Ink Blood Sister Scribe - A Good Morning America Book Club Pick by Emma Torzs
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Web ID: 16490923I loved this book.
I absolutely loved Ink Blood Sister Scribe and feel terrible that my review is going up so late. I devoured this book in one sitting and have caught myself thinking about it several times since finishing last year. I was completely engaged with the story line, the characters and the magic. My local library is hosting a book club next month discussing this book and I can't wait to discuss it with other readers. Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for the digital ARC.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Not as Predictable
I thought I knew what was next because it seemed like a quick burn at the time. However Emma does a great job at giving just a little info up until the last few chapters. An I was shocked, this story made me laugh, I was disgusted, upset, an shocked. I loled it alot. I do wish we got a little be more history into her dad
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Slow build fantasy that took off halfway through
After a relatively slow build, this book finally caught my interest about halfway through, then I couldn't put it down. The seemingly unconnected storylines all came together well with a satisfying ending. Strongly recommended
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A Mysteriously Whimsical Fantasy
“The library doesn’t want to ‘preserve knowledge,’ it just wants to preserve its own power, it wants to be the only game in town so everyone has to buy tickets and come watch.” Well, this was such a delightful surprise. This was a book that was on my radar, but not something I was jumping to read right away. My library came through with the audiobook though and so it jumped quickly up my list. This is an adult fantasy with a strong mystery element. The story follows three main characters, Joanna, Esther, and Nicholas. Joanna and Esther are sisters who have the same father, but different mothers. Joanna has always had the ability to hear magic, but Esther has not. One day, Esther just ups and leaves without telling her family and that has created a strain in her and her sister’s relationship. Joanna now lives alone in their childhood home because it has become her job to protect the library that houses all of these magical books that so many people would be after if they were able to locate them. Meanwhile, Esther is forced to move from place to place in an attempt to avoid the magic that killed her own mother. We also meet Nicholas, who I won’t say too much about since he isn’t mentioned in the synopsis. He has something to do with the books and his job makes it difficult for him to meet people and live a normal life. I really found this story to be so magical and enchanting; that’s really the best way I can describe it. The characters fit perfectly in this story. Joanna and Esther are so different and I think this was a good choice because it aided in their voices being distinct from each other. Joanna is a recluse, so her chapters feel more isolating, and due to her not really being able to leave the house, she feels younger than she is. She almost has this childlike feeling, but a brave and strong child. Esther is also a bit lonely, but in a different way; because she has to constantly be on the move, it is difficult for her to build lifelong relationships. We see her in this relationship with this woman named Pearl, but it’s hard because she can’t tell her the truth about her family. Through her chapters, we meet more people and I would say that most of the action takes place in her chapters, at least until the last quarter of the book. As for Nicholas, I adored him. He is a bit odd and doesn’t have the best social skills, but that has a lot to do with how he was raised and the environment he was raised in. His backstory was definitely the most interesting to me, and I loved when we were with him. Again, I don’t want to talk too much about him since they don’t really mention him in the synopsis. Just know he was my favorite for sure, but I did enjoy all of the characters. There is a huge mystery element to this story, which I thought was done exceptionally well. The mystery has to do with the books and what happened to Esther's mom. There is also this big mystery going on with Nicholas, and I will say that his mystery was also my favorite. There were some good twists and turns that really made this book hard to put down. There is a small bit of a romance, but it is definitely not the focus of the story, and I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re looking for a huge romance subplot. It is subtle and sweet and doesn’t pop up until the end, but it did have the romance between Esther and Pearl, but again, it’s not a huge part of the story. I also loved the audiobook for this, so if you’re thinking of going that route, it’s a good choice. I highly recommend this for people looking for a mysteriously whimsical standalone fantasy. CW for the death of a parent.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
If Dan Brown and Babel had a baby
This book felt so fresh and yet so familiar it was honestly fascinating. If I had to put a finger on that vibe, it would feel like R. F. Kuang’s Babel had had a baby with one of Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon novels. I can’t explain it, but that’s what it was feeling like in all the best ways possible. 🖋️🩸 I’m normally not a big fan of urban fantasies, but this book sounded so intriguing with its blood magic and books that I knew I had to give it a go. 📖 I loved the sense of urgency you get throughout the novel and how friendships were made in the most strenuous situations. Esther and Joanna’s sisterly bond was a highlight for me as the sisters fought not only unexplained circumstances thrusted on them, but also how they loved each other no matter what. The banter between Nicholas and Collins was hilarious at times, and it made me feel like it was a hard fought friendship. And the little romance subplots were so sweet, it made my heart happy. ❤️ All in all, it was a thrilling ride across 4 continents with magical blood books at the center of it all. Definitely a recommended book for those who want the thrill of a Dan Brown book or the incredible magic system and love for magic that was present in Babel. 📚 Special thank you to @harpervoyagerus and @williammorrowbooks for respectively hosting the giveaway and sending the book to me! It was a joy of a read.🖋️ Overall: 4.5/5⭐️
