Written by Alice Broadway
Leora wants to be an Inker and record people’s stories on their bodies. Her mom is a reader and can interpret the tattoos, the stories behind them, and the connection they have to an individual’s soul. Leora’s dad was a Flayer, who removes the skin from each person’s body when they die. The skin is then made into a skin book. In Saintstone the skin book is used to judge the weight of the deceased’s’ soul. If your soul is good your book remains with your family. If the soul is judged as to be forgotten, then their book is burned along with their soul. Some tattoos are assigned by the government and are given to everyone. Others the individual gets to choose to tell their story. But, there is one tattoo that will condemn your soul to be forgotten. The marking of a crow on your neck will automatically condemn your soul.
Leora’s father has recently died and she is remembering the past. But, why does she remember a crow on her father’s neck? Where did it go? What will happen to her father’s soul? Why is everyone suddenly so much more afraid of blanks, those without tattoos? Is Leora safe?
Alice Broadway shows her ability to pen emotionally captivating passages and scenes in this book. The ability feel the characters raw emotions on page adds to the connection and depth of the story.
Review by Jessica Moody, Olympus Jr. High Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 7-12
Ink
Written by Alice Broadway
Scholastic
326 pages
Release Date: January 2, 2018 (USA)
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
