Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
Appearing in The New York Times Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2023 and a Sunday Times bestseller, Ink Blood Sister Scribe is sure to appeal to readers who enjoy themes that centre around books and libraries. Sisters Joanna and Esther have grown up in a family that treasures books – books of magic that must be protected. Then the sisters are separated, Esther working in Antarctica, and Joanna living a lonely life, setting the wards around the house that guards the family’s books after the sudden death of her father. Esther moves regularly, believing that that keeps her safe, but this year a budding romance sees her renewing her stay in the cold remote station instead of moving on. Meanwhile Nicholas a young man who lives in a mansion filled with magic books, is becoming restless and wants to see beyond the Library. Secrets that have been passed down through the ages, danger that surrounds blood letting and writing of magic books and magical spells all become known, showing treachery and betrayal. Will Esther and Joanna be able to protect their magical books, and will Nicholas be able to escape the risks to his life?
The author maintains a steady pace, gradually allowing the reader to get to know the characters, their flaws and dreams, while unfolding the mystery of the magic books, the death of the sisters’ father and the secrets that have been kept through generations. The modern setting, especially that of Antarctica, is very appealing as is the warded house that Joanna lives in and the huge mansion where Nicholas resides. Secondary characters especially the bodyguard Collins and the Pomeranian are engaging and the themes of loyalty, betrayal and magic are engrossing.
Ink blood sister scribe is not high fantasy and could be recommended to readers as an introduction to fantasy. I enjoyed this and read it in a couple of sittings and certainly will pick up any future books that Torzs authors. Adult fans of fantasy could move to Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo or the very popular Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.
Themes: Magic, Libraries, Secrecy.
Pat Pledger
