by Terrance Mc Arthur
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Marked in Flesh, along with a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL, and another one for Amazon.
Humans have a tenuous footing on Namid, the world. Tolerated by the shape-changing wolves, bears, hawks, crows…vampires…and other beings, people think they can get rid of The Others and live as they please. They don’t know that The Others are mild and forgiving compared to The Elders, who allowed some of their number to take less-powerful animal forms, in Anne Bishop’s Marked in Flesh.
I have been a fan of Bishop since I read the first two books–Written in Red and A Murder of Crows–in a marathon session, and Vision in Silver when it was released. Engrossing, thought-provoking, with themes that range from racism to ecology to assured destruction (self, rather than mutual), the series has grown from a focus on one small enclave to an interdependent set of towns, cities, and villages. 
The cassandra sangue (blood prophets), who see visions of the future when they are cut, are trying to learn to live without the sexual rush it gives the young women, since their bodies die after a thousand cuts according to lore. Some turn to art, others to decks of picture cards. The visions have been dark for mankind, now that ‘Humans First and Last’ has increased its campaign to reclaim the world from the creatures that were there first.
Meg, the blood prophet who stumbled her way into a job for the Others in their embassy/trading post/mini-mall, is confused about her not-quite-relationship with Simon Wolfgard, leader of the local Courtyard. Simon is concerned about the growing group of humans attached to him: employees, police officers trying to work with the Others, and even deliverymen who are rejected by HFAL because they won’t turn against their non-human friends.
As Humans First and Last become more brazen in their attacks, they ignore the signs that the Elders are losing their patience with the “clever meat,” and might wipe them off the planet.
Bishop has created an intricate web of a simple society, and there are a number of characters worth rooting for. More facets of their existence are being explored, and each discovery builds a thirst for more knowledge.
It’s a great series. Explore it.
To enter to win a copy of Marked in Flesh, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “flesh,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 16, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address.
Check out more fantasy book reviews in our fantasy and fangs section.
Use this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:
I’ve begun to expand my reading adventures in the fantasy realm, and this book seems the perfect one to set me on a great read journey. Thanks, Anne!
I love this series, along with everything Anne Bishop’s ever written!
So excited to see this come out, I read the previous books and they are great! Thanks for the review!
I’ve only read Murder of Crows. I love Anne Bishop, having started out on her Blood series thanks to a friend and her mother. And the Tir Ailean series…
I love all of Anne’s books. This series holds such wonderful elements.
I have loved every book in this series so far, and I highly recommend it!
I have been a fan of Anne Bishop, for years. I was delighted when this new series came out and have read each book. I would love to win a copy of Marked on Flesh.
Please consider me.
I first encountered Anne Bishop’s work when I happened across the Black Jewel series. I’ve been hooked ever since!
One of my very favourite authors and series. Nice review. One error I noticed, typo of sangre instead of sangue.
Thanks I went in and fixed that
I love this series!! Thanks for the review and giveaway!!
I can’t wait to find out what happens with Meg and the others.
One of my favorite books/series. I read it electronically, but a print version would be nice for my library!!
I love Anne Bishop. I have reread her books again and again. I love all of Anne’s worlds.
This series is great — I’d love to win!
We have a winner!