What joy to finally discover a new writer/ fantasy world this authentic, beguiling and brilliantly executed. Torzs created a magical discipline - based around the crafting and executing of spells - which is entirely convincing and nuanced. Her characters are fun, layered and engaging. The story cracks along with many twists, questions and answers and - assuming this will be a series - I am very much looking forwards to the next instalment. Realistically a 4.5 - it was a little slow in moments, and quite narrow in scope - but rounded to up because I enjoyed it so much and think the world will only improve in time

A superb debut novel, a tale of family and choices.

"Ink Blood Sister Scribe" opens with the death of a man - apparently murdered by a book. We then meet two sisters - one living a sheltered, even hidden existence in north America, and her sister, always on the move, and currently on a station in Antarctica. If that doesn't grab, you, nothing will.

As the story progresses, we learn about the sisters, their family, and the great responsibility they have been placed under, and the forces they face in the battle to protect magic. It's a fine tale, well-written and with characters whose motives and responsibilities are laid bare, and whose fates we really do care about. One sister, carrying on the family business, the other constantly moving in order to protect herself and her sister, and neither living the life they'd have chosen.

Then there's a nice mystery in the young man destined to meet the sisters, one who thought he was one of a kind. I found him a strange character to like, but definitely one to sympathise with.

And that sums up the book nicely- full of characters drawn well enough for us to love or hate them in turn, and to sympathise with their fates. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to fans of fantasy books.

My first read of 2023 and off to a fantastic start.
This book was absolutely magical!
I love the trope of magical books and libraries and this one didn’t disappoint. Mystery, intrigue and magic. Definitely my cup of tea.
The beginning is a little slow as we meet the characters and start to understand the magic system but by chapter 3 I was hooked and couldn’t wait to find out where the story was going to go.
I love the characters, especially Nicholas and Collins and I’m already excited to see what happens next!!
Definitely one I’ll be adding to my bookshelves as a physical copy 💕

Wow, so much love for this book! I was hooked from chapter one, loved the characters, the setting, and the world-building. I will do a fuller review later. My only criticism is the title, it doesn't fully capture the magic of the book and felt cumbersome. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book, a great concept of books only being able to be written by a scribe who had no other magical powers. I hope there will be a second book.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe follows the story of estranged sisters Joanna and Esther and their family connection to rare magical books. Joanna has stayed home her entire life to be the protector of their book collection while Esther has moved to a new place every year to avoid the deadly magic that she lost her mother to. When a situation happens, she realises both her and Joanna are in danger and they must figure out family secrets and so much more.
Though the beginning of this feels quite slow it’s definitely worth sticking with and the second half of the book really picks up the pace and I didn’t want to put it down! The characters are all really well developed and believable, the world building is fantastic and I enjoyed all the details. Looking forward to whatever comes next from Emma Törzs!

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a smashing new debut from Emma Torzs in the dark academia genre. Magic is real and spells are cast from books, spells that are written with the blood and life of Scribes. But the magic is getting rarer, books are limited and valuable and this story follows two different families who have libraries to care for. Joanna cares for a small library of books, alone and isolated, following her father's wishes, whilst her sister Esther mysteriously cannot come home, and is forced to move every 12 months or something bad will happen.

On the other side of the world, the majority of the magical books left are housed in a giant library, controlled by a family who also contain one of the last known living Scribes, Nick, allowing them to make - and sell - spells for massive amounts of money. But this puts their Scribe in great danger, and he lives an isolated and controlled existence, whilst the act of making spells takes a huge physical toll.

These two families are going to come together in unexpected ways to solve a thrilling mystery - why does Esther have to keep running? Who is killing Scribes? Twisty, dark and exciting, I loved it!

A must read for any urban / modern fantasy or dark academia fans.

Joanna Kalotay lives a lonely existence, in the woods of Vermont. She lives in a remote house in the middle of the woods, completely alone. No one ever comes to visit her, because they can’t. She is the protector of a collection of books, books with power. Some allow you to walk through walls, others to turn water to wine, others to control animals. Others, to make the world forget where you live, to keep you and the books safe. Others still can kill you if you read them.

Her older sister, Esther, ran away when she turned 18, and changes jobs, and countries year after year. They don’t talk, and only keep in touch via postcards that Esther sends Joanna from each new location. Joanna is desperate for Esther to return. But she doesn’t realise that Esther is keeping away in order to avoid bringing danger to Joanna’s door. While working on a research base in Antarctica, Esther finds herself happy, and in love. Rather than moving on at the one year mark, she decides to stay another year. What could happen? Then she finds blood marks on the mirrors in the base, and knows someone is using magic to try to get to her. She is in danger, and her sister and the book collection too.

Their parents kept so many secrets from them, but now, in order for the sisters, and the books to survive, they have to unravel the secrets, and find the truth behind the books and their magic.

For those of us who find books magical, this is a book about magical books, and gives us what we wish for, when a book is read it is a truly magical experience. This story was a journey into a new fantasy world, fantastically written. I was gripped from the first page, and truly hope it becomes a series. The characters were engaging, and believable, and the story full of twists, turns, and more and more questions. The pace and flow really set the story up very well, and immerses you into this world, full of tension, danger and mystery. I really enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end!

*I received this book from NetGalley for review, but all opinions are my own.

What a great read
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read an advance copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this fantasy/thriller - it had me gripped until the end and merited 5 stars!

Books have magical properties and are written by Scribes who are immune to magic. Anyone reading their books out loud can perform magic.

The story revolves around Esther and Joanna whose father, Abe, collected magical books and was murdered by a vampire book and Nicholas, a Scribe who is protected by his uncle, Richard and the Library.

The story is slow to start but once the three meet the pace increases coming to a very satisfying finale.

twisty, exciting, dark and full of adventure.

One to be recommended.

In Vermont Joanna is the custodian of a collection of magic books which are powerful and deadly. Her sister, Esther has to move every year to stay safe but is currently in Antarctica on a research station and has found love. During a party Esther finds blood on the mirrors and knows she and Joanna are in danger. They must work together to decipher the secrets their parents kept from them to survive. Meanwhile in England is the largest library of magic books protected by a powerful man with a dangerous obsession.

This is a fantasy thriller adventure story that is action packed with twists and turns. The characters are so well written and the magic systems are wonderful and make so much sense. This is a story of the power of mystical books and the consequences of using them, it’s the bond of blood, the search for connection, the ties of sisterhood, family secrets that could kill, the danger of unlimited power and the wonder of books.

I loved this story, I adored the characters even the bad guys were interesting, and the descriptions of the library were wondrous.

This was a free ebook ARC from NetGalley for my honest opinion. I will be buying this book when it is released on 6th July 2023.

The title is a good summary of the story, interweaving magic, full-bodied characters, danger, intrigue and humour. It reminded me of Garth Nix’s Lirael series although this story is clearly set here on earth. So many mysteries to unravel in Jo, Esther and Nicholas’ lives and they are fully concluded. I am hoping for a sequel because it was so enjoyable. . I can see a film coming from this…

This book lived up to the positive comments on the page inviting requests.
I found the first few chapters difficult to get into as their future connections are unclear at that stage. As the story develops the characters connect and the action increases.
I found it easy to engage with the characters and enjoyed the unravelling of the mystery. The second half of the book is exciting with action packed chapters revealing long held secrets.
I recommend it thoroughly

I originally thought this book may be a little out of my usual picks, but it proved me quite wrong. It is a wonderful book full of diverse and interestingly flawed characters. With an interesting take on a "magic spell book" and those who can read and write them, a series of these books could go a long way. I will wait to see if a sequel will be coming.

a wonderful book! I was rapt all the way through: sometimes I guessed what would happen next, but often I wouldn't and the swings and swirls of the story kept me guessing.
The magic was so plausible, and the way that the magic works so utterly logical. The people were beautifully drawn, and I loved, loved, loved it.
recommended in spades.

What a great story! It was really the blurb that grabbed me in on this one - I love a dark mystery and the added fantasy element definitely suggested it would be right up my street.

This is one of those stories that you need to bare with a little at the beginning with the differing POVs - I definitely favoured Esther’s chapters to begin with as they got straight to action and found Nicholas’ a little slower, but as the story progressed I loved the way each time the perspective changed you were left wanting in another.

As the story approached the half way mark I felt like things really took off and I was solidly invested in what because a twisting and turning, dark and thrilling mystery. I loved the world building, the magic and the themes of power and privilege - this was a fantastic read and I’ll definitely be adding a physical copy to my shelf on publication!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

A fantastic book which kept me reading into the early hours.
Joanna has stayed at home looking after her family’s collection of magical spell books - this is a solitary role which she has taken on. Esther, her magic immune sister, suddenly left home aged 18. Esther moved around constantly, never staying anywhere for more than a year - until now.
Nicholas is on the other side of the world. He is looked after and protected by his uncle and the Library a place he has always felt safe - until now.
And now, their lives are in danger. Secrets are everywhere and they must uncover the truths and learn who to trust if they are to survive.
A story of family (and the lengths they will go to keep each other safe), secrets, friendship and mist of all magic.

This book was absolutely magical. What a delight to be introduced to a story that combines magic and books together in a way that doesn't feel gimmicky. Starting a book off with murder is one way to capture my attention and it didn't end there. The two sisters are endearing, I feel like they develop well through their journey together and there's a level of sympathy and relatable for the roles they have to do in life. I will be getting a physical copy of this book and it's definitely one to reread

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy to review

I really enjoyed this book. I love thrillers and fantasy stories so this was the perfect blend of the 2. I found the characters were well written and likeable, the plot was engaging and the settings well described. The plot did not lag and I was transported into a world of book magic, I just wish they were real.

Utterly readable!
I was hooked on this from the very beginning, and it didn’t disappoint. The story twists and turns, character positions change, and I got to the end immediately hoping there’s be a sequel!

Esther never stays more than a year in one place, forced to move on the same date through a promise made to her father. Her sister Jo feels abandoned, alone in the family home with her own curious responsibilities since her mother moved out and the even more recent death of her father, which did not even draw Esther home for the funeral. Across the Atlantic, Nicholas appears to live in privileged luxury, protected for his unique skill, with access to a restricted and guarded library of magical books.
Esther however has fallen in love whilst working in the Antarctic, and tries to stay longer, but when she spots blood in the corner of the mirrors, and an anonymous message tells her to leave, it is clear she has made a mistake and heads home, worried that Jo is in danger.
A contemporary thriller set in a world where few know that magic exists and those that do maximise their power, this is a gripping and entertaining novel where the characters most loved by the protagonists have secrets that are only slowly uncovered. It kept me hooked throughout and I will recommend it to my book group.

After a bunch of books which I thought would work for me but failed to stick the landing, this book was a really pleasant surprise. There's been a plethora of books in recent years about magical libraries or magical books, so I have to admit I wasn't expecting all that much.

The book opens with one of our protagonists, Esther, who is working as an electrician on a research station in Antarctica where she's just signed on for another 12-month contract - prior to this, she's led a very peripatetic lifestyle, having been warned by her father not to stay in anyone place longer than a year. This is, we discover, all to do with the possession by her family of some magical books and how they react to both Esther and her half-sister Jo. One of those books, we later discover, has taken life of Esther and Jo's father and something about Esther means that if she goes home, their hidden farmstead can be located and staying in one place too long puts Esther at risk as well. It doesn't take long before one of a new set of workers coming into the Antarctic base turns violent towards Esther and her girlfriend, meaning that Esther has to protect them both and then also leave both her job and girlfriend behind.

Meanwhile, literally on the other side of the world in London, we meet our other main protagonist, Nicholas - his family is involved with these magical books too, as he leads a sheltered life as someone whose blood is literally used as part of the ritual to create them. While he's gone along with what's been asked of him before, Nicholas starts to question what he's been told about how his very constrained world actually works, especially when his uncle's long-term partner helps him discover things aren't quite as he's always been told. When Nicholas takes the opportunity to leave the world he knows, his path naturally crosses with that of Esther and things develop from there.

The author does a really nice job of keeping all the moving parts of this novel working out, with some solid character work and some nice touches to the world-building - I particularly liked the idea of magical NDA, which were used/broken effectively as a way to drop new information in and take things in directions I didn't 100% see coming. At least one of the twists later on was a little predictable but others weren't and that kept me involved all the way through to the end. This looks like being a standalone novel but I'd be happy to read more about these characters and will also definitely keep an eye out for whatever this author does next.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley. This is my honest review of the book in question.

I loved pretty much everything about this book except the title! There was a good mix of old fashioned magic in a modern day world. The characters were believable and I didn't see the twist close to the end. I think there's a follow up to this story somewhere down the line.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the preview of this book.

A fantastic new book.A wonderful world of magic within books and libraries. Mystery, twists and romance and thown in togther in an engaging mix. I loved it.

