Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop
The Others Series #4
4.5 / 5 Stars
399 Pages
Originally Published in 2016
Finished Reading on June 30, 2024
There’s something about Anne Bishop’s The Others series that feels like coming home to an old friend – albeit one who occasionally brings chaos and danger to your doorstep. Picking up Marked in Flesh, I found myself instantly drawn back into the intricate balance of humans, Others, and the every-looming conflict between them. This book delivered everything I hoped for: heart-pounding tension, moments of levity, and a deepening of the relationships I’ve grown to love.
“You don’t fight against the storm; you find a way to survive it.”
What I Loved
Anne Bishop is a master at weaving intense world-building with emotional storytelling, and Marked in Flesh is no exception. This installment raises the stakes for both humans and the Others as tensions escalate to a boiling point. I particularly loved how the story explored themes of community and resilience – how alliances were formed in the face of overwhelming odds.
Meg’s growth continues to shine, and the dynamic between her and Simon was beautifully nuanced without overshadowing the larger narrative. And while the story was darker this time, Bishop’s signature moments of humor and hope helped balance the tension.
“When you’re fighting for survival, you discover who you really are.”
What I Didn’t Love
If there’s one critique, it’s that the sheer scope of the story meant there were moments when the secondary characters didn’t get as much attention as I wanted. Some threads felt rushed, and I found myself longing for more depth in a few subplots. Good news is that the main storyline kept me so engrossed that this was more of a minor quibble than a true downside.
“The world doesn’t need to be perfect to be worth saving.”
Final Thoughts
Marked in Flesh is a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and the courage it takes to face insurmountable odds. The book explores the complexities of coexistence, showing both the beauty and the tension that arise when vastly different groups are forced to work together. At its heart, this story is about survival – not just of individuals, but of entire communities learning to rebuild in the face of devastation.
This book is for:
- Fans of richly imagined urban fantasy worlds
- Readers who enjoy character-driven stories with strong emotional arcs
- Anyone who loves a blend of tension, heart, and humor in their fantasy reads
Marked in Flesh is a gripping and emotional installment in The Others series, filled with tension, heart, and moments of triumph. Anne Bishop continues to deliver a story that’s equal parts thrilling and heartfelt. This book is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone looking for a complex, immersive urban fantasy world.
It’s 4.5 / 5 stars from me!
What are your thoughts on how humanity and otherworldly beings coexist in fiction? Would you thrive or struggle in a world like this?