Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
Series: The Others #3
Published by Roc
Published on: March 3rd, 2015
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Werewolves
Pages: 416
Format: eARC
Source: Edelweiss
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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…
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Let it be known that this series is peerless; Anne Bishop’s world-building is innovative, her characters are exceptional, and the story is obsession inducing. I picked-up WRITTEN IN RED on a whim in 2013, and was wowed beyond measure. My fixation with all things THE OTHERS is so profound that it should be a bona fide medical condition. No joke! I listened to the previous two installments, so I did have some concerns that switching to hard copy might diminish my enjoyment of VISION IN SILVER, but that clearly didn’t happen because for the third time in a row 5-stars just isn’t enough. In this book we learn a lot more about the cassandra sangue, gain perspective on Simon Wolfgard, and get a glimpse of the terra indigene that live beyond the courtyards.
The blood prophets were the main plot focal point; free of their keepers, these girls are ill-equipped for life outside the compounds, and now it’s up to Meg to set them on the correct path. She and the other members of her human pack are attempting to write a sweet blood 101 guide of sorts. Little is known about the cassandra sangue, so a lot of it came down to trial & error with Corbyn as the lab rat. I liked how the author approached this aspect of the story, the progression was gradual, and each new discovery felt as though it could be the key to their very survival. Meg’s triumphs became mine, and her setbacks were absolutely devastating. Most were small things, but when experienced from such an innocent POV as this series’ protagonist, they became monumental.
Most stories that feature shifters put emphasis on the humanness of the characters while as Bishop does the total opposite. Her various gards don people flesh out of necessity, but it’s evident that they prefer fur, and view mankind as ‘clever meat.’ This is part of what makes THE OTHERS universe so original because misunderstandings between the two species occur frequently from common expressions being taken literally to every day gestures being grossly misinterpreted. I enjoyed gaining perspective on how the terra indigene see the world through Simon because he’s the most progressive leader among them which makes his outlook fabulously unique. He’s tasked with a huge decision at the end of this novel, and the outcome could be… scary.
This leads me to this book’s second main plot thread. Tension between THE OTHERS and humans has reached a boiling point, the Humans First and Last movement is gaining momentum and people are being forced to choose a side. You’re either a Wolf lover or a delusional HFL supporter who believes that mankind actually has a chance at being the dominant species. Bishop has succeeded in making me hate my own kind by illustrating the barbaric nature of Thaisia’s citizens, and highlighting the underlying prejudice that exists in all societies. The author makes it impossible not to cheer for the terra indigene, and eagerly anticipate the fast approaching day of reckoning when the wild country finally shows its teeth, and establishes once and for all who’s predator and who’s prey.
There’s only one cure for a VISION IN SILVER book hangover, and it’s more Meg & Simon!
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  My Review |
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
This makes me happy, Carmel! This is a book on my most coveted list for 2015, and I’m glad Anne Bishop is consistent enough to give her readers something to look forward to each time. I’m curious about the progression of romance between Meg & Simon, but it looks like I’m going to have to wait some more. But I’m okay with that. 🙂
Joy // Joyousreads recently posted…On the Night Table [10]: Zombies, Charley, Spells, and a Dystopian Nightmare.
It’s no real surprise that the relationship between Meg & Simon is of the slow burn variety; they are of two completely different worlds after all. All of my other most anticipated books of 2015 have been busts so far, SO glad that this one wasn’t!
I read a 5-star review for this book earlier this week over at Urban Fantasy Investigations. Are you all conspiring to empty my bank account? LOL. But seriously, the reviews for this series are incredible. I can’t wait for a chance to devour these books. “Obsession inducing” is a good thing, right? Some people need food or sleep. I need good book series to obsess over. 🙂 Great review.
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Paranormal Road Trip: Destination NYC with Susan Wright
I got my grabby hands on an advanced copy in NOVEMBER, and immediately read it. I just couldn’t wait. My bad, because now the window between books 3 & 4 is soooo much larger. LOL!
Gah! #ARCproblems That’s been one good thing about coming into a few of these series late. NO WAIT between books. 🙂
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Paranormal Road Trip: Destination NYC with Susan Wright
This is what happens when you’re over eager; you have to pay the price!
We’re review twinsies today, Carmel!
I’ve read the three books in the series so far in less than a month, and I’m seriously having withdrawal symptoms!!
I adore everything about this world and Simon and Meg and like you I keep on rooting for the terra indigene and hate my own kind (except for the human pack)!!
Fantastic review Carmel! Waiting for book 4 is gonna be awful torture!!
Pili recently posted…Mark This Book Monday: ARC Review of Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop!!!
The internet has been exploding with Vision in Silver reviews these past few days. SQUEE!! It’s rare that I feel so strongly against my own kind, but Bishop makes some compelling arguments. Meg’s human pack is awesome! I don’t even think that book 4 has a title yet. *sigh* Scratch that, it DOES! Marked in Flesh, out March 2016. 😀
It’s got a title!! YAAAAAY!!
And with that title… it sort of promises more about the cassandra sangue!!
Pili recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday #85!!
This series is already on book three? It amazes me how fast some of these series unfold.
Nathan ( recently posted…Fantasy Review: ‘Forging Divinity’ by Andrew Rowe
A book a year isn’t fast at all! I’d kill for two installments in 2015.
I just finished the first book and I definitely want to continue the series. I don’t think I am in love with the series yet but I definitely liked it a lot.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Strange Sweet Song by Ari Rule
It’s different, that’s for sure. Different good IMO, but then again there are werewolves, so I’m probably biased. Hehe!
I have been neglecting this series, please may you and your serious obsessive condition accept my sincerest apologies. I shall do my best to get caught up really quickly 🙂 I love your review – I mean, it got me interested in the series, so you obviously did a great job. Thanks!
Ramona recently posted…Zen Monday: Hello Spring
Don’t say I didn’t warn you! As much as I love this series, I think I now require medication as a result. Glad my review piqued your interest. I always have the darnedest time typing up my thoughts because they are never good enough, especially where The Others are concerned.
I adore this series and I love that Anne is doing the slow burn with Simon and Meg. I adore the courtyard and the guard there. I found this series and this is my fave series 🙂 I love how she bring out the simple things for Meg to accomplish and Meg’s Human pack 🙂 Seriously Great review and I can’t wait for the book in the series.
julie recently posted…This Heart of mine & proof of Forever
This is one of the rare series where I actually wouldn’t mind if nothing ever happened between the protagonists. Then again, I won’t be upset if something does either. I’m good regardless!
Excellent review Carmel. I LOVE Anne Bishop! I loved, loved this one too, even though I’m still not totally crazy over hills about the narrator. Bishop imagination is amazing, as you you know, I felt in love with her wrttin with the Black Jewles and my love continue to be strong with this series.
Lupdilup recently posted…Vision in Silver Audiobook by Anne Bishop (review + giveaway)
I don’t mind the narrator, but you’re right, she’s nothing to write home about either. This is the first installment that I read, and I think that it made a bit of a difference. I still have the Heir to the Shadows audiobook on my iPhone. I’m scared.
Any review with a cowbell reference is a winner Carmel!!! *pats you on back* I really need to read this series, my mother in law has read and reviewed it for the blog (her review of this book goes up soon) and she’s a huge fan. I love that the focus isn’t on humans who can turn into animals, but rather animals that are forced to occasionally wear human skin. Very unique:) Can’t wait to meet Meg & Simon!
Hahaha! You caught that one, did ya? I have to hand it to Bishop; she totally took her supes in a different direction compared to the usual UF. Special meat. 😉
Oh, man! Peerless? Now I HAVE to read this series soon. It’s already been on my radar for a long time, but I just keep reading more and more rave reviews!
Nicole recently posted…Why I LOVE Books that Make Me Cry – Let’s Discuss
I’m running out of adjectives to describe how good these books are. All I can say is READ ‘EM!
I absolutely loved this series! Glad this one was just as good as the previous installments. I get a little impatient when it comes to Meg and Simon but I know this is UF so I’m hoping things eventually get there…LOL Great review Carmel. I snagged this on NetGalley and hope to get to it soon!
Lori recently posted…Blog Tour: The Strange Death of Fiona Griffiths by Harry Bingham {Guest Post}
You might want to hold out until book 4 is out and read this one, and it one after the other because holy crap on a cracker! LOL I couldn’t do it, so I don’t expect others to either, but it’s a thought. 😉
Nooo…I can’t wait!!! LOL My eArc expires on my Nook so I have to read them within a certain time, I really need a Kindle in my life! 🙂
Lori recently posted…Blog Tour: The Strange Death of Fiona Griffiths by Harry Bingham {Guest Post}
I do most on my reading on my Kobo, but I always send the eARCs to my Kindle too for this very reason!
I finally bought the first in this series, you make me want to start it now, but I can’t right now. Great review!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Accidental Abduction by Eve Langlais
Can’t? What’s that? I don’t understand? 😉
Too many books, not enough time I guess 🙂 and life and stuff.
Lorna recently posted…Review: Accidental Abduction by Eve Langlais
Yeah, yeah. Cry me a river! j/k
After the first sentence, I *had* to read your review to my daughter (home sick) and when I got to the end, she said “wow, I think you better read this.” I concur. I’m liking the idea that Bishop’s shifters prefer fur to human skin and I giggled over “clever meat”. I also like that tension comes from misunderstandings between species. And if you think this series is peerless, it’s going to go high on my tbr. Fantastic review, Carmel!
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Blog Tour Review & Giveaway~ For Authentication Purposes ~ Amber L. Johnson
Your daughter obviously approves, and I don’t think that I could have been any clearer in my review. Did I mention there’s ponies!? And, they are anything but ordinary. They weren’t in this installment much, but the last one? Aaww, man! I’m gonna stick to you like white on rice ’til you at least read Written in Red.
I’m about half way through this one right now and I am SO happy to hear that it’s another 5 star book! The HFL really are delusional, you’re so right. I got pretty pissed when they tried to frame my beloved Monty! Grumble. Loving Simon and Meg of course, also really intrigued by developments on Nicholas Scratch…guy seems super evil. More additions to the ‘human pack’ also make me happy. Off to go read this some more! 😉
Danya recently posted…Review: Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop
Argh! Scratch! *shakes fist* Can’t wait to hear your thoughts. I’ve been biting my tongue for soooo long; it feels amazing to finally get this review off my chest. Hehe!
Omg. My review goes up tomorrow. I loved this one too! There’s kind of a funny story around this book that I talk about. For about 5 seconds I thought it was the final book. Can you imagine??? o_O
Someone asked me if Bishop was stopping at three the other day; I was like NO WAY, then ran to GoodReads for confirmation. There’s at least two more.
I know I saw that too. I was so so mad at first. I actually had to re-read it in order to write my review!
No kidding! I would have been heartbroken.
I really need to read this series! The first book has been on my wish list for awhile now!
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Book Club Review: Inherit the Dead
It was on sale recently, keep your eyes peeled, it might happen again soon.
I am so excited to start this tomorrow. I have had my print copy for months, but I did the first two in audio and I know it won’t be the same if I don’t listen to this one so I am waiting….. I am so glad this delivered. I cannot wait
Heidi recently posted…Tour Stop: The Winner’s Crime (Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutoski) Review and Giveaway
You have an iron will, woman! There’s no way in hell I would have been able to hold-out until release day.
Everyone absolutely loves this series and I’ve been saying since the first book came out that i’m going to read this series and devour it and hop on the Anne Bishop train.
I haven’t yet *hides* but I hope too really soon! Especially since everyone seems to be reviewing this one on the blogosphere today and I haven’t heard one negative thing about it.
Lily recently posted…Bone Gap: Review
There’s a reason why this book is breaking the internet today. I imagine it’ll be even worse tomorrow when it’s officially out. Just say yes!
God, I have such a love-hate relationship with your reviews, lol! Now I need to read the series, and I know it will take me 100+ years to actually get to it, and will stress over not getting to it soon enough.
But I’m getting these babies and will eventually read them. Scout’s honor. (which I wasn’t, btw, but you know what I mean :D)
Livia recently posted…Indie Flutters: Indulging in Irelyn + Being Zolt by D.L. Raver
You knew what you were in for; all you had to do was look at my rating, and the review graphics. So, I don’t feel the least bit bad. Eventually is not soon enough. NOW is the only correct answer. 😀
And another reader thrilled with this series. I really need to get busy and get caught up. Nice review, Carmel!
Sophia Rose recently posted…The Great Pick Up Line with Code Name: Nina’s Choice by Natasza Waters #TGPUL #Giveaway
You betcha! I haven’t made the rounds yet, but I’m about to, and I’m anxious to compare notes with other reviewers.
One day I will hopefully continue this series
blodeuedd recently posted…Generation V – M.L.Brennan
You gave up on it!? What. The. Hell.
Another glowing review of this book… of this series really. GAH! I need to read these! One good thing is that I can hopefully read them back to back when I start. My library had the second book but not the first or third. Wha? Only the third can be recommended on audio. Library needs to get going on this! 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Seraphina: The Audition by Rachel Hartman
Oh, NO! I hate it when that happens. Audible does that to me all the time. What nonsense! You should get on them to get their butts in gear already.
Thanks for a great review of a book that I really need to read. Sounds like I’ve been missing out of this author.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Happy Raturday!!
All of her titles aren’t created equal; as much as I adore this series, her Black Jewels is very dark. I’m still going to give it a 2nd chance though.
I love the “otherness” of this series. It is so completely different from anything else out there. I love the author’s writing style. I want to try her other series. I’ve been warned about how dark the other one is, but I still want to try it. Great review.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Accidental Abduction by Eve Langlais
It keeps getting labeled as UF, but it really is more Fantasy IMO. I already warned you about her other series, so you’re on your own. 😛
I read the beginning and end of the review, because I didn’t want to bias myself – I’m about to read this one too, right after I catch up with Murder of Crows. From what everyone says though, the series just gets better and better! Just today I saw a 5 star review for MoC and now a 5 star review for ViS, looks like I have some great reading ahead of me 🙂
Mogsy recently posted…Book Review: Evensong by John Love
That makes sense, but you’re slacking; I would have thought that you would have gotten to this one already. You must be talking about Danya’s review. I read it earlier today.
I REALLY loved the first two and will be grabbing this on audio for sure. I’m so glad it was amazing, I can’t wait to listen to it!
Candace recently posted…Just Pru Release Day, Guest Post & Giveaway!
If you enjoyed the first two, I’m positive that you’ll feel the same way about Vision in Silver. Less than 24 hrs to go!
I’m so happy to see that you’re still having a great time with the series. I so love it and I can’t wait for more once again. So many things there, wonderful characters, an impressive world and all that. So good! Great review!
I absolutely can’t wait to read this book, I’ve put it on hold at the library and that day can’t come fast enough when I have this in my hands! I love how every installment kind of ramps up a part of the world in that respect, and here the tensions between the human and the terra ingene sound like it would be interesting. Wonderful review Carmel!
Jeann recently posted…You by Caroline Kepnes Review: A Story of Stalker Obsession
I hope you’re first in line for this one at your library!
I love that this story focuses on the Others’ otherness, their lack of humanity. In this case, it’s a GOOD thing because the humans, for the most part, suck. LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Mary recently posted…Top Off Tuesday: The One With the Smolder
ME TOO!!! Humans are rarely the villains in paranormal fiction, so I totally love that the author flipped that way of thinking on its ass.
MUCH love for this series. Of course you gave it 5 stars. I had to give it 4.5 stars only because there were a few times I would’ve like to speed it up because there was a couple of slow scenes. But other than that it was another great book by Ms. Bishop.
Jennifer recently posted…Joint Review | Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
I blame the narrator for those slow parts; I switched to reading, and had 0 problems with the pacing.
I’m glad you read this one instead of reading it. The narration of this series sucks and doesn’t do justice to the awesomeness that is this series.
I also need more Meg & Simon! I can’t believe we need to wait one year for next book. *cries hiding in a corner*
BookaholicCat recently posted…Hot Off the Press: March 3rd Releases
The innovating world and great characters seem to make this one great!
I AM READING THIS BOOK AND I AM FREAKING OUT!! THAT’S ALL. IT’S ACTUALLY A RE-READ :p
Don’t you just love that last chapter? I was crying and grinning so hard. And you’re right, Carmel. The cure is more MEG AND SIMON!!!
Paula M recently posted…SHORT REVIEWS: Painless, You Own Me, Soul Crossed a.k.a painful, no thanks, stressville
I am with you on that, Carmel! Bishop causes horrendous book hangovers like no other! Brilliant review!
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