Review: Angel’s Ink


Angel's Ink (The Asylum's Tales, #1)Angel’s Ink by Jocelynn Drake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While in some ways this is an OK thriller, it makes for a very fun read. Ms Drake has created a very interesting universe which has the relationship between witches/warlocks and humans as the inverse of Harry Potter. In HP the magical world is kept hidden from muggles to prevent persecution. But in this alternate version of our world, humans know that warlocks have god-like powers and are keen to make themselves scarce when warlocks and witches are around.

I like the tone of the book, which reminds me of Joss Whedon or John Scalzi – a sarcastic witty that walks a line between too serious and too funny.

While there are a couple spots where things perhaps worked out a bit too cleanly, I think Ms Drake sets up a good set of conflicts, only one of which is fully solved by the end of this book. (Which I believe is part of a trilogy) I think the characters have a great, believable dynamic and I enjoy her take on the various fantasy tropes and characterizations.

Reader beware (either for good or for bad depending on your morals/personality/etc) there’s a pretty explicit sex scene. I think it did a pretty good job on titillation vs the natural corniness of putting sexual feelings and actions into words.

Ms Drake has created a fun playground and I’ll probably come play in it again.

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