Kevin Hearne's books are always delightful. His approachable style is infinitely readable. I often find myself staying up way past my proverbial bed time to keep reading. Ink & Sigil is no different from the rest. Love it.

Ink & Sigil is delightfully fun and engaging read with some serious themes that fit the fantasy genre.

Kevin Hearne is the real deal, and if I still had any lingering doubts about that…well, then Ink & Sigil just laid them all to rest. Hearne brilliantly navigates the traditions and expectations of the genre without a hitch, making it all look easy. Even better, he’s brought everything I love about his writing to this project, from his clever sense of humor to his knack for creating characters you care about. Funny, well-written, exciting, heart-wrenching, and just an incredible read with incredible characters. I quickly fell in love with his writing style and choices, and certainly marked him as one of my new favorite authors.

Admittedly, Ink & Sigil is not a book I was aware was coming. A quick check showed me that it was the first book to a new series within the Iron Druid Chronicles. (hi big fan!) There’s nothing extraordinary about the way the book starts but it has a great mix of stereotypical fantasy elements and innovative aspects and plot twists. The characters are unique, with individual voices and characteristics, and their own sets of motivations. The content is, largely, consistent with that of Kevin Hearne novels, and contains a lot of the ever-popular 'magic school' feel at times. It does, however, get dark.. ahem, which I like.

I loved this urban fantasy mystery that is set in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland and the UK. Was it partly that I want to be anywhere, other than my living room, my yard, my park? Absolutely.

It is also that this is the first in a series of novels (at least I hope that is the case) about a Sigil Agent, Al MacBharraish. He is a kind of magic worker who uses ink and pens to create reality. He can heal himself and others from aches and pains, he can make it so people tell him the truth or forget their conversation. He also deals with the Fae, faeries of various types, but he’s human. Did my enjoyment of novel help that Al and most other characters speak Weegie, the impenetrable Glaswegian accent? Of course it did.

Rec’d a copy on Kindle from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my thoughts on the novel.

I received this book for review. Set in the Iron Druid World (but not Atticus) I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Hearne gave us a very relatable human protagonist who comes from a tradition set up to help keep the treaties with the different planes while Atticus was in hiding all those centuries. The fae are still glorious & clever, the magic is familiar but unique, and the sidekicks are hilarious and I already want to know more about all of them. How can you not love a foul-mouthed troublemaking hobgoblin, a goth battle warrior with a wizard van, and a hacker extraordinary who goes by the moniker Saxon Codpiece?

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ink & Sigil follows Aloysius MacBharrais, affectionately known as Al to his friends, a sigil agent. He and four other people from around the world oversee territories where they help keep supernatural goings on under wraps and policing the human/fae peace treaty. Al's world is thrown askew when his apprentice is found dead and Al finds that there was a violation of the treaty right under his nose. What will Al do with the help of his friends and colleagues to help set things right? And can he keep those around him from being hurt in the process?

I went into this novel without having read the Iron Druid novels, and as this is set in the same world I was afraid I wouldn't be able to follow, however the author does a phenomenal job of building the world and where the characters fit into it. The characters themselves are all top notch and not a single page was wasted by following any of them. The reason I give this a three star rating however is that the ending felt incomplete. Sure, it's probably the beginning of a series, but I feel like first novels in a series fall into the trap of "how can I wrap this up but also leave it open?". This story is definitely left open, but I feel like there was no climax to the story. It just kept building (wonderfully, sure) but it didn't really lead anywhere. This is one of those "could this have been an introductory novella rather than a full on book?" but I struggle with my own feelings on that since the pages were still filled with fun and adventure.

Overall, Ink & Sigil is a strong beginning to a series, but I wish it would have had better closure when books are usually only published once a year per series. I recommend this series for anyone 13+ who loves fantasy and fae.

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!

Ink & Sigil is a welcome to the Druid Chronicles. Now the writing is a bit different but stick with it and you will not be disappointed. However, I love a good villain and I would have LOVED to see more from the villain in the book but I still very much enjoyed this story.

I loved this book. The atmosphere was everything I wanted it to be. It was fast paced and I loved it. I loved the characters building in the story. I highly recommend this author.

Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC.

Ink and Sigil was my first introduction to the Iron Druid world and as a fan of Urban Fantasy, I was all in pretty quick. I felt a bit behind because the world and setting felt so established but Al was a really likable character and someone to quickly root for. I really appreciated that although our hero couldn't talk, he used everything at his disposal to solve the murder of his most recent assistant. Do not let the writing scare you, the dialect is easy after a page or two and there is a helpful guide. Ink and Sigil is action packed and a fun, fast, read.

Al MacBharrais is a unique lead in that he isn't an overly handsome, quirky youngster. Well, he's quirky, but that's a check in the awesome column. I loved him right from the start. And what a start, you get the tone instantly, which is fun with a dabble of dark humor.

