5 out of 5 gnomes
This
book was so very good, good as in if this book was a person I would so
want to be best friends with it, have adventures, etc... I’ve been a
fan of Anne Bishop’s books since I first discovered them in high school
and this book only makes me love this author’s writing even more.
This
is the kind of book where I want to know absolutely everything about
all of these characters. I want to know about each and every one of the
different gards (especially the Crowgard and the Beargards) and if
there is a limit to what The Others are and what they can transform
into. It’s always cool to be able to be so immersed in a world that you
want to know everything about it.
World Building
The
shapeshifters in this book are refreshingly different and the world
building is very well done. I like how even the names of the days and
major cities/areas are something new. It really makes you imagine how
different the world would be if humans weren’t in control of everything.
Having
human law not apply on the Others land and Courtyards was a point that
helped show how in control they really are of the world. Humans are
indeed really low on the food chain and not very “special” except in
some rare circumstances.
The
history of this world feels epic and like it could be a book in its own
right. I feel like there is just so much to learn about this world and
that there will be some intriguing stories in the future.
Characters
Simon
is in some ways a typical alpha male but he’s in charge of the
Courtyard/runs a bookstore which means his life isn’t exactly stress
free. He meets Meg and that’s when things really get interesting.
Meg’s
character is indeed special and not a human that you usually see out
and about in the world. She’s had what we would call a very
unsavory/untraditional upbringing. She’s like a blank slate in some
ways but there’s a sweetness and resolve to her that intrigues many of
the characters.
I
really enjoyed the what would normally be called vampires and the way
they feed is one that I wouldn’t have thought of before.
The other fascinating group were the Crowgard because of their curiousity and how much they love the shiny.
These characters all interact so well together and there are plenty of both serious and funny moments.
Lingering Questions/Things I Want to Know
WHAT IS TESS (I would like to know exactly what she is, it’s hinted at but I’m looking for a name.)
What are the Crowgard building?
Who is the main bad guy and what is his next evil plan going to be?
Will Meg fall in love and if so, with who?
Ending
The
end was pretty darn perfect ending on a light note yet making you wish
the next book would be here ASAP. I wholeheartedly recommend this book
to anyone that loves Urban Fantasy/discovering new worlds and
characters.
I loved this book too. Great review and found a new author to me. Enjoyed the light romance but loved the world building even more.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, yeah it was a really great read. Thanks, I'm glad you found this author (I really highly recommend all of her books) :)
DeleteTotally agree with you on the world building, I really love how Bishop builds worlds that immerse you right into the story.