Return to New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop’s world of the Others—where supernatural entities and humans struggle to co-exist, and one woman has begun to change all the rules… tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.
The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard—Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader—wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.
As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet—and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.
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Even in the darkest times, there is light. For our Meg, that light is how the Lakeside Courtyard has embraced this very apprehensive fugitive as a person who belongs to them. That and her new friends (such a balm for someone who was never even allowed to talk freely) help her along her journey of growth during a time when corrupt or shortsighted humans are threatening the very treaties that keep the terra indigene from destroying human cities by threatening the terra indigene and using her sisters to do so. She steps up to help the terra indigene and they take steps to rescue her sisters. To think that all of this change started with one lone escapee who dared to say “help”. One person can make a difference!
Holy crap! I haven’t read a book in one sitting in a long time. Like I got up to go to the bathroom while reading this and was actually annoyed by it. The first book slowly worked it’s way under my skin while this one immediately sucked me in and wouldn’t let go.
This book is an excellent example of how to write tension. My favorite-and probably the most minor-is the sexual tension because I love romance. Then there’s the general tension and unrest in the world. It kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat but didn’t stress me out. Sometimes books are too tense and they make me feel like I’m going to have a panic attack which is too much and I don’t like.
First, let’s discuss issues. Well, there’s one: There isn’t enough Sam. OK, that isn’t a real issue but he’s so cute. And I love his relationship with Meg. But there’s so much going on and sacrifices have to be made.
The world building became even stronger in this one. More characters and information was introduced. I feel like I learned more about the different “Others” both as a whole and individuals. Plus, we got to explore more about how the world is set up and different countries/continents. Then, there’s the information that was provided about the Blood Prophets.
I have to talk about the romance or budding romance. In the first book, I thought there would be a romance but I didn’t know if I was just delusional. But this time it was thrown in my face. But I feel like it’s going to be soooooooooo slow. I felt like I was getting book blue-balls because I just wanted them to kiss.
I’m amazed by how much happened in this book. The big climactic moment I knew would happen, but I figured it would be a few books down the line. So, I have no idea what’s going to happen next. I am certainly excited to find out soon. I just have to wait on another library hold.
In Murder of Crows we learn more about the Cassandra sangue and their history/affect on the Others. I loved meeting the Others from the other places especially Charlie and Alan. I have re-read this several times, and love the world Bishop has created 🙂
Love the series
Unputdownable. Read it straight through. Couldn’t wait to find out more.
Original story line, werewolves, vampires and other interesting creatures and humans. I loved this book and all the other books about the “Courtyard”. A woman needing sanctuary, her becoming a part of the unusual community. Something completely new and great to read. You will be glad you read this book. We needed new ideas in this genre
This is good, but the sequels are better. This Book is about getting to know the characters. Don’t overthink, this is YA and a good series
I loved the whole series about the Others.
Audiobook review for A Murder of Crows (A Novel of the Others Book 2) by Anne Bishop narrated by Alexandra Harris
The sure sign of an excellent series is when the reader finishes the book and without so much as a stutter buys the second one within a minute.
I bought book 3 in The Others series this morning at 4:40ish AM when I couldn’t sleep and wanted to listen to my audiobook. I finished book 2, sat up in bed and downloaded book 3.
Later this morning I ordered book 1 and 2 of the series in paperback form for my mother-in-law, who is an avid reader.
I would gift this series to other readers with similar tastes. That is how much I’m loving it.
A Murder of Crows is darker in a delicious way. The story progresses nicely, characters develop richer relationships, and new characters are introduced.
There is also a bit of redemption and revenge in A Murder of Crows which is very satisfying.
One complaint: There was a mention of Shark Guard, which perked my ears up. Then silence and no further mentions. I hope book 3 brings on the Shark Guard.
The narration was spot on and well done.
Full review for A Vision in Silver book 3 in The Others series when done.
Original writing and story line. Love the characters.
The first book, Written in Red, introduced me to the fantastic world of The Others and that big ending and the threads left open had me in high anticipation for Murder of Crows. While it took its time building in tension, it did not disappoint and I was utterly riveted for the last quarter of the book. And, the cycle continues with me back to highly anticipating the next installment.
Murder of Crows is book two of The Others series. It is an ongoing story that carries over from book one so doesn’t make a good place to jump in or grab as a standalone.
The dust has barely settled from the last big confrontation between certain humans who haven’t gotten the memo on who is the big bad scary in the world, when the folk at the Lakeside Courtyard and the surrounding city hear disturbing news of a People First and Last movement kicking up its heels and revving up humans to close their businesses to the Terra Ingene and to bully any humans who are cooperating or friends with the non-humans. But, worse, there are potent drugs being passed around that make people act like beasts and go after the Terra Ingene non-humans. Then there is retaliation and war is a distinct possibility.
Meg is the key. Her visions are critical now as is her place as a human who draws a human pack around her. Another critical human is Monty a cop and go between. There is a core group of humans who make the predatory and powerful Others choose to try to hold the shaky peace rather than wipe every human off the map.
Meanwhile, Meg is still the focus of her old controller who is determined to get her back, Monty’s ex is now neck deep in the dangerous human’s first movement and has his daughter with her, Meg and Simon hit a snag in their friendship when attraction rears up and confuses the pair of them, and a few others are introduced and become key players as matters build until someone has to die.
I enjoyed the first book a great deal and loved finally getting my chance to sink into the world of The Others, but there were a little thing or two about the heroine, Meg, that I was hoping would clear up by the time I started on book two. I was relieved to see that my instinct was right. Those were first book issues and no longer relevant in Murder of Crows.
The characters are so easy to enjoy and so fascinating with this author’s grittier, darker version of supernaturals who don’t even pretend to be human. That said, they have their lighter and whimsical sides and they have their humorous moments when human behavior baffles them.
As with most Urban Fantasy, this one built on what came before both by adding some new details or fleshing out better what was there with world building and also with the characters and relationships. This one paced out slow at first and swapped a lot of scenes and perspectives, but I also found it a more engaging read in many ways. I like where things are going for Meg and Simon and I’m curious about several things as the series progresses into the next installment.
Murder of Crows wrapped up one big plot arc, but there are still a few others that are building now and taking things to a bigger more intense situation. I have a feeling it will keep getting better and better. Urban Fantasy lovers are the target readers for these.
I loved this series and enjoyed re–reading it several times.
I have read this series many times. All the books are excellent.
Each book is amazing. I can’t say enough about them
The second in the series. Very good. The whole series has rereadability. This is about the 5th or 6th time I have read these books. Love them! Love Anne Bishop!
I always enjoy Anne Bishop and The Others! This is just such a gripping series! I never want to leave the world she has created with Meg, Simon, and the Lakeside Courtyard!
I loved the whole series. I want more!
If Anne Bishop wrote it, I t’s worth reading
This is my favorite series by Ann Bishop. Lots of interesting characters and a very original plot. Well done.
Great series that needs to be read from book one through them all. Waiting for more in this world, because it is wonderful.
Not as good as the first book in the series, but still an entertaining read. I read this one a couple years ago, and then re-read it recently, and it was definitely better the second go-around than the first. I really enjoy reading about the interactions between the humans and the Others, and I adore how much they dote on the heroine. The chemistry between her and the hero is fantastic.
This series is slow-burning, and there are definitely times when it could have been trimmed down to move faster, but I really enjoyed it. It’s not deep or though-provoking, but it’s full of pure entertainment, which is exactly what I needed.
CONTENT WARNING: There’s a handful of f-bombs (around a dozen), so if that bothers you, this probably isn’t the book for you.