Sadly this book just didn’t grab as much as I hoped it would. I put it down and picked it up multiple times but I just couldn’t connect with it. Super bummed.

I will not be giving feedback on this book as I couldn’t really get into it but I think others may enjoy it.

You know what's rare to find these days, especially in YA books? Fresh and original ideas. And that's exactly what this was. Conpletely unexpected - in all the best ways.

Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal is the first book of the young adult fantasy series by the same name, Ink in the Blood. Being a continuing fantasy series the books of course should be read in order to be best understood as the story will continue on in the second book.

Celia and her best friend, Anya, have spent ten years in servitude at Profeta. Celia and Anya are what are known as inklings, they give religious tattoos full of magic in the name of Profeta. Now Celia and Anya see a way out and are auditioning to join a traveling troupe of performers known as the Rabble Mob. Celia and Anya want to use their abilities as inklings to gain a place among the performers.

Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal for me was another fantasy novel that got off to a very very slow start. Of course pacing is always the biggest factor that brings fantasy stories down for me so the slow start put this one on a unsteady foot before it really began. The story did pick up a bit as it went on and it did make me curious as to what would happen enough to finish this first book. However, I do believe I will pass on continuing this series with this first coming in at two and a half stars for me. I do seem to be in the minority again as I see a lot of others loving this one.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Okay the world building on this one was phenomenal! I felt transported into a Cirque du Soleil tattoo parlour! Smejkal has such a beautiful descriptive talent....I felt like I could have quoted large chunks of her prose for craft classes! I found the pronoun usages confusing at time but I understand the sentiment behind this massive undertaking and respect her for the message.

After several chapters I knew it would not appeal to my students and do not plan to purchase it. Thank you for the opportunity to read it for preview purposes.

Super strong start and I really loved it but then it started to lag. The initial world building carried me through for a while but by the end I was struggling to care. I really wanted to like this book because the premise was so fun but in the end I don't think I'll be finishing the duology.

Celia and Anya have spent years as inklings for the religion Profeta. They use magic to transfer tattoos onto others, giving those that receive them the Divine's guidance in a beautiful and permanent way. Being an inkling is an esteemed position, but Celia and Anya know that Profeta is built on lies and the tattoos they carefully craft are only a form of control. When they are given the chance to escape by joining a band of travelling performers called the Rabble Mob, the pair finally discover freedom and a new family. Their new life is threatened when Celia discovers that the Divine is very real and very determined to use Celia, Anya, and the traveling performers to spread Profeta farther than ever before.

There were so many things to love about this book: tattoo magic, strange and enchanting performances, a struggle against a divine entity, a fantastic MC friendship, and an LGBTQ+-friendly world. Overall, I'm so glad I read this strange and unique story. I wanted more and less though. I would've loved it more if the writing was a little less over-the-top dramatic, and I wasn't very into the romance storyline. I found the world fascinating, but it was not as defined as I would've liked. The friendship between Celia and Anya and the struggle against the Divine were the highlights of this story for me. I'd recommend this one if a strange, dark tale full of stage performances and a battle against religion sounds interesting to you!

No good review of mine starts without a mini review of the cover! I think that this cover is both extremely simple and complex in the best away possible. At first glance, it’s just a red anatomical heart shaped thing (At least, it looks like a heart to me. It could very well just be an oval) surrounded by dots and diamonds and lines. However, once you look past the title and deep into the red area of the cover, you’ll see so much symbolism and imagery. We’ve got ink, daggers, skills, moths, plants, hands, and so much more. Seeing the image on screen doesn’t do this highly detailed, classic american tattoo style cover justice! Also, I only have an arc paperback copy, so I can only imagine how striking it must be in person on a finished hardback!

To get into the book itself, Ink in the Blood is such a unique book, unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The magic/religious system involves ink and tattoos, which is so interesting (and explains the direction for the cover design and title typography.) The first chapter alone was ripe with worldbuilding and character establishment, which could’ve be overwhelming if the author hadn’t handled it perfectly. I felt like I was being eased into the world, because it starts outside of it. I was still confused at times, but it was a great introduction. I did find myself a bit bored in some of the earlier chapters as I was introduced to the world and its characters, and mainly I wanted the circus/theater storyline that I had been promised, but trust me, the build up throughout the book is totally worth it. Don’t get discouraged.

I want to talk about so much from the book, but I won’t because of spoilers. Just know that there’s so much dark whimsy in the book, so if that and unique magic appeal to you, you’ll probably like this. I can see why people that say that fans of Leigh Bardugo’s work will be fans, because it’s amazingly written and has such a dark grittiness to it. This is Kim Smejkal’s debut novel, and I can’t wait to see where she’ll go from here!

I’d give Ink in the Blood 4 out of 5 stars!

ARC received by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am so, so far behind in reading things. I actually checked this book out from work instead of reading it digitally because I was that far behind. This was an interesting book that I have mixed feelings about. While the premise was great, it felt like there was just something lacking in certain parts. There was a supporting character that the reader is supposed to feel sympathy for and I just didn't. Probably because that character didn't get very much page time before that moment. I felt like I just knew the two main characters and everyone else was sort of just there. Which could have been part of the point of the book who knows. Due to that I am lowering my rating just because I really wanted to connect with all these characters and just couldn't.

