10 science-fiction and fantasy releases you’re bound to fall for this February

Ink in the Blood by Kim Smejkal

Those looking for a darker YA fantasy should consider giving Kim Smejkal’s debut novel a try. Recommended for fans of Leigh Bardugo or Kendare Blake, Ink in the Blood deals with tattoo magic and theater, two elements that will likely be buzzwords for many YA readers.

Ink in the Blood follows best friends Celia Sand and Anya Burtoni, two inklings who use their magic to tattoo followers of their religion, Profeta. The tattoos are meant to provide these followers with guidance from the gods, but Celia and Anya understand that they’re simply a way of controlling the masses. Having accepted the religion as phony, they jump at the first opportunity to abandon their roles. Unfortunately, it’s something they may come to regret. The book’s synopsis states:

"“Their opportunity to escape arrives with the Rabble Mob, a traveling theater troupe. Using their inkling abilities for performance instead of propaganda, Celia and Anya are content for the first time . . . until they realize who followed them. The Divine they never believed in is very real, very angry, and determined to use Celia, Anya, and the Rabble Mob’s now-infamous stage to spread her deceitful influence even further.”"

It sounds like Ink in the Blood will be up the alley of anyone who enjoys a fantasy story that tackles faith and all the politics behind it. Smejkal’s debut is sure to be a conversation starter when it comes out on February 11.