I adored the variety of creatures that inhabit this fantasy, and was especially partial to the hobgoblin. And Saxon Codpiece, gotta love the name, he was an awesome character. There are a lot of creatures and I loved that Al kept me in the know with what they were in this world.

The sigil/magic ink concept fascinated me and you can tell a lot of creative energy went into it, brilliant. I also really appreciated the unique curse. I think I may have a similar curse, or maybe I just talk too much. Anyway, as Al tries to find out both who cursed him and who his apprentice was smuggling Fae for there was a nice amount of action and the pace was good.

I hadn't read the Iron Druid series this spins from, but found it easy to sink into this world and enjoyed my stay so much that I'm going to grab the other series. Fantasy fans are in for a treat with this and I hope there will be more soon.

I have been a huge Kevin Hearne fan since the very day Hounded released. My coworker unpacked it from our shipment and put it in my hand saying, “oh this one looks like your kind of book.”

This spinoff does not disappoint. ❤️

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow in the beginning, but it was well worth the read. Recommended for adult lovers Of fantasy fiction.

Kevin Hearne consistently creates likeable characters. He uses well-researched mythology in his world building and it shows.

Thank the gods and Kevin Hearne. Another chance to re-enter the delightful world of the Iron Druid .... this time through the eyes and action of the delightful Al MacBharrais ( Mac Vare Ish) ... one of five Sigil Agents in the world ... his territory is Scotland and Europe. His job is to monitor and control visitation of spirits, creatures and deities from the multiple other planes and pantheons .... especially the various creatures of the Fae. He not only makes and interprets magical contracts, but is able to create special effects and actions through the rendering of Ink "Sigils". He hand crafts the inks from rare ingredients which instill the latent magic. The Sigils manipulate ones visual apparatus ... sort of a hacking the brain. For example: Sigil of Porous Mind leaches away the targets usual priorities and makes one open to suggestion with the secondary effect of difficulty remembering what happens in the next few minutes. MacBharrrais crafts the Sigils on small placards and once revealed to the eyes of the target they have the desired "beneficial" effect ... these are used only to accomplish good for the citizens of earth and protect against the denizens of beings from other planes and pantheons ... especially rogue elements of the Fae.
Al's apprentices always seem to die of a mysterious freak accidents. The mystery begins in Scotland with the seeming accidental death of his seventh apprentice. Gordie apparently is found in his Glasgow flat ... the victim of choking on a raison laced scone? Al assumes the role of detective and uncovers the dastardly life of crime that Gordie is involved in.. In cahoots with a black ops he is trafficking different Fae to servitude on earth for nefarious purposes. Somehow luring to earth .... the likes of a: troll, clurichaun, leprechaun, pixie, undine, fir darrig and even an ogre, but for what purpose ? Al must uncover who is behind these heinous acts ... and for what purpose.
Hearne does it once again ! He weaves a complex narrative filled with magic, wit and whimsy and suspense that leads one down a twisted and exciting pathway filled with creatures from unearthly planes and even a chance meeting with a real Iron Druid and his friend Oberon. This delightful tale is bound to please all with an anticipation of future trials and tribulations in the life of Aloysius (Al) MacBharrais and his multiple unique assistants and associates. Who wouldn't love his office manager and bodyguard, Nadia ... who happens to be a "battle seer" ... she usually sheaths herself in a symphony of black. Black lipstick and nail polish accompanies her spiked mohawk, studded choker, black leather corset and boots and studded belt. Or his personal hacker ... Saxon Codpiece. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House publishing group for providing an Uncorrected Proof of this magical interlude in exchange for an honest review. ( at readers remains.com )

Very much a different flavor of story that the Iron Druid books. Quieter. But I enjoyed it and look forward to the next adventure!!

So I was a bit delayed in reviewing this because I had to go and finally read the last book & a half in the Iron Druid Chronicles to make sure that I wouldn’t be spoiled for those. Why hadn’t I read those yet? Well. Sometimes we don’t want a story to end, and so we delay as much as possible. Also, it could have a little something to do with the fact that it feels like Ragnarok has been happening in the real world for the last 3.5 years or so, especially if you’re in the US.

That said, if you’re as worried as I was, I can reassure you. The spoilers are very light: x,y, and z characters have managed to survive is about all you’re told. If that bothers you and you haven’t finished the original series, then you should probably get on that.

But enough about the old series. Let’s get into the new. I kind of wish I was still into audio books because with the proper reader, this one would be super fun to listen to. It’s all Scottish and English accents and fun swear words that an American reader wouldn’t normally get exposed to.

The main characters are also super fun. Al MacBarrais (pronounced Mac-VAR-ish, if I remember the guide at the front of the book correctly), our Sigil Agent and narrator, works for Brighid (who you should know from Iron Druid!), keeping the peace between the mundane world and visitors from the Fae. His exact age isn’t mentioned, but he’s old enough to have lost his wife and to habitually carry and use a cane. Then there’s Buck Foi (yes, he chose his own handle and yes, it means what you think), a hobgoblin who joins with Al to investigate how & why Al’s recently deceased apprentice, Gordie, had been involved Fae-trafficking*.

