Written in Red

This book hooked me with the first sentence: “Half blinded by the storm, she stumbled into the open area between buildings.” Anne Bishop created a world with infinite care and remained consistent throughout this series. Although this is the first book, it can be read as a standalone. I felt immediately comfortable in Anne’s world and was able to slip right into the story.

Conflicts occurred, followed by dire consequences, yet detailed sex and violence were not used to carry the plot forward. Throughout this book, I felt as if her characters lived in my neighborhood; many of whom I… show more.

I was wrapped up in this world the minute I read the first page. This is a different America, a different power is in charge, and life is perilous in the extreme. Bishop’s protagonist has been raised in inhuman conditions, but she is determined to find a life for herself. She finds so much more than that! I love the shock that humans are not the apex predators in this world.

I feel like this series needs a trigger warning – it can get dark and graphic. But if you can handle the blood, you'll be blown away. The heroine is innocent yet strong. The wolves are different and deeply real. The snowy world has a bit of a sci-fi first contact feel. Definitely unique, engrossing, and well worth a read.

The world-building in this series is off-the-charts good. Seriously. If Anne Bishop ever decided to teach a masterclass in worldbuilding, I'd be the first in line to shove my wallet in her pocket. Of all my picks, this urban fantasy is the least romantic, but there was just enough to keep me interested and, honestly, the world is so interesting, I hardly noticed. (Note: The lead character uses a magical form of bloodletting to reveal her prophecies, which struck me as a possible trigger to anyone struggling with self-harm.)