Indigo: Ink to Blood

by Alan Brooks

First in the "Ring of Fire" series, Indigo: Ink to Blood is the story of a young Japanese woman -- Indigo -- who has escaped from the Chishima, a cult of assassins who control a magical, transformative ink that allows the wearer to become the images tattooed on her body. But Indigo doesn't remember what happened. She doesn't know her own real name or how she ended up in New York City. All she knows is the men chasing her want back the ink she stole, the ink that is now inside her skin.

386 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2013

About the author

I'm originally from Livonia, Michigan, but currently live in Woodstock, NY. I write plays, fiction, science fiction and anything else that crosses my mind.

Reviews

[Alan Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. JK Rowling meets Phillip Roth. Haven't read anything this... oh wait, I can't review my own book? I can't? Arg.

[Ruthann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is intended for Young Adults, I was totally immersed in it (and I'm far from being a young adult!). Intriguing story, sympathetic characters and a fascinating "sub-culture." So...when can we expect the next book in the series?!?

[DAWN L. PIROLLI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Enjoyed reading this book. Couldn't put it down. Characters are believable and the plot is followable. Recommend it to everyone who likes science fiction.

[Spf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly engaging. Mythopoeic Award-worthy.

What a great read! The price point for this thing is at least 6x too low for the writing quality and originality. I really hope Brooks is seriously considering adding another book or two to this one. I'm nit ready to let these characters go. If you enjoy Mythopoeic award nominees and winners like Valente's Palimpsest, Kingfisher/Vernon's Jackalope Wives and Pocosin, Hopkinson's everything and/or Choo's Ghost Bride....pick this up!

[Clairelambe Lambe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read - a real page turner that worked as well for this OA as much as I expect it will for the YA who will be getting it for Christmas(can you iron books?). "Indigo" has some really novel ideas and a very clever premise that will allow the author lots of scope as he continues the series. The protagonist, the titular Indigo, is a well fleshed-out character, and likable; the book has some terrific and plausible plot twists and turns, including a twist at the end that I didn't see coming at all.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tattoos, martial arts, and big cats; thrilling plot, complex characters, and fully imagined worlds, Indigo: Ink to Blood is easily the best YA novel I've encountered in quite a while. Grown-up or teen-age, you should read it.

[Pindari N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't stop reading this book!!

[Ray Else · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember when you were a child and imagined you were a dog or a cat or even a monster? This book takes you back there, allowing you to shape-shift along with Indigo, as she struggles to discover why her body is covered in magical tattoos. A well-written fantasy with plenty of action.