Audible Book Review: Etched in Bone, A Novel of the Others by Anne Bishop

I do like this creative series.

Etched in Bone
A Novel of the Others
By: Anne Bishop
Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 03-07-17
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy, Shifters
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's summary
New York Times best-selling author Anne Bishop returns to her world of the Others, as humans struggle to survive in the shadow of shape-shifters and vampires far more powerful than themselves….
After a human uprising was brutally put down by the Elders - a primitive and lethal form of the Others - the few cities left under human control are far-flung. And the people within them now know to fear the no man's land beyond their borders - and the darkness....
As some communities struggle to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed, though Simon Wolfgard, its wolf shifter leader, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn must work with the human pack to maintain the fragile peace. But all their efforts are threatened when Lieutenant Montgomery's shady brother arrives, looking for a free ride and easy pickings.
With the humans on guard against one of their own, tensions rise, drawing the attention of the Elders, who are curious about the effect such an insignificant predator can have on a pack. But Meg knows the dangers, for she has seen in the cards how it will all end: with her standing beside a grave.
©2017 Anne Bishop (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Review:
The human communities are struggling to rebuild after the Elders of the Others brutally ended a human rebellion which was directed at killing the Others. Lakeside Courtyard has reached a delicate balance between the shifters and humans, but there are new arrivals and outsiders who threaten the peace.

Lieutenant Montgomery is a human officer who has worked well with the community. His Mother, sister and her children have moved to Lakeside and are settling in. His mother especially has found friends and a good work position. His sister is having more of a struggle, and unwittingly, has led an estranged brother, Jimmy, to think he can make an easy move to the Courtyard. Montgomery warns Simon Wolfgard that Jimmy has an unsavory past and is likely to cause trouble. Simon would like to deny Jimmy entry to the community but the Elders direct him to allow the man in so they can watch how a troublemaker behaves and impacts the pack.

Jimmy arrives with his wife and two children. His wife has no desire to work or contribute in a positive way to the community, but she does want Jimmy to bring home food and money. Their son is bullying his sister and cousins as he follows in his father’s footsteps. They may only be one family but the disruption and danger they bring is more than the Elders expected.

I enjoyed this continuation of the series. The abusive situations were hard to read and there are interesting group and family dynamics addressed in the conflicts that Ms. Bishop creates for the characters. I found the hints of future connections among the characters, particularly Simon and Meg, interesting. I recommend a reader start this series at the beginning and then they can enjoy the interaction better.

Audio Notes: Alexandra Harris does a wonderful job with the narration. She provides clear character voices and energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 10/17/22 Audible September Credit. This qualifies for 2023TBR and 2023Audiobook goals.