Review – Angel’s Ink by Jocelynn Drake

Publisher: Avon
Publish Date: Out today
How I got this book: Edelweiss

Looking for a tattoo—and maybe a little something extra: a burst of good luck, a dollop of true love, or even a hex on an ex? Head to the quiet and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town. Using unique potions—a blend of extraordinary ingredients and special inks—to etch the right symbol, he can fulfill any heart’s desire. But in a place like Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires happily walk among humanity, everything has its price.

No one knows that better than Gage. Turning his back on his own kind, he left the magical Ivory Tower where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a decision that cost him the right to practice magic. And if he disobeys, his punishment—execution—will be swift.

Though he’s tried to fly under the radar, Gage can’t hide from powerful warlocks who want him dead—or the secrets of his own past. But with the help of his friends, Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx, Gage might just make it through this enchanted world alive.
*Blurb from Goodreads*

I’m always on the lookout for new UF books, and while I read one or two of Jocelyn’s previous series – Dark Days – it wasn’t a series that immediately hooked me like so many others. When I read the blurb for Angel’s Ink, I knew I’d have to take the chance on this one, and so glad I did!

Gage likes his quiet life of mixing potions and doing tattoos. He’s got a great shop, with two great employees, and mostly keeps below the radar of those looking for him. Although he’s on the fritz with the much-hated wizard council, he manages to keep himself free and clear of their politics and guardians.

But things in Gage’s life take a twist when he tattoos with an ingredient he’s never used before, and turns a dying woman immortal, then his old mentor from wizard training comes back to haunt him, and his longtime employee Trixie (whom he’s in love with) has her past catch up with her…. Things go from seemingly normal to crazy insane in just a few days. With everything piling up, will Gage be able to fix everything, before time runs out?

I loved that Drake’s novel had a different feel to it than most UF books. Sure there are vampires and shifters, but they don’t make up the core of this paranormal world. I like that Drake incorporates a ton of different mythological and supernatural creates into the world, and that they all seem to fear the wizard and witches, whom are the big bad of this paranormal world.

It took me awhile to really get a feel for Gage’s character, but at the same time I instantly liked him. he was sarcastic and funny, and although he was pretty desperate to keep a low profile, he was also willing to do anything and everything within his power to save those he loves. Even when he knew full well it would put him directly in the path of his wizard guardian. I loved his relationship with Trixie, and how the romance played out in the book. I hope we get to see more and more of Gage and Trixie together.

I also thought the tattoo aspect of the book was so neat. I love the idea of tattooing a charm or spell into the skin, and all the good and bad that comes along with it. The potions and mixing was neat too, and I’m glad we got to see a little hint of how the process works, I do hope that Drake really delves more into it in future books.

The secondary characters in this book were amazing, and I can’t wait to see where everyone’s journey takes them. Gideon, the wizard guardian, was an interesting twist, and I can’t wait to see how that plays out in the series. I loved Bronx the troll and Trixie the elf – the two other tattoo artists in Gage’s shop. While we got to learn so much more about Trixie than Bronx in this book, I hope we can focus more on Bronx in the next book. I’m excited to see how things work out with Sofie the witch cat, and if she’ll play a bigger role in future books.

The one thing that did somewhat bother me was that it seemed like there were a MILLION things going on. It felt like Drake kept adding more and more drama and mishaps into the storyline, and it was a wonder that Gage was able to get out alive after just a few short days of his world tumbling down around him.

All in all I really enjoyed this story, and I think readers who enjoy reading male protagonist UF with a heavy romance influence will really enjoy this book. It was different and unique and fresh, and it really did have just enough romance to really whet my appetite, but a strong UF world to keep me entertained. I can’t wait to see what Drake has in store for this series in the future!
I give Angel’s Ink a B-

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