The Ink Thief

Synopsis

A young woman descends into a seductive magical underworld of power-hungry scholars, fickle gods and monsters bent on revenge to break her family’s curse in this spellbinding contemporary fantasy debut.

For centuries, generations of Everlys have seen their brightest and best disappear, taken as punishment for a crime no one remembers, for a purpose no one understands. Their tormentor, a woman named Penelope, never ages, never grows sick – and never forgives a debt.

Violet Everly was just a child when her mother Marianne vanished on a stormy night, determined to break the curse. And when Penelope cannot find her, she issues an Violet has ten years to find Marianne, or she will take her place. Violet is the last of the Everly line, the last to suffer from the curse. Unless she can break it first.

To do so, she must descend into a seductive magical underworld of power-hungry scholars, fickle gods and monsters bent on revenge. She must also contend with Penelope’s quiet assistant, Aleksander, who she knows cannot be trusted – and yet whose knowledge of a world beyond her own is too valuable to avoid.

Tied to a very literal deadline, Violet will travel the edges of the world to find Marianne and the key to the city of stardust, where the Everly story began.

Review

If you saw my post of my January recommendations, you might have seen that this book was one of my most anticipated reads for January, and I was very lucky to get an ARC of it.

“The City of Stardust” by Georgia Summers is a dazzling journey into a world of magic, mystery, and enchantment. This young adult fantasy novel unfolds with a grace that captivates from the first page, weaving a spellbinding narrative that is both whimsical and deeply resonant.

In the heart of a mystical city, hidden from the mortal realm, lies a place where dreams are woven into reality and magic thrives. As Violet discovers the secrets of the City of Stardust, she is swept into an extraordinary adventure, encountering mythical creatures, unraveling mysteries, and confronting the shadows that threaten to engulf this fantastical realm. The novel weaves a tapestry of imagination and wonder, blending elements of magic, friendship, and self-discovery.

“The City of Stardust” is a celebration of creativity, courage, and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit. Summers masterfully explores the theme of dreams, both as manifestations of desires and as sources of inspiration, as well as themes of self-discovery, courage, and the transformative power of belief. The world-building is rich and immersive, with the City of Stardust serving as a vibrant and enchanting backdrop for the characters’ growth and adventures.

As a reader, I was swept away by Summers’ enchanting prose and her ability to create a world that feels both magical and tangible. The characters are endearing, and their personal journeys are intricately woven into the broader tapestry of the narrative. The pacing is superb, with each chapter revealing new layers of the city’s mysteries and the characters’ complexities. It’s often hit-and-miss, reading such highly anticipated books, as they can sometimes be disappointing, but this book certainly lived up to my expectations, and might even have surpassed them.

Summers excels at crafting atmospheric settings that evoke a sense of wonder. The City of Stardust is not merely a backdrop but a living, breathing entity that shapes the characters and the plot. The author’s narrative finesse shines through in her ability to balance vivid descriptions with a fast-paced and engaging storyline.

In the realm of young adult fantasy, “The City of Stardust” stands tall among the likes of Sarah J Maas and Sara El-Arifi. Summers’ unique blend of whimsy, emotion, and adventure distinguishes her work, creating a narrative that stands out in a crowded genre.

This book comes highly recommended for lovers of young adult fantasy and those who revel in immersive, otherworldly tales. “The City of Stardust” is a perfect escape for readers who seek a respite in a magical realm filled with captivating characters and enchanting landscapes.

Georgia Summers has conjured pure magic with “The City of Stardust.” It is a literary gem that sparkles with imagination and heart. A rare five-star rating is a testament to the author’s ability to transport readers to a world where dreams take flight, stardust holds secrets, and every page is an invitation to believe in the extraordinary.

Rating: ★★★★★