Enter an extraordinary magical adventure about family, fate, and finding the courage to be yourself. A remarkable debut!
"One of my favorite middle grade books from recent years." --Jordan Lees, author of The Whisperwicks
"An adventure overflowing with magic, brought to life with wit and charm." --Beth Lincoln, author of The Swifts
On her tenth birthday, Meticulous Jones--known to her friends as Metty--receives her fate, as all children do, in the form of a magical tattoo on her hand. She hopes that her ink will reveal something exciting: a tattoo that will symbolize travel, or discovery, or adventure. What appears is a skull, balanced in the palm of a violet glove.
Metty's fate is to become a murderer.
Metty is swiftly hidden away by her father, Moral Jones, in a remote Welsh farmhouse, with only a miserable housekeeper (who's terrified she'll become Metty's first victim) for company. But when Moral goes missing, his sister, Aunt Magnificent, arrives to sweep Metty off on a magical adventure to the glittering city of New London. Metty is mesmerized by the magic and enchantment she discovers there. But when she starts to hear rumors of a mysterious and dangerous secret organization known as the Black Moths, she wonders if they might be connected to her father's disappearance--and to her own fate. . . .
- Fizzing with atmosphere, danger, magic, and mystery, this fantasy will keep kids hooked from the start.
- A bold heroine and a darkly comic voice make this debut perfect for fans of Nevermoor and The Swifts.
- Inkbound's world of magical ink and fate tattoos is utterly unique, yet the writing feels classic.
About the Author :
Philippa Leathley grew up in East Yorkshire, spending summers down south with her eccentric grandparents and writing feverishly as soon as she could hold a pen. When not writing, she enjoys learning new languages, is fond of studying anything from historical fiction to shipwrecks, and is a bit obsessed with sharks. She lives just outside Hull with her family and three weird and wonderful rescue cats, Bram, Lyra, and Theo the Brave. Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo is her first novel.
Review :
"Leathley creates an addictive, fast-paced world of magic and breathtaking imagery in her series debut. Recommended for fans of Harry Potter." - School Library Journal
"Leathley's imaginative debut reads like a rollicking blend of Harry Potter and Beth Lincoln's The Swifts (2023)...A winning fantasy that blends creativity, action, and substance." - Booklist
"A page-turning exploration of family ties, self-perception, and the powerful effect of labels." - Kirkus Reviews
"Lush writing, breathtaking action sequences, and a darkly comedic tone imbue Leathley's series opening debut with verve, while ethical questions relating to fate and magic add depth to the innovative setting." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"An adventure overflowing with magic, brought to life with wit and charm." - Beth Lincoln, author of The Swifts
"I absolutely loved Inkbound. One of my favourite middle-grade books from recent years - incredibly imaginative, brilliant fun and enchanting in every way possible." - Jordan Lees, author of The Whisperwicks
"From the unique ink-based magic, elegantly suggested by tattoo-like black-and-white chapter heading illustrations, to the delightfully brusque Aunt Mag, this novel will likely enchant fantasy lovers." - Horn Book Magazine
