Inkbound Meticulous Jones And The Skull Tattoo - Philippa Leathley

Metty Jones is spending her tenth birthday the way most ten year olds do, by getting her fate tattoo, the mark that will tell her and the rest of the world how her life will pan out. However, when her fate is revealed as a skull in the palm of a violet glove everything changes, for Metty discovers she is destined to be a murderer.  Her dad quickly moves her to the countryside and people start avoiding her fearing that she will kill them and Metty finds herself feeling very isolated.  Then when Metty's dad disappears, she becomes worried.  The arrival of her Aunt Mag brings hope, especially when she takes Metty to New London, but it quickly becomes apparent that there are people who are desperate to get hold of Metty and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goal.  

I'd heard great things about Inkbound when it came out in hardback, but it was a book that I'd just never got round to buying despite it being on my wish-list (I realise now the error of my ways!).  And so it was, last Saturday, that I bought the paperback version (Waterstones Children's Book of The Month).  I began reading it over lunch and realised an hour later that this clearly was a gripping book as I was still sitting in the café with a cold cup of tea next to me!  

Reasons why I loved Inkbound:

• the idea of your fate being predetermined and everything that brings up (so many discussions to be hand around this!);
• the intricacies and vividness of the world-building (I need to visit New London despite already feeling I've been!);
• the adventure and twists that unfold as the plot progresses;
• there's just the right amount of MG darkness to build suspense;
• the characters: they're fully formed, intriguing and come with flaws that make them human; there's a big question about who can be trusted and there are also those I began to enjoy hating!  Metty and Mag are definitely my favourites!
• the drip-feed of Metty's family history; 
• the exploration of family, friendship and loyalty;
• the magic that flows through the plot, measured in ink and controlled by individual tethers (please can I have one?!);
• the steampunk/Victorian/fantasy vibe;
• how quickly I became engrossed in the plot (which didn't let up until the end);
• it's the start of a new series and I can't wait for more;
• Philippa is coming into school before the end of the month and I can't wait to discuss the book with her!

From the start, the plot is intriguing and will capture readers' imaginations; it's fast-paced and guaranteed to keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of Vashti Hardy, Peter Bunzl and Jessica Townsend, Inkbound is a book that will stay with you even after you've finished reading it.