This book I will tell you was the best book I have read in such a long time!
I was exciting about the idea of the story and enjoyed every bit of it. I couldn’t get enough. I truly love this book. I want to own it for my own. This author is brilliant and would love to read more from her. I highly recommend this to any one of any age. 10/10

Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo introduces readers to a richly imaginative world where fate is inked onto every child’s skin. Metty’s journey—from an isolated farmhouse to the enchanting yet treacherous streets of New London—is filled with intrigue, adventure, and a touch of dark humor. The premise of magical tattoos dictating one’s destiny is compelling, and Philippa Leathley crafts a setting brimming with mystery and charm.

Metty is a likable, determined heroine, and her struggles with the weight of her foretold fate make for an engaging read. The whimsical yet eerie tone gives the story a Nevermoor-esque feel, with plenty of twists to keep young readers intrigued. The Black Moths add an air of suspense, and the exploration of destiny versus choice adds depth to the narrative.

While the pacing occasionally drags and some characters could be more developed, Inkbound remains an inventive and atmospheric fantasy with a lot of potential. Fans of magical mysteries and strong-willed protagonists will enjoy this adventurous debut.

I am so excited for more of the brilliant new fantastical world of Inbound. Metty and Sundar are such fun characters to join on their discovery of whether their own fate must be chosen for them. The world of New London, where it is law that all children must be fated to show what they are destined to become, is an intriguing story that I can’t get enough of.

It's amazing how fantasy helps us explore and think about reality. It was an imaginative world with fun characters, but there were definitely some moments that made me go oh, wait a moment. I see what you're doing there. In a world where people's fates are boiled down to one singular element visible on their skin, the room for prejudice and superficiality is immense. I love the message that sometimes we are our own worse enemies, along with several other themes in the story. The world is complicated and doing the right thing isn't always easy or simple. Past that, it's a fun fantasy novel, and I am curious to see where this world goes.

Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo by Philippa Leathley is a captivating adventure featuring Meticulous Jones, or Metty, a fierce and clever young heroine who’s handed a dark fate on her tenth birthday. In a society where children’s futures are inked onto their skin, Metty’s tattoo—a skull cradled in a violet glove—marks her as destined to become a murderer. Far from being defeated, Metty takes on her ominous fate with an unforgettable blend of charm, wit, and resilience, navigating a world where mystery and magic weave tightly together. Leathley’s storytelling is delightfully dark and comic, making Inkbound a fresh, enthralling read that expertly balances suspense and humor.