Inkmistress

Gr 8 Up—Set in a mystical and magical world, this work follows Asra, a demigod who can write the future with her own blood. Her secret is powerful and in order to protect her people and Ina, the girl she loves, Asra remains quiet in the refuge of the mountains. When Ina's village is threatened, Ina chooses to manifest herself as a dragon, the animal that has been chosen for her as she passes into adulthood. Asra attempts to help Ina only to have blood magic go awry, allowing the bandits to destroy her village and Ina's family. Asra continues to help her after Ina seeks revenge on the king. Asra goes on a journey where she must fight powerful people with very few to trust. Her quest is not only one of adventure but also one of self-discovery. Coulthurst creates another dangerous world much like the one in her debut novel, Of Fire and Stars. This sophomore effort moves at a swift pace, engaging teens in a mystical world of darkness and blood magic. Fans of dragons, dark magic, and romance will embrace this novel and hope that Coulthurst will craft more adventures in this world.