What do you think?
Rate this book
Inked in Blood and Memory
Recluse Sophie Vanguard’s winter cabin retreat turns ominous when blue flowers mysteriously appear. They’re everywhere. On her front porch, in kitchen cabinets, and even on her pillow. It isn’t long before chilling whispers echo in the halls, and her journal repeats seven unsettling entries.
Enter the bloodied and beautifully eccentric Ly Thi Ren. Though Ren seems familiar, Sophie refuses to believe the girl’s insistence that they are trapped inside a book.
In a land of fiction, truth and lies blur together, clear decisions are marred by doubt, and shared family trauma lurks just below the surface.
Can Ren and Sophie make it out alive? Or will they end up nothing more than words inked in blood and memory?
With elements of gothic horror, splatterpunk, romance, and fantasy, Inked in Blood and Memory is a self-aware LGBTQ+ horror that wraps its clutches around the reader and doesn’t let go.
Enter the bloodied and beautifully eccentric Ly Thi Ren. Though Ren seems familiar, Sophie refuses to believe the girl’s insistence that they are trapped inside a book.
In a land of fiction, truth and lies blur together, clear decisions are marred by doubt, and shared family trauma lurks just below the surface.
Can Ren and Sophie make it out alive? Or will they end up nothing more than words inked in blood and memory?
With elements of gothic horror, splatterpunk, romance, and fantasy, Inked in Blood and Memory is a self-aware LGBTQ+ horror that wraps its clutches around the reader and doesn’t let go.
Audiobook
Published March 21, 2025
8 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Allison Ivy
2 books31 followersAllison Ivy writes under a pen name and grew up reading a book a day. She graduated from Penn State with a B.A. in English and a Creative Writing certificate. She currently lives in Pennsylvania and listens to far too many show tunes and DVD commentaries. The Dragon and the Double-Edged Sword is her first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
December 13, 2024
thank you netgalley for the arc
um
i have never been quite so confused while reading a book before. i dont really even know where to begin with this, because the plot is so incredibly crazy that i cant even wrap my head around it.
to start with, there are so many povs, so many chapters, and so many timeskips and flashbacks that everything just became a muddled mess from about chapter five onwards.
i did like the first chapter a lot, it was interesting and i thought the pov of a child witnessing such a traumatic event was well done. from then it got very confusing and disorienting, sometimes we were in our 'main' girls pov and it was present day, but then we were sucked away into a storybook and it was a cats pov and then it was some random side character who appeared in one earlier chapter and not much made any sense to me at all.
i liked the cat when it was there chilling, and i liked that there were lesbians in it.
very random scene where there is a swamp monster and eggs involved and i was almost cry laughing with confusion and just everything that was happening.
i ended up skimming some because there were very boring parts, and then there were too many characters to keep up with and lots of questions that never got answered. i dont really know why they were so dead set on keeping these sacrifices going, i dont really know why they started in the first place, i dont know much about the magic system but theres spells sometimes and like dimension travel??????
all in all not my favourite, evidently
um
i have never been quite so confused while reading a book before. i dont really even know where to begin with this, because the plot is so incredibly crazy that i cant even wrap my head around it.
to start with, there are so many povs, so many chapters, and so many timeskips and flashbacks that everything just became a muddled mess from about chapter five onwards.
i did like the first chapter a lot, it was interesting and i thought the pov of a child witnessing such a traumatic event was well done. from then it got very confusing and disorienting, sometimes we were in our 'main' girls pov and it was present day, but then we were sucked away into a storybook and it was a cats pov and then it was some random side character who appeared in one earlier chapter and not much made any sense to me at all.
i liked the cat when it was there chilling, and i liked that there were lesbians in it.
very random scene where there is a swamp monster and eggs involved and i was almost cry laughing with confusion and just everything that was happening.
i ended up skimming some because there were very boring parts, and then there were too many characters to keep up with and lots of questions that never got answered. i dont really know why they were so dead set on keeping these sacrifices going, i dont really know why they started in the first place, i dont know much about the magic system but theres spells sometimes and like dimension travel??????
all in all not my favourite, evidently
November 17, 2024
While the publicized synopsis of the Inked in Blood and Memory is intriguing, it does not do the story enough justice as it is so much more than just a tale of two women in a cabin, trapped within the pages of a book.
Inked in Blood and Memory has three main POV characters: Sophie, Ren and Jeremy, three childhood friends that grew up with parents collectively involved in a demonic cult. In return for wealth and success, the families committed to sacrificing their first born sons. Sophie and Ren lucked out in the genetic pool, but Jeremy was not so lucky. On his 10th birthday, Jeremy was sacrificed to the demon and presumed dead - only he didn’t actually die and now after over a decade trapped in the darkness with the demon, he’s a bit pissed off at the family and friends he left behind.
Fourteen years have gone by and both Ren and Sophie are now in their 20’s dealing with the aftermath of their parent’s choices - only now they have new worries as Sophie’s parents had a late in life second child and his sacrificial date is looming. It’s at this point that Sophie and Ren are trapped in books and what ensues is a menagerie of horror obstacles that they need to overcome to escape (can you say murderous teddy bears?).
