INKBOUND

An English child fears she’s doomed to become a murderer.

In Leathley’s debut, ink is precious. The expensive fluid powers flying cities and enables wealthy citizens to perform enchantments. On their 10th birthdays, children are tattooed with symbols representing their future traits or occupations. But Meticulous “Metty” Jones’ tattoo—a skull, signifying death and murder, held by a gloved hand, signifying magic—horrifies her parents. Convinced she’ll someday commit murder via magic, Metty resolves to avoid magic altogether—but that doesn’t stop the house staff from treating her like a future killer. What’s the point of being good if everyone thinks she’s evil? When her father disappears, Metty vows to find him and maybe even change her fate. But New London is fraught with unrest, and Metty is targeted by the Black Moths, a militant group that’s violently protesting citizens’ unequal access to magic. But why are they interested in Metty? Though a late-appearing twist muddies a central theme of the story, readers will root for mischievous, wryly witty Metty. Creepy and whimsical details bring the setting of this third-person series opener to life, and while the primary villain is somewhat two-dimensional, the portrayal of Metty’s relationships with her quirky friends and family members, including her divorced parents, blends together secrets, humor, and heartache. Metty’s dad is olive-skinned; her mum has “skin like starlight.” Final art not seen.

A page-turning exploration of family ties, self-perception, and the powerful effect of labels.