Vision in Silver (The Others, #3)

by Anne Bishop

"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..."--

• ISBN10: 1101635118
• ISBN13: 9781101635117
• Publish Date: 3 March 2015
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Penguin Publishing Group
• Format: eBook
• Language: English

Reviews

[EBookObsessed]

Such great world building in this series. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys urban fantasy and paranormal novels.

The terra indigene have freed all of the Cassandra Sangue from their benevolent ownership by the man known as The Controller. The problem now is what to do with them. Worse yet, the compound where Meg was kept isn’t the only place where these girls have been kept “for their own safety.” Meg sees a prophecy of a very young and very pregnant girl abandoned by the side of the road being killed by truck, the terre indigene rush to find her before it is too late. The terre indigene and the Intuits come to realize that these girls weren’t only kept to cut for profit and prophecy, they were being bred to make more prophets.

They have spread the girls out among some of the Intuit and simple life farms and villages but they are not equipted to deal with the girls. Some of the girls are so overwhelmed by life outside of the compounds they were kept and the routines by which they existed. They are cutting themselves with no knowledge of how to make the cuts they crave and some are making that final cut. Everyone is scrambling to figure out have to save these girls who only wanted a life outside of captivity and pain. Even Meg, who has been part of the Courtyard for several months, flounders with the need to cut for prophecies and learning when the prickling is crucial and when it should be ignored. Meg has been working with one of her human friends, Merri Lee, on recording and interpreting the images which Meg sees.

It is Meg and her human pack who realize that the girls are being overwhelmed by so much new information, that their minds are shutting down and they come up with a plan to help ease the girls into the real world, but is it too late for many of them?

I think my favorite is the one the terre indigene refer to as the “Hope pup.” She is an artist. She was kept from drawing at the compound so that she did not dilute her ability to prophecize. But the terra indigene are encouraging her in an attempt to keep her from cutting and her drawings are frightening in their accuracy and what they show coming.

This series has such great world building and the terre indigene, who are animals who can shift to human, have a different interpretation of the world than usual shifters in paranormal stories. The Courtyard is unique even in this world since the addition of Meg and her human friends who have become the Human Pack. Simon and the rest of the terre indigene need to keep a balance between the usual needs and desires of the terra indigene and the humans in their small community. What they didn’t realize when they started accepting humans into their group was that not only were the humans watching but so were The Others, the ancient beings that even the terre indigene feared. The Others are seeing what is happening and they are using the examples set by Simon, Meg and the Courtyard on how they will be dealing with the humans causing all the problems.

This is such a great series and I am actually glad I came in late in the series so that I can speed through it. I would recommend the audiobooks on this one since Alexandra Harris does a great job with the various characters here.

See more at EBookObsessed.com

[Linda]

Vision in Silver made me go to bed way too late - but it was impossible to stop reading! I needed to know what would happen next. I love all the different interactions between characters. The character developments continue to be fantastic, and the overall story is both captivating and a little scary.

[wyvernfriend]

Interesting, complicated relationships and politics and a world full of believable others.

[jesstheaudiobookworm]

4 ★ Audiobook⎮ A whole lot of nothing happened in this installment. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed the crap out of it. But it was nowhere near as exciting as the first two installments. In fact, parts of it were a downright snoozefest. There was way too much talking and not enough action. Capt. Montgomery was a good secondary character in the previous installments, but he is super boring in the spotlight. This book actually make me not like him a little. Not because of anything he did (he's still a standup guy), but mainly because of the overexposure of the character. I'm not sure how the author intended me to feel about his daughter, but I absolutely hated her. The spoiled, bratty, petulant child trope is my absolute least favorite character trope of all time. Ick.

I will say that I'm enjoying the crawling pace at which the romantic angle of the plot is developing. It is taking a backseat to the larger plot points (and by "backseat", I mean that it's almost nonexistent). However, something that is sort of is bothering me (and has been for the last couple of books) is everyone's instant loyalty/protection to Meg. I sort of get it, but at the same time, not really. I guess it's one of those things you just have to go with (suspension of disbelief and all that). That's the only aspect of this story that I can say is maybe just a little bit underdeveloped/under-justified.

