Jocelynn Drake – Angel’s Ink

The first book in the Asylum Tales series, published October 16, 2012.
Genre: urban fantasy
Cover: nice, fitting the story



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.


I really enjoyed this book. It is a bit strange to read from a male point of view, especially during the love scene. Gage has a lot of bad luck in this book, everything he does leads to disaster, and when he tries to solve one problem, it leads to the next. Still, he keeps trying to put things to rights, and stay alive and protect his few friends. He has been in love with his assistant Trixie for a few years now, but he knows he has to keep his distance. Knowing he is a wizard will only endanger her from the Ivory Towers. His guardian Gideon will see to that. Or is Gideon having his own agenda here, and not so eager to have Gage brought before the Council to be executed for using magic other than self defense?

I love worlds inhabited by multiple species and lots of intrigue and bad guys, and the Asylum series sure has all that. It is original and fast paced and just fun to read. Using magic and magical items in tattoos to make them work is a nice concept. And it can go so very wrong ...

I like Gage, Trixie (who is Fae) and Bronx (who is a Troll) and I sure look forward to reading many more stories about them. There are a few books out now and several short stories and I will make sure to find them all.

8 stars.

© 2014 Reviews by Aurian