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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
CW: gore, violence, self-harm (for blood magic), childbirth
It’s currently 12:30 in the morning and I’m very glad it’s spring break, because I really wanted to finish this before going to bed.
It was worth it.
I loved Audrey’s debut, Of Fire and Stars, and while I didn’t love this book quite as much, it was still very enjoyable. The pacing was slow and uneven at times, and I do think this could’ve been around fifty pages shorter, but otherwise I had no issues. I thought the story was very unique, and I loved the characters, protagonists and antagonists alike.
I liked that she chose to write this in the OFAS world, because it allowed me some familiarity going in while still exploring somewhere new. You can read this without reading OFAS, as it takes place a century or two earlier (if I remember correctly); however, you should still read OFAS.
Anyway, I just really liked this book. The magic system was intricate and interesting, and the slow-burn romance gave me a lot of emotions. Also, there’s a dragon. She’s kind of evil and not the *main* focus, but whatever. I haven’t read enough YA fantasies with dragons, so this was fun.
It’s also more diverse than I originally realized. The protagonist Asra is bisexual as is the antagonist Ina, and Asra ends up in a m/f relationship. I’m not bisexual, but I’ve seen many a thread on how ending up with someone of the opposite gender doesn’t invalidate the sexuality you identify as, and I think this book represented that well.
There’s also genderfluid rep; some of the gods are referred to as they/them. The love interest, his sister, and some other characters are black. I can’t speak on any of this rep, as I don’t fit either of these identities.
This ended up being longer than I intended and I’m tired, so I’ll end it here. Just know that this was very good, and if you’re looking for underrated and/or unique fantasy, I highly recommend Audrey’s books.
It’s currently 12:30 in the morning and I’m very glad it’s spring break, because I really wanted to finish this before going to bed.
It was worth it.
I loved Audrey’s debut, Of Fire and Stars, and while I didn’t love this book quite as much, it was still very enjoyable. The pacing was slow and uneven at times, and I do think this could’ve been around fifty pages shorter, but otherwise I had no issues. I thought the story was very unique, and I loved the characters, protagonists and antagonists alike.
I liked that she chose to write this in the OFAS world, because it allowed me some familiarity going in while still exploring somewhere new. You can read this without reading OFAS, as it takes place a century or two earlier (if I remember correctly); however, you should still read OFAS.
Anyway, I just really liked this book. The magic system was intricate and interesting, and the slow-burn romance gave me a lot of emotions. Also, there’s a dragon. She’s kind of evil and not the *main* focus, but whatever. I haven’t read enough YA fantasies with dragons, so this was fun.
It’s also more diverse than I originally realized. The protagonist Asra is bisexual as is the antagonist Ina, and Asra ends up in a m/f relationship. I’m not bisexual, but I’ve seen many a thread on how ending up with someone of the opposite gender doesn’t invalidate the sexuality you identify as, and I think this book represented that well.
There’s also genderfluid rep; some of the gods are referred to as they/them. The love interest, his sister, and some other characters are black. I can’t speak on any of this rep, as I don’t fit either of these identities.
This ended up being longer than I intended and I’m tired, so I’ll end it here. Just know that this was very good, and if you’re looking for underrated and/or unique fantasy, I highly recommend Audrey’s books.
You can see my full review here!
*I received an eArc of this book from the Publishers through Edelweissin exchange of an honest review*
The story started off good, but didn't 'wow' me. The bisexual rep was great, I'm glad it wasn't taboo or anything. The main characters naive nature did grate on me a bit throughout the story, however the story's direction was a surprise. I didn't know where the story was going to go, however I didn't trust anyone, unlike the main character. It was an enjoyable read, but I didn't have any strong emotions while reading it.
02/25-- This story didn't 'wow' me, it wasn't anything special— but I didn't not enjoy it.
*I received an eArc of this book from the Publishers through Edelweissin exchange of an honest review*
The story started off good, but didn't 'wow' me. The bisexual rep was great, I'm glad it wasn't taboo or anything. The main characters naive nature did grate on me a bit throughout the story, however the story's direction was a surprise. I didn't know where the story was going to go, however I didn't trust anyone, unlike the main character. It was an enjoyable read, but I didn't have any strong emotions while reading it.
02/25-- This story didn't 'wow' me, it wasn't anything special— but I didn't not enjoy it.
dnf at 47%
Read the full review, and others, at the following sites!