Despite all of that and despite this installment clearly being a "bridge book" between the second and fourth installments, I'm still crazy about Bishop's character/world/plot development style. And even though I could feel my enthusiasm for this series steadily waning during this installment, I never wanted to stop listening. It was more "hurry up and get through this to get to the fourth installment" than anything. I've heard that the fourth installment is way better, so I didn't completely mind having to wade through a slumpish third installment. Most great series go through a slump or have a "bridge book" out of necessity to the overall story (just ask George R. R. Martin). However, I am considering waiting a few days before beginning Marked in Flesh (#4) just to give myself some breathing room. I've basically been zipping through this series nonstop since discovering it. It's been like having a chocolate for breakfast every day of the week. No matter how much you love chocolate (which I do, a lot), you're bound to need a break sooner or later. It doesn't mean you stopped liking chocolate or that the chocolate is bad. Sometimes you just need a break to be able to fully enjoy it again (sorry I use so many food analogies).

[liz089]

Read more about this review and others on my blog Freyja Eats Books

REVIEW.
This is the third book in The Others series, a series that I really fell in love with a couple of months back. It is such a fresh and new series, with a lot of action and anticipation, and likeable characters. I’m enjoying it very much and was very happy when I got my hands on the next one.

Typically me, because I read the first two books in paperback, I had to have and read this one in the same format. Maybe (okay probably) a bit silly, but I prefer it that way. So when it came in I wanted to start it right away.. only I had a problem.. The book came in disfigured ! Pages stuck out and it was damaged on the outside.. So I had to send it back and got myself later a new copy at a bookstore.
But then when I finally got a good one and started, life happened. I got married, my grandmother died suddenly, I got a house, and my mum is sick.. So between all of handling that, I had no time at all to actually READ. Which really sucked.. But now things are starting to settle down a bit and I have some time for reading again.

So after all of that, I FINALLY finished this book ! And no, it did not go slow because I had trouble reading it, but because of life. And I was so happy to read more about this world and its inhabitants.

The story continues with Meg and Simon and all the others at Lakeside Courtyard. This one starts with trouble for of the detectives, Monty. His little girl Lizzy suddenly stands before him without her mother. Who turns out, to have been murdered and Lizzy was there.. But why ? By who ? And what kind of secrets got her killed ? And why are they still after Lizzy ? While they get to know more and more about those questions the HFL movement is growing and growing and more trouble is starting between humans and the Others.
Meanwhile, Meg is trying to get more control over her abilities and how she can prevent unnecessary cuts. And not only that, but a lot of the Blood Prophets are having trouble adjusting outside of the facilities. Together with the Others and the human pack they try to formulate some sort of hand guide for them so they can start living.
At the end, the trouble with the HFL escalates, and it will have serious repercussions that we will no doubt get to know more about in the next book.

This book was so exciting once again.

I love how, like in the previous part, the world keeps getting bigger and we get to know more about places and people. How everything keeps developing and is never standing still. I love reading more about this world and its people.

Just like the world, the plot is getting bigger and we are nearing the BIG bad so to say. You feel it in the background the whole time, like something bad is about to happen, and every small thing can set it off. It keeps that kind of creepiness to it, that starting building in the previous books, but it is getting closer and closer. It gives me kind of an anxious feeling (but a good one).

Once again the romance is not really happening, and that is the only thing that I would like to have developed more. Yes, this is not a romance novel and not what the plot is about. But it is THERE between Meg and Simon and I wished they acknowledge it more and start doing something with it. Of course, more important stuff is happening.. but I miss it a bit.

FAVORITE Quotes.
“No one else has the right to decide if or when we cut our skin, but if we don’t learn to interpret the warning signs that tell us if we really need to cut, we can become the enslavers as well as the enslaved. We can become our own enemy.”
.
“Some of you have become like the Intuits – you’re considered not edible because you’ve made a bargain with the Terra Indigene that will benefit both sides.” He looked at Pete and let a hint of the Wolf show through the human form. “But most humans are clever meat. They are also predators that came to our land and keep trying to encroach on our territory. We won’t allow it. We never have. That’s something humans tend to forget.”
.
Vlad watched them go, relieved he didn’t have to make this decision o his own. A pack of human females and some Crows in a building full of things to buy. He sat back and sighed. “And humans think vampires are scary.”

FINAL THOUGHTS.
So yeah, I really liked this part and it keeps getting better. The story is not weakening, but only getting stronger and more appealing the deeper and farther it goes. So, I would like to give this one 4 Freyja’s, only the -1 because I’m starting to get annoyed about the lack of romance. She should do more with that !! But well, I’m very curious about the next part, and hope to start it soon !

