Cheryl C. (moondance120) reviewed on 4/12/2015 + 422 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Half blinded by the storm, she stumbled into the open area between two buildings.

Meg Corbyn is a Cassandra sangue or blood prophet who has escaped from her Controller. She seeks sanctuary in the Lakeside Courtyard which is controller by the Others. Human law does not apply within the confines of the Courtyard. Humans enter at their own risk knowing that they are considered meat to the residents. Simon Wolfgard runs a bookstore in the Courtyard and is the leader of the Courtyard. He is tasked with hiring a Human Liaison to serve as a point of contact with the human community. Meg does not smell like prey when she arrives poorly dressed in a snowstorm. Simon is curious about her but still offers her the position. The Business Association is surprised at their leader's uncharacteristic behavior with a human. Little by little, the Courtyard residents become attached to Meg and consider her one of their own.

The police in nearby Lakeside have formed a team of officers to interact with the Others. Lieutenant Crispin James Montgomery "Monty" has been sent to Lakeside after shooting a human pedophile that was attacking a Wolf. Monty was not aware that the child was a Wolf and left her with the wounded man and Monty was held accountable for the man's death. He becomes the officer in charge of the Lakeside Courtyard patrol. Meg sends off warnings in his head when he meets her. Her obvious innocence and mannerisms make him unsure of her position in the Courtyard.

Meg's childlike persona makes her the perfect caregiver for Simon's nephew, Sam. Sam reverted to Wolf pup after his mom was killed and has not been able to shift for two years. Meg finds a way to get him out and about that horrifies some of the Courtyard residents. Her unknowing actions while Simon is away creates a bad situation for her. Her innocence also attracts the attention of the senior vampire in the Courtyard. He allows her passage where no other human has ever gone...and returned.

Meg seems to bring out the best in everyone she meets. The Elemental, Winter considers her a friend. The ponies that carry the mail learn to love her after she gives them treats. The Crows are her ever faithful watchers. And Tess, the really scary owner of A Little Bite, takes her under her wing, something no one expects.

With the help of a meddling human, Asia Crane, Meg's Controller discovers her hideaway and comes after her. This is something that the residents of the Courtyard along with Monty and his patrol will not allow.

There are simply so many good things to say about this book. I was just blown away. The fact that the Others are not portrayed as animals that can be easily influenced by humans was huge. These are not cuddly weres that want to fall in love with humans. The Others refer to humans as monkeys and the local butcher shop often offers "special meat" after a human ends up somewhere he is not allowed. The Courtyard has very strict rules about human activity inside the walls. One infraction can cost you your life.

The relationship between Meg and Sam is one of the best I have ever read. The two are so innocent and vulnerable. The story of the safety line applies to them both.

I don't know how I missed out on the wonderful book when it was released. I am eager to read the next one in the series as soon as possible.

A HUGE 5 stars on this one!

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