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Come Home
Emma Torzs’ debut novel is a spellbinding story about forgiveness, family, and magical books. Where the librarians literally bleed for their craft. When Joanna Kalotay finds her father killed by one of these unbreakable books, she is left with a mystery that threatens the lives of her family. Her sister Esther and the bookbinder Nicholas must solve this mystery before it is too late. The bases of Emma Torzs’ story are the very books themselves. Each book is bound with blood, to complete a single magical spell that a Scribe writes into reality. Each character has their own history of how they came across these mysterious books, and how they are made. Joanna lives a very secluded life, now haunted by her father’s memory. As her mother begs her to leave the home that protects these books, Joanna must decide if protecting them is worth her life. Her half-sister Esther has been running from a secret that killed her mother. Now that she has found love, running is not what she wants anymore. They are both living underneath a family secret that threatens to consume their future. Also involved is Nicholas the last Scribe, a writer and bookbinder of the Library. Nicholas has lived a very sheltered life controlled by his persuasive uncle. With the help of his bodyguard, the secretive Collins, he must expose his uncle’s lies and escape the Library. Don’t forget Sir Kiwi, his adorable emotional support Pomeranian. With the help of Esther they uncover a lifetime of secrets and revelations. Emma Torzs does a great job introducing each character, and giving them an understandable backstory as to why they are trapped within these secrets. Each character also has a complicated relationship with their parents, though many of these feelings are left unresolved. The ending was a bit predictable, due to the entirely planed out nature of the mission, but their new friendship was easy to root for. A magical read about the love of books, and the price of protecting them.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A thrilling and magical debut!
Ink Blood Sister Scribe was one of my most anticipated reads of the summer and I was excited to win an ARC in a giveaway. I was completely blown away by this debut! Törzs seamlessly blends ancient magic and ritual with contemporary world building. I loved everything about this unique magic system. Anyone can wield magic, but only one kind of person can create it - scribes and their blood. I can’t express how much I loved the dualities in this book - ancient magic and modern world, a sister who can hear and interact with magic and one who is immune, those who can create and those who can use, Vermont versus Antarctica. All the characters in this book are so well developed. I enjoyed all three of the main POVs equally and even the side characters jump right off the page - obviously Sir Kiwi is my favorite. I loved how everything came together and all the surprises contained within this book. This book is first and foremost about family, the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love, and the sacrifices we make. Everything about the story and the twists kept me hooked from the first page until the end, which left me begging for more. Fantasy and book lovers alike - if you pick up any book this summer, let it be this one. I cannot recommend it enough! Thank you to William Morrow for sending me an advanced reader’s copy!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Unveiling the Magic Within
"Ink Blood Sister Scribe" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on an immersive journey through a world of magic, mystery, and self-discovery. Although the author's identity remains unknown, their storytelling prowess shines through in this enchanting tale. The story revolves around a young woman named Amara, who finds herself entwined in a web of ancient secrets and hidden powers. As an aspiring writer, she discovers an extraordinary ability to bring her words to life, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. This newfound power sets her on a thrilling adventure as she unravels the mysteries of her past and confronts her own inner demons. One of the strongest aspects of "Ink Blood Sister Scribe" is its rich and imaginative world-building. The author skillfully creates a universe where magic and creativity coexist, seamlessly blending the fantastical elements with the everyday struggles and desires of the characters. The descriptions of the enchanted landscapes and the intricate workings of the magical system are vivid and immersive, transporting readers into a realm that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The character development in this novel is commendable. Amara is a relatable and well-rounded protagonist, navigating her journey with both vulnerability and strength. Her growth throughout the story is organic, as she learns to harness her abilities and confront the dark forces that threaten her and those she loves. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, each with their own motivations and complexities that add depth to the narrative. The themes explored in "Ink Blood Sister Scribe" resonate deeply. The power of storytelling, the duality of creation and destruction, and the importance of self-acceptance are all expertly woven into the fabric of the plot. The book prompts readers to reflect on the nature of art, the consequences of wielding power, and the choices we make in pursuit of our dreams. However, one drawback of the novel is its occasional pacing issues. While the overall plot is engaging, there are moments where the narrative slows down, resulting in a temporary loss of momentum. Nonetheless, these instances are few and do not detract significantly from the overall reading experience. Overall, "Ink Blood Sister Scribe" is a remarkable work of fiction that blends fantasy and self-discovery with great finesse. The author's ability to transport readers to a realm where words have power is truly impressive. Despite some minor pacing hiccups, the book is a delightful journey that will leave readers pondering the intricate threads that connect imagination, identity, and the written word. It is a recommended read for anyone who enjoys a blend of fantasy, mystery, and introspection.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com