My only critique would be the romance aspect of the book - while I appreciated that it was clearly a secondary element to the story, there were times that it felt thrown in at inopportune moments - i.e. you are being chased through a horror landscape trying to beat the clock to get back to the real world in time and suddenly you are making out in an alleyway. I think the romance felt like a natural aspect of the relationship between Sophie and Ren, but given the circumstances of their journey it was weird seeing them get hot and heavy when so much is hanging on the line.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and found the plot twists to keep me invested in what would happen next. I would be very interested to see more work from Allison Ivy.
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review through Netgalley.
Inked in Blood and Memory has three main POV characters: Sophie, Ren and Jeremy, three childhood friends that grew up with parents collectively involved in a demonic cult. In return for wealth and success, the families committed to sacrificing their first born sons. Sophie and Ren lucked out in the genetic pool, but Jeremy was not so lucky. On his 10th birthday, Jeremy was sacrificed to the demon and presumed dead - only he didn’t actually die and now after over a decade trapped in the darkness with the demon, he’s a bit pissed off at the family and friends he left behind.
Fourteen years have gone by and both Ren and Sophie are now in their 20’s dealing with the aftermath of their parent’s choices - only now they have new worries as Sophie’s parents had a late in life second child and his sacrificial date is looming. It’s at this point that Sophie and Ren are trapped in books and what ensues is a menagerie of horror obstacles that they need to overcome to escape (can you say murderous teddy bears?).
My only critique would be the romance aspect of the book - while I appreciated that it was clearly a secondary element to the story, there were times that it felt thrown in at inopportune moments - i.e. you are being chased through a horror landscape trying to beat the clock to get back to the real world in time and suddenly you are making out in an alleyway. I think the romance felt like a natural aspect of the relationship between Sophie and Ren, but given the circumstances of their journey it was weird seeing them get hot and heavy when so much is hanging on the line.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and found the plot twists to keep me invested in what would happen next. I would be very interested to see more work from Allison Ivy.
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review through Netgalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 5, 20243.5 stars
Inked in Blood and Memory by Allison Ivy is a horror novel about characters trapped in a book.
First, let me thank NetGalley, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Sophie Vanguard has a stalker who is filling her house with blue passionflowers. But the house she is renting has been the only place she has felt reasonably safe. She has become agoraphobic.
Li Thi Ren knocks on Sophie's door, claiming to be an old friend. But Sophie doesn't recall ever knowing this woman. But Ren starts to win Sophie over, showing her Sophie's own journal, which repeats over and over again, with the same seven entries. Sophie can't believe she has been doing this. Ren helps her to understand that they are both trapped inside a book, and they must fight to get out.
Sophie's brother Carter will soon turn six, and they must be out of this book before that birthday, when their parents will send him into oblivion as they had another old friend of theirs.
My Opinions:
First, I loved the cover. Very pretty. Although the title lettering could have been brighter, as it didn't really stand out, it was still very pretty.
The book was part horror, part sapphic romance. Topics also included magic, evil, greed, and friendship.
The story is told in multiple timelines, and in multiple perspectives. This sometimes got confusing -- there was a lot of jumping around, and it sometimes affected the overall pace.
I liked both Sophie and Ren, and found their romance charming. I'm still not sure about Jeremy.
This was quite entertaining, a relatively fast (if sometimes confusing) read.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
December 4, 2024
3.5 – 4 stars
Inked in Blood and Memory is an intriguing new adult horror novel that invites readers into a multi-layered narrative. While it shares elements that remind me of The Others, the film featuring Nicole Kidman without the horror, the book is designed to engage with horror and psychological intricacies that create suspense.
The novel deftly combines genres, incorporating elements of psychological thriller, LGBTQ+ romance, and fantasy/supernatural and dark themes. This blending of styles encourages readers to explore a story that challenges traditional genre.
Allison Ivy, the author, employs storytelling that is told with multiple timelines and diverse points of view. This approach is a little confusing and had me going back to revisit earlier sections to try to understand the nuances and connections the author has woven throughout the multiple plots.
At the core of the story is Sophie, who becomes trapped in a surreal and unsettling reality, where distinctions between truth and illusion begin to dissolve. Throughout her journey, she faces a series of increasingly eerie and perplexing situations, marked by encounters with an enigmatic entity a mysterious bloodied woman whose motives and significance at first remained unclear. This character serves to deepen the intrigue, prompting important questions about Sophie’s perceptions and her relationship with the world.
Overall, Inked in Blood and Memory not only offers a chilling narrative but also prompts readers to engage with deeper themes of love, loss, the impact of past experiences and dark demonic worship.
A tangled web indeed!
Inked in Blood and Memory is an intriguing new adult horror novel that invites readers into a multi-layered narrative. While it shares elements that remind me of The Others, the film featuring Nicole Kidman without the horror, the book is designed to engage with horror and psychological intricacies that create suspense.
The novel deftly combines genres, incorporating elements of psychological thriller, LGBTQ+ romance, and fantasy/supernatural and dark themes. This blending of styles encourages readers to explore a story that challenges traditional genre.
Allison Ivy