[nitzan_schwarz]

JUST POSTED ON THE BLOG! 

You don't know this about me, but I don't buy full-priced kindle books. I wait for discounts or buy a physical copy because I love physical copies and if the kindle version costs more than a PB... Imma get the PB, you get me?

This book is the only exception. I tried to resist. Tried to wait to February '16 to get the paperback copy. But then I just broke down and clicked that buy now button and I regret nothing even though my wallet is not speaking to me at the moment! 

Vision in Silver was so good. It had everything you could ever wish for and more. It's amazing how with every book I notice more and more reasons to adore this series.

The thing that really stood out to me in this installment is the realization that not one character is wasted. A lot of books, they bring in characters to adorn the pages but not be anything other than pretty decoration. Not in The Others series, a point driven home in Vision in Silver. 

Every character that enters the page has a meaning, a role. And no role is a small one. Characters that were introduced for a page or two in Murder of Crows are suddenly shown to have huge impact on the Others and the Courtyard--and the whole of Thisia.

To me, this just shows how talented Bishop is... and how she knows exactly what she plans to do with everything. 

And by the end of the book, so do we, as we see a glimpse of where the journey of The Others is leading. But knowing where we want to end up doesn't mean we have any idea how we can get there. All roads lead to Rome, but some roads are more difficult and treacherous than others, and I have a feeling things are going to get intense now that the stakes are so high. 

Possible human extermination high. 

Now, lets talk about something really important. MY SHIP. You guys. You guys. Meg and Simon. MEG AND SIMON. 

Seriously, if you told me a year ago that I could be so excited about two characters HOLDING HANDS and consider it sufficient development to allow my shipper heart to go on, I would've laughed at your face.

BUT THEY HOLD HAND. I REPEAT: WE GET HAND HOLDING. And it's like, the cutest thing ever. 

Considering my reaction to the hand holding, if we ever get a full kiss I might just pass out. And should we get the babies I so desperately want for these two I'd probably die. But I'll die happy. 

[kimbacaffeinate]

Five Caffeinated reasons to hug, read, and caress Vision in Silver

The world Anne Bishop has created known, as Thasia is breathtakingly beautiful with unique shifter creatures and a society that continues to blow my mind. This series is in a league of it’s own. In Vision in Silver, we learn more about how the world works from land leasing to the terra indigene who live in the wilds.

There are quite a few characters from terra indigene to humans and gods above and below Bishop gives them each depth and unique personalities. Since my experience has always been audio first, I wondered if my ability to keep track of who was who had something to do with Alexandra Harris, the brilliant narrator. *shakes head* While she adds depth that I love it is Bishop who clearly defines them. She makes me care about them all from the little girl who needs a wolf protector to the Crows and their obsession with all things shiny.

Meg Corbyn and Simon Wolfgard are the main characters and their interaction and growing friendship/relationship warms my heart, and makes me giggle as it continues to progress. Simon is the leader of the Lakeside Courtyard and until Meg came along he had very little understand of humans. This has caused some hilarious moments as Meg and Simon learn about each other. I love them together and while it has not progressed to a romance (yet), their bond is fascinating to watch.

Vision in Silver has a suspenseful plot with multiple threads that weave together. The released Cassandra sangue are having trouble adapting to freedom and Meg plays a role in helping them. Food shortages and the Humans First and Last movement are stirring up trouble. An unexpected young visitor stirs things up, and we see a change from Simon concerning “some humans.” Events and his action change things in the courtyard and beyond.

Anne Bishop has created a world that is truly brilliant. Her writing style, character perception and ability to create an engaging tale held me spellbound. Every book in this series has been as strong as its predecessor and each increased my love of the series. I consumed Vision in Silver in a single day and cried when I closed the book for the simple fact that I have to wait another year. Bishop ended the tale wrapping up the current threads and having us excited to return.

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[littleread1]

Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to see how things play out after the things that went down here.

More to come soon :-)

I am continually fascinated by the world Bishop has created in The Other's series. The spin she has put on shifters, vampires, and other supernatural creatures is intriguing and surprising. Even when you think you know how they will react, they can still do things that baffle. SILVER still focuses on Meg, but we get to know Simon and Meg's human 'pack' a bit better - along with a bigger scope on how the Lakeside Courtyard is different from the rest of the world, or the country at least.