I did request the second book because that cliffhanger left me wanting more. Which is why I am bumping this up to three stars because it is a good sign that I do want to read more in this series.

I am so happy that I got the chance to read such an amazing book. Full of magic, magic of Ink. I had so much reading this book. Book revolves around the divine power of Inkling. Mob follows what ink says. They do as the ink says to them. If there is something good, evil will be right beside it. Just like it, if Divine which is symbol of good is present, Diavala will be. She symbolize the evil.

This is a story of Inkling Celia, who wants to escape her mob, and be a part of theater, which she always dreamt of doing. The mob becomes her family but when Diavala comes in the scene everything starts to turn to worse. Diavala resembles so much of Hela (Thor sister), if you are a Marvel fan you will know. Gosh, her personality pretty accurate for a devil.

The best part of the book is the play. What they perform in front of people is JUST WONDERFUL. I loved the play. It was the highlight of this book.  Apart from this, there is a truth that needs to be unfold.  Truth which is bitter but necessary to be spoken.

I will highly recommend this book if you are a fan of fantasy. This book is THE ONE.

Dark fantasy. Tattoo magic. Rebelling against gods. Carnival atmosphere. Night Circus vibes. Yes please.

Characters: Here I am again gushing about found families. Who is surprised? Ceila and Anya are such a refreshing relationship. It is rare that the focus of the characters is friendship. Both of these girls were separated from their families and taken into a religious sanction due to their gift of tattoo magic. They became each other’s family and they were by far one of my favorite parts of this book. They are determined to change the ways of the corrupt religion that controls their country. They are a fierce team and nothing will stand in their way. I enjoyed the other characters as well, especially the theatre troupe they join, the Rabble Mob. The plague doctor was a very unique, dark, and interesting character.

I also have to mention the great representation throughout this book. The main character, Celia, is bisexual and as the story progresses we meet several people who are gay, lesbian, straight, or prefer he, she or they as their pronoun.

“Just like that, he’d hopped on board her ship without realizing that the deck was rotted.”

World: Okay the atmosphere is fantastic and the magic was so unique. The magic is based on religious lore. The divine sends messages to people through the inklings, which are individuals who are gifted with this type of tattoo magic. They essentially tattoo themselves and then it transfers to the people who the message is designated to. Celia and Anya are inklings but they are doubting the religion and start to see that the messages may be affecting people’s lives in negative ways. They start to slowly rebel in small ways until they all together escape the religion and join a theatre troupe. If you are a fan of Night Circus, Caraval, or traveling circus trope then you will definitely love this one.

General thoughts: I did find myself getting confused in the writing from time to time. Sometimes the perspective would shift in a way I wasn’t expecting. I also think I also just found some of the performances to be confusing in an almost too whimsical way. Still loved the overall story and plot.

The core of this story is dealing with free will and freedom. It’s about believing in yourself and not letting the ideals and values of others dictate your life. I loved this so much and I literally can not wait for the sequel…. I need to spend more time with these characters and this world.

I was a part of the Street Team for Ink in the Blood and had the opportunity to read an eARC of the book, so thank you Kim Smejkal and HMH Books for Young Readers!

My Rating: 3.5 / 5 🌟

To be honest with you, I had really low expectations going into this book because of the Goodreads rating, but that might have a blessing after all since I found this book to be such an emotional and refreshing ride for me.

Ink in the Blood follows Celia, an Inkling, which is some what of a servant for the temple, and how she and her best friend, Anya is trying to escape from their lives at the temple by joining a travelling theater trope. That's as far as I would go with the book synopsis and I'll just leave the rest of it for you to find out by reading the book.

I think one of the most beautiful aspects of Ink in the Blood was the friendship Celia and Anya had throughout the whole book. While their sexual orientation was never fully admitted, it was hinted that Celia was attracted to both man and woman. And yet her relationship with Anya was only of the most purest love between close friends. Celia and Anya's friendship expanded over a decade and I love how the author provided flashbacks of their friendship during those times, and we even get to see how they first met. While there was a romantic subplot in the story, I think the aspect of friendship was the one that truly stole my heart.

Speaking of friendship, the members of the Rabble Mob, which is the traveling theater group was another aspect that I liked. The Mob consists of a lot of people and it was definitely a risk to have them to be a part of the story. While I'm not as invested with them, I still think Kim did a spectacular job with these side characters. We don't get to know much about them beyond the surface level but in hindsight, I truly understood why the author went along with this choice. Either way, I still really liked all of them.

The magic system is definitely something I find to be REALLY refreshing. Tattoo magic? Definitely not something you read often in YA fantasy and I absolutely loved every second of capturing this new type of magic system. As for the story itself, I think Kim did a spectacular job with the plot and the promise, especially with the story she was trying to display.

And last but not least, THE DIVERSITY IN THIS BOOK. When I heard about how this was a queer book, I highly underestimated it. The book gave a new perspective on gender and this is definitely the first book I've ever read that included characters with they/them pronouns. Since it was my first time, I definitely needed some time to adjust myself to it but as I move forward, it became easier and something I truly admire the author for doing. Even the sexual orientation on this book was done so seamlessly that it genuinely felt as if it was just people loving people and nothing else, and that itself deserves my highest praise.

