enough to join his father and uncle in protecting their family against any enemies.  When he is approached by a young queen with threats of sexual obedience, a red flag arises and he tells his father, who in turn alerts Daemon. Hundreds of years have passed when the war against the evil female enemies from Terreille were destroyed, but some things are beginning to reappear, and they go on alert. 

Jaenelle Saetien, Daemon and Surreal’s daughter, wants to go the same school that her cousin Titian is going to learn art; another young Queen (Zoey), very well liked, and has become close to Titian will also attend. In a short time, Jaenelle befriends some of the girls, who are not very nice, but she finds herself wanting to be part of their group, and keeps her distance from her cousin and Zoey.  I will say that in this entire story, I did not like Jaenelle Saetien, as she became very much like her new friends, a b***h. Her treatment of her mother, Surreal was terrible, and Janelle thought nothing of being nasty, and pushing her mother away, and just about alienating everyone, accept her new friends. Daemonar, worried about his sister at the school, decides to enroll, so that he can protect her. 

What follows is Daemon, Lucivar, Surreal and Daemonar begin to investigate what is happening, and become centered on Jaenelle’s friends, both girls and boys, and the danger escalates, especially after Jaenelle defends them as doing nothing wrong.  Zoey, who is destined to become a major Queen, is very much in danger by this group that is called the Coven of Malice. But to get to Zoey, the coven push Jaenelle to have a party bringing everyone together, and be friends; which is far from the truth.

The last half of the book was sensational, exciting, intense, with heart shattering moments that do not allow you to put the book down, as you become totally enthralled.  I will say I absolutely loved seeing our favorites come forth to fight a new battle, as it was great to not only have Daemon, Lucivar, Surreal, Tersa, Marian, but I also loved seeing Karla play a bigger part, especially Jaenelle (Witch) to help them, and of course, the return of kindred. It has always been a joy to spend time with these wonderful strong characters written by Bishop.

The battle to destroy the evil that is rising, was an amazing race to the finish that I held my breath throughout.  They all join hands to stop the destruction, and it is Daemon, as the High Lord of Hell, who will make them pay their debts. How far will he go?  To tell too much more would be spoilers, and I do not want to ruin it for you, as this is a must read. I loved that the last few chapters gave us a look at what happens to those who survived, and what the future holds for all of them.

Anne Bishop not only creates such wonderful leading characters, her secondary characters continue to be to be equally memorable. Black Jewels has always been one of my top favorites, especially all those people we loved, and Anne Bishop continues to bring joy to our lives with these fantastic characters. Bravo to Anne Bishop for giving us another masterpiece in this series.  I want more.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of THE QUEEN’S WEAPONS to TWO (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.    

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from March 8 – 12, 2021

 

 

 

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The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
POWER HAS A PRICE. SO DOES LOVE.

Return to the dark, sensual, and powerful world of the Black Jewels in this long-awaited new story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga

After a youthful mistake, Lord Dillon’s reputation is in tatters,
leaving him vulnerable to aristo girls looking for a bit of fun. To
restore his reputation and honor, he needs a handfast—a one-year contract of marriage. He sets his sights on Jillian, a young Eyrien witch from Ebon Rih, who he believes has only a flimsy connection to the noble society that spurned him. Unfortunately for Dillon, he is unaware of Jillian’s true connections until he finds himself facing Lucivar Yaslana, the volatile Warlord Prince of Ebon Rih.

Meanwhile, Surreal SaDiablo’s marriage is crumbling. Daemon Sadi, the Warlord Prince of Dhemlan, recognizes there is something wrong between him and Surreal, but he doesn’t realize that his attempt to suppress his own nature in order to spare his wife is causing his mind to splinter. To save Daemon, and the Realm of Kaeleer if he breaks, help must be sought from someone who no longer exists in any of the Realms—the only
Queen powerful enough to control Daemon Sadi. The Queen known as Witch.

As Jillian rides the winds of first love with Dillon, Daemon and Surreal struggle to survive the wounds of a marriage turned stormy—and Lucivar has to find a way to keep everyone in his family safe…even from each other.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop is the 10th book in her fantastic Black Jewels series.   I have read every single book in all of Anne series, and have loved each and everyone of them.  However, that being said, Black Jewels has a place in my heart as being one, if not the best series I have ever read.  It has been many years since the Black Jewels series ended, as Anne has been busy giving us other wonderful new series; and when I heard she was going back to the world of Daemon, Luciver, Surreal and especially Jaenelle, I was so excited.  I am thrilled to say I loved returning to the Black Jewels series, and spending time with some of my all-time favorite characters, including Karla.  In fact, I decided to go back and read the first three books of this magnificent series, and once again I was totally engrossed, unable to put the book down again.

The Queen’s Bargain focuses on multiple POV’s centering around Daemon Sadi, and his wife, Surreal;  Jillian, a young witch who works for Luciver’s household, helping Marian and his children; Lord Dillion, a young lord, whose reputation was shattered and now uses love spells on girls including Jillian.

