"Is Metty Jones destined to be a murderer or is magic on her side?"
This debut fantasy and series opener transports us to a richly detailed alternative world where magic is powered by Ink, a precious and expensive liquid, and under strict control. It is also where every ten-year-old looks forward to finding out their fate, which tells them what they are destined to become. They will be Inkbound by a magical tattoo on their hand. But our heroine, Meticulous- Metty- Jones, is horrified to receive a tattoo of a skull, signifying death and murder, held by a gloved hand, signifying magic. She concludes she is destined to be a murderer and resolves to avoid magic altogether.
Whisking her off to a remote location in Wales, her father seems to share her fears and her absent, gallivanting, divorced mother is no help at all. Then her father disappears and Metty is swept off to her aunt’s home in New London. This was the first of the magical alternative cities. Literally powered by magic they are flying destinations where those that can afford it can play with magic. But even here regulations are pending, and a terrorist organisation called the Black Moths are trying to prevent that.
As Metty discovers more about how magic works and about her family, she realises that the Black Moths have her father and are after her, and she will need all her courage and resourcefulness, as well as the help of new friends, Sundar and Faith, to rescue him and save New London.
This is a fascinating world and an interesting look at themes of social justice and activism as well as identity and self- esteem. Metty is a great character and her relationships with her eccentric family and quirky friends provide humour and warmth amidst the drama. After this page turning, thrilling adventure, readers will be queuing up for the next instalment!
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