Loved this magic system. The cast of characters was diverse and beautifully flawed
I would say bare with it, it's very slow at first and doesn't feel like the story takes off till half way through really. But despite that it is an intriguing plot and a good take on the classic magic book trope - with a magic system that felt plausible and enjoyable and I didn't guess many of the twists and turns either but they all made sense once explained
Could have done with a tad more of this, but I loved it. Could do well as a series or a standalone I feel

Absolutely loved this! A highly intriguing concept that was well-executed with several compelling reveals/twists, extremely pacy and easy to whiz through as I was so keen to know what would happen next. Brilliant.

What a magical story.
It took me a little while to get into the book whilst the scene and magic was set. But after that I totally loved it.
It is the story of 2 sisters, Esther and Joanna, one having to move every year and the other alone at home protecting the books. And so much more, including spell writing and the use of spells.
It was well written, I loved the characters, the many twists and turns and the ending.
I can’t wait to read more.

Well written with a compelling storyline, well developed characters and great worldbuilding. I really enjoyed it,

I loved this book and for any fantasy nerd or book lover it is a perfect read.
The right amount of humanity and evil masterminds, adventure, and strong female protagonists.
A age turner to the end!

I read an eARC of this book so thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing this.

This book gets top marks for unusual magic system, creepy atmosphere and secret societies.

This novel is centres around books that contain spells. They are written in blood and only certain people are sensitive to the magic and can hear the books. These are extremely valuable and coveted. People will often commit unspeakable acts to acquire or maintain books for their collections. This was a fascinating magic system and felt quite dark. There is a clear cost to creating these books, and the books themselves can be extremely dangerous. While spell books aren’t a new idea, the way the author presented the creation and use of these books felt quite different and innovative.

There’s a current of menace that never goes away throughout this book. All of our characters seem to be under threat even when they themselves don’t seem to realise it. There’s a real sense of danger that added an exciting tension to the book. While most of the creepy and unnerving atmosphere is subtly built, there are moments of violence and horror that were disturbing. This book wasn’t gratuitous but there are occasions that were quite grim.

I did feel the book took quite a while to get going. About half way through the book it suddenly became riveting and I didn’t want to put it down. Prior to that point there was a lot of set up and backstory so it felt a bit slower. The book follows the point of view of three separate characters so when you’re doing set up and backstory for all of them it does take up a fair amount of time: it was all necessary for the story ultimately and it was worth the investment for how it all came together in the second half of the book. I did find that because we jump from perspective a lot, I had trouble really engaging with any of the central characters.

Overall this was an exciting read, particularly during the second half. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the tension and the constant sense of threat. Really interesting approach to magic. Lots of family secrets and mysteries to uncover too, and none of them in a way that felt like they were for shock value and didn’t add to the book. Very well written.

This book is for people who love magical theory. Based in a world where magic books are written in blood and only a few can read them. Where the archaic and the modern clash delightfully, and where libraries are everything.

It was a slow burn for me at first, but soon I was hooked. I’m loathe to give plot points because so much is a spoiler, but I will say you have a truly brilliant cast comprising two sisters, one seemingly on the run, a rich boy - with a truly ridiculous dog, a bodyguard, an uncle, and a whole cast of disappointing parents. Some decent side characters too (shout out to Pearl). Oh and there’s massive magical mansion library.

There’s twists and turns, a decently creepy villain, and some beautiful writing. Some unusual settings too, and a decent amount of diversity. It’s pacy through the middle section - almost like a thriller, but it’s a romance too (and obviously fantasy / magic).

For me the best thing is the magical theory. The science of it is well-drawn, fascinating, and fairly holistic. A good read, enjoyed thoroughly, would recommend.

I'm in love with the grand mythology and the way it's filtered through a tight set of characters who have intimate connections with it. The relationships are nuanced and layered with secrets and burdens. While some twists were expected but welcomed, others just flew right by me (to my joyous agony) but deepened the relationships and heightened the stakes! I enjoyed reading every chapter from each of the three POV characters, thus nothing ever bored me. Also, it's just really fun to read how another book about books is different from others and this one surely stands on its own.

Thanks to Netgalley and Century/Random House UK for providing me with the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, after a few recently that I’ve struggled to finish this was a breath of fresh air. I liked the combination of fantasy, thriller, romance, and family issues as this isn’t something I’ve seen much of.
The story was a little slow and drawn out at first, but it was intriguing enough to keep me going. I do think the build-up is mostly necessary to set the various scenes/back stories as there is a lot going on. The magic is well explained although some aspects are mysterious as they are revealed as the characters learn more about the world and themselves.
All the separate parts of the story came together well and didn’t feel forced. Some of the ending was predictable from a bit earlier on but there were enough different viewpoints and interesting details of the magic that it was still interesting right to the end in my opinion.
Thank you to Century and NetGalley for the ARC.

You'll need a long breath for this one, reader! It is a thick book with a very apt title and it won't let go of you until you've dove halfway through its' pages and uncovered its secrets. Like a vampire, it will dig its claws into you and start sucking. The good thing is, you'll enjoy it. Especially the first half of the book. After that, it admittedly has its' lengths. I also fear that it is nothing for people that can't stand the sight of blood. As much a spoiler as a well-intended warning.

Thanks to Emma Törz and NetGalley for the advance copy!

This has to be one of the best books I've read this year.bi love reading books with a good story, great characters and a good mix of fantasy and magic. This book definitely ticks all the boxes for me. The only thing which could make it better would be to learn that the author has decided to write another book featuring these brilliant characters. If so, you can be sure I'll be first in the queue to buy it

I enjoyed this book which is a great example of the magical realism genre .There is a whole complex world invented by the author where certain families have the ability to write down magical spells in books which others then have the ability to read and perform
The beginning is set in an Antarctic research station ,it seemed a little separated from the rest of the novel and I was intrigued to read that the story was originally started whilst the author was experiencing a similar experience .
The story is complex and comes out gradually as the book progressed.It is easy to read and at times quite exciting
I have read quite similar novels previously but felt this was one of the better ones I’d read in this style.
As often in this style of writing the characters themselves and their character development does take a back seat as the need to describe the world in which the boom is set takes preference .As someone who really enjoys character development I felt this was one of the shortcomings of the novel
I felt the book art said too little about the story and wouldn’t have made me reach for the novel in a book shop
I read an early copy on NetGalley Uk the book is published in the Uk by Random House Uk Counerstones on 6 th July 2023
This review will be published on NetGalley Goodreads and word press Bionic Sarah’s Books

A smashing dark academia debut. You will want this one in your hands asap. In a world where magic is real and books are limited the task of two different sisters to save their families legacy will leave you left in their world and gasping for more.

Esther is living on a remote research facility in Alaska. You find out that she has to leave her whole life behind every 12 months on the same date. However, this year she has decided to risk the danger and stay where she is for love. Her sister Joanna on the other hand is living in the family home as a recluse and is never allowed to leave the protection surrounding the building. We then have Nicholas who is living a life of extreme privilege and wealth, but has every aspect of his life controlled by his family and has no freedom. They are all connected by books powered by blood magic.

This could very easily have been dragged out into a long winded and complicated trilogy so I'm very glad it's all wrapped up neatly into one book. There is lots of action and suspense. The magic element is very believable and well explained. It also explores complicated family relationships and the sense of duty.
It's a great introduction to this kind of genre without being all wizards and magic wands.

I really enjoyed this fantasy novel set in the regular, modern world. Joanna is the guardian of her family's small stash of magical books. She is stuck in Vermont, having to set daily wards to protect the stash. Her sister Esther has been banished to a life of wandering, forced to move every year on the same date. At the beginning of the novel, she is in Antarctica and really enjoying her life and wondering if she really has to move again or should just stay put. Finally there is Nicholas, a blood scribe across the world. The story takes a little while to get going, setting up the backstory of the characters and doing some world building but then really takes off. It was a great blend of fantasy, mystery and thriller.

What a great read! There's everything here that you could want; great family dynamics, magic, suspense, fabulous locations and a really exciting plot with a terrific resolution. So often books fail to tie up all the loose ends but not this one, all my questions were answered satisfactorily and the story flowed beautifully. The characterisation adds some real depth and the different POVs add to the dynamic. I'd love to add some examples of why I enjoyed it so much but I can't without giving spoilers so all I can do is recommend that you read it and just let yourself be swept away into this mysterious world.

A fantastic story of fantasy and magic. Beautifully written, characters who you attach to and a plot that really works.

Oh, this was a brilliant read! Ink Blood Sister Scribe took me on an adventure, one filled with intrigue, magic, blood, and mystery. However, at its heart, it is a story about family and the secrets that are kept from each other.

Something that I absolutely adored was how immersive this book was. Our four main characters all start off in very different locations - Joanna, living alone in her crumbling Victorian childhood home in Vermont, still grieving her father, looking after his rare magical books collection, and trying to befriend a stray cat for some company. Esther, Joanna’s older sister, who is settling in to a life at a base station in Antarctica, and has decided to ignore her late fathers warnings to up-heave her life every year. Then there’s Nicholas, a young man who has the ability to write spells, and is mostly confined to his uncles sprawling English mansion, for his own safety, after there was an attempt made on his life. And finally, Nicholas’s personal bodyguard, Collins, who rarely leaves his side. I really felt like I was there, alongside these characters, in their environments, which is a credit to the author.

There’s a cosy, almost practical magic-esq, feel to this book sometimes, but there is also a constant feeling of threat, which I loved. It kept me on the edge - one minute I’m reading about a stray cat, and the next there’s blood markings on mirrors, indicating that something is about to go very wrong.

The way magic works within this world is very interesting too. It felt very different from anything I’d read before, and was so well thought out, with a focus on the books that hold the spells, and how they are written.

Overall, a compelling, thrilling, sometimes pretty creepy, debut, but one with huge heart - highly recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley, and the publishers, for the early copy to review.

Wow, this was hard to put down, and one night kept me up reading when I should have been fast asleep!
Normally I'm not very interested in books about magic, but this was an exception. I suppose that most of the magic books that I do like are to do with books and/or libraries, and so this got in under that umbrella, but I am really glad that I did read it. I found it quite easy to imagine the look of places described, even though there were (thankfully) not long pages of description. I found the section about Antarctica fascinating, and the characters were sufficiently fleshed out that they seemed believable.
There was plenty of action, which I love, and some great twists. What more could I ask for in a book?

A terrific book that kept me reading until the small hours. I absolutely loved this story and all the twists and turns, including the complicated family dynamics. Whilst there are some action scenes, I wouldn't categorise this as a thriller but rather as a fantasy. If you enjoy fantasy literature in general, I urge you to pick up a copy. It is wonderfully written, with an engaging plot, well-rounded characters, and excellent worldbuilding.

Joanna has taken on the lonesome task of caring after her family's library of magical spell books while staying at home. Then, at the age of 18, Esther, her magically immune sister, abruptly left home. After that, Esther frequently moved, never settling down for longer than a year—until now.
On the other side of the globe is Nicholas. His uncle looks after and guards him, and until now, he has always felt safe in the library. Their lives are now in danger. They must learn the truth and know who to trust if they are to survive because there are secrets everywhere.

Hardly able to believe 'Ink Blood Sister Scribe' (that title!) is a debut, I came to the end of the novel with a beaming smile on my face.

Wow! Just wow. Törzs writes with such a commanding voice, the pitch of the novel is characterised by a sense of painstaking accuracy of articulation and concision of meaning. Törzs writes what she means and means what she writes.

My mind boggles at how many edits it might have taken to tighten the screws of this novel so precisely. Otherwise, my mind is completely blown by this debut author's natural talent!

The characters here are richly painted and strong. Sharply defined character voices/inner mindscapes make the POV swaps so natural that I'd barely notice when a perspective shift had taken place.

Furthermore, an author must always be lauded when she spotlights a lesbian relationship, and I've been really cheered recently to have read a few novels in a row that resist the Dead Lesbian trope and portray female homosexuality in an objective, no-fanfare way. With Esther and Pearl's relationship, what Emma Törzs effects is a bright and fair-minded realization of female sexuality. In fact, the heterosexual romances portrayed in the novel are dim in comparison to the illumination that highlights Esther's relationship with Pearl in the Antarctic base.

The concept central to the book is carried off superbly. I fully expect there to be libraries somewhere with books that hum with magic, and for there to be people out there whose blood, if used as ink, manifests spells when read aloud! Törzs naturalises her story-world so well that her plot is invested with total authenticity.

I'm really looking forward to the release of 'Ink Blood Sister Scribe', to see the impact it makes!

For receiving an eARC through NetGalley, my thanks to Random House UK Cornerstone; to Emma Törzs, of course; and to Century, publishing 'Ink Blood Sister Scribe' in July 2023.

Wow! What an adventure! Secret societies, magical books, libraries humming with spells....this was absolutely delightful and had me hooked from the start. I loved the familial ties, and growing relationship between the two sisters. We'll definitely be ordering this into our libraries!

