Jocelynn Drake The oldest of three kids, Jocelynn grew up and continues to reside in the Cincinnati, Ohio region. She started writing when she was 12, spending all of one summer re-writing the story of Robin Hood in the battered remains of a notebook. While life has brought many changes and surprises, the love of writing and a good story has been a constant. When not writing she can be found buried in a good book, wandering through the woods with her camera cradled protectively against her body, traveling to interesting locations or relaxing with her family.
Angel's Ink - ASYLUM TALES Book #1
Author: Jocelynn Drake
Synopsis:
Buyer beware . . .
Looking for a tattoo—and maybe a little something extra: a burst of good luck, a dollop of true love, or even a hex on an ex? Head to the quiet and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town. Using unique potions—a blend of extraordinary ingredients and special inks—to etch the right symbol, he can fulfill any heart's desire. But in a place like Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires happily walk among humanity, everything has its price.
No one knows that better than Gage. Turning his back on his own kind, he left the magical Ivory Tower where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a decision that cost him the right to practice magic. And if he disobeys, his punishment—execution—will be swift.
Though he's tried to fly under the radar, Gage can't hide from powerful warlocks who want him dead—or the secrets of his own past. But with the help of his friends, Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx, Gage might just make it through this enchanted world alive.
I've been a fan of Jocelynn's writing for quite some time. DARK DAYS is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series, so when I found out that she was writing a new series I was simply intrigued.
After devouring the first two prequel eNovellas to the series - The Asylum Interviews - Bronx and The Asylum Interviews - Trixie, I could not wait to get Angel's Ink into my hands.
I received an ARC of Angel's Ink from HarperCollins in return for an honest review, and couldn't put it down. I read the entire thing in 1 and 1/2 sittings and only wanted more... My exact words on GoodReads upon finishing the book were: "Simply incredible! Action packed, gripping, & so unique I couldn't stop saying "wow"."
I'm a bibliophile. I read. A LOT. And I'm a genre specific reader sticking to the Paranormal, so trying to find a new and fresh spin on Urban Fantasy these days isn't the easiest thing to do. The Asylum Tales gave me that in spades.
The world was beautifully crafted and multi-dimensional allowing for growth throughout the series yet not becoming too overwhelming in the first installment.
The characters were well rounded with wonderful back stories, allowing for continued development throughout the arc.
The action was intense, the mystery intriguing and surprising, the romance frustratingly wonderful (in keeping with Jocelynn Drake form) and the plot gripping.
Our hero, Gage, is a potion stirring tattoo artist; the best in Low Town. He's also a warlock who wants nothing to do with the egotistical and maniacal world of the other witches and warlocks of the Ivory Towers. Having it in his blood though makes it very difficult for Gage not to use magic, especially when he runs into trouble around every corner, and boy does he ever!
Our heroine, Trixie, is an elf on the run from the Summer Court. She's been in hiding for years and has been keeping a low profile working with Gage at Asylum as a tattoo artist. When the warriors of the Summer Court finally track her down in Low Town, she has no option but to turn to Gage for some help hiding out, and since he's madly in love with her, he simply can't say no.
Our other hero, Bronx, is a troll and Gage's other business partner. He's loyal, steadfast, and almost too intuitive. I absolutely love Bronx and I cannot wait to find out more about him in future books - I just KNOW that he's got one heck of a story to tell. :)
I can't go into plot too much without spoiling things so I will just tell you that it's a wild ride and utterly fabulous.
I would suggest reading The Asylum Interviews - Bronx and The Asylum Interviews - Trixie before starting Angel's Ink. It helps a lot with the world building and character introductions and they're just SO good!
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Angel's Ink 5 Skulls and would recommend it to anyone who wants an amazing new Urban Fantasy to fall in love with.
No comments:
Post a Comment