Corina's Reviews > Written in Red

It’s been eight years since I first read Written in Red, and now, in 2025, I’ve just finished my fourth re-read of this incredible series. It’s wild to think how long it’s been—and how this story still has me just as hooked, just as emotionally invested, and just as in love with its characters as the first time around.

I picked up Written in Red on a whim back in 2017. At the time, I had no idea it would become one of my all-time favorite series. Initially, I gave it 4 stars—probably because I didn’t realize yet just how deep the story would settle into my bones. By my second read, I knew it was a solid 5-star book. And now, several re-reads later? That rating isn’t going anywhere.

This book is comfort, tension, humor, heart, and fierce loyalty all rolled into one unforgettable world.

Meg Corbyn, a blood prophet (or cassandra sangue), escapes a life of imprisonment and finds sanctuary in the Lakeside Courtyard—a district governed by the Others. These aren’t your average paranormal creatures. They’re primal, ancient, and view humans as little more than meat. Literally. And yet somehow, Meg, with her vulnerability and quiet courage, becomes something sacred to them.

She steps into the role of Human Liaison—someone who interacts between the human world and the terrifying, non-human population of the Courtyard. She starts out afraid, naïve, and unsure, but her sincerity and innate goodness slowly shift the entire community. She doesn't fight her way in—she changes the people (and creatures) around her just by being herself.

And then there’s Simon Wolfgard. Leader of the Courtyard. Shape-shifting wolf. Perpetually grumpy alpha with zero patience for human nonsense—and an even harder time understanding the strange pull Meg has on him. Their connection is a slow-burn in the truest sense: filled with tension, confusion, care, and moments that are unexpectedly tender. Watching their relationship evolve has been one of the highlights every single time I read this book.

The world Anne Bishop builds here is one I never tire of. It’s dark and dangerous, yes, but also rich with detail, culture, and lore. The Others aren’t just window dressing—they have complex societies, codes of conduct, and a kind of brutal elegance that makes them unforgettable. There’s real risk here. Real stakes. And that makes the moments of connection and safety hit even harder.

And Meg—sweet, steady Meg—is still the heart of it all. She’s not flashy or fierce in the traditional fantasy heroine sense, but she’s one of the strongest characters I’ve ever read. Her compassion is her superpower. Her resilience, her ability to create community in the unlikeliest of places, is something that’s only grown more meaningful with time.

Final Thoughts:
Eight years later, Written in Red still feels like coming home to a place that’s wild, strange, and surprisingly warm. It’s a book I reach for when I need to reconnect—with characters I love, with a world that never gets old, and with stories that remind me of why I fell in love with reading in the first place.

If you’re ever looking for a series that blends dark fantasy, complex creatures, found family, and slow-burn everything, this is it. And if it’s been a while? Go ahead—re-read it. It only gets better.