Book Review: Written in Red

Written in Red by Anne Bishop is a completely unique world that has stunned me with curiosity. I can almost hear Princess Jasmine singing a “Whole New World” with this novel. She created a world where her characters would perfectly fit and would make the readers want to step into the book and explore more. Book Review: Written in Red by Anne Bishop

The story started with a girl named Meg Corbyn, (or is it?) freezing to death and desperately wanting to escape from people that has been hunting her for her power, people who only saw her as property. She wanted to escape so bad that she didn’t mind entering a location where humans are considered meat. She has heard about “The Others” and their terrible power which are attuned to nature. No human laws are applied in their sanctuary, a place where Meg thought she would be safe.

Simon Wolfguard is the leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, one of the many sanctuaries of The Others. He knows Meg is different from any other humans he had met, and he knows that she had a secret the moment she entered the Howling Good Reads Bookstore to inquire about the Human Liaison job. But what it is about her that made him trust this complete stranger, more so a human? Trust her enough to let her inside the courtyard which no humans have ever stepped on? Does knowing the reason behind her secret is enough to protect her?

Okay, deep breath! If you are tired of reading the same concept, same story plot, same boring worlds… then this book is highly recommended for you. At first, I was completely curious about how the author can pull out a story about mythical, elemental creatures who exist in the world living amongst humans, looking like humans, and living with the aid of technology too. It was such a great idea that I was enticed to read the book in just one sitting.

Meg Corbyn is one heck of a protagonist. I like her strong personality, her kindness, and how she can bite back with bitchy remarks if she needs to. She has limited knowledge about living normally as a human which made her so innocent about things. I guess that’s why the Others were confused about her.

She gives her best in everything she does and somehow gives off the feeling that she really wants to belong to a place that she can call home.

Simon Wolfguard is the big bad hunk wolf that you can swoon over any day you like. He is headstrong and knows responsibilities and obligations at best. At first, I thought he would instantly fall for Meg since in the early chapters he made it quite clear that Meg is different but surprising as the book is, Simon Wolfguard did not disappoint. He had glaring, snapping, screaming battles with Meg first before he softens, are they a couple in the end? No. Not yet. (Finger crossed!!)

But that is what I love most, seeing the development of their relationship. The progress, the sweet little nothings, the thrill of them being together is what makes you want to read more!

The characters of the book are astounding. They are all so unique and you’ll probably fall in love with all of them because they are all lovable and they value friendship to the highest level! Amongst the vampires, wolves, bears, crows, coyotes, elements ( a girl called Winter), and the hell-bent kiss-ass girl who changes hairstyle and color according to her mood which is probably a grim reaper, I adored the ponies!! Ahahah! Yes! the ponies and their love for sweets.

This book is an absolute hidden gem amongst your paranormal, urban fantasy books. World-building, the plot, characters, and writing is simply marvelous!