Veena’s review of Visions in Silver (Courtyards of the Others, Book 3) by Anne Bishop
Urban Fantasy published by Roc 03 Mar 13
This is the third book in the “Others” series by fantasy writer Anne Bishop where she introduces us to her version of vampires, weres, and seers. I have read each book with bated breath as she unveils a world which is familiar and yet so very different. I sense the world around me very differently than I did before my exposure to the deep hidden layers in the world as presented by an author, who is one of the best at world building. This series has gripped my imagination and I just can’t seem to get enough of it.
Influenced by a prophesy given to him at a young age, Simon lives his life and manages his courtyard, knowing that one day he will make a decision that will have the power to change the world. Who knew that the day he decided to shelter a slender human waif who came into his courtyard wet and bedraggled and clearly in need of help is the one who will change not only his courtyard but will have far-reaching consequences for the world.
Meg’s sweetness and kindness soon makes allies of most of the species who inhabit the courtyard, including the much-feared elementals. She is a valuable commodity in the world from which she has escaped, and the act of befriending her brings trouble to the courtyard. As the others gather around Meg to protect her and gradually extend their circle of protection to her human pack, the prophecies swimming in her blood indicate that trouble will escalate with dire consequences, since greed and corruption will forever step on the blood of innocence in their quest for power.
Now into the third book in the series, Meg is a beloved friend to most in the courtyard, as well as the select humans who make up Meg’s human pack. Blood prophets have been freed from slavery and yet so many are lost through fear and manipulation and their own inability to deal with the stimulus of day-to day-living. The relationship between Meg and Simon is also evolving into something beyond mere friendship. The innocence of their relationship is charming and the acts of holding hands or fixing a simple meal or leaving a caring message are more romantic than any horizontal mambo jumbo.
Every time I see lightning or snow or I hear thunder, I think about the sweet ponies whom Meg feeds sugar cubes to on Mondays. As the weather is changing and winter is having its hey day with all the snow that we’re getting, I think about the charming lady elemental whom Meg befriended and gifted with an evergreen-colored scarf to show her caring. It is fascinating that Ms. Bishop has taken everyday things in our lives and added a mystical, other touch to it. After reading these books, I look at the world with fresh, new eyes.
I can’t wait for the story to continue to see what foolish humans will do next to challenge the others and what punishment we’ll see handed down.
Grade: A+
Summary:
The New York Times bestselling author of The Black Jewels Trilogy transports readers to a world of magic and political unrest—where the only chance at peace requires a deadly price…
The Others freed the cassandra sangue to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before—both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.
Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.
For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep…
Other books in this series:
