Review: Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop

I could say I have not read a book this good in ages but I would be wrong. Actually, I have read four of them that were this good. Anne Bishop has crafted a story that is so interesting that I’ve followed it from Book #1 until Book # 4 desperately.

Meg is a Blood Prophet in a world controlled by The Others. In Book #4, the world has experienced a severe shift. Humans have been reminded who is in charge. Meg is special in that she not only made a home in the Courtyard, a place run by the terra indigene (those we would consider creatures from the paranormal, werewolves, vampires, etc), but she has also managed to create a world in which humans and others work together. Meg and Simon, the leader of the Courtyard now face a danger together that threatens to tear both of them and the world they’ve built apart permanently.

The Good

My favorite thing about this book is the relationship between Meg and Simon. They just fit together. Meg isn’t the typical protagonist I look for. She is not outrageously fierce instead her strength is quiet but in perfect balance of her situation. If she was too dominant, her relationship with the Others would not work. She expects polite interactions with them and is not afraid to tell them this carefully. I also love the new cast of characters, especially Miss Twyla. In fact, the female pack as they are called in the book is dominant on their own. They cause hilarious discomfort to the predators we know could easily dispatch them. Instead, the town plays a role in the story of protecting Meg, something that has been the focus of the books since the first entry. The author has designed a world with balance, adventure and just enough action to have readers speedily flipped through the pages. And there’s romance too but the love between the two is sweet and innocent something I had not really thought I’d like until now.

The Not As Good

I wish there was something I did not like about this book. I can’t think of anything, to be honest, and that is a testament to the author's storytelling ability. I love the heroes even when I was not in agreement with their choices. I wasn’t angry either. I understood where all the players stood and why their interactions took place as they did.

My Verdict

I loved it! I cannot wait until the next one comes out. This book is worth reading but I would recommend starting at the beginning to get the full effect of the story. The author gives a brief recap at the beginning but ultimately reading the entire series wouldn’t hurt.