I really enjoyed this sprawling mystery/magic novel, which is comparable to The Book of the Most Precious Substance - Sara Gran and The Cloisters - Katy Hays. It was well written and unique, I'm really hoping for a sequel! The only thing that stopped me rating this 5 stars was that it was slow to get going, with most of the action happening in the last 80% of the novel.

Fantastic. I have tried to describe this book but it really needs to be read. Magical books, family secrets & sisters all come together to make a brilliant book.

This speculative fantasy is an innovative and immersive tale of collusion, secrets and hidden libraries. Everything I want in a book! Somewhat creepy and unnerving in the first half, once we learn what and where the plot is taking us, all becomes clear as secrets are revealed. Such a great cast of characters, not too many, and some turn out to be just brilliant. I really enjoyed this and will absolutely be recommending it.

A spell system based on books written in blood. Two families born with magic in their veins. Four young adults caught up in it all, and an ancient, murderous evil that would cross the world to track them down.

I was hooked by this book's concept as soon as I read the blurb. It's kind of witchy, kind of dark academia, and has themes of belonging and a sit-with-a-cat-in-a-library sort of vibe. The plot is expertly constructed, spanning various countries, POVs and personalities without being confusing. The author weaves secrets into the pages that you only remember with a start far later in the narrative.

I found the pacing a little slow at the beginning, but by the second half of the book I was fully engaged in the adventure and the characters. I love the banter and affection between the main four, and this made for some brilliant humour and sweetness even in the midst of chaos.

I'm also in awe of how the magic system holds up. Magic with such expansive capabilities could lead to a tale riddled with plot holes, but whenever I found myself wondering 'couldn't there just be a spell for that?' one of the characters would ask the exact same question and there would be a satisfying explanation that fit within the realms of believability without hindering the magic or the plot.

If you're looking for an escapist fantasy read with an original magic system that will stick in the mind of any bookworm, I recommend picking this up when it's published in July.

I started off a little hesitant with this book but once it got going I was completely hooked! I loved the premise of magic books and the custodians of these books who will do anything to protect their magic. Esther, Joanna and Nicholas are all engaging MCs with their own secrets and discoveries to make about their heritage. The ending was action packed with some shocking revelations and I loved every minute of it!

In her spectacular debut novel, Emma Törzs takes you on a journey to the world of fantasy, thriller and dark academia. Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a story of the Kalotay family who has guarded a collection of ancient and rare magic books for generations. Sisters Joanna and Esther have been raised to revere and protect the books. In another part of the world is the main library containing books of magic in England and Nicholas, Maram and Richard are the ones who try to protect the library. Later in the story, all these characters get entangled in a mysterious way.
This book has a multilayered and intriguing story filled with unforgettable characters, plot twists, epic scenes and a subtle and attractive narration.
If you love myths and fairytales and are ready to dive into a captivating story, Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a great read. This gripping novel will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you up late at night. From one page to the next, you won’t be able to put it down.⁣⁣
I received an electronic ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher.
Be ready to get your copy of the book that will be out in July in the UK and join me on this adventure!

I just finished this book which is not my usual reading genre, but I had a very pleasant surprise. A debut novel by Emma Torzs very well written.

A fairy tale of mirrors, ice, and blood sisters or are they?

Complex characters and do wards exist? Who believes in magic, should we question it?

Very enjoyable read from start to finish.

This was so brilliantly written, I've had trouble putting it down to do normal life things. I was so absorbed in, what can only be described as, the best plotline ever,! Wow! So magickal and yet on the right side of gruesome, the characters were amazing! Absolutely one of the best books I've had the pleasure of reading. Thank you.

Absolutely loved this book. Book magic. Libraries of magic books. Vampire books that drink your blood. Magical mirrors. Just brilliant. As I said on my Instagram... "A book lovers wet dream".

Such a fascinating read. Fantasy genre - yes, but so much more too. The mixture of thriller, fantasy, magic, relationships, family was handled extremely well and I was hooked from cover to cover.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for my reviews!
Ink Blood Sister Scribe tells the story of two sisters with a history of complex magic, The story grabs you right from the start, providing a gripping read which will keep you entertained throughout. You will fall in love with the characters and root for their success along the way.

This is such a good read. It has magic, mystery and intrigue throughout. The story itself is well written and the characters are too.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.

What a fantastic intriguing & also very compelling read which was hard to put down while doing things like taking medication ,eating or even trips to the bathroom. In a world where Books can mot only bring joy with their magic they can also bring death! I won't give any spoilers about the characters as that would spoil the next readers grip on this amazing story which I will be highly recommending as well as buying a copy to go onto one of my Book Cases so I can re-read it at some point in time .#NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB, #Instagram, #@BetweenTheCovers, #Amazon.co.uk, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/8a5b541512e66ae64954bdaab137035a5b2a89d2" width="80" height="80" alt="200 Book Reviews" title="200 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

This was the first book that I've read in a long time that kept me up later than was sensible and had me looking for 5 minutes here and there to quickly dip in (and then got lost for a while!).

I loved this book and the brilliantly vibrant characters. They were so thoughtfully and fully written that I felt like I knew them, and I was bereft when I finished it. I want to know what happens next!!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough - it will stay with you!

This book is an immediate favourite! I love the setting, and I really hope there are sequels coming up.

The reader is gently introduced into the universe at the perfect pace. At no point did it feel like it was too much information or too less. The buildup to the climax is quite slow-going (but comfortable), and then it's like everything is out in the open all at once. Some of the reveals towards the end did feel like they were a bit hurried. But no complaints here because I love that heart-throbbing rush to the end.

4/5 stars. I'll definitely read any and all books by the author.

All books are magic because they transport the reader, metaphorically, into another world. Magic books do it literally. But what if books could kill? The books, always handwritten in ink made from blood and herbs, are spells, i.e. each book contains one spell which is cast by simply reading it aloud. Each time it is read the ink fades a bit and eventually the spell no longer works. The story is set in our modern world with a few nuances. There are three types of people: almost everyone can read (cast) a spell or can be affected by a spell; a tiny proportion can “hear” magic humming in the books and so can identify that a book contains a viable spell, and they are just as able to cast or be affected as the majority; and Scribes, who can actually compose and write and bind a spell in a book, but can’t hear magic, can’t speak magic and can’t be affected by magic. And there is only one of them – Nicholas. He lives in a mansion in England known as “The Library” with his uncle, Richard, Richard’s partner Maram, assorted staff (all spellbound to say and report nothing about the Library) and Nicholas’s bodyguard, Collins. He needs a bodyguard because Nicholas is the only source of new magic in the world and is, thus, the most valuable asset in the Library. Also, he has to use his own blood to create a new book so is permanently anaemic.
Abe Kalotay and his second wife, Cecily, have guarded their own private collection of magic books at their home in Vermont for over two decades. The books had been assembled by Abe’s family generations ago, while they lived in Mexico and they believed them to be one of the largest gathering of such books in the world. Cecily had left Abe for reasons that are connected with the books, so their daughter, Joanna, who can hear magic in the books takes over the duty of looking after the books, when her father is exsanguinated by a book. Joanna is angry because her half-sister, Esther, left home ten years ago and has spent the intervening period flitting around the planet, taking a new job every year, for reasons that are not known to Joanna. She didn’t even return for her father’s funeral. We know, however, that someone is hunting her.
So there are two stories running here, and clearly they will collide at some point and provide answers to the questions: Why did the book kill Abe? Why is there only one Scribe? Who’s hunting Esther?
I love books about unusual books in worlds which are more or less normal. They aren’t really Fantasy, nor yet Science Fiction. Some might class them as Magic Realism and certainly this book flirts around the edges of that; perhaps a sub-genre. As I’ve made clear in the opening paragraphs, this book has a very detailed magical world, but the author always maintains a logical handle on the magic. The story is at heart a murder mystery and it adheres to the conventions of that genre. The solutions come from the events, the clues are there, and it follows clear and consistent rules; no sudden rabbits out of hats. The language in which it is written is beautifully constructed. The characters are well drawn and believable – these are real people not “Magic” people. I enjoyed this book enormously, in fact I didn’t really want it to end, but it did, and the final resolution was inevitable.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

I fell in love with this book from the moment I turned the first page. Torzs creates a vivid world, rich with magic and intrigue and her characters are compelling and diverse. I found myself pulled along with them, through small towns and airports, desperate to watch the threads unravel as they uncovered more than they ever thought possible about their lives.

For fans of Ninth House, Spells for Forgetting, or anyone who's spent their lives in love with the magic of books.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

Absolutely devoured this book, so well written, brilliant story line.
I cannot wait to purchase and highly recommend

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a spellbinding debut, incredibly gripping and unputdownable. I adored everything about this book - the plot had great pacing and was thoroughly mapped out, the magic system was interesting and made great use of the magical books element (everything I wanted from The Binding!) and the characters were lovable and well rounded. I enjoyed the dialogue which was cut through with lighthearted humour and the characters relationships were believable and incited quite a cosy feeling. Absolutely loved this book and will certainly be gearing up for a re-read soon!

Initially I was unsure if this would be a book for me. But I'd seen it about online and was intrigued enough to give it a go. And I actually enjoyed this book quite a lot. Honestly this was such a wonderful book! A brilliant debut.

I'd been looking forward to this book since I first heard about it last summer, and oh, it did not disappoint. A fantastically compelling book about magic, family, power, and the lengths people will go to in order to keep it. I was sorry to have to leave such a richly imagined and wonderfully written world at the end of the story.

I was struggling to find any book that would hold my attention over the past few weeks, but as soon as I was a few pages into this I knew I'd have to finish it as soon as possible. I read the whole thing in about a day, I was just utterly enchanted by every page. Something about the prose and the way that everything seemed to flow was exactly what I needed.

The book follows Joanna, Nicholas and Esther and shows the different ways in which the magic of their world influences each of them from the very beginning. The switching between their sections of the story was masterfully done - while I would have much rather stayed with one perspective to see how something ended more than once, at no point did the changes feel jarring or forced, they all connected brilliantly the whole way through. I was drawn in by the characters from the very beginning, and was particularly curious when Nicholas was first introduced, not having such an obvious connection to the story as Esther and Joanna do as siblings.

There was such a vast range of settings: Joanna's home in rural Vermont, an English manor house, a base in Antarctica, and yet I could picture each and every one of them as I read. Each of the settings was accompanied with such a sense of atmosphere, such that I couldn't imagine any part of the book being set anywhere else. The contrast was fascinating and meaningful and I enjoyed it all immensely.

The magic system of the book I also thought was amazing and original. Books imbued with spells that can only be written by Scribes, but cannot be read by them. Magical families, containing Scribes and those who can detect magic, but never both in the same person. Bloodlines who have collected magical manuscripts completely independently of each other, passing down stories and responsibilities through generations.

It was an absolute joy to watch the mysteries unfold as I read, they all tied together so well and everything was significant, even if I didn't realise when they were first introduced. Some things I managed to guess, others took me by surprise, but all of them fit so perfectly into everything that had come before. It was obvious the whole way through that this book was incredibly well plotted and written.

In case the last six paragraphs haven't given it away yet: I adored this book. I consider it a new favourite of mine, and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone and everyone who might be interested, I cannot speak highly enough of it.

Thank you to the publisher for the e-arc. This book is one of my favourites of the year so far, I have always loved books about books, and this one has it all, great characters, well paced, excellent world building and a great magic system. Highly recommend picking this one up!

Thank you to @centurybooksuk @delreyuk for sending me an arc in exchange for a review.

Magic exists, channeled through certain books. Esther’s family can sense those books: they call to them, and they’ve spent their lives collecting them and protecting them. Esther can’t hear those books, and she ran away from home years ago, chased by a warning from her now dead father.

”Wherever you are, you must leave on November 2 and keep moving for twenty-four hours, or the people who killed your mother will come for you, too."

The writing is luscious and enchanting, as magical as the story it’s telling. The book takes you from rich, endorsed, sprawling mansions to cozy, comforting cottages hidden near the woods. The writing was touching. Intimate and soft, it was beautiful to read.

When she pictured a map, however, it was always as a network of veins with her house as the heart.

This is a poignant book about power, knowledge and how greed can capitalise on magic and something that deserves to be shared with the world.

“You say 'responsibility,' I hear ‘power’.”

Finally, I was enamoured by the descriptions of the sisterly bonds and the longing for belonging, affection, and an identity. A sense of knowing who you are, who your people are, and where you can belong.

If you enjoyed the Atlas Six or Inkheart, this standalone fantasy might be for you!

Ink Blood Sister Scribe has been hyped up a lot before it’s release on social media, and I am glad it was otherwise I might not have picked it up. This story centres around family at it’s core, sisterhood and trust and love play integral parts in this story between the magic.

