A surprisingly good story about a girl with a special power, running away from the men who want to control it.

Meg has been used for years, for she is a cassandra sangue, a blood prophet, who can see the future when her skin is cut. Meg's power is sold for money, by greedy men who want to know what the future has in store for them; while she is kept in a cell and only knows the basics of life. But then she escapes, and the only place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard--a place operated by the Others.

Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter, doesn't want to hire Meg, who inquires about the Human Liaison job. He can tell that she's hiding something--which can only mean trouble for the Courtyard. But for some reason, he can't deny her request. Meg knows she has to keep to herself, and avoid contact with anyone who might recognize her--especially the men she knows are hunting her to bring her back to her Controller. But what she doesn't expect is to find a home in the Courtyard, and a group of people who are willing to risk their lives to protect her.


This book kind of surprised the hell out of me. My good friend Hayley loved this book, and the subsequent sequels, but I don't usually read adult fiction, let alone adult paranormal/urban fantasy. But I've been in a little bit of a reading slump, brought on by reading mediocre books that I had high hopes for, so I decided to check this book out. And damn! I'm so thrilled that I did. This was amusing and funny and very interesting. It had me completely captivated--so much so that I was afraid to finish it, in case it ended badly or on a cliffhanger. It was wonderful. The whole plot was well thought out and compelling, and never predictable or unsatisfying.


I really liked Meg. I thought she was kind and simple, but very fun to read about. She was faithful almost to a fault. For a moment, I thought she was going to have a little bit of that Bella stupidity--where she unnecessarily sacrifices herself for the people she loves--but she didn't, and I was grateful. She always had a plan, and it was never carelessly sacrificial. She wasn't a very complicated character--generally shallow. But part of that was her personality; she was raised only knowing the about the basic things in life, and was never taught to actually do anything. I adored Simon, though. He was interesting and powerful. He was a leader, and I enjoyed reading from his point of view and see how he made his decisions. I loved all the other side characters as well--which was a nice surprise. They were loyal and funny and delightfully terrifying.


If I had one thing to complain about this book, it would be this: I WANTED MORE ROMANCE. I am a fool for a good love story, and this novel had none. It had chemistry, that's for sure. Simon and Meg are going to end up together. But I didn't get any kisses--or more. I wanted something. So I have high hopes for the next books. One thing is for sure, though: I have a new ship!


The writing was very good. It was pretty straight forward, without a lot of metaphor or embellishment, but that was perfectly fine. I was too wrapped up in the story to really care whether or not a simile was thrown in.

I am so excited to read the next books! And hopefully, get some romance.