Review: Ink | Alice Broadway

This review is spoiler free.

“The past doesn’t have to define you, Leora. Your mistakes don’t have to be for ever. There’s redemption. There’s always redemption.”

Series: The Skin Books
Published: 2017, by Scholastic Ltd
Pages: 366
Format: Paperback
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia
Contains: Violence, Death, Anger, Blood/Gore

Set in a world where every significant moment are all immortalised on your skin, ‘Ink’ follows Leora Flint, a young seeking solace after her father’s death. That is, until she glimpses a mark on the back of his neck, one that could brand him as a traitor to their people.

This book has been a huge favourite of mine since my first read of it a few years ago, and after the release of the final instalment of the trilogy, I felt it was about time I delved back into Leora’s world. Needless to say, I’m so glad that I did. I adore this book.

Leora Flint makes for a brilliant protagonist. Aside from her unique and gorgeous name, Leora is headstrong and determined from beginning to end of this book, highlighting her fiery personality through the pages and connecting with readers. She doesn’t hold back, going after what she believes is right and clings to the thread of hope any chance that she can get. She knows that there’s something wrong, and she’s determined to find out the truth every chance that she can get. She may make mistakes along the way, but we empathise with her. We believe in what she’s doing.
Verity was another interesting character, going after her own goals and highlighting her own determination. Every woman in this novel was strong-willed, making for a brilliant read. They each inspired me in their own ways and I adored reading about them all.
However, my personal favourite was Obel, the Inker, who continued to have inspirational words thrown towards his apprentices and walked the fine line between intimidating and adoring. I loved him.

The writing itself is very simplistic and concise, making for an easy, addictive read, whilst the short chapters make progress fun and compelling. There’s a gorgeous map at the beginning of the novel, directing you around the dystopian world whilst Broadway’s use of language and atmospherics places you there. It’s a morbid, yet enticing tale and I adored every second of it.

Overall, I loved this novel. Although, the themes may appear a little heavy, Broadway guides you through the story with lovable characters and an immersive world.

5/5