Lord Dillion, is a handsome young man, who romanced an evil woman, whose false accusations caused him to lose everything, including his family.  Dillion moves from town to town, to find a life with respect, and when he meets the young and beautiful Jillian, decides to win her over any way he can.  But what he doesn’t know, is Jillian is a like a daughter to the Warlord Prince of Ebon Rich, Lucivar Yaslana; who will always protect those he cares about.

Daemon Sadi, has been suffering terrible headaches, and one night he seduced his wife, Surreal when he was in the throes of being the High Lord of Hell, which scared Surreal.  This caused a rift between Daemon and Surreal, which neither really understood, and Daemon needs help, as his mind is beginning to splinter. Who can help heal Daemon, before he totally destroys everything around him?

What follows is a wonderful and at times tense story that will bring Lucivar and Daemon even closer.  It will also bring many of the other characters we loved in previous books, such as Karla, Marian, Daemonar, etc.  Most of all, we will also get to see a little bit of Witch, who still has powers to help those she loves.  Having been a huge fan of Ladvarian and Kaelas, the scelties dedicated to Jaenelle, I was thrilled to meet Morghann, a sceltie who is dedicated to Daemon, and some others cute pups.

I do not want to give spoilers, as this is just too precious to ruin the story, and the wonderful characters that have returned.  If you have not read the Black Jewels series, I suggest you start with Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows and Queen of the Darkness.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of THE QUEEN’S BARGAIN to TWO (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe
     

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

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7. Follow ANNE BISHOP  on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from March 9 – 13, 2020

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Wild Country by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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Wild Country by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
There are ghost towns in the world—places where the humans were annihilated in retaliation for the slaughter of the shape-shifting Others.

One of those places is Bennett, a town at the northern end of the Elder Hills—a town surrounded by the wild country. Now efforts are being made to resettle Bennett as a community where humans and Others live and work together. A young female police officer has been hired as the deputy to a Wolfgard sheriff. A deadly type of Other wants to run a human-style saloon. And a couple with four foster children—one of whom is a blood prophet—hope to find acceptance.
 
But as they reopen the stores and the professional offices and start to make lives for themselves, the town of Bennett attracts the attention of other humans looking for profit. And the arrival of the Blackstone Clan, outlaws and gamblers all, will uncover secrets…or bury them.

 

 

Review:

Wild Country by Anne Bishop is another wonderful exciting story in her World of the Others series.  This series continues in the same world as the original The Others series.   Though this is the second book, it takes place in another town that is controlled by the terra indigene, with the Elders close by to act if necessary.  The Elders, who are terrifying, have wiped out many human towns, after the murder of many of the terra indigene.  They have agreed to allow small towns of small group of humans to work with the others.   Those of you have read my reviews; know that I am a huge fan of Anne Bishop.  I have read every series & books she has written, and loved them all.

The town of Bennett is lead by Tolya Sanguinatti (a vampire), and sheriff, Virgil Wolfgard,a wolf, who has a strong dislike for humans, after losing his mate, and pack in the attack by humans.  Within the town, there is also an intuit village of humans that work together with the terra indigene.  Jesse Walker, the intuit leader, requests help to fill the town with humans & others to rebuild the town with stores, a saloon and offices, as they are desperate for workers.  Tolya makes that request to Simon (our original hero) at Lakeside to send prospects.  One of those sent to Bennett was Jana Panica, a young female cop, who gets to work with Virgil, and she becomes the major heroine in this book.   The interaction between Virgil and Jana was difficult at first, but at times humorous, especially when Jana adopts one of the stray dogs.  In time, Virgil will learn to trust Jana’s instincts and accept her; a slow friendship of respect between them will surface.  

At the midway point there is a part that goes back to the end of The Others series when Meg was kidnapped, and the entire towns close to Lakeside are all tense, fearing the worst.  Of course, if you have not read Etched in Bone, you may want to read that book first.  This does give the humans a glimpse of how the others work, and when they need to hide.

The key to this story is another bad group of humans, called the Blackstone Clan, who are gamblers and outlaws, who decide that want to take over Bennett.  Slowly, they will bring in many of the outlaw friends and plan to attack the shifters, vampires and humans.  Will Bennett survive or will the Elders return to kill the remaining humans?

I really liked many of the townsfolk we got to know more of, such as Jesse, her son Tobias (a romance interest for Jana), Barb, Tolya,  John, and many of those wonderful characters that Bishop always gives us.  We also get to meet a young cassangra sangue, and another one (Hope) in a different town that can see the evil that is coming to prepare them all.  We really never see the Elders, but Bishop manages to show us how terrifying they are through the fear in other people’s eyes.

What follows is an exciting enthralling story that grabs our attention at the start and keeps us glued until the very end.  The last half of the book was very intense, pulse pounding, especially when the evil people were determined to bring harm to Bennett and take over the town.  Wild Country was another fantastic ride in this wonderful World of the Others.   I have said this before; no one does Fantasy in so many different types of worlds better then Anne Bishop, and I look forward to anything she gives us.  She is a master at her world building, with wonderful characters.  I suggest you go back to the original series, and read The Others, then gradually come to this series. You will not regret it.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Anne & her publisher are graciously offering a Hardcover copy of WILD COUNTRY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe
     

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

7. Follow ANNE BISHOP  on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from March 5 -9, 2019

 

 

 

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