The Lakeside Courtyard serves as a model for interactions
between humans and terra indigene (also called the
Others). Simon Wolfgard is the leader of this diverse
group of individuals, as he seeks a balance between the
various kinds of terra indigene and the newly formed
human pack within his boundaries. Tensions are high after
the Humans First and Last movement caused worldwide chaos
(see MARKED IN FLESH for more details). Meanwhile, Meg
Corbyn, a Blood Prophet, is learning new ways to cope in
this ever-changing world and Simon will do anything to
protect her. Unfortunately, Lieutenant Crispin
Montgomery's brother, Cyrus, has arrived in Lakeside and
now everything they've worked for may be at stake. Will
the humans and the terra indigene draw together to stop
Cyrus or will Meg's future come to an abrupt end?
ETCHED IN BONE is dark fantasy at its finest! Anne Bishop
has crafted a world that is dark and alluring, where even
a slight move or interaction can cause fear, chaos, or
the destruction of the entire human population. I love
how Anne Bishop navigates us through the politics of the
various species within the terra indigene as well as with
the humans. ETCHED IN BONE and The
Others series
are an excellent portrait of the importance of diversity
and diplomacy.
Meg is continuing to evolve as both a woman and as the
Trailblazer for the other cassandra sangue (blood
prophets). In ETCHED IN BONE, Meg is becoming all too
aware of her own limits as she's learning how to live and
love despite the allure of the razor. Simon's love for
Meg shows through each and every one of his actions and
ETCHED IN BONE highlights just how important their bond
is for both of them. Twyla Montgomery, Crispin's mother,
is also beginning to emerge as a leader within the
Courtyard and I love her motherly approach to everyone
she encounters, no matter whether they are human or terra
indigene. However, it is Skippy who captures my heart in
ETCHED IN BONE. I won't reveal spoilers but there is one
scene in ETCHED IN BONE that makes me love him all the
more for his determination.
ETCHED IN BONE is the fifth book in The
Others
series. If you haven't read this series from the
beginning, stop what you are doing immediately and delve
into Anne Bishop's dark and hauntingly beautiful world.
You won't regret it.
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...