Book Review: Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs

I found this book randomly and leaped in without reading the synopsis. I was happily surprised that the story was entertaining enough, and the personal conflicts the characters had were interesting enough to keep me reading—a rare occurrence. I’m not sure if it’s because I have become picky or because my taste has changed a lot recently.

This book is about two estranged sisters who are pulled back together because their family secrets have surfaced. Esther has been running her whole life, believing she is a danger to her family. She can only stay at a place for a year, or those after her will find her. Joanna has lived an isolated, sheltered life in their family home, caring for their magical tomes. Esther has no powers like her sister, who has always been able to do magic and detect it, but Esther has made her body a weapon. Then there’s Nicolas, who lives under the tyranny of his uncle, using his blood to write magical books for him.

Emma Törzs spins a tale of family loyalties, greed, and personal sacrifices. All the characters are broken. The story is simple, with beautiful settings from Antarctica to cozy little houses full of books to mansions with vast libraries. I think I would have adored this book in my twenties. The female characters are interesting, and they are powerful and independent. But now I find it entertaining and amusing. The story is occasionally childish and feels like this beautiful power fantasy, especially with Esther, who can fight any boy down, who is intelligent, and a killer musically. Joanna is this perfect dream of a girl next door with a kind heart. That indy-girl that you know you would love. Nicolas is this tormented aristocrat who wants to do the right thing. I kept reading because the book is well written and it has this easy flow to follow. I wanted to know how it all would tie up in the end, how the blood magic and the magical books would fit into the story.

I think this is one of those cozy books that should not be taken too seriously. It’s meant to entertain, yet it’s not frivolous. It has a serious side to it. You know, family and all the oddness that comes with the ties.

Thank you for reading ❤ Have a magical day!