Ink Blood Sister Scribe

Yet another interesting “magic” fantasy story. There seems to be a soaring popularity for these kind of books. Whatever the trope, I sure loved this book. There is indeed a lot of magic, but then there are the human connections too. The birth mother who was never much of a mother, the step mother who was much more of a mother. The strange relationship between the estranged sisters, and the fun, bantering relationship between the employer(?) and the employee. Definitely an interesting book; it is popular for a reason. 

I agree with all of the reviews saying this is a slower paced book, but whilst I usually dislike this, I think my mood was just right to pick this up and I ended up enjoying it.

The settings of The Library and Joanna's home gave me autumnal vibes and I was happy to just go along with the slower pace and soak them in.

I really liked the characters of Nicholas and Collins, they added a more fun element to the story as Joanna and Esther had their own history and issues to deal with.

All in all, I can see how this won't work for everyone, but I think it's worth a try especially at this time of year.

It took me a while to properly gel with this one, but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is urban fantasy with an interesting twist. Leaning heavily into the books about books trope, the base concept here is that there exists magical books in the world that people will literally kill to collect. The ability to sense these magical books is an inherited trait amongst certain families, with an even rarer ability to write them existing too.

You can tell this book comes from a love of books. Libraries form a large part of its setting and the quirks of book collecting inform into the story. Taking place very much in a current world this is somewhat typical urban fantasy for the most part, with the magical world hidden in plain sight.

The story begins in medias res, with one of our characters running from various problems hiding out in a base on Antarctica. Our other POV characters are maintaining a collection of magical books and listening to a recitation of their latest book creation. In someways the start was a bit jarring (and Antarctic bases are quite an extreme example of a hiding place - I struggled with the wisdom of this one as this character is required to move on a specific day each year. The Antarctic seems like an excellent place to get stuck and be unable to travel due to weather etc...). That is often the nature of such a narrative style, but I do think the three POVs in wildly different locales did not help me here. That being said, as the story continued and the POV characters were drawn together I found myself increasingly engaged in what was going on. The central mystery is well worked and satisfying in its denouement.

Urban fantasy is not necessarily a style I favour (I find the setting often gets a bit distracting and the idea that the fantasy world coexists with the real can end up feeling somewhat silly), but this books central plotting was clever enough to keep me thoroughly engaged. The central conceits of the world building were well drawn and just on the right side of a believability to work with an Urban Fantasy setting for me. One of the better examples of this sub-genre!

It begins very slowly and it was hard to connect with the characters, so I just read a couple pages at a time for awhile. The pacing also seemed too planned because each chapter ended on a cliffhanger and then we switched perspectives. I didn't mind that too much, but as it went along that got a little annoying. Towards the end of part 1, when I got to about 50%, I figured out where it was going and I didn't care about the characters enough to keep going. It wasn't bad, but I wanted more action.

A Spellbinding Tale of Family, Magic, and Transformation

This year, I take pride in my efforts to explore the realm of fantasy literature. Although I'm only delving into my third fantasy book, I'm gradually discovering the joy of immersing myself in this genre and letting its enchanting worlds sweep me away.
Ink Blood Sister Scribe, a masterfully crafted narrative of interconnected lives, loyalty, and the allure of the written word, draws readers into a mesmerizing world where magic and family bonds intertwine.
One of the most captivating aspects of this literary gem is the seamless manner in which every element of the story converges. While the revelations might not be earth-shattering, the true artistry lies in how the author meticulously employs each thread to create a harmonious and satisfying whole. The absence of loose ends showcases the author's prowess in storytelling and ensures a deeply gratifying reading experience.

Structured with three distinct points of view, Ink Blood Sister Scribe offers insights into the lives of sisters Joanna and Esther, as well as the enigmatic Nicholas. Initially isolated, each character embarks on a transformative journey, breaking free from their confinements to embrace newfound growth. Among them, Nicholas stands out as a riveting character, thanks to his profound connection with the mystical books. His perspective adds a unique layer of depth to the magical system, casting it in an entirely new light.

While Joanna's chapters sometimes falter in comparison to the others, they mirror her self-imposed restrictions, creating a genuine portrayal of her character. However, it would have been enriching to witness her evolution on par with Esther and Nicholas, transcending beyond just a romantic storyline.

The magic system that underpins Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a testament to the author's ingenuity. Rooted in books and libraries, it's both captivating and insightful, delving into themes of conservation, power dynamics, and control. The meticulously defined rules of this enchanting world elevate the reading experience, and the differing advantages and limitations of each character within the system contribute to a profound sense of camaraderie and unity among the protagonists.

Touted as a blend of magical realism and thriller, the novel's fast-paced narrative ensures it remains a page-turner. Though not steeped in heart-pounding suspense, the swiftness of the plot ensures an engaging and swift read, ideal for those seeking a touch of magic intertwined with familial bonds.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a literary work that beckons readers to explore its pages and immerse themselves in a world where magic, family, and personal growth intertwine. If you're in search of a tale that deftly navigates the realms of magic, loyalty, and transformation, this book is a must-read. Embrace the enchantment and get lost in its mesmerizing narrative today.

It took me a little while to become invested with this one, but I think that's just how it goes for me with books that start off with multiple point of views. I loved this magic system. I mean of course magic by way of book is going to be interesting to a bookworm. I guessed quite a lot of the plot before the end of part 1, but I wasn't disappointed to have been correct. I knew who Maram was, I knew that Cecily was under the NDA, and I knew Esther was a scribe. I loved the relationship between the sisters and Cecily. I loved Nicholas' perspective as a sheltered rich kid. I could have done without the romance between Johanna and Collins. It was unnecessary and felt cheap. I know she loved romance novels, but meh. It was good enough with the romance between Esther and Pearl. Overall, I really enjoyed this one, but there were definitely some unanswered questions. Who was the Asian woman that saved Esther in the airport? What was Richard really looking for with the truth spells if he was the one who planned the attack in the car? Where does the hearing magic/scribe magic originate? Did Nicholas ever use the magic carpet spell again? Okay, that last one is just something I'm curious about.