Cat Johnson Braves Doll Lil’s Word Association Challenge!

Jocelynn Drake
Title: Angel’s Ink
Release: October 16, 2012
Series: The Asylum Tales #1
Reviewer: Mona Leigh
Source: Edelweiss
Purchase: | Book Depository

Buyer beware . . .

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 his 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 just might make it through this enchanted world alive.

Angel’s Ink blends supernatural creatures with the mundane aspects of real life. Being able to pull that off is something of an accomplishment, and Ms. Drake managed it nicely.

Poor Gage is trying his best to stay under the radar and out of trouble, but somehow, trouble seems to stay close on his heels. This story focuses on a tattoo gone wrong. Softhearted Gage wants to help a young woman dying of cancer. He never planned to make her immortal, but you know the saying about best-laid plans. Now, he has to undo the immortality or forfeit his own life to take her place. There’s a catch, though….he doesn’t know how to reverse the charmed tattoo.

While he searches for a reversal charm, his nemesis is searching for him. Will he live long enough to correct his mistake or will his nemesis make sure he takes the woman’s place? The path he takes is winding and dangerous, but the reward is well worth it.

I’m curious to see how this series progresses. It has the potential to branch out in many surprising directions with plenty of twists and turns. Gage also has enough of mystery about him that he could end up being one of the “big bads” we all enjoy. And the idea of mixing magic with tattoo ink opens the door to all sorts of possibilities.

Mona's first grade teacher, Mrs. Stanford, gifted her with the love of reading. For that, she'll always live in her heart. But reading took over Mona's life, eclipsing everything but playing sports, and has continued to be a huge part of her life. Although she has always written poetry and stories for her self, last year she decided to try her hand at writing fiction. She is currently editing her first urban fantasy and hopes to have it ready for the agent by summer's end. Besides reading, Mona loves speed in the form of fast cars. The faster, the better! In her next life, she plans to drive race cars (or whatever happens to be their replacement in the future) all while reading and writing. She has also taken up rune reading, and find it to be disturbingly accurate and exciting.

Doll Mona Leigh

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