I wanted to love Inkmistress. I wanted to so hard; I knew it was a prequel-companion type to Of Fire and Stars, which I hadn’t read yet but c’mon, queer ladies! I got about halfway through the book before I just had to put it down…
A bisexual demigoddess! Searching for her love who’s on a hell-bent quest for revenge! How awesome does that sound! As a queer author myself, I wanted to devour this book immediately!
Unfortunately, it only sounded awesome. I was disappointed as I read the story. I was into it at first, the first few chapters revolving around Ina and Asra were great, but then things took a turn when Ina went off. Things stopped making sense.
There was no tension. A rogue group of bandits attack Ina’s village and burn it to the ground because Asra used her blood magic to force the future, but then when Ina takes her animal form–a great dragon (awesome!)–she immediately finds the bandits and burns them to a crisp. There’s no hunt, no tension, no “will Asra stop Ina in time to save these people who should be punished but not by dragon fire?” going on. It was immediate and not at all satisfying.
Read the full review, and others, at the following sites!
I wanted to love Inkmistress. I wanted to so hard; I knew it was a prequel-companion type to Of Fire and Stars, which I hadn’t read yet but c’mon, queer ladies! I got about halfway through the book before I just had to put it down…
A bisexual demigoddess! Searching for her love who’s on a hell-bent quest for revenge! How awesome does that sound! As a queer author myself, I wanted to devour this book immediately!
Unfortunately, it only sounded awesome. I was disappointed as I read the story. I was into it at first, the first few chapters revolving around Ina and Asra were great, but then things took a turn when Ina went off. Things stopped making sense.
There was no tension. A rogue group of bandits attack Ina’s village and burn it to the ground because Asra used her blood magic to force the future, but then when Ina takes her animal form–a great dragon (awesome!)–she immediately finds the bandits and burns them to a crisp. There’s no hunt, no tension, no “will Asra stop Ina in time to save these people who should be punished but not by dragon fire?” going on. It was immediate and not at all satisfying.
As I mentioned on Friday, this book is the prequel to Of Fire and Stars, so I read it first, even though it was published second. I prefer to read in chronological order when I can.
Inkmistress follows Asra, a demigod of unknown parentage, as she first follows and then is chased by her lover-turned-dragon who is intent on vengeance for the destruction of her village. Her lover, Ina, is convinced it is the King's fault that the village was destroyed, as he's been letting bandits roam over the outer reaches of his kingdom unchecked. So after taking on the form of a dragon, she's off to kill him to avenge her family. Asra is trying to talk Ina out of it, and chases her across the country, from their remote mountain to the inner forests and cities.
I really love Asra. Ina's kind of a bitch, but Asra is loving and funny and just an awesome person, fighting to protect herself and those she loves, even as those she loves evolve and change past what she can hold onto. Her magic takes a terrible price if she uses it, both on her and on the rest of the world. She has to wrestle with so many unknowns - her parentage, her magic, the world off her mountain, politics, other demigods - and somehow she manages to land on her feet. (Though not without help!)
The romance is sweet, and I love the emphasis on chosen families. Both Asra and Ina appear to be bisexual, which also doesn't appear to be unusual in this world. Reviews of Of Fire and Stars complain about the lack of worldbuilding, which is NOT a problem in this book. Perhaps I'll have an easier time having read this book first; which is a bit of a problem - you shouldn't have to read a prequel to understand the setting of the first book in a series! It does make me glad I'm reading them in this order, though.
I really loved this book. The urgency of the chase really came through in the story - Asra had to get to certain places and get certain things done before certain times, and obstacles thrown in her way made you worry she wouldn't get things done in time. It was well-written, with good character development of Asra, at least, and great world-building.
You can find all my reviews at Goddess in the Stacks.
Inkmistress follows Asra, a demigod of unknown parentage, as she first follows and then is chased by her lover-turned-dragon who is intent on vengeance for the destruction of her village. Her lover, Ina, is convinced it is the King's fault that the village was destroyed, as he's been letting bandits roam over the outer reaches of his kingdom unchecked. So after taking on the form of a dragon, she's off to kill him to avenge her family. Asra is trying to talk Ina out of it, and chases her across the country, from their remote mountain to the inner forests and cities.