All in all, Ink in the Blood was such a surprising read to me, in the best way possible. I think Kim did a fantastic job with this debut novel and I am already highly anticipating the sequel.

Celia, an Inkling for Profeta, Illinia's religion, spends her days tattooing divine ink on her skin and sending it to others and her nights sneaking out. When she and Anya escape the temple to join a Mob of rovers, their lives blossom and change, especially as they try to outrun Diavala, the evil side of their Divine.

I really enjoyed this book. I wish there were more up-front world-building, and more tension and foreshadowing, but the darkness and carnivalesque writing wraps you in. Brilliant, and I can't wait for the second book.

“Just when I think you’re my beginning, I find out you’re my end.”

This fierce, bold YA fantasy debut with so. many. feels!

I was really rooting for this one. I mean I have over 50 tattoos and so a book about them should have been right up my ally!! Sadly though this one just didn't work out well. I felt very confused as soon as the story started and that confusion just stuck throughout the title. The plot felt like it was on a thin line and kind of non existent at all. The gender spots in this one just felt forced and off and well I kind of wished they just wouldn't have been in there at all. All in all it just lacked focus.


Go Into This One Knowing: Gender Fluid, Magic, Confusing

Actual rating: 4.5

THIS BOOK!!! This book slithers right between your ribcage and makes a little home there, unshakeable in how dark it is. Ink in the Blood has a lot to say and it says it all with so much grace and even more heart.

Looking for found family? It has it in spades! One of the best found family relationship units I've ever seen--spanning from lifelong friends to a traveling troupe of misfits who love one another fearlessly. Characters you don't get to see often (because this cast is honestly huge) still make such an impact when they do appear and you come to care about every single one. How Smejkal juggles such a large ensemble is incredibly impressive, to the point that sometimes I didn't even want to hear from Celia anymore, I wanted to hear from Remy and Lilac and even Marco.

Looking for queer rep? Well do I have a book for you. The rep in this book is both impressive in how vast it is and also so inspiring. The use of they pronouns, the subtle mentions of ex-girlfriends, the "my love" that comes out in the end both as a best friends (and maybe something more--this is heartbreaking BTW!) hits so hard in it's this is just the way of this world. We need so many more books that present queerness as the world, rather than it being something to overcome or something that makes the world peculiar or requires adjustment of some sort. These characters are allowed to just BE and I loved every second of it.

Looking to have your heart ripped out and stomped on? Look no farther. This entire book is amazing, but the last 50-75 pages grab you by the neck, shake you violently, chew you up, and then spit you out. It is beautiful in its cruelty, and really brings home the motif "how lucky I am to have someone who makes saying goodbye so hard." Just GAHHHHHHH! And then when you think you can't take anymore, the last page slaps you across the face.

Looking for a huge commentary on zealotry and blind faith? This book is for you. It addresses the idea of not questioning your beliefs in the most poignant and really visible (hello, tattoos!) way, and it forces you to decide for yourself why you believe the things you believe. It doesn't ask for proof, but it does ask for curiosity, and it makes you complicit under atrocities done in the name of faith. This book is incredibly meta and deep and the message will stay with me for an incredibly long time (forever maybe? Yeah, probably forever).

Oh and if you read and struggle with your ship? Same, girl, same. Celia + Anya, Celia + Griffin, Celia + Dante, Celia + Vincent, Celia + Zuni. I DO NOT KNOW PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME TO CHOOSE.

Just wow. This book is just wow. Can't wait for the next one. Inject it into my veins.

This was more of a 3.5 star read for me but I will definitely be reading the sequel. Most of my dislike stems from the setting so that is not the books fault. I've found that the circus/carnival-y type of setting just isn't for me. The world building was great and the writing felt very smooth.

I loved the concept of this book, and the overall story. I do believe there were some concepts that the author added that weren't hashed out, and led to be kinda insignificant? Like the auroras and some of the gender identities. I appreciate how open characters were, and maybe I read too many ads that focused on that, when it wasn't a major part of the book. That said, I can't wait for the second one, and I do love the originality of it all.

Being the kind of person that I am, saving images of tattoos, watching tattoo competitions and drama shows on tv, I was pretty excited for this one! The magic system is literally centered on the idea that tattoos send divine messages and give direction to life choices.

Unfortunately, It was super-predictable, and lacked complexity. Though the style was really accessible (hello, yes I will keep reading from this author because of her writing). But it was so disappointing that despite a really interesting set up, everything was solved far too easily. I personally found the pacing to be on the slower side, it’s unfortunate that the author didn’t take more opportunity for character development rather than throwing in events that didn’t surmount to much. There are so many sub-plots that could have been pushed further.. Everything was too neat and tidy, and there were so many tropes. Some people enjoy tropes so heck if that's what you want then GET ON THIS.

The bones of this book though were really really interesting and if the book had been expanded, the boundaries pushed a little further, this book could have been absolutely amazing.