The magic system of this book is unique, it is well developed and thorough in its planning. With each perspective we see a different relationship with magic and how it works in that person’s day-to-day life as well as shaping their past. We also see how it has affected their relationships such as Esther and Joanna, and Nicholas and his uncle.

I felt the pacing of the plot was a little off at times, the events happening around the 75% mark felt more appropriate for roughly half way through the book, leaving the last quarter to feel almost rushed at points. However, it didn’t distract too much from my enjoyment of the book so I only deducted 1 star.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

A family is tasked with guarding a trove of magical but deadly books. Joanna Kalotay lives alone in the woods of Vermont, the sole protector of a collection of rare books, whilst her sister Esther is always on the move, never staying anywhere longer than a year, desperate to avoid the deadly magic that killed her mother. Currently working on a research base in Antarctica, she has found love and perhaps a sort of happiness. However when she finds spots of blood on the mirrors in the research base, she knows someone is coming for her, and that Joanna and her collection are in danger.
As such this is a magical, thriller mystery, with building elements of tension and peril. There are louds of fabulous twists and turns, torturous decisions to be made about who to trust as well as so many layers of deceit and misinformation.
The characters are great. Not all are what they first seem. All are strong and distinguishable, with some worthy development across the story. Joanna & Esther keenly different but very likeable characters you want to get behind and will them to make the right decision. Plenty of book related magic delivered from a fresh and rather exciting perspective.

I am a bit of a newbie when it comes to the fantasy and mythology genre, but, I am widening my perspectives and so far loving it. The author has done this brilliantly. The story is beautifully written, the characters come alive on the page, the settings pop and all characters have believable voices. One of the key elements of this book is world-building, the author has created an intricate and detailed world, complete with its own histories, cultures, and languages. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Immersive, subversive, creating more terror than a nest of angry hornets!

Good heavens this was a steadily coiling the reader in its clutches sort of read. One where the desire to know what happens next beautifully balances with the I can’t-actually-bear-to-know-what-happens-next.

Several time I had to stop reading and distract myself from fretting about the potentially terrifying, unknown fate which might be awaiting the protagonists Torzs had got me invested in.

Even worse (or even better) was the fact that often I really didn’t know if I had come to care for the right people. Was everyone who they seemed to be, or were the necessary feints, masks and sleights of hands more than they seemed.

My journey was exactly the same as the characters themselves.

In a world of deep magic, just what ARE the spells, who is under a spell and who is pretending to be under a spell, or maybe even under a counter spell

NOTHING must be given away to spoil your journey, dear reader, but this is a dizzying, shimmering delight of assured plotting, character, and revelation

A small warning, if your personal reading journey might be the same as mine….I had just finished reading another absolutely 5 star book of a very different feel, slow and delicate literary fiction, and did not allow quite the break I should have done, before starting on another fiction. So, for some while in the Antarctic section, this book was not working for me. I might have abandoned it had this not been an ARC needing review.

This just reminds me, if I am absolutely surrendered to the magic of a book, totally in the thrall of its created world – DO NOT START ANOTHER FICTION until totally released from its spell!

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is such a beautifully written fantasy. The world-building is outstanding. The story is well written with an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters that engage from start to finish. The world is atmospheric and feels real with vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I cannot get enough. Highly recommended. Be sure to check out Ink Blood Sister Scribe today.

Enter a world of magic, mystery and danger with Ink Blood Sister Scribe! It’s like freefalling into an alternate reality where magical books are written in blood and sinister librarians are out to get you. We slowly start to piece together the story through the narratives of Joanna, Nicholas and Esther, with secrets emerging and more questions being thrown out as it progresses - it’s impossible to guess where this book is going next and that’s the best kind of adventure. It seems the world of magical books is a dangerous one, even more dangerous than any of them knew, and it was fascinating to watch it all unfold and paths converge. I also loved that this book gave me closure (other than a mini teaser at the end) to all the threads of the story that I was invested in. In places it’s a little gruesome but it’s an incredible world that’s been built here with an interesting set of characters from different circumstances, and almost everyone is hiding something. It’s definitely worth a read and it will have you wishing for magical books by the time you’re finished.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

Thank you so much for letting me read an arc!

I loved the premise, and the twists and turns along the way were incredible.
The varying viewpoints gave a great insight into the story but in certain parts I was unsure from whose perspective things were going.

The way that the world is built and used was absolutely fascinating, and you felt like you were there with the characters.
I really enjoyed this book, and the characters and how they were built. It felt like a mystery, adventure and fantasy all rolled into one epic story.

Thanks @Netgalley for the ARC. This book was spell binging (haha). Best page turner I've read in ages and a satisfyingly complex plot that takes you around the world with a nice mix of UK/US characters and locations.

For a debut novel, this is an amazing bit of work. I know it started off as part of an application to work in the Antarctic. Well worth reading the background to the novel first.

So magic, English manor houses, blood, vampire books, eye removals (eek!), lovely character development - the nice bit on the latter is that all the characters have their own flaws, so you can relate to them all individually.

Well worth getting and I'm looking out for future novels by Emma!!

Dark academia is a fantasy sub-genre is a genre that I'm beginning to really enjoy, and I think this book easily qualifies.

The story follows sisters, Joanna and Esther, who are charged with guarding a collecting of magical and dangerous books. When a shady organization threatens their safety, the sisters have to uncover some deep family secrets in order to survive.

It's a slow start and it didn't immediately grab me, but once the pace picked up this one was hard to put down. There's that witchy, Practical Magic vibe - one sister rooted firmly at home, the other constantly on the move. Estranged, but each still caring deeply about the other. Not all the characters grabbed me, though, especially Nicholas. If you like fantasy, dark academia, thrillers with a touch of romance, this might be right up your street.

Emma Törz has a real talent at building a scene. Slowly and skilfully, she layers in the world, the characters, their emotions, and stirs the plot to a heightened tension, seething with mystery.

“Keeping them in the dark, he seemed to believe, was tantamount to keeping them safe.”

Two sisters are handling the legacy of magic bequeathed to them by a father, killed by the very thing he sought to protect: one dwelling at the heart of it, the other constantly on the move against an obscure danger. Elsewhere, the only man left who can still write spells is imprisoned by his own value and fragility. Together, they will uncover secrets their guardians have kept from them - while events spiral out of control as they all slip further and further into danger…

This is a magical book about magical books - absorbing and immersive, frightening and beautiful. Step through the mirror, and let the author enchant you.

“The thrum of magic filled the air: the endless sugar of a hot blue sky, the beat of a thousand gossamer wings, a wind that moved anything on earth that could be moved, which was everything .”

Thank you so much Random House U.K., Cornerstone and NetGalley for the ark of Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Offer me a book about books, a library or a bookshop and I’m already biased. Offer me a book about ancient magical books and libraries, an intriguing and sophisticated magic system
and the delicate familial bonds of sisterhood, and I’m hooked. I’m itching to throw myself into the centre of a rich, spellbinding narrative as finely woven as a rich tapestry that delivers atmospheric here, tension, magical realism and more, and truthfully, Emma Törz is an artisan, weaving a multi-layered tale about, magic, family, power and control, and the limits people will go beyond to retain them.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a story told from multiple perspectives, the key protagonists which are Esther, Joanna, and Nicholas. Esther and Joanna are estranged sisters who have not seen each other in years and Nicholas is an only son, raised in the care of his uncle. All have links to this magical world that whilst not obvious at the start, soon come to light as the story progresses.

Törzs has created a magic system that brings together the traditional tools and mechanics of sorcery and magic in a way To d not considered before. Magic is created through the authoring and writing of a book, but not everyone is capable of this. Only those blessed or maybe cursed by the magic within their blood can be a Scribe, and they are unable to read or be affected by the magic within the books. The same can be said for the Reader, they can detect magic, bring the books magic to life and be affected by the magic but, they cannot scribe.

This is tale of speculative fiction and magical realism is set across continents, which could limit the world building and narrative description to reality but, Törzs crafts and illustrates the settings to lift the atmosphere and surroundings to such a level you could be there. It was far to easy to imagine myself settled in the library amongst the fixtures and fittings, surrounded by the sense and smells of the magical tomes.

I was amazed to find out that this is Törzs debut book, because the writing just flows, allowing the story to unfold smoothly m, revealing layers and mysteries, building the tension and investment into the outcome. This us truly an excellent book that I will enjoy reading again and again, and I totally recommend that you pick this book up.

Books about books: perfection

Aah I loved this so much!! It was the perfect blend of drama and humour and violence and romance and I had such a good time! I expected it to be quite literary (if that makes any sense) but it was a lot more action packed which I enjoyed

I really loved both Joanna and Esther. They were clearly quite different people, but they each had a fierce protectiveness that you could see united them as sisters and I loved following their parallel storylines through. As for Nicholas and Collins - the unexpected loves of my life I didn’t know I needed. I’ll admit, I was kind of shipping them a little bit but with Joanna mentioning being alone and potentially thinking about having someone to love, I could tell it wasn’t gonna happen.

The whole resolution behind who was hunting Esther and what that mysterious book was about, I worked out quite quickly, but it wasn’t so much about that for me as I was hooked on the story of how all our characters would eventually meet and how it would all get resolved!

I feel like with any more detail I’d be giving too much a way, but it is a brilliant story with plenty of little twists to keep you reading!!

I’d love a sequel (or five lol), even something with Collins and his life before working for Nicholas. With the library and Joanna’s collection, I think there are a lot of potential stories that could be pursued but it works as a standalone, as I think it’s meant to be - and I can’t have everything I want!!

An interesting concept for a book. The story line brings together a fantasy element (magical books and people who can detect them) and a thriller element (shootings and dead bodies!) - quite a mix that strangely works! For a debut novel it was well written although it was very slow in in the beginning when setting the scene. Once you get into the bones of the story it begins to flow well. The title does not really convey what the book is about.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advance copy of this book.

A thrilling twisty and absorbing fantasy read for bibliophiles. With books that can kill and magical books hidden in case they fall into the wrong hands, I couldn't put it down. Imaginative and dark this is one of my favourite reads this year.

This is an absolutely amazing debut novel. Törzs writing is gorgeously lyrical and completely enchanting, and her characterisation so compelling that it is able to carry you through the slower first two parts of the book. The world building is also incredible, and it feels expansive beyond the contents of the novel. The novels three central characters are all equally interesting yet distinct perspectives, and the plot contains many twists, some I predicted and some I didn’t. I also loved the romances, which felt natural and genuinely sweet. Overall, I cannot recommend this book enough. This is a brilliant first book and I am anxiously waiting to read whatever else Törzs produces next.

This witchy and atmospheric fantasy about books that shouldn't be opened was a brilliant evening read and one I'm sure I'll be going back to!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

'Ink Blood Sister Scribe' is an intriguing fantasy debut exploring family, power, and the implications of secrets. Whilst it treads familiar ground for the fantasy genre, it does so in a fresh way, with various narrative choices offering elements of surprise. It's a little rough in places, but overall this is an excellent debut and an enjoyable, atmospheric read.

For generations, the Kalotay family has guarded a rare collection of books: books that don't just tell stories, but have true magic in their pages. These books let people walk through walls or summon animals. However, all magic comes with a price - and for the Kalotay sisters, the price is isolation. Esther has moved from place to place, trying to outrun the secret, whilst Joanna stayed cloistered at home behind powerful wards. However, after their father is killed by a book Joanna has never seen before, the two sisters are forced together again - and into a world far larger and more dangerous than they imagined.

The story follows three perspective characters: Joanna, Esther, and Nicholas. Each is very different, and pleasingly for a multi-POV book, each has their own engaging thread which complements rather than detracting from the overall narrative. At no point when reading was I sad to change perspective, with each feeling strong and worthwhile.

Esther, the adventurer, is outgoing, flirtatious, and vivacious - but inside, she's desperately lonely. Being forced to move every year and leave each old life behind takes its toll. Now, she's found someone she loves - but by staying around, she risks involving them in the danger she's been warned about since she left home. The sort of character who tries to appear spontaneous but is actually a scrupulous planner, its interesting seeing how Esther reconciles the two sides of her identity as the story develops.

Joanna, meanwhile, is a homebody - happiest surrounded by books - but one who, thanks to the wards, has also been forced one step further into a recluse. Her paranoia has her permanently in her shell, her mind always preoccupied. Despite that, she's a strong and resilient woman, extremely caring - and with a mile-wide romantic streak thanks to an obsession with romance novels. Joanna is easy for any bookworm to relate to, and her relationship with Esther is beautifully written.

Nicholas is, in some ways, an interesting inclusion - the book is strongly about family, and here he's an outlier. Raised by his uncle in a shadowy organisation known as the library, Nicholas's job is to be a Scribe - to write books of magic for the highest bidder. This ability is so rare that Nicholas is shut away for his own protection, rarely allowed to interact with the outside world. Excursions out have always lead to disaster. Nicholas has elements in common with both Esther and Joanna, and an excellent sense of humour that's not fully utilised - but sadly, his character development stagnates in the second half of the book, languishing behind the Kalotay sisters. The way his character is treated forces the reader to confront their assumptions about the role of White Knight characters in fantasy, and I can see why it's done - but it does feel a little like a waste of his potential.

There are light side romance elements - one sapphic, one male-female - but no central romance, with the focus more on the central mysteries and magic. Esther's relationship is convincing, the other less so - but it's a small part of the story that detracts little from overall enjoyment.

The atmosphere is one of the strongest elements. Torzs does an excellent job building secrecy, paranoia, and mystery at every turn. The magic system itself feeds into the eerie atmosphere, centred around blood magic and herbalism - yet without seeming too gory. The first half of the book is slow paced, building that atmosphere and introducing each character - the second is much faster, allowing the threads to unravel.

The climax itself is a tad underwhelming - it feels very predictable, with too much foreshadowing and an act that doesn't necessarily feel in character. However, it ties all the threads with an appropriate level of finality, satisfying enough for this to stand as a debut with potential for spinoffs should the author want to expand the world.

Overall, this is a strong debut with three solid and complementary characters, a gorgeous atmosphere threaded through with tension and the musty smell of old books, and engaging writing that draws the reader in. A recommended read.

The more I read this book, the more I got intrigued. I do enjoy plot twists – this instantaneously makes the story so much better. This being said it was a truly enjoyable read with great pacing, keeping the intrigue up until the very end of the book.
It’s difficult to review such books and avoid spoilers, so I won’t write too much. It’s a great book for book nerds and magic lovers, where history intertwines with modern life, and where families hide more secrets than one could imagine. And, how all the dots connect in the end. There is plenty of room for further books, if there are ever meant to be any, or simply for the reader’s imagination of how the story could continue further.

This is a intriguing, multilayered, and atmospheric dark academia fantasy debut that pays homage to books and a magic that exacts a heavy price from Emma Torzs, although it did take a little while before I became immersed in the storytelling. There are three distinct characters and threads in the narrative, separated for years, Joanna and Esther have a family legacy to protect. Joanna lives alone in Vermont, restricted to home so that she can protect their collection of magical books, whilst Esther is condemned to having to move after living in a place for a year, which confers its own sense of loneliness. Esther now lives on a Antarctic research station, and she now has reason to not want to move, the blood on the mirrors tells her she is in danger

The special Nicholas lives in the family mansion housing a hidden magical library in the UK, he holds the role of the last scribe, his blood has the ability to write magic, but only at the cost of his health. The author engages in vivid and imaginative world building in this tale of power, mystery, spells, the divisions and dangers in magic, the blood, spells, gloss, family secrets, deceit, lies, machinations and family. We learn of how things used to be for the main protagonists, the joys and magic of Joanna and Esther's memories of growing up together before everything disintegrates, and the challenges and threats that follow before the truth is revealed. This will appeal to readers drawn to the darkest of fantasies and magical realism. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

This is a beautifully written tale about magical books, the Scribes who write them and sisterhood. I love books about books and this was very well done with a unique spin. All the characters were engaging and I want more from the world and characters.. fingers crossed for a sequel as I think this world has more stories in it🤞🏼

Sisters Esther and Joanna were raised among a collection of rare books; magic books written in blood. But now they are estranged, their father dead and a whole world between them. Joanna lives secluded in the woods of Vermont, barely leaving the safety of her warded family home. It is her duty to protect the books now that she’s the last one left. Esther has fled, never staying more than a year in one location, running from something she can’t share.
While working at an Antarctic base, Esther has found something, someone, worth staying put for. Surely she must be safe in such a remote location? She can’t outrun the magic forever.
Dark and gripping, a shedload of mystery and intrigue, I loved it! It’s been a long time since I read a book that I couldn’t bear to put down, but Ink Blood Sister Scribe hit all the right notes.
For starters, I particularly enjoy a remote, isolated setting like the Antarctic. Esther’s opening chapters are so tense, the remoteness being cast as safety right until it isn’t. The backstory and explanations come at exactly the right pace, you’re not told much at the start, but it’s slowly drip fed until a picture emerges and the clues start locking into place.
And then there is Nicholas, the last heir of a family of scribes, those who write the magic books. While Joanna, completely cut off from the rest of the magical world, has been unsuccessfully experimenting with creating new books, we find the reasons why from Nicholas’s point of view sections. His family have been writing books for centuries, writing books to order to whoever can afford them.
Nicholas has had a cloistered upbringing, on purpose of course, and is naïve about the family business. While he knows a lot about the books and the magic, he is soon to learn the terrible secrets of his family.
I guess his family could be seen as stereotypical, posh rich British people who trample over people to get what they want…but have you seen the real world recently? They would totally exist if magic books were a thing.
One thing I never worked out was why did Abe write in that book? Was he just curious? I felt like he knew so much, he must have had an idea of what it would do.
It’s a standalone but I would very much like a companion novel set in the same world. There seems so much else that could be explored, especially the plans laid out for their future.

I found this book absolutely fascinating, the idea of magic and the effects that power can have on people made a great plot for the book. The storyline was interesting, characters brilliantly written and complex and I just couldn’t stop reading. One of the best fantasies I’ve read for a while.

An image of this book should be attached to the definition of dark academia! It had all the vibes but with a pacy plot that seamlessly slides backstory and exposition in throughout so you never get bogged down. Told from 3 separate character POVs, each delightfully distinct, Ink Blood Sister Scribe follows two sisters as they try to uncover secrets and avoid the nefarious people who would kill to obtain them and the secret library of magical books their family swore to protect. Highly recommend this to fans of The Atlas Six… and also those who hoped for more from that book because this delivers it instead!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the early access.

This is another one of those books that I didn’t think I’d enjoy based on the description, but ended up loving!

Some of the characters kept you guessing until the end, the plot was interesting, and I ended up reading for hours to find out what happens.

Blown away! Loved this- original dark academia with a fantastic magic system. From very early on I was hoping this was going to be a series, but I think it’s probably a stand alone. I didnt want it to be over. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this treat of a book.

In a world where magic is real and books are limited the task of two different sisters to save their families legacy will leave you left in their world and gasping for more.

Woah, I really enjoyed this one!!! It has been a while since a fantasy book has gotten me this invested! It started slow but then it picked up and found it hard to put down. Loved the concept, the magic system and the world-building. Very intriguing as well. The title does summarise what is it about. I hope there is a sequel!

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is an accomplished debut.

The exploration of magic through magic books and an organisation is a fresh take on what has gone before and I read it with enjoyment.

Initially, I found it difficult to get my head around. For example, during plot development, one sister says sister and step mother, while the other says sister and mother. This made me pause and flick back to ponder whether it was a mistake or something I'd missed.

A further point I noticed is that Esther's first memory is at 2.5 years old, which isn't scientificially sound - it's thought to be around 4/5 years of age.

Despite this, I'm interested to see whether the author makes this a series of books.

The way Emma has described even the most everyday things in this book; the colour of the sky, the sound of the trees, the aroma of magic. It reads like poetry. It's gorgeous. There's a fine line writing like that, as it's easy to stray into the corny cliches but she's found the right balance.

The first section is more about the characters, letting us get to know them, getting invested in them, their pasts, presents and future, their likes and dislikes, their relationships, their motives. Then it's more about the books and the magic they hold. And then we get into the real thriller action parts, where at times it gets more magical, but at the same time, more human. Hopefully that will make sense if you read it.

It is very involved. It has lots of layers. This means you need to concentrate. Take it from someone who is easily distracted. This deserves your full attention, for its complexity but also for its brilliance. You'll find characters and stories that interlink, some very subtly, some more obvious.

There's three main characters, sisters Esther and Joanna, and the mysterious Nicholas. They're all fabulously written. Completely separate people but clearly linked. They're all very distinctive and just brilliantly created. I have seen a review that says they didn't think the characters were well developed but I completely disagree. I think who they are at the end is vastly different to how they were at the beginning, but they never lose my love and attention. There's a number of secondary characters - too many to go into too much detail on - but they all work off of our main trio perfectly, building up their stories and giving us reasons to like and/or dislike them.

For something so fantastical and magical and unbelievable, it felt very real and tangible, like, of course this happens. And I think that's because of the world building. She's linked the fantasy to the real so well that it means everything seems real. She's not completely bombarded the reader with facts about the world, because that would feel jarring. She's worked little bits in here and there that it feels so normal, and you can build up this picture of the world in your mind and completely see the action in this setting.

It is a complete rollercoaster ride of emotions. There's thrills and spills, twists and turns, loves and losses, heroes and villains, truth and lies. Everything about it is so gorgeous. It's a movie just waiting to happen. Really exceptional. AND it's a debut! Phenomenal.

It was more heartfelt that I thought it would be. I thought it would 'just' be a fantasy book about magical books. But it's so much deeper than that, that you end up feeling quite moved by it all. Family is a big theme in this book and its proof that blood relations don't always equal family. In this we have blood relatives, step-families, guardians, orphans, friends etc. And it shows that your friends can be your family more than your actual relations, and I think that's a beautiful addition.

It doesn't necessarily require a sequel, but I'd love to continue their story. I'm not quire ready to leave yet.

A fabulous debut novel with some very interesting magic, mystery and wonderful prose.

The story revolves around books. Not just any books though, for these books contain magic. I really liked the take on how these magical books worked (I won't spoil it here), and how only certain people can read or even write them. I also appreciated how it leant into 'all magic comes with a price' and the various ways in which that notion applied to each character.

The characters themselves, Joanna, Esther and Nicholas were all very different, their POV's very individual and all equally interesting. Joanna is a homebody, content to be surrounded by only her books for company, though plagued with a paranoia induced by her aloneness. Esther is the opposite, a headstrong adventurer who is always on the move. And Nicholas, kept hidden behind the walls of The Library for his own safety, rarely allowed any interaction with anyone save his tiny handful of family.

I love the atmosphere Törzs created with her writing. there was an undercurrent of danger, of threat to the characters through the whole book. It built slowly at first, and then very quickly bubbled to the surface in a way that made it very difficult to put the book down. The writing itself was excellent, and I am very impressed that this is a debut novel!

One of the best books I've read this year. Absolutely grabs you right from the start, unique and well thought through magic system, that is exactly as gory as it should be. Just so unique and beautiful all around. The characters are really well developed. And on a somewhat random note it made me really want a Pomeranian.

This debut fantasy thriller has absolutely enchanted me! From the intriguing premise to the wonderful magic system, the endearing characters to the stunning writing, I adored every single thing about Ink Blood Sister Scribe. This has become one of my top three favourite books of all time – that’s how much I loved it! I can’t wait for everyone else to become bewitched by this stunning debut.

I absolutely loved this book, there were so many levels of interest and twists and turns. I plan to read it again, it is a delight. I would highly recommend it to all.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs follows 3 people; Esther at a research station in the Antarctic who every year has to move to avoid people trying to capture her family through her or so she thinks. Her step sister, Joanna, still in their old home in US tasked with looking after a family collection of magical books. She can't leave the home and has to ensure the magical wards are set every night to keep people out including her stepmother. Then there is Nicholas who writes spells for the "family business" in the UK using his own blood which is literally killing him. For his own good Nicholas is virtually under house arrest by his uncle to prevent him being kidnapped or killed for this ability or to destroy this ability.

The three characters are linked by the magic and the books they hold and come together to solve the mystery of the books and the magical powers they have.

I found the start of the book slow and was not sure if it was going to grip me enough to want to go on. Once Nicholas came on the scene however for me the pace of the book and the intricacy of the story increased and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. The characters were well rounded and well described even the nasty ones.

A definite must read for those interested in magic and books.

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy.

A truly wonderful book, very reminiscent of Babel or The Book Eaters, or in a way, like Sea of Tranquillity, in the way the pieces all line up in the end.
My only regret is that it's clear it's a pretty self-contained story, and I'm not altogether sure whether we'll get a sequel or a prequel. But don't let that stop you from enjoying this, especially in the world of amazing 1 season shows on HBO, and other excellent fantasy standalones.

A book about magical books and it is superb. A new author, her first book and I can't wait to read more. A slow burner but then it was just mesmerising. This book has everything, magical books,spells written in human blood. Full of intrigue and so much more. I did not want this book to end. A well deserved five stars and a new light for all readers of this genre.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Great world building … check; strong, well developed characters… check; an absorbing, well written plot … check; Books, books, books … check, check, check!

End of.

This is a gem of a book, what an achievement for a debut novelist. Thanks very much to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a fabulous book. The fact that this is a debut novel gives me absolute hope for further brilliant reads. Anyone who is a fan of the All Souls Trilogy, Harry Potter or any other magic based stories will love this! It is hard to write a review without spoilers and the best review I can give is to read the book as it is amazing. I am hoping for great things in the future from Emma Törzs!

Firstly thank you NetGalley for providing me an eArc for review!

I was instantly intrigued by the cover and title of Ink Blood Sister Scribe before reading anything at all in the synopsis. It drew me in, but it was the premise of the story itself that made me know I just had to read it.

Magical books? Sisters estranged by secrecy? Mysterious libraries and suspicious people running them? I'm here for that!

The first half of the book is a slow reveal. It introduces our three main characters, two sisters apart for 10 years, Joanna and Esther, and Nicholas, a young man with a gift. We get to see the lives they've lived through their current situations and also through flashes of memories. On the surface they all seem so different, but they're each, individually, living lives of such isolation and structure that they mirror each other in so many ways. Whilst a few key things did happen, it was a drawn out process and at times I struggled to fully engage.

The second half was when all the pieces of the puzzle came together, and by that point I honestly did not want to put the book down. Walls come crashing down, secrets are revealed, plots within plots begin to unfold, and you're never quite sure who you can trust or what the endgame might actually be. I came to really like each individual character and I would love to know more about certain people and how they came to be the way they did.

This is a wrapped up novel in that it definitely could be a standalone, but there are threads to be pulled and stories left to unravel so I'm really hopeful that Emma Törzs will bring us another book in this fascinating world!

An exciting new voice in fantasy writing. A beautiful story about love, books and finding your place in the world. Loved it. (Although whoever thinks Hamlet killed his uncle in Act 3 needs a rethink!)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.

Let me preface this with some facts:
We've got Dark Academia, queer representation, disabled representation, hidden Libraries, spell books, and pints of blood.

This was such a gripping read, and I loved every second of it.
Esther was my favourite of the three main characters that we had, just because I felt for her the most- having to leave her family and move around the world every year. Not to say that I didn't enjoy Joanna, who was kick ass in a totally different way, and Nicholas, who was a gentle soul of a man, which I really liked.
I can see this becoming a fantastic tv series or movie, it was cinematic, and the writing style was so well done. I love a chapter that ends on a cliff hanger!
Trigger warnings for:
Loss of a loved one, divorce, blood, maiming, and abandonment.

You'll find yourself trying to figure out what this book about books is all about. However, despite the mysteries, a lot is laid out in plain sight, which makes it easy to follow. About a quarter into the book we're introduced to everything mentioned in the title. Ink. Blood. Sister. Scribe. And the magic system is easy to understand as well: magic is bound in books and needs blood to be written, recharged or activated. There's those with magic and those untouched by magic - the latter able to become Scribes.
All this is the basis of a kind of mystery story, however it's not so much the plot I was interested in but the characters. We start with a triple POV and I have to admit that at first I only cared about Esther. But then - in very unique ways - these people slowly start coming together, and by 66% of the book I was so pleased with the team having been assembled (and yes Sir Kiwi is also part of this team!) that I just couldn't stop reading.
I would have luckily watched them inking and blooding and sistering and scribing for the rest of the book, but there's some twists and turns still in wait!
I was very satisfied by the end of the book, though I'd still love to read more of them, how they're all doing now in their own way. I'm sure there's room for plenty more!

4,5/5 stars

Thank you so much @netgalley and @centurybooksuk @delreyuk for the eARC!

#InkBloodSisterScribe #bookstagram

As a book lover, I am always a sucker for stories that are centred around books themselves, and Ink Blood Sister Scribe might have just become one of my all time favourite 'books that feature books.' Joanna Kalotay lives a life of solitude, in a house that only a handful of people could actually find, because her house holds a secret. Joanna's family are caretakers of books, but not just regular books, magical books, books that can allow you to fly, walk through walls... books that can kill people. Her older sister, Esther, moved out when she was 18 and has since lived the life of a nomad, never settling in one place for too long to ensure her safety and that of her family, until one day she finds somewhere, someone worth staying for. These two sisters both love and fear magic in their own ways, but neither can truly fathom the danger they are in and, when outside forces start looking for them and their library, they will have to search into their families past, and the past of the books themselves if they are to survive the coming war.

In Joanna and Esthers world, books aren't just magical in the traditional sense, there are actual magical books out there, books that can transport you across continents, allow you to become invisible, books that can kill you, and the sisters have spent their lives around these books, but there is one massive thing that sets them apart; while Joanna can hear, even feel the magic coming off the books and can read their spells into existence, the magic doesn't work on Esther in the slightest, she cannot be affected by it, nor can she hear/ feel or read it to life like her sister can. But there is a darker side to these books, the truly magical ones are written in blood and by people called Scribes, Scribes can write magical books into being using their own blood but can never read them to life, and readers, like Joanna, can read books but could never write one. The whole history of the book making, the danger behind it as well as the magic added this whole other dark aspect to the story, something that starts off as magical and wondrous, somehow becomes darker and creepier the more we learn about it, and Torzs does a brilliant job of showing just how wonderful magic can be, but also how dangerous it can be in the wrong hands.

The story is told from three different POV's. Joanna, Esther & Nicholas. Joanna lives an extremely isolated life, her father is dead, her mother is not allowed into the house, her sister left when she was 18 and the only contact they have is through sporadic postcards. She's the quintessential golden child, the one who has always done what she was told, and if that means locking her mother out of the house and spending the rest of her life looking after the books, then that is what she will do. She's a character that really grows throughout the book, coming to see that blind belief isn't all it's cracked up to be, and I loved seeing her open herself up to new opportunities and meeting new people.

Esther comes across as the stereotypical run-away child. Never staying in one place too long, nearly cutting off all contact with her family. But the more time we spend with her, the more we understand her reasoning, why she chose this lifestyle, and that is something that instantly drew me to her as a character. If Joanna is easy to empathise with because of her solitude, Esther is equally easy but because of her decisions, her choice to cut herself off from the people that love her to save them. She's feisty and a little more forthright than Joanna, but she's just someone desperate to find a safe place in the world, one where she can stay without their being any consequences.

Nicholas is the last living Scribe, someone who can write magical books into being using his own blood. He has lived a sheltered, if not privileged life, never wanting for anything except that which he cannot have, a normal life, with friends who haven't been paid to 'babysit' him. Nicholas is a character who can't seem to see his own predicament, but we as the readers definitely do. We see him being used and abused for his ability, and I loved seeing him come to realise this throughout the book and start to fight back against those who have kept him under lock and key his entire life.

As well as the above pov character's, Torzs treats us to a brilliant cast of side characters such as Cecily, Joanna's mother & Richard and Maram, Nicholas's Uncle and his partner. But my favourite side characters was by far Collins, Nicholas's bodyguard/reluctant friend. He's the person who starts to show Nicholas how bad he's been treated and his character definitely add's a little humour, as well as tension to the story. In fact all of the side character's add something to the story, whether it's drama, intrigue or danger. We have characters that you will love, as well as a good old antagonist whose comeuppance can't come quickly enough, but Torzs weaves them all into the plot so effortlessly, you're never quite sure who you can trust.

Her writing style is incredibly lush and almost seductive in how it slowly but surely drags you into the story. It's filled with introspection, but still manages to move at a steady pace thanks to Torzs using these parts to drip feed us not only the history of her world, but the books themselves as well as the characters. In fact, Torzs has written this book in a way that had me questioning whether these magical books actually ever existed, whether they still do. She uses the character's, their backstories and the histories of the families to weave these magical books into history so well that it's hard to imagine they didn't exist at one point. There are plot twists a plenty as well as a few well placed fight scenes that also help the story not feel too slow, but it's just one of those books that, once I started reading it, learning about the books and the types of magic they could create, I never managed to put it back down.

There are a few romantic sub plots in the story that I loved, but this book focused more on the familial style relationships than any kind of romantic ones. Joanna and Esther's relationships was so incredibly real and well written. These two sisters who love each other, and resent each other at the same time, but would do anything within their power to protect the other. And on the other side we have Nicholas and his Uncle who claims love whilst slowly stripping Nicholas of any free will, making him more servant than family member and using him for his own gain. Every single relationship was so well developed and showed the true complexities of family.

I'm gonna apologise because this was one mega review, but I just adored this book. It was magical, whilst still feeling incredibly real and Torzs manages to show the complexities of family, politics and magic in such a brilliant and effortless way. It's safe to say I will be keeping my eye out for whatever she writes next.

Emma has written an impressive debut novel one that keeps you riveted as you read as quickly as you can! It’s full of magic, romance and family relationships all tied in with the writing of magical books.

The idea of magical books is nothing new, neither is the idea of working spells by reading specific books. But the way this book was set up, was very different and quite exciting.

The story was very well thought through. Everything made sense, but it took some time for the explanations to be revealed. I enjoyed how interwoven everything was. This made for a slow beginning, but it was also nice to see the characters have their own lives that suddenly got completely messed up in different ways.
The way the story pushed all of them together was great. It was obviously constructed and felt like it, but it also felt as if this feeling had been left on purpose. The ending revealed a pretty good explanation.

There are a couple of darker tones in this novel - it's not a cute or funny read, it's pretty serious and sometimes a bit gruesome, but it worked really well.

I loved the depth of the characters and their interactions. The relationships of both the sisters and Collins and Nicholas were great. It was also nice to see a fantasy novel without a focus on romance. The romantic parts were sweet and well fitting and did play a role, but not a big one.

The writing style was nice. Easy to read, nice language.

I also liked the representation aspects of this book. Not over the top, but very fitting and in my opinion well written.

Emma Törzs really did a great job and you can see how much work she put into her book. It's a fantastic debut and I can only recommend.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This fantasy story takes quite a while to really get going. But when it does it sucks you in and doesn’t let you go. That is until the sadness or is it satisfaction when you realise you have come to the end of a good book. (Thank you to Random House Uk, Cornerstone and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine freely given.

Any synopsis that mentions mentions magic books and mysterious libraries has my ears pricking up, and this had me hooked from the first page, I really enjoyed the whole adventure. The perfect balance of humour and intrigue, combined with great characters and an interesting take on how magic works.
The author seemed to have a lot of fun with the story, taking inspiration from classic fairytales and magical tropes but mixing her own unique style and wonderful elements such as Sir Kiwi, who made me very happy.
I’ll definitely be recommending this to everyone.

Joanna lives alone in the woods of Vermont, the protector of a collection of rare books; books of magic. Her older sister Esther, who just upped and left with no explanation, moves constantly between countries and jobs , never staying anywhere longer than a year. Esther desperately trying to avoid the deadly magic that killed her mother. However, she has found love and possible happiness on a research base in Antarctica and decides to stay put for the first time in ages. 

She then finds spots of blood on the mirrors in the research base and she knows someone is coming for her, and that Joanna and her collection of books are in danger. For them both to survive, she and Joanna must work out the secrets their parents kept hidden from them - secrets that could possibly cost them their lives.

This book had me gripped from the first chapter. It was intriguing and I really wanted to know why Esther couldn’t return, who was after the books and the secrets. It did drag slightly in the middle but it picked up again and oh wow it was a roller coaster ride right up until the last page. Thoroughly enjoyed this book

I thought Ink Blood Sister Scribe was terrific, a mesmerising blend of fantasy, horror, and a little drop of thriller – three of my favourite genre’s. The first half of the book moves between Esther’s story as she settles into some kind of stable life and love, ignoring the warning’s from her childhood at her peril and the story of Nicholas, a scribe who can use his blood to write magical books. I wanted two know how these two threads were connected. The way the story moves back and forth between both of them works really well. The moment when Esther and Nicholas meet is well written, and I had no clue what their connection was. This is a gripping, highly original book.

Enjoyable fantasy novel about magic in modern day society with an adventure element to it..

You sometimes find fantasy novels with a huge list of characters in the front so that you can keep track of who is who. This can be quite tedious. I'm please to write that this fantasy novel about books and magic has a mere 7 to 8 important characters. Esther and Joanna are sisters with different links to the magic connected to their father. They become involved in the machinations of others plotting to use them to further their own ends. The characters are original and interesting and the plot moves along nicely with a few cliffhanger endings to chapters.. It's well worth a look and i recommend it to all lovers of straight-forward fantasy novels (as opposed to trilogies and sagas). I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s hard to believe it is a debut novel. I loved the writing style and found it easy reading. I hope this is the beginning of a new series. Magic and witchcraft are two of my favourite things to read about. Highly recommended!

Joanna is a caretaker of books of magic, just like her father before her, who died clutching one of his beloved books. Since his death Joanna has lived alone. Her sister Esther, moved out of their home when she was 18 to keep the family safe and has continued moving ever since.
Nicholas is a scribe, he can write spells but every one he writes makes him a little weaker. His Uncle tells him he is the only scribe still alive and keeps him safe in the house they call The Library. But is the place that keeps him safe the place where he is in the most danger?
When the three are brought together, things that they had always trusted will be challenged, new truths will be learned and their lives will never be the same.
Absolutely spellbinding. Characters you will connect with and feel for. A subject you will be enchanted by. A story you will not forget. Full of twists, turns and hold-your-breath moments.

Horror, thriller, fantasy, what more could someone want really? Such a great, interesting and addicting book.

This is one of those books that I was thinking about and wanting to go back to when I was doing other things. I had to make myself put it down and focus on listening to real people, rather than keeping it open and finding my gaze wandering back to the page.

I was eager to return to it to discover what was going to to happen to the characters next.

It's really well written and I will read more from this author, probably starting with the follow-up book to this one.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#InkBloodSisterScribe by #EmmaTörzs is currently my book of the year. There is nothing I didn't love about it. Fresh magic, clever world building, wonderful characters, generous and intelligent writing. This is contemporary fantasy at its best.

A brief example of my favourite sentences -

"Listening, always, for the rare susurration of magic."

"...just another bitter bead in her rosary of missed opportunities."

“In order to avenge herself she must be free. And to be free , a prisoner has to pierce a wall, detach bars, cut through a floor— all undertakings which a patient and strong man may accomplish, but before which the feverish irritations of a woman must give way.”

"He stepped closer to examine a drawing of a naked woman with a very full bush pulling a three-headed snake out of her vagina."

Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe is published on July 6.

With enormous thanks to @randomhouse and @netgalley for the free e-ARC in return for an unbiased review.

A book about books, with magic! What's not to love??

It also iincludes:

- sibling love
- magic
- mystery
- romance
-intrigue
- dogs
- bodyguards!!

I absolutely adored this tale about sisters who embark on a journey to save books and protect the magic that surrounds them. Esther and Joanna are sisters living separate lives but come together when their father dies.

I found this book to hook me from the very first chapter set at a research base in Antarctica. It throws you into the story with sensuous writing and a world that glitters and shines through the pages. We meet many characters along the way, but it's the sibling love that stands out the most. There's so much intrigue, romance and of course BOOKS that this reading this book made me breathless.

I loved every page and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and mesmerising read! It's definitely a page turner, and I can't wait to read more books by this author! Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-arc!

I've fallen out of love of fantasy and magical fiction after reading nothing else for many years. However this story is full of magic books and secret libraries so how could my passion for this genre not be renewed? There is also a cat

The first part of the book is a slow build as the characters are introduced and the magical system is explored but I was completely captivated. I found the magic in this story interesting if a little bit disturbing. Spell books are only written by scribes using their own blood. Eeeek! However once the spellbooks are written anyone can read them. There are secret libraries where the spellbooks are protected and kept hidden as some books are dangerous and should never be opened.

Once this story gets going it really takes off and there is plenty of action. The threads of the characters all weave together flawlessly and you begin to see how everyone is connected.

It's hard to believe that Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a debut by Emma Torzs as she has totally smashed it with this novel. I can definitely see this adapted for TV and I really hope there maybe a sequel.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a book about two sisters surrounded by a life of magic-one has magic and one is immune to it. I enjoyed this book as I liked the idea of books being magical objects and potentially dangerous, and although I found the story a little bit difficult to follow at times, the multiple POVs made it really interesting to read as the characters’ stories overlapped and the mysteries started to unravel. The start felt a little bit slow but it really picked up a few chapters in and I enjoyed reading it. I’d recommend this to anyone interested in magic and spells, as it’s a great book.

I enjoyed the slow build to this one, as we are introduced to a new world and intriguing magical system. And how can anyone not love a magical library, truly spellbinding.

An instant new favourite. I don't often go for witchy elements, so I was surprised how quickly this sucked me in and then completely swept away by all three characters, their imminent convergence, and the unravelling mystery. Captivating, human, magical, mysterious intimate and gorgeously written, with a thoughtful love for words and the real ways they can negotiate power (and with a bonus sapphic)

Ink Blood Sister Scribe weaves seemlessly a fantasy world with all the suspense of a thriller, as we follow two estranged sisters crossing oceans and magical portals in order to seek the truth behind a centuries old secret.

It is a transformative and spellbinding read that constantly kept me guessing through all the twists and revelations!

It's got magic, books, complicated family dynamics and secrets all tied together in a plot that plays out slowly, keeping you desperate to see how it all ties together, while never wanting it to end.

A captivating and fully immersive book about magical books that makes you long to reside amongst its pages.

Joanna is the sole protector of a collection of rare, magical books. It’s a lonely life, but her father lived and died for these books, so she is determined to carry on protecting them as per his wishes. Her estranged sister, Esther, lives on the run, never staying in one place for longer than a year to evade the people who killed her mother. But when Esther stays in her current location for a few days longer than she should, it soon becomes clear that someone has found her, and they are coming for her. Between the two of them, Joanna and Esther must uncover the truth their parents kept hidden from them, or both their lives will be in grave danger.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is one of the best fiction books-about-books I’ve read so far. The plot is multilayered and quite complex, but each thread was easy to follow and tied together really well. Each aspect was also equally important and enjoyable, so I didn’t particularly find myself skimming over any chapters to get to the good bits – all of it was the good bits.

I did like some characters more than others (Esther and Collins) but they were all likeable enough in their way and contributed to the overall dynamic. I did feel that the slight romantic aspect was not needed, but I can’t blame the author for trying.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s well written and a lot of fun. I was upset when it ended.

oh YES. exactly what the doctor ordered. a hefty enough book that just flies by. absolutely beautiful

Ok, this was fabulous! Exciting, magical, funny but also tense, suspensful and deeply moving. This book literally has it all for fans of magical realism.

Without giving anything away (because there are multiple fantastic twists and turns), the plot follows Ester and Joanna, two sisters living totally separate lives. For reasons not yet known to the reader, the sisters don't have any communication except postcards. Ester is living on a base in Antarctica while Joanna tends to and cares for her family's collection of magical books in the basement of childhood home in Vermont. When Ester is faced with the deadly consquence of a choice, she realised that it't not just her own life at stake and readers are plunged into a fast-paced thriller-esque journey across the globe.

There are some truly brilliant characters in this novel and, for me, that'what really made this a 5* read for me. I LOVED Nicholas and Collins, Sir Kiwi and even Richard (who was such an unsettling presence throughout, though of course we don't know why at first). I couldn't put this one down and I had such a great time reading it!

Thank you so much to @netgalley @centurybooksuk @delreyuk for this e-ARC in exchange for my unbiased review!
#InkBloodSisterScribe

Loved, loved, loved this book!

In my view, this felt like a softer, slower read than a lot of fantasy stories, and honestly, it works brilliantly for this book. It was achingly intimate and at the core of this book is a story of what it means to be a family and what it means to have the sins of the past (and the people who come before us) follow us into the present — what we do in those situations, the choices we make.

The worldbuilding in this book was phenomenal. I especially loved the concept of book magic and mirror magic, which is a facet I don't think we get to see a lot of in fantasy books. In addition, the concept of libraries and magic infused in libraries — it gave the book a dark academia bent with a speculative twist. But I would be remiss if I didn't talk about what really drew me to this story — the relationship between Esther and Joanna. I'm a sucker for complicated relationships between family members, and even more, between sisters. It was fun seeing the separating arcs of both characters, the thoughts they had about one another, and then, the moment when their stories finally came together and they were reunited.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

Headlines:
Estranged sisters
Mirror magic
Family legacy

Ink Blood Sister Scribe was a cleverly crafted fantasy set in the contemporary but in a world where magic was real and books held danger. Libraries were a rarety and mirrors could be magical. I'm not gonna lie, mirror magic freaks me out somewhat and this element was kind of creepy to me but I don't think it will be to others.

These sisters, Esther and Joanna were estranged from the point Esther was forced to leave home and live life on the run at 18. In terms of their parents, I couldn't decide if they were good guys or bad guys and it took the whole story to really work out the family promises, magic and (unfortunate) legacy that evolved. There was third POV that was really interested and when these three stories finally intertwined in person, it was engrossing.

If you asked me now to explain the magic system, I'm still a bit shaky on some of the details but I found myself just going along for the ride because it was well written and the characters were fully developed. The sisters were a likeable pair and I didn't feel a lean towards one rather than the other.

I'm really interested to read more from this author and as far as I am aware, this is a standalone; it certainly felt like it at the end.

Thank you to DelRey UK for the eARC.

[ARC provided by NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Ink Blood Sister Scribe.]

Rating: 5/5

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is an incredible debut packed with dark magic and dangerous books. The author expertly combines urban fantasy with dark academia in this thrilling tale that will have you eagerly turning each page as you uncover new puzzle pieces that contribute to the overall mystery of this story. There’s so much to be discovered in this book and I believe there’s something for everyone within these pages.

The book begins by introducing us to two estranged sisters, Joanna and Esther, who share a deadly secret. Joanna lives in a secluded woodland area in Vermont and is the sole protector of her family’s collection of very rare books. Although these aren’t ordinary books, and can serve a variety of purposes such as turning water into wine or give the reader the ability to walk through walls. In this position she cannot leave her home as she must reset the wards every evening so that the deadly library will remain undiscoverable by those who wish to abuse its power. Esther, on the other hand, is not rooted to one spot, and instead must stay constantly on the move. After their father warned her that her presence at home would only endanger their family further, she has been travelling all over the world in an effort to remain hidden. When the book begins we meet her in Antarctica at a research station where she has fallen in love with a woman named Pearl, and when the yearly deadline for her to move on passes and strange things start to happen, she is once again reminded of the danger that follows her.

Esther and Joanna each have their own POV within the book but there is also a third. Nicholas lives in London and although there are similarities in their shared experiences, his life is a stark contrast from the two sisters. His world is opulent and lavish, and although he has almost everything he could possibly want at his fingertips, he, like Joanna, is restricted to his home, an estate that contains one of the world’s largest magical libraries. Nicholas is kept under the watchful eye of his uncle, Richard, who has raised him to reach his full potential as the last Scribe, someone with the ability to create magic through the ritualistic process of transforming his own blood into ink which can then be used to make magical books.

The beginning of this book starts with the core three characters far away from each other in their own bubbles of isolation. This theme is very important and manifests differently for each character. With Joanna, she is confined to her home by duty and although she can leave during the day, she must always return to reset the wards and by doing so, no one else can find or even remember where the home is. Esther cannot settle in one place and struggles with forming long-lasting relationships. Although she can surround herself with others, she must keep them firmly at a distance. And finally there’s Nicholas who has no choice but to follow the strict rules of his uncle. As he is the last Scribe, he has a target on his back whenever he leaves the safety of his home, and therefore can only form bonds with people that have been approved by his Uncle.

I found that each POV matched the characters perfectly. In Joanna’s secluded home she longs for human connection but will settle for the woodland creatures that surround her. I found her to be a little like Snow White at times and her world seemed much more like a fairy-tale than the others. Esther, on the other hand, led the more adventurous side of this story through her need to travel combined with the dangerous situations she has found herself in. And then there’s Nicholas who lives in a very academic world that is boosted by the backdrop of London, giving his chapters a darker, more sinister feel at times. The author does an amazing job of seamlessly connecting these characters and throughout the story, as their own journeys begin to bleed into each other, their voices are strong and recognisable in a way that transcends their surroundings.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is first and foremost, a book about magic, but it also deals with a wide range of themes such as family, loyalty, generational secrets and colonialism. There’s a lot going on but it doesn’t ever feel overwhelming. Each character, through their own varied experiences provides their own insights into the mystery they’ve found themselves in and I loved the message that, although ignorance can be bliss, there truly is power in knowledge and we must protect that knowledge so that it is never abused.

I recommend this to readers who understand that there is a special kind of magic between the pages of books. I could go and on with this review but I’ll finish by saying that if you’ve ever found yourself in awe at the spellbinding capabilities of literature, then this is a book that you have to read. I can’t wait to see what else this author will write, and I can’t wait to find more magic in those words.

A captivating tale of magic, mystery, and the lengths we’ll go to to protect the people we love.

Esther hasn’t been home in years, ever since she left in the night to escape her mother’s fate. Joanna can never leave, after the death of her father, she alone is left to protect the magic books he spent his life collecting. Nicholas lives in London at the largest library of magical books in the world, he’s the last known scribe - the only person whose blood holds the power to write the books of magic the library relies on.
As their paths cross and intertwine, their fates will become irrevocably linked and their lives will become more treacherous than they could ever have imagined.

The way that the story threads were interwoven was beautiful. I loved how all of the characters individual stories came together to reveal the larger tapestry of the plot, and how what we discovered with each character led into what we needed to know about others. There were times that we knew more than certain characters, but not in a way that was frustrating as the reader.

The plot was fast paced with lulls which allowed us to learn more about the world and magic system in a natural and satisfying way. And the magic system was fascinating! I absolutely cannot wait to see what more we discover about how the magic works as the series continues.

Overall, I absolutely loved Ink Blood Sister Scribe and I can’t wait for the next book.

