**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-book in exchange for an honest review for a tour.**
Title Ink in the Blood (Ink in the Blood #1)
Author Kim Smejkal
Release Date February 11, 2020
Description from Amazon
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.
Initial Thoughts
I am super excited to say that I was chosen for a blog tour for this book in February. This book was on my radar before the tour was announced but I’m so glad I got my hands on an ARC.
Some Things I Liked
- Magic system. I loved that the primary source of magic in this world is tattoo ink. It’s such a unique concept and I loved it.
- Social structure. I thought the society and the rules that governed it were fascinating. For example, I loved that children chose their own names.
- Symbolism and the duality of light and dark. I loved the contrast between Anya and Celia, angel and devil, etc. I thought the symbols used in the story painted a beautiful picture and there was so much detail and thought in every word.
Something I Wasn’t Crazy About
- This book kinda gave me the creeps. I have this weird thing about books that tackle religion and devils and the such. I’m not sure why (murder, monsters, etc. don’t scare me), but demons, devils, the scary stuff of religion, all give me the absolute creeps. I didn’t love feeling creeped out.
Series Value
I really enjoyed this book. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next installment. There is a lot of story left to be told and I am looking forward to seeing how everything plays out.
Final Thoughts
This book had a super unique premise and tons of sequel potential. Despite creeping me out a bit, this book was a really enjoyable read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan – if you liked the gothic vibes as well as the concepts of zealots and heretics, give this series by Emily A. Duncan a try.
- Beneath the Haunting Sea by Joanna Ruth Meyer – if you liked elements of the divine and religion used in Ink in the Blood, try this series by Joanna Ruth Meyer
- We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faisal – if you enjoyed the divine / demon component of the story, as well as the plot twists, try this duology by Hafsah Faisal.
Books Over Everything 