Jared, a young pleasure slave joins the household of a woman who may be more than she seems.

While THE INVISIBLE RING is set in the same world as THE BLACK JEWELS TRILOGY, it takes place much earlier and has a rather different focus. There are some big things going on in the background, of course, but this is a fairly insular story. It's not about the clash of the titans; it's about Jared and how he comes to terms with who and what he is. Bishop sticks to his POV throughout most of the book, and Jared's emotional journey is unquestionably the focus.

I've got to admit, though, that I never became quite so invested in him as I was in the characters from the original trilogy, and this made it a little more difficult for me to sink into the story. I noticed the writing a lot more this time, and I found some of the little tangents a bit distracting. Bishop throws in a lot of inconsequential details that are great if you're really involved, but if you aren't... well, they can bog the story down.

I did enjoy it, though. Could I put it down? Not a chance! I liked the story, (which has a healthy dash of romance to it), and I enjoyed getting to see how the regular Blood live. I also thought Bishop did some nice things with Jared's character development. I was particularly taken with the way she contrasted his attitude towards honour with that of the Warlord tasked with the Gray Lady's capture.

But when you really, really enjoyed the first thing you read by a particular author, it's always a little daunting to try something new, and it's tempting to contrast the two. I gave in to that temptation, and I found that this book didn't quite measure up against its predecessors. Still, it's definitely worth reading if you like this world.

(A slightly different version of this review originally appeared on my blog, Stella Matutina). ( )

This book shares many of the elements of the Dark Jewels trilogy and even shares some of it's characters. It's not quite as good though and at times even reads a little too much like a cheesy romance novel. It was lacking in the passion of some of her other works. That being said I am compairing this to her other works which are excellent and hard to beat. This is still a good book and anyone who enjoys works by Anne Bishop, should enjoy this one as well. Overall a very good book. ( )

It's a prequel to the main trilogy. In my opinion this can also be read as a stand alone at any time through the story (at least, from the books I've read so far) as it doesn't revolve much around the main characters of the Trilogy (there is two of the main characters in it, and mention of what is awaited, but little else). I do feel, however, that I'm not sure the world would make much sense if you have not read the main trilogy. All the elements are there for sure, but it revolves more around slaves and the slave trading, than anything else, and explains little about the types of witches, which on the trilogy you end up seeing deeper into. If read after, it also gives an insight on other cultures within the world, and deepens the knowledge of it.Having read the trilogy first, I found I really enjoyed this book for what it was... but then, so far I've enjoyed all of her writing. I found the characters as lovely as ever, even the villains. ( )

A side story about another of the Blood. Jared, a feared Warlord-Prince, find that there might be another kind of Queen...

A story of hardships and difficult life from a wounded man. ( )

I cannot help but admire this author and her works. The ability to create complete and parallel worlds with interaction in a way that is simply understood; throw into the mix some fearsome, and yet honourable characters. Add a dash of romance and top it off with the ability to liaise with animals on a level that is something that all animal lovers long to be able to do, and let's face it, you have the perfect world.
For me, Ms Bishop has combined these well, and it always leaves me wanting more. I do hope we here more from her in the same vane, with some new, and some old characters thrown in the mix. There's plenty of scope here, and as usual, I'm looking forward to her next Rings novel. ( )