#inkspice

As I’ve said before, it’s difficult for me to find books in the Fantasy genre I immensely enjoy now. A lot of books have the same tropes and sort of run into each other in my mind, but these books are special.

I’m going to finish reading Inkspice, the first sequel to Windswept in the Mapweaver Chronicles, today. Although I didn’t like Inkspice as much as Windswept, it was still a damn good solid sequel and still had the magic of Windswept in it. 

And then next, I’m going to start Wayfinder! I’m so excited because it’s shaping up to be a great series I’m having trouble putting down. Wayfinder already looks like it will be better than Inkspice, just from the blurb I read about the book.

I’m learning a lot about writing from these books, as Kaitlin Bellamy is an amazing writer. I still have a lot to learn, but these books are definitely helping me grasp different techniques and to take a different look at how to show character arcs.

I really love Fox, the main character! He’s just one of the best main characters I’ve read and is a lot of fun. I felt bad for him at the ending of Inkspice (I won’t post spoilers don’t worry), but also know he’ll bounce right back. And not only Fox, but Neil, Lai and the others are such well drawn, vibrant characters.

Sometimes, I get jealous of this author’s ability to write! But then I have to remember that I have my own strengths and weaknesses as a writer, jsut as she does. But, still, can she write!

Then, I’m going to read Kingmaker, and will hopefully finish it by the time the finale is released. I don’t want to have to wait too long for the finale, as I’m already itching to know what happens and have some questions answered.

So, I finally started Inkspice by Kaitlin Bellamy, the sequel to Windswept in the Mapweaver Chronicles, last night. So far, I’m only two chapters in, but the writing is beautiful and the characters are still lively and fun. I can tell this is going to also be a fun ride.

I’m also listening to Fine Line by Harry Styles any chance I get. I’m in love with this album and it’s just a really great piece of work. I’ve never been a One Direction fan at all, but Harry Styles on his own is pretty damn cool. I was listening to it last night while outlining Book Two, and I was just blown away by the music, so it was hard to concentrate on my work, but it was worth it. This and folklore by Taylor Swift are definitely my two favorite albums in recent times.

And I’m going to continue with revisions tonight, and hopefully finish the chapter I’m on, no matter how long it takes. I’m really excited about this particular chapter and really love this story I’m creating with all my heart, and pray that I get it published some day. 

I’m almost done with Book 1 in the series, Windswept. In fact, I’m going to do some more reading tonight after dinner. 

But I’m loving Windswept so much, I decided to order the second in the series, Inkspice. 

These books are pure magic. A little slow-moving for Windswept, yes, but I don’t mind it. And I’m learning a lot about workdbuilding and magic systems (which I struggle with), as well as writing in general.

For the longest time, I’ve been trying to find a great self-published fantasy book reviewed well across the board. That looked interesting and had unique, vibrant characters. I think I finally found that book (series).

I’m just so excited because (almost) everything I’ve read about this book series has been great review after great review! I always check out Goodreads and user reviews before diving into a book, and all across the board this got fantastic reviews. It said the book was a little slow-moving, but was overall a satisfying read. 

And the whole series has gotten great reviews so far! I am so excited to read this book! Finally, a fantasy that doesn’t set out to be dark, and has some whimsy and lightness to it. I have been waiting forever to find one. I can already tell I’m gonna love these books! I’m restraining myself right now from buying them until I have more money in the bank, but it’s difficult. I really want to read these books already and be a happy reader once again. 

Because I wish these books had more exposure even though I haven’t picked one up yet. It’s YA that seems mature and it seems like it isn’t violent or unnecessarily dark from what I’ve read about it. 

Still, I’ll wait a little while longer though and discipline myself. But I’m super excited to read all 4 books out now. And did I mention they’re a self-published success story? Yeah, that just makes me really happy since I think I’ll eventually go the self-publishing route.

RATING: 4/5

SYNOPSIS: While Fox is continuing his training with the Shavid, they wind up in the city of Calibas where a strange power lays lurking and a power-hungry king seeks to use magic for his own purposes. Meanwhile in Thicca Valley, Lai starts to discover magic of her own.

PREVIOUS: Windswept

  I liked this book a lot better than the first, but the sequel made me realize that I like Fox’s…