I really love Asra. Ina's kind of a bitch, but Asra is loving and funny and just an awesome person, fighting to protect herself and those she loves, even as those she loves evolve and change past what she can hold onto. Her magic takes a terrible price if she uses it, both on her and on the rest of the world. She has to wrestle with so many unknowns - her parentage, her magic, the world off her mountain, politics, other demigods - and somehow she manages to land on her feet. (Though not without help!)
The romance is sweet, and I love the emphasis on chosen families. Both Asra and Ina appear to be bisexual, which also doesn't appear to be unusual in this world. Reviews of Of Fire and Stars complain about the lack of worldbuilding, which is NOT a problem in this book. Perhaps I'll have an easier time having read this book first; which is a bit of a problem - you shouldn't have to read a prequel to understand the setting of the first book in a series! It does make me glad I'm reading them in this order, though.
I really loved this book. The urgency of the chase really came through in the story - Asra had to get to certain places and get certain things done before certain times, and obstacles thrown in her way made you worry she wouldn't get things done in time. It was well-written, with good character development of Asra, at least, and great world-building.
You can find all my reviews at Goddess in the Stacks.
ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
UPDATE: changing my rating to 5 stars because I just can't stop thining about this book. It really is that good.
Inkmistress was a surprise and a delight. I’d seen such luke warm reviews of Coulhurt’s work that I had let reading her books slide down my list of priorities. Inkmistess – prequel to Of Fire and Stars but set a long time before the events of that book – showed me just what I’d been missing.
On one hand I do understand the more negative reviews of the book. The MC is less flashy, less dynamic than is generally fashionable in YA fiction at present. If you tend not to like MC’s who agonise over doing the right thing, who are a little naïve and reticent, and over whom personal affection has a great hold than the call to adventure, then you may have a hard time bonding with Asra. I loved her - possible because she is so unlike me actually, and because she genuinely wants to do good. I appreciate someone who wants to live a quiet, simple life giving back to their community even if I can’t fully embrace that myself. The other thing to remember with Asra is that she has been secluded from other people most of her life, forbidden to speak of her powers. And they are potentially terrifying – the ability to shape the future or alter the past with her blood. Just let that sink in a moment. Now think about all the consequences that would result from either…yeah, that. She’s not fully in control of her power either and plenty of unscrupulous people think nothing of using her to shape the world to their liking.
Hence Asra is really careful. If you mistake her wariness for lack of agency though, you’d be making a mistake. Personally I love the fact that we have a strong heroine here whose primary indicators of strength and agency are empathy and affection rather than the ability to kick ass. (I love a good female fighter but when authors use the ability to fight as shorthand for strength in a character with no other back up then all they are doing is creating another empty and potentially harmful stereotype.)
Let’s talk diversity because this book does that well. There are different races and cultures represented, different sexualities and characters with disabilities. I’d call that a damn good start. And unlike certain other YA spec fic novels, Inkmistess presents this diversity as a facet of the characters rather than as a unique selling point where the character is literally their race or gender or sexuality and nothing else. I love that Asra is bisexual, and I love the fact that it’s presented as natural and no big deal. That it’s ok for her to have a relationship with a man as well as a woman and whoever she ends up with she’s still bisexual. Coulthurst has such a deft touch with this and portrays Asra’s sexuality believably and respectfully.
The world building is fantastic. However it is narrative heavy and very descriptive. I mean we’re not talking Tolkien levels of description here but if you like your world building painted in short broad strokes you may not enjoy it. Personally I really liked the slow reveal of plot and world, and the beautiful prose used for both. The visuals conjured up are so vivid it’s like watching a movie. And this book is a long way from being devoid of action – plenty happens and there are several twists, turns and cliffhangers. (In fact my reading buddy, Melanie, who set the schedule left us on TWO exquisitely painfully cliffhangers so she shall forever more be known as the Cliffhanger Queen…) Which brings us onto the emotional content. If you hurt when a character hurts that’s a good sign that the author has caught your empathy and seriously some of the things that happen to Asra really hurt. This is not a passive read where you get to the end unscathed.
If I have one criticism it’s that a couple of things happen too quickly for my taste – the end felt a little rushed for instance. That said it in no way detracted from the overall reading experience. This is a coming of age novel in a fantasy setting against apparently insurmountable odds. It’s a story about finding out who you are, distinct from what you’ve always believed about yourself, and about how to make choices and live with the consequences. But most of all it’s about new beginnings and its final message is one of hope. At turns bitter and sweet, and yearning, this is not to be missed.
Buddy read with the lovely Melanie
UPDATE: changing my rating to 5 stars because I just can't stop thining about this book. It really is that good.