I have to say I was not impressed with the first book, but each one grows on me more and more. SILVER is my favorite. We have seen Meg grow, as well as Simon, and the rest of the Courtyard. They have fewer easily avoidable conflicts, because all parties have realized that open communication is key. For the most part Meg has full integrated into the daily operations of the Courtyard, so many of her interactions are turning more toward personal growth and learning about herself.

Something I am struggling to understand, and maybe this is something that will be explained in more detail soon, is how Meg, with no experience outside the institution she was raised, survived to even make it to the Courtyard. With all that is happening to the newly freed cassandra sangue in this story, it makes her survival even more incredible than we already thought.
If you haven't picked up these books yet - do it. Because this review won't make sense otherwise. This world is so different yet so similar to ours I want to keep everything as vague as possible. So read it. And come back here and let me know what you think!

[Melanie]

My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.

Plot
Three major plot threads in Visions in Silver. One, everyone is looking to Meg "the Trailblazer" to figure out how to help the other Cassandra Sangue survive in the outside world. Second, Lizzy, Lieutenant Montgomery's daughter, is found on a train by herself by Nathan. Everyone from Toland is looking for her and her "boo bear". Third, there it the increasing struggle between the others and the Humans First and Last movement. HFL is not only going after the others, but any human branded a "wolf lover", any human that is not willing to fight against the others.

Characters
This series has some very outstanding and wide variety of characters. Meg, our blood profit and friend to the others, is still working to make her way through the outside world. Simon is still trying to figure out his relationship with Meg. We get to see more of Montgomery and his daughter, who is a very interesting character. The number "non-edible" humans keeps increasing, as much as this drives Simon crazy.

What I loved
This series continues to impress me. It is extremely high on my list of favorite Urban Fantasy series. While the story is very dark, there are still moments when I find myself chuckling. For example, Meg get very upset with herself when she upsets Nathan. She hugs him while he was in wolf form and starts balling.

"She cried on me." Nathan said. "I couldn't understand most of what she said, but she cried until my fur was wet." … "There is nothing in my fur is there" Simon gave the other wolf a careful look. "No boogers" "Good, I hate washing boogers out of fur" "Who doesn't? What comes out of human noses are disgusting."

Narration
This is a series that I will only listen to on audio. While I wouldn't normally like Alexandra Harris for most Urban Fantasy series, she is perfect for this one. She really brings out the innocence of Meg. Each character has very distinct voice. Ms. Harris does a great job with each character from the children like Lizzy and Sam, all the way to the adults including the crows with their inquisitiveness, the Sanguinati, elementals and the wolves. She does a great job in pulling out the different personalities of each character. I can't imagine reading instead of listening to this series.

I like to thank Penguin Audio for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Silvara]

Check out my other reviews, discussions and link ups at Fantasy of the Silver Dragon.



I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.



"Humans were like sticky vines. If you didn't escape at the first touch, you got more and more tangled up."

 

It seems like by the third book, Meg should be growing more. Or at least that's what I've seen others complain about, as far as book 2 went. But in book three, you find out it's only been 4.5 months since Meg came to the Courtyard. A lot has happened in such a short time. Especially for Meg, who led such a sheltered life before running away.

And she is growing. She's learning when she actually needs to make a cut, verses when she can use the tingles in her skin to narrow down where the danger is. She is learning what sends her into information overload; what has to stay the same all the time in order to keep her sane, and what can change in her environment that won't scare her.

And she and her human friends, are making a book. The Guide To Blood Prophets, that they are sending out to the places the Others have taken the cassandra sangue they rescued in the 2nd book. So these girls have a chance to attempt to live like Meg does, instead of the over-controlled life they had in the compounds.

We also finally get the storyline about Lizzy, Lieutenant Monty's daughter in this book. Lizzy herself doesn't play a huge part, but she sets in motion a big plotline that we will get to see more of in the next book.

The dancing around each other that happened in the 2nd book, takes a backseat again in this book. Simon and Meg are still potentially interested in each other as more than friends, but with the new threat to the world, they aren't dwelling on it much. Nearly everyone around them can tell that they are all but dating, but the two of them don't seem to realize. Which can make for some amusing moments.

I really loved this book. So much so, that I'll be buying myself a copy when it comes out. I don't often do that with ARCs I've received, but this series is so good I have to own all of them. If you haven't read book 1 yet, you need to!

This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon