Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo
On her tenth birthday, Meticulous- Metty- Jones, like other 10-year-olds, receives a magical tattoo on her hand which will indicate her fate. However, her excitement in discovering her destiny is dimmed when she sees an ink-black skull, held from underneath by a hand in a violet glove indicating her fate is to be a murderer. Hidden away by her father, Moral Jones, in a remote Welsh farmhouse, Metty tries to come to terms with this, but when Moral disappears, her Aunt Magnificent takes her to the magical city of New London, assuring her that she- Magnificent- will find Metty’s father. But rumours of a mysterious, dangerous society, known as the Black Moths, make Metty wonder whether they are connected to her father’s disappearance and begin to investigate for herself.
There is so much to enjoy in ‘Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo’ that is is hard to know exactly where to begin! It is a cracking read which bounds along at a pleasing pace, full of engaging characters and plenty of action. It’s quite amazing that I have managed to wait until now to review it!
Full of vim and vigour, Metty is a feisty character who shows courage and determination in the face of adversity and great love and loyalty to friends and family. She is an imperfect heroine, with strengths and flaws in equal measure, proving that our fates cannot be predestined, but made by our actions and reactions. As she comes to know Sundar, her aunt’s ward, they form a great partnership, their personalities complementing each other as their friendship develops. He is another very appealing character, enigmatic and cautious, the perfect foil to Metty’s impulsiveness. Faith O’Connell is another great character, once again proving the importance of forging your own path in life.
The world building is an absolute delight. Great attention to detail makes the story rich, increasing the reader’s enjoyment on every page. From the family names to the magic of ink, from the wonders of New London to the Dictionary of Fates, everything has been carefully thought about so the world flows seamlessly. It’s a world I look forward to returning to in future books!
Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo
Philippa Leathley
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0063376519
Published January 28th 2025