Inkmistress was a surprise and a delight. I’d seen such luke warm reviews of Coulhurt’s work that I had let reading her books slide down my list of priorities. Inkmistess – prequel to Of Fire and Stars but set a long time before the events of that book – showed me just what I’d been missing.
On one hand I do understand the more negative reviews of the book. The MC is less flashy, less dynamic than is generally fashionable in YA fiction at present. If you tend not to like MC’s who agonise over doing the right thing, who are a little naïve and reticent, and over whom personal affection has a great hold than the call to adventure, then you may have a hard time bonding with Asra. I loved her - possible because she is so unlike me actually, and because she genuinely wants to do good. I appreciate someone who wants to live a quiet, simple life giving back to their community even if I can’t fully embrace that myself. The other thing to remember with Asra is that she has been secluded from other people most of her life, forbidden to speak of her powers. And they are potentially terrifying – the ability to shape the future or alter the past with her blood. Just let that sink in a moment. Now think about all the consequences that would result from either…yeah, that. She’s not fully in control of her power either and plenty of unscrupulous people think nothing of using her to shape the world to their liking.
Hence Asra is really careful. If you mistake her wariness for lack of agency though, you’d be making a mistake. Personally I love the fact that we have a strong heroine here whose primary indicators of strength and agency are empathy and affection rather than the ability to kick ass. (I love a good female fighter but when authors use the ability to fight as shorthand for strength in a character with no other back up then all they are doing is creating another empty and potentially harmful stereotype.)
Let’s talk diversity because this book does that well. There are different races and cultures represented, different sexualities and characters with disabilities. I’d call that a damn good start. And unlike certain other YA spec fic novels, Inkmistess presents this diversity as a facet of the characters rather than as a unique selling point where the character is literally their race or gender or sexuality and nothing else. I love that Asra is bisexual, and I love the fact that it’s presented as natural and no big deal. That it’s ok for her to have a relationship with a man as well as a woman and whoever she ends up with she’s still bisexual. Coulthurst has such a deft touch with this and portrays Asra’s sexuality believably and respectfully.
The world building is fantastic. However it is narrative heavy and very descriptive. I mean we’re not talking Tolkien levels of description here but if you like your world building painted in short broad strokes you may not enjoy it. Personally I really liked the slow reveal of plot and world, and the beautiful prose used for both. The visuals conjured up are so vivid it’s like watching a movie. And this book is a long way from being devoid of action – plenty happens and there are several twists, turns and cliffhangers. (In fact my reading buddy, Melanie, who set the schedule left us on TWO exquisitely painfully cliffhangers so she shall forever more be known as the Cliffhanger Queen…) Which brings us onto the emotional content. If you hurt when a character hurts that’s a good sign that the author has caught your empathy and seriously some of the things that happen to Asra really hurt. This is not a passive read where you get to the end unscathed.
If I have one criticism it’s that a couple of things happen too quickly for my taste – the end felt a little rushed for instance. That said it in no way detracted from the overall reading experience. This is a coming of age novel in a fantasy setting against apparently insurmountable odds. It’s a story about finding out who you are, distinct from what you’ve always believed about yourself, and about how to make choices and live with the consequences. But most of all it’s about new beginnings and its final message is one of hope. At turns bitter and sweet, and yearning, this is not to be missed.
Buddy read with the lovely Melanie
I thoroughly enjoyed this story despite the fact that is seemed kind of off to me. Some things felt very unnecessary but then kind of made sense in the end. It was a confusing listen for me. I didnt know if I could trust anyone or who was playing what role half the time.
Overall I did enjoy it and loved the characters for the most part. The story and magic system did feel very well thought out to me. I wouldnt have been able to tell this was a prequel had I not known before hand. But overall I did enjoy it. It just didn't live up to Of Fire and Stars for me.
Overall I did enjoy it and loved the characters for the most part. The story and magic system did feel very well thought out to me. I wouldnt have been able to tell this was a prequel had I not known before hand. But overall I did enjoy it. It just didn't live up to Of Fire and Stars for me.