*Well, it’s not human trafficking, is it??

Al is an interesting character. He’s older (if not elderly) and under a curse which causes anyone he speaks with to, at some undetermined point, come to murderously hate & detest him. Even his own family. Alone, except for a string of apprentices who keep expiring in bizarre and accidental ways (Gordie choked on a raisin), Al is effectively handicapped. He uses a phone app to speak for him.

The plot is your basic murder-mystery, with the addition of Fae creatures, magic, modern technology, politics, and a particularly hard-to-glamour detective. This is clearly going to be a series — and has been marketed as such — and has lots of room to grow. I’m looking forward to see where Hearne takes us.

I'll be buying an actual copy of this -- the Iron Druid Chronicles are just too much fun and it was awesome the NetGalley and the publisher to allow me to read this before official release!

When it comes out in hardback I"ll certainly be wanting a print copy!

I enjoyed seeing the Iron druid world from a different perspective. Hearne traveled to Glasgow to research this book, which lends authenticity to the language and places /drinks that the characters encounter. This did feel a little contrived though, like he was trying a bit too hard to cram a couple weeks of Scotland into his book. However, I recommend Ink and Sigil if you are an Irod Druid fan or enjoy Celtic mythology.

I really enjoyed this book. I finished it in a couple of hours. It's really good to read in the Iron Druid world again. I liked the characters very much, I was rooting for them all the way. I hope to read more about Al, Buck and Nadia in the future. #InkSigil #NetGalley

Recommended for: Fans of urban fantasy, fans of fiction with older protagonists, fans of crude Scottish insults, fans of adventure comedy

Ink and Sigil takes place in the same universe as Mr. Hearne's Iron Druid series, but the Iron Druid series is not a prerequisite to enjoying this, and while the finale of the Iron Druid series is alluded to, it won't spoil that series if you choose to dive into it next.

By day, Al runs a printing business in Glasgow. When he's not on the clock, he is a sigil agent for Brighid, first of the Fae, writing and enforcing magical contracts that hold gods and fae in check on the mortal planes. He works with a crew of delightful oddities and kicks a surprising amount of behind for a sixty-something year-old man with a fancy mustache.

When Al stumbles onto a fae-trafficking ring right in his backyard, he is compelled to find those responsible and punish them for their crimes. He enlists the help of other sigil agents around the globe, a rude little pink hobgoblin man, and an accountant who is uncharacteristically vicious.

Quick paced, hilarious, and heartwarming. You'll be stalking Kevin Hearne's website for news on book two.

Ink & Sigil builds upon the world Hearne built in the Iron Druid Chronicles and shifts from modern urban mythology to urban fantasy with a mystery twist. Al MacBharrais is the ultimate ink (and pen) geek who runs a print shop with the aid of an amazing and uniquely skilled manager, Nadia. But it is his mastery of magically enchanted inks and sigils which provide the interest to this particular story. Primarily he writes binding contracts for the Fae and other gods visiting Earth.

However, dealing with the other planes is never simple, especially when dealing with the Fae.
MacBarris suffers from a curse that has taken his relationship with his son, friends, and now seven of his apprentices. He's found ingenious ways to work within the limits of his curse, and push text-to-speech apps through their paces. As MacBarris solves the mysterious demise of his recent apprentice (raisins *are* evil), he also must avoid having all his secrets revealed to the mundane world. Combines with allies established, wary, and new. In the process he uncovers a plot that would have changed the Fae forever.

Hearne has once again built a rich world, the characters are able to enjoy themselves (even when they're getting their asses kicked), and the wordplay is rambunctious. I look forward to seeing where this series goes next.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Ink & Sigil.

I've never read the author's The Iron Druid Chronicles before but the premise was intriguing so I was excited when my request was approved.

I love mysteries but a mystery with magic and magical creatures, a reluctant detective, a street smart office manager, a hilarious hobgoblin, and all things magical, count me in!

I really liked Al; a good guy with special abilities as a sigil agent. He's affable, good at what he does, and cursed. That's a story that could fill another book.

I loved the world building; the names of the sigils Al uses to thwart both the good and bad guys, the alliance between sigil agents and the fae; Al's responsibility to keep humanity ignorant of the fae and all things magical.

Like a reviewer had previously noted, I would have liked exposition on Al's wife; he misses her terribly, but never refers to her by name. I would have liked to know how they met, how they used to spend time together; these little details offering insight into their marriage would have been nice to read about.

There was humor and action, drama and interesting characters, both human and non-human.

I really liked the part about how Al met Nadia, how loyal she is to Al, and how well they work together.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.