This is a book that alternates initially between 3 different perspectives, Esther an electrician currently living in Antarctica, her sister Joanna, hiding away in Vermont behind 'wards' which protect a library of magical books, and Nicholas, seemingly the only person still able to write these magical books. Initially this felt a little disconcerting, but about half way through it became clear how the three storylines mashed together. From this point on, the book became more of a thriller as it became clear that these three 'the goodies' were threatened by 'the baddies' (can't say any more without revealing spoilers. I couldn't wait to finish the book and to find out the heading. So a bit of a slow start but ultimately an intriguing and fascinating book.

Wow, what a debut. Magical libraries you say? Of course I was going to read it and was immediately hooked. Each character was unique, quirky and fully formed. My favourite was the well-dressed British aristocratic Scribe Nicholas and his amusing interactions with his bodyguard Collins and Sir Kiwi the female Pomeranian.
The world building was superb and the book works perfectly either as a standalone or as the first in a series. I hope it continues with more opportunities to get to know our characters and their evolution as well as learning more about the history of the library and its influence on the use of magic for good as well as evil.

Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a terrific book from debut author Emma Törzs that is at once fantasy, mystery, dark academia and character study rolled into one.

The book follows two estranged sisters, Esther and Joanna. Both are haunted by their dead father's collection of magical books, which eventually lead to his death. Some of these books are harmless, some decidedly not, but all are written in blood. Esther, the older sister, is one the run, moving once every year. Most recently, she entered a research facility in Antarctica, where she fell in love with a woman, and despite her rule, Esther decides to stay, damn the consequences. The other sister, Joanna, is stuck in her childhood home, isolated and devoted to caring for her father's books. Then there is Nicholas, a rich young Englishman working in service of The Library, an institution that sells those magical books. To his knowledge, he is the last person alive who can write magical books - in his own blood. For this ability, people are trying to kill him.

Everything about this book was pure artistry. From the plot, the characters, to the prose, everything flowed together so seemlessly, I was astonished to realize the book was only 400 pages long. While the mystery aspect was incredibly engaging, the characters were at the heart of the book for me. The way the author portrayed complicated family relationships and loneliness had me close to tears at times. I felt this most deeply with Joanna who's hidden away in Vermont's countryside to preserve her father's legacy, turning to books and animals to keep her loneliness at bay. Also longing for connection was Nicholas, who's health has been fragile since childhood from being bled, and wants nothing more than to meet people and be out in the world. Meanwhile, Esther seems like she has it all together, leaving people and entire lives behind at the drop of a hat, but secretly, she longs for a deeper connection and the childhood home she lost.

Apart from those heavy themes, the book also had lighter moments, especially whenever Nicholas' surly bodyguard Collins was on the page. His banter with Nicholas was top notch and had me laughing out loud several times. All the character relationships were an absolute delight, both platonic and romantic. If you aren't sold on the book yet, there is also a Pomeranian called Sir Kiwi.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe was also laced through with a love for literature and academia which I appreciated. What I wouldn't give to have a beautiful magic library in a country estate in England. Without the blood draining, obviously. The prose in this was so beautiful I found myself going back several pages and rereading certain passages because they were so evocative. Törsz is clearly a highly-skilled writer that you should keep an eye out for. All in all, the characters and the themes wormed their way into my heart and Ink Blood Sister Scribe is now easily one of my favorite books of all time. 5/5 stars.

This was a great story with lots of fresh, exciting elements and an interesting family dynamic. I would definitely be willing to read more about these characters! Books about books are such a fun premise for me.
My mild critiques are as follows: It may have been easier to connect to the characters if there weren't quite so many POVs. The magic system was intriguing but could have been explored a little further. I felt the author could have done a little more research as I spotted a few factual errors.

I received a free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I’ve read a couple of ARCS surrounding dangerous books and Ink Blood Sister Scribe manages to make the topic both a thriller and an adventure at the same time. The stories between the two sisters make up a deeply personal conflict in a mysterious threat that brings guns to the door and families to ruins. Esther and Joanna are very closed off in the same ways yet have different ways of coping with the bizarre actions surrounding inked pages and the bloody aftermath. Both satisfying and page-turning.

I enjoyed this story of family, magic and books. I liked the way the story unfolds for the different characters and how they are drawn together.

I received an ARC of this from NetGalley, and it was brilliant.

It's based on a world where all magical books are written by Scribes who use their blood to physically write out the spells. Scribes are not able to read/cast the spells, and they are also unaffected by any magic. We also have other people who can feel/hear/smell the magic within the books, whereas to most people, they are just normal books.

We have 3 main characters (shout out to Collins though) and they are Joanna & and Esther, who are half sisters that have been estranged for the last 10 years. Joanna is someone who senses the magic and Esther as we know it has no ability when it comes to magic and we have Nicolas who is a Scribe and he's been training since he was a small boy and it's all he's ever known.

The 3 characters come together in the most twisty/turny way, to essentially stop a villain and learn who they truly are. I honestly couldn't put it down. The whole premis of the book I just found so interesting, and I couldn't stop turning the page. It honestly kept me guessing throughout.

For once, a book title that tells you everything you need to know about this magical thriller.
Ink, a great love of the written word, and the way they are protected.
Blood, sweat and tears, all to do with the written words.
Sister, singular, then plural, unknown at first, relevance is high.
Scribe, writer of words, books and spells.
Esther is working at the South Pole research station, she has to keep moving every November to keep safe, this entails a new job, friends and lovers, all because a man was killed by a book.
Joanna is her sister, she stays at home to protect the family collection of rare and sometimes dangerous books from those who seek magical knowledge to increase their power.
Nicholas is a scribe, protected and hidden away from those who want to use his gifts for evil.
A complicated start at first, we have numerous characters to introduce, but as the pace picks up, it is a lovely mix of puzzles and adventures.
A magical library, full of spells, and great wisdom, with some danger attached. Everything is connected, but most of the characters don’t know this fact, a story full of deception in order to protect the innocent.
I was highly intrigued by this story, it created many different emotions for me. I felt great sympathy and pity for Nicholas, a life spent in seclusion and under the protection of a bodyguard.
There was anger at the way family members turn against each other for their own selfish desires, loyalty and betrayal are very close bedfellow’s, but there was a great determination to make amends and the realisation that lies told, do not have to change fate.
Strong characters in my view were Esther and Collins, both going above and beyond to save people who are threatened.
A thought provoking book , I really enjoyed this magical fantasy.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Penguin Random House UK for my advance digital copy, freely given in exchange for my unbiased review. A five star read. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK.

The books hold magic and must be protected so every night Joanna sets the Wards. Meanwhile her sister Esther must decide whether to move on as instructed by her father or stay and try living a normal life.

Magic is written by a Scribe but at a price as blood must be drained to produce the ink.

Loved this novel centred on a few main characters whose lives will soon interact. They are in danger and magic may be the only way to protect them. But who can they trust?

Beautiful prose, rich in detailed description without being weighed down by unnecessarily flowery language. This fantasy book is best read in a comfy chair, surrounded by walnut bookshelves, from a beautiful leather bound special edition (as yet not found 👀) - it feels like a luxury to read. But instead of being a comforting read, we have a mystery - at times chilling - and the unravelling of the truths our three narrators keep as the focal points of their lives. You'll find yourself on tenterhooks as the tale takes a dark turn, you're no longer sure who can be trusted and who is leading our protagonists astray!

Lovely characterization, particularly between Esther and Joanna, as you see a true depiction of sisters - sometimes loving, sometimes resentful and full of misunderstandings and misinterpretations!

I adored this book! The writing was so beautiful I fell in love with the way the author described things and I was immersed in the story from page 1.
The story is delicious mix of magic and mystery as our different characters are drawn together and deal with their complex relationships with each other.
Also - nobody told me this was queer!?!?! I loved it.

Two half sisters have taken different paths and think they are doing the right thing to protect their families but things are coming to a head when love means rules are ignored and the secrets that have been kept start to unravel. This is an engaging read and the two sisters, Esther out in Antarctica and Joanna back in Vermont, are both intriguing characters that have you soon invested in their paths and what is to come. The story is a great blend of magic, family relationships and a mystery to be uncovered. As the story develops and more great characters are added the pace picks up, after a slightly slow start, and it has a very exciting last third.
There is a real emotional pull in the story and I would certainly look out for more books by Emma Torzs.

I loved this book!! I got so utterly absorbed in the pages of this magical world and fell in love with the story of Joanna, Ester and Nicholas. I have recently fallen back in love with magic stories and am easing into fantasy and this was such a great book to add to my collection. I loved the slow realisation of the secrets slotting into place for the characters in a subtle manner which swept me away into the story.

Magic books, one powerful sister who is keeping the books safe and the powerless sister hiding faraway to protect her family. Or is it really the whole story...?
In this multi POV magical novel, you'll be given a story to realise it doesn't fit the other stories...who is protecting who, who's running from who, who's looking for who, and why?
This was full of suspense, magic and also really cute. The sisters bond as well as the mini romance...( Not the biggest part of the story) were really sweet!

*Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Well I love this novel. What was in there not to love when you have books filled with magic, half sisters with different powers and a wonderful villain . A fantasy but also a page turning thriller. No spoilers as this would spoil the enjoyment, but this novel kept me up reading to late in the night and paints the world to which I would like to return. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.

What a fun magical adventure! I loved how the story slowly unfolded and you got to piece it all together along with all the characters.

I do wish it was just a smidge shorter and didn’t have such a slow build in the first part but at about half way through the book flies.

The 3 parts are separated perfectly to go with the pacing and it all wraps up nicely.

Overall: grab if you want magical realism and don’t mind world building in the first half

Favorite Character: Collins

I really liked the synopsis when I first read it and I feel this book is very unique in the way the magic theme was used. Emma made the use of spell books unique within the pages of the book which made this a page turner.


The first part of the book was a slow read and I struggled to get into whilst it was setting the scene and also giving history on the books, the MC’s and the situation they both faced. Nicholas and Esther both have an interesting back story which is why I pushed through and carried on which i am glad I did !

The second half I completely adored, there was so many twists I didn’t know that were coming and I could not put it down ! In places it was extremely dark and gruesome but it worked well the the premise of the book.

A totally believable story about a series of incredible events unravels when two sisters are brought together again after years apart. Bit by bit they question what they've been told and what they understand about their family and their circumstances, and when they are connected with a young man from across the world they start to ask better questions and together make something very special happen.

Great characters, magic books, complex story threads - what's not to love?

Honestly, this book deserves ALL THE STARS in the world. I adored it, I immediately wanted to reread it. It in short blew me away.

I knew little about this book before going in other than it was a book about magical books, but OH MY. From the concept, to the disability and lgbtq+ rep and everything in-between this is a book ill reread time and time again.

Ink Blood…. Is an urban fantasy set in a world that mirrors our own, It’s a book filled with secrets, loss, betrayals and magic. Focusing on a two sisters, who have been estranged from each other for years but are drawn back together due to the collection of magical books they have been entrusted with keeping safe. Suddenly they are crossing oceans, fighting a mysterious organisation who, seems to not only want the collection of books but something else and unravelling centuries old family secrets.

If you love a mystery, with a bit of magic this is a book for you.

Disability Rep - Monocular vision (Visual Impairment)
- Anaemia

Emma Törzs's debut novel, Ink Blood Sister Scribe, sounded SO up my street I was actually a bit wary of it. Would a story that combines so many of my random interests in fiction - sisters, Antarctica, magical books, woods, Vermont - actually work? (Plus the bits of Spanish and the mention of Playmobil childhood games, which I didn't know about until I actually read it). I've been disappointed recently, too, by some dark-academia-book-magic-adjacent stuff like Katy Hays' The Cloisters and Sara Gran's The Book of the Most Precious Substance. But not to worry, because this one delivers. I was especially captivated by the first half, which moves between Esther, who is working on a remote Antarctic research base with her girlfriend when she realises someone is performing mirror magic; her younger sister Joanna, who lives isolated in rural Vermont, keeping up the wards on the family home; and Nicholas, who has also lived as a virtual captive all his life as the only Scribe in a mysterious library. Esther and Joanna are both wonderful characters, as are the other members of their family circle. (Nicholas, for me, felt a bit reminiscent of other young snarky male victims of magical wrongdoing, perhaps most obviously Garth Nix's Nicholas Sayre in the Abhorsen books, but this was partly compensated for by his bodyguard Collins, who is quietly hilarious.) When the plot kicks in fully about halfway through, this becomes a bit more run-of-the-mill, and I missed some of the dark strangeness of the early chapters, as atmosphere is sacrificed to pace and the mood becomes cheerier, more YA-ish, despite some nasty twists. Nevertheless, a superior example of its sub-genre, and I'd describe it as a cross between Bridget Collins' The Binding and Mariana Enriquez's Our Share of Night.