A lush, dark YA fantasy debut that weaves together tattoo magic, faith, and eccentric theater in a world where lies are currency and ink is a weapon, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kendare Blake.
Celia Sand and her best friend, Anya Burtoni, are inklings for the esteemed religion of Profeta. Using magic, they tattoo followers with beautiful images that represent the Divine’s will and guide the actions of the recipients. It’s considered a noble calling, but ten years into their servitude Celia and Anya know the truth: Profeta is built on lies, the tattooed orders strip away freedom, and the revered temple is actually a brutal, torturous prison.
Their opportunity to escape arrives with the Rabble Mob, a traveling theater troupe. Using their inkling abilities for performance instead of propaganda, Celia and Anya are content for the first time . . . until they realize who followed them. The Divine they never believed in is very real, very angry, and determined to use Celia, Anya, and the Rabble Mob’s now-infamous stage to spread her deceitful influence even further.
To protect their new family from the wrath of a malicious deity and the zealots who work in her name, Celia and Anya must unmask the biggest lie of all—Profeta itself.
I struggled with this book and even considered DNFing it at one point. But I’m so glad I didn’t.
With complicated worldbuilding, this isn’t a book you can skim-read. Trust me – you’ll miss some pretty important plot points and details that come into play later on. I think part of the reason I struggled was because of Celia. I just couldn’t bring myself to care about her until around the 40% mark, but that was a personal issue. The friendship between her and Anya is a thing of beauty and is written so well. Once they joined the Rabble Mob, I knew I’d finish the book. The plague doctor is a fascinating character, and his creative dialogue has hidden meanings and is something to ponder. He’s easily my favorite.
The writing style is unique and paints vivid pictures of the world of the Rabble Mob. The mob themselves are made up of unusual, delightful, loyal people – once you’re in, you’re family. I’d also like to mention the outstanding queer representation throughout the novel.
With themes of religion and magic, Ink in the Blood has a dark, heavy atmosphere, and while it may not be everyone’s brand of choice, I’m so glad I stuck with it. Days after finishing, I’m still thinking about it, and the second book is absolutely on my highly anticipated list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
This sounds vry interesting Teri.
How are you? Hope you are doing well.
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Doing great, Drew – so happy to see you back! Hope things are going well for you, also.
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Getting better by the day. Thank you.
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Wonderful to hear.
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Good review, Teri. I think the author will be glad you finished the book as well.
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I’m so glad I did, John – turned out to be a fantastic read.
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😊
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I’ve been struggling a bit with my current read too. It hit a middle slog and was growing frustrated. Too far in to DNF, but I wanted it to pick up, and boy has it ever. I was irritated last night when I had to quit reading to go to bed. Isn’t it amazing how a book can turn around like that?
Glad you enjoyed your read!
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It is, and has happened more than once to me. I always hate to DNF a book, so I stay with it as long as I can. Glad yours took a turn also, Mae.
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I do like dark, heavy atmospheres in book. I’m glad you went ahead and finished the book. Sounds like, overall, it’s pretty good.
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Dark and heavy are perfect descriptors for this one, Priscilla, and I’m sooo glad I finished it.
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I’d never heard of tattoo magic and now twice in one day I’ve seen books that use it- interesting!
These words caught my eye: in a world where lies are currency and ink is a weapon
Sounds like an interesting read!
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It was, Jacquie – world-building like I’ve never read before. It was also my first encounter with tattoo magic – pretty cool!
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This sounds very interesting Teri! I don’t know if I would have read it all if I could not immediately connect with the main charactet though!
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It took a while, Sophie. I don’t always have to connect, but with complicated world-building, I needed something else to grab onto, if that makes sense.
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