The Crimson Inkwell
The Crimson Inkwell
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4.48 / 5.0
(52) 52 total reviews
A whimsical historical fantasy packed with wit and romance. If you like Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, The Night Circus, or A Darker Shade of Magic, you’ll love The Crimson Inkwell.
“Powerful, thought-provoking. . . . Fans of R.F. Kuang’s Babel will find much to admire here, from the intricate magic system to the unflinching exploration of societal issues.”—Booklist
Luella Winthrop would give just about anything to win the Golden Inkwell.
Her editor turned fiance has reminded her that such dreams are foolish for a woman of her situation. But she can’t help it. Winning the city’s top literary award would change everything–her life, her sister’s life, and perhaps even the need to marry such a sensible match.
When she meets a handsome detective who claims to have seen a phantom, she ignores her fiance’s wishes and starts investigating. Before long, she’s ducking in and out of constabularies and living the adventurous professional life that would make her late father proud.
But it doesn’t take long to discover the magic that set her on a new path might drag her down dark byroads as well. Desperate for success, she turns to curious people for help and experiments with forces far beyond her understanding.
What Luella doesn’t realize is that she’s gambling with more than her own fate. She’s swept up in a scandal that is bound to break the hearts and minds of those she loves. And what’s worse–she’s in too much trouble to get help.
Dive into this new fantasy world littered with gaslamps, cobblestones, and dark magic. Get your copy of the first book in the Luella Winthrop trilogy today, and start a journey readers are calling "imaginative and adventurous."
"I will not spoil the twists that this book takes you on, but I will just say it was a very fun and surprising read. It managed to take one of those tropes I find so infuriating and turn it into several fantastic moments in the story. If you enjoy Dr. Who style whimsy or enjoyed reading, 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern, I think you will adore, 'The Crimson Inkwell.'" - Jeanette Andromeda, HorrorMade
"A magical fanfare of a woman who knows her mind and sparkling romance, The Crimson Inkwell is a modern, gothic Victorian delight." - Charlotte Zang, Reedsy
"The Crimson Inkwell is a delightful Victorian-style story that has all the dash of Sherlock Holmes and the wit and mystery of Wilkie Collins." - Justine K. Barr
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I thought this was a great story. Very unique story. After touching magic, how it can effect her and how to return to the truth and herself. Can't wait to read the next story, see if she gets her life back.
This is an interesting take on the chains attached to us by society, expectations, and ourselves. Also, how caving to the easier path can lead you into more trouble than you ever expected. This is but the beginning of a longer journey for our heroine. Looking forward to book 2.
This story was fantastic and romantic and alittle nerve racking up until the end.I highly recommend this book and I would not stop reading until I finished the book.
I enjoyed escaping into the lives of Luella and Edward and feeling their fears, frustrations, and love. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I was given it free by the author, but I have to say, the front cover picture put me off somewhat. However, it turned out to be an interesting story, set in some time in the Victorian era, when gas lamps were still an innovation, yet a carnival had electric light. I don't know whether there was such a time, but a young woman, desperate to follow her wildly successful journal article with another gets involved with a man at the carnival who introduces her to magic. It's an unusual story of a respectable young woman drawn into a world of the paranormal and the effects it has on her. The characters are convincing and so is their behaviour. This is book 1 in a trilogy and I think, compelling enough to want to read the next two
I thought this was a great story. Very unique story. After touching magic, how it can effect her and how to return to the truth and herself. Can't wait to read the next story, see if she gets her life back.
This is an interesting take on the chains attached to us by society, expectations, and ourselves. Also, how caving to the easier path can lead you into more trouble than you ever expected. This is but the beginning of a longer journey for our heroine. Looking forward to book 2.
This story was fantastic and romantic and alittle nerve racking up until the end.I highly recommend this book and I would not stop reading until I finished the book.
I enjoyed escaping into the lives of Luella and Edward and feeling their fears, frustrations, and love. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I was given it free by the author, but I have to say, the front cover picture put me off somewhat. However, it turned out to be an interesting story, set in some time in the Victorian era, when gas lamps were still an innovation, yet a carnival had electric light. I don't know whether there was such a time, but a young woman, desperate to follow her wildly successful journal article with another gets involved with a man at the carnival who introduces her to magic. It's an unusual story of a respectable young woman drawn into a world of the paranormal and the effects it has on her. The characters are convincing and so is their behaviour. This is book 1 in a trilogy and I think, compelling enough to want to read the next two