Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop

Etched in Bone
by Anne Bishop
Read: October 5 - 7, 2016
Published: March 7, 2017 by Roc
Source: Netgalley (Thank you, PRH!)
Category: Adult Fantasy, Shape Shifters, 
Series:  The Others, book 5/5

New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop returns to her world of the Others, as humans struggle to survive in the shadow of shapeshifters and vampires far more powerful than themselves…

After a human uprising was brutally put down by the Elders—a primitive and lethal form of the Others—the few cities left under human control are far-flung. And the people within them now know to fear the no-man’s-land beyond their borders—and the darkness…


As some communities struggle to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed, though Simon Wolfgard, its wolf shifter leader, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn must work with the human pack to maintain the fragile peace. But all their efforts are threatened when Lieutenant Montgomery’s shady brother arrives, looking for a free ride and easy pickings.


With the humans on guard against one of their own, tensions rise, drawing the attention of the Elders, who are curious about the effect such an insignificant predator can have on a pack. But Meg knows the dangers, for she has seen in the cards how it will all end—with her standing beside a grave
___________________________________________________________________________

Find my thoughts on the previous books in this series: Written in RedMurder of CrowsVision in Silver and Marked in Flesh.  

The Others is one of my favorite series of all time. I have talked extensively about this in all of my previous reviews. I know this is dramatic, but every year I practically make myself sick with anticipation each time another installment is released. And this is the last one, so what will I do with myself now?! *insert sobbing* Thank goodness this is a series end to get excited about.

For those of you who have read the previous four books and are eagerly anticipating this finale, I don't think there's anything I can say besides READ THIS and enjoy the conclusion of Meg and Simon and their courtyard's story (at least for now - I know there will be more books in this world, I don't know if we'll see these characters again, though I can hope). 


For those of you who are new to this series, I cannot recommend these books enough.  From the complex characters to the world that expands further and further in each installment, to the small details about Meg's daily life that are a part of each book, this word building is some of the most intense and immersive I've ever experienced. The best advice I can give as you start is - this series is one to be savored. As someone who is typically very goal oriented, who likes to Get To The End, the wonder of this series is in its rich details. Don't miss them by becoming anxious to get to the next part of the story. 


All the things I love about this series are present again in this book. The Others' world comes  to life in vivid color and detail, and each time I step back into it, I feel like I'm returning to a familiar, comfortable place. Albeit one that's vicious and dangerous in a way that reminds humans to always stay alert, because they are nowhere near the top of the food chain. I could spend forever reading about Meg and Simon and Sam and Henry and Vlad and Tess and and and - all of whom I've gotten to know intimately through five books. Another thing I've loved about this series is that large scale, world changing events are happening, but the story remains centered though the eyes of this one courtyard, it's inhabitants and the few humans they've come to trust and work with along the way. Meg has been the catalyst for everything from the beginning and she is again at the center of this tale. 


Etched in Bone is in many ways about rebuilding and finding a balance of peace after the climaxes of other books. But we've seen all along that threats, even on a relatively small scale, can have very real and very lasting consequences, and these characters must once again do what they do best and come together to face a danger that threatens their Meg. Although this book features a very specific, individualized danger, in this story we get to see what can be accomplished when humans and Others work together to solve a problem. 


This series begins and ends with Meg and also Simon. These books have the slowest of slowest burn romances, but I've loved every second of it. Although greedy me wishes it had come with an epilogue, romance fans will not be disappointed in this final installment of Simon and Meg's journey, which began when a cold, frightened girl stumbled into a bookshop on a winter night. 


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: Series End/solid conclusion :)

2 comments:

  1. Stunning review Lauren :D Yesss. So glad you were so happy with this final book in the series :D I love how much you love these books. <3 I'm unsure about them, but ahh, getting more and more curious about these books :D So so glad that the romance is awesome. Sigh. Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts sweetie :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Grate review. I could understand about your real attachments with this book through your writing . Thanks for sharing.
    essay writing service reviews

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...