Crowbones (World of the Others)

by Anne Bishop

[Quirky Cat]

Crowbones is the latest novel in Anne Bishop's The Others series. If you haven't heard of this series, let me tell you! You're in for quite the treat. Currently, The Others is spending a bit of time near The Jumble, a rustic resort VERY near the creatures that go bump in the night.

Vicki DeVine owns and runs The Jumble, a resort on the lake's edge – and the woods. She's on the border of Others' territory, and she's happier that way. Recently though, she made the mistake of telling Crowgard and the rest about Trickster Night, so now that's happening.

On a night that should have been full of treats and harmless pranks, somebody arrived dressed as Crowbones, terrifying the few Crowgard around and sending everyone into a panic. It all goes downhill from there, with fatal consequences.

“Crowbones will gitcha if you don't watch out!”

If you haven't read The Others series by Anne Bishop, may I strongly suggest that you set aside some time to do so? This fantasy series is sublime, with lots of entertaining (and sometimes violent) characters, sharp personalities, and an expansive world to dive into.

Crowbones is the latest addition to this series, and it looks like we're sticking around Vicky and her Jumble (bed and breakfast of sorts) for a while. Given how much I love her and this particular area of the Wild, I'm thrilled with this news.

Vicky's story started in Lake Silence before taking a break in Wild Country (where we got to see a different Other-run town). Honestly, I was surprised by how happy I was to see her again – and I went into this book delighted with the news. She's a spunky and quirky character that just feels so real.

“You can’t fall if you’re already on the floor when you faint. Words to live by.”

The whole Crowbones concept made for a brilliant foundation in this book. I love the idea of Others having folklore for obvious reasons. But I feel like this is the first time we're getting to really delve into that. Unless you count talk of Elders, which I suppose we should. It would be fatal to get that one wrong.

This was a complex story, with multiple perspectives, surprises, and twists. There were times when I thought I had the whole story pieced together in my mind - only for me to be surprised by the next chapter and revelation.

I wonder where the next Others novel will be based? While I have a few theories, I can sincerely say that I'll be happy, no matter where Anne Bishop chooses to take us next.

Thanks to Ace and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks