Written in Red (The Others book #1) by Anne Bishop

 Title: Written in Red

                                                                   Author: Anne Bishop

                                                                   Published: March 5th 2013 by, NAL Hardcover

                                                                   Series: The Others

                                                                   Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy

                                                                   Stars: 4/5

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg’s Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard—a business district operated by the Others. 

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she’s keeping a secret, and second, she doesn’t smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide if she’s worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

I've read a lot of Urban Fantasy books with similar topics, that I was pretty happy to find something new within that genre. Whilst it does have the similar sub-categories seen in many books (vampires, werewolves, witches etc), these supernatural beings (or the Others, as they are called in this book) are on top of the pyramid. There’s not secrecy as to what they are and humans are afraid of them. They even have their own little communities within a city and humans are not really welcomed.

The Others and the humans have a very unstable and rocky relationship with one another. They don’t see humans as desirable as other books have portrayed, but they’re more likely to devour them there and then. However, when Meg enters the scene everything is turned upside down. She’s given a job within their community, just like a few humans are, but despite looking a human, she doesn't smell like a human and treats everyone the same; with kindness, that did not expect. It throws everyone off their guard.

I liked Meg. I think, albeit the horror she’s been through, she is utterly brave to work and live with the Others. She sometimes has a childlike mind and I guess is one of the many qualities that make the Others gradually like her and ultimately take her in as one of them. I especially liked her ability and the reactions of everyone when they find out what she really is!

In terms of the romance department, there wasn't much. We all know the Meg will end up with Simon as the series progresses. However, we can see Simon become more fonder of Meg within this book. Albeit I am still hoping that something might, just might, happen between Meg and the vampire!