Warnings: violence, self-harm, blood use in magic, forced medical procedures, captivity
A hero's journey with a demigod at its center, Inkmistress is about a young woman who learns to trust her own power and to find her purpose. Asra has been raised as a herbalist all her life, told to never leave the mountain she grew up on with her mentor. But when she tries to help her girlfriend, she accidentally causes a tragedy, which she then spends most of the book trying to rectify. Asra's journey begins with trying to stop Ina from exacting her vengeance, but as she learns of the world outside, meets another demigod, she yearns to know more of her powers and her origin, so she can better understand it, as well as find a way to negate the effects of using her true power.
I must first address an issue that bugged me while reading the book - the initial catalyst event was Ina's grief making her seek vengeance ad Asra tries to stop her because (a) it would be treason and (b) it would result in a war that could take lots of lives. However, the monarchy is always unstable because anyone can challenge the ruler, as long as they are powerful enough - so Asra worrying about treason (for a king she has never shown allegiance to) seemed a bit unrealistic? And secondly, the worry about war isn't even a real threat because, again, generations of monarchs have challenged their predecessors without precipitating a war. Mid-way through the novel, Asra actually has a genuine reason for stopping Ina, a reason that is bound up in the mythology of the world, so it would have made a more compelling reason if she knew that from the start, instead of a half-rational reason for stopping a girl she loved.
Moving on, Asra's story begins as a naive woman in love, who thinks she can fix a happy ending for herself and her lover, but she grows to find a more meaningful love in someone who is kind, gentle-hearted and whose feelings she can trust. She also begins as one who is afraid to use her powers, because of the far-reaching consequences of trying to change fate, and that fear drives her to an isolated life, but when she lets go of it, she can move forward to be what she wants to be. I loved her development arc as she faces her fears, her insecurities and grows into a defiant woman who takes charge. Her romance with Hal was a bit underdeveloped but with a plot that had so much going on, it felt okay to not give it too much attention and instead first have it as a friendship.
The world-building is interesting, calling upon a Greek mythology-like rule of the gods, and them being tied to the land and its ruler much like ancient Greece cities having a godly patron. The ending was unexpected but good, tying up the threads of the story in a satisfactory manner. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
Is it diverse? Asra is bisexual, and so is Ina. Both their love interests are POC characters. There are other queer characters, including a gay couple, and two genderfluid gods.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Balzer & Bray, via Edelweiss.
A hero's journey with a demigod at its center, Inkmistress is about a young woman who learns to trust her own power and to find her purpose. Asra has been raised as a herbalist all her life, told to never leave the mountain she grew up on with her mentor. But when she tries to help her girlfriend, she accidentally causes a tragedy, which she then spends most of the book trying to rectify. Asra's journey begins with trying to stop Ina from exacting her vengeance, but as she learns of the world outside, meets another demigod, she yearns to know more of her powers and her origin, so she can better understand it, as well as find a way to negate the effects of using her true power.
I must first address an issue that bugged me while reading the book - the initial catalyst event was Ina's grief making her seek vengeance ad Asra tries to stop her because (a) it would be treason and (b) it would result in a war that could take lots of lives. However, the monarchy is always unstable because anyone can challenge the ruler, as long as they are powerful enough - so Asra worrying about treason (for a king she has never shown allegiance to) seemed a bit unrealistic? And secondly, the worry about war isn't even a real threat because, again, generations of monarchs have challenged their predecessors without precipitating a war. Mid-way through the novel, Asra actually has a genuine reason for stopping Ina, a reason that is bound up in the mythology of the world, so it would have made a more compelling reason if she knew that from the start, instead of a half-rational reason for stopping a girl she loved.
Moving on, Asra's story begins as a naive woman in love, who thinks she can fix a happy ending for herself and her lover, but she grows to find a more meaningful love in someone who is kind, gentle-hearted and whose feelings she can trust. She also begins as one who is afraid to use her powers, because of the far-reaching consequences of trying to change fate, and that fear drives her to an isolated life, but when she lets go of it, she can move forward to be what she wants to be. I loved her development arc as she faces her fears, her insecurities and grows into a defiant woman who takes charge. Her romance with Hal was a bit underdeveloped but with a plot that had so much going on, it felt okay to not give it too much attention and instead first have it as a friendship.
The world-building is interesting, calling upon a Greek mythology-like rule of the gods, and them being tied to the land and its ruler much like ancient Greece cities having a godly patron. The ending was unexpected but good, tying up the threads of the story in a satisfactory manner. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
Is it diverse? Asra is bisexual, and so is Ina. Both their love interests are POC characters. There are other queer characters, including a gay couple, and two genderfluid gods.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Balzer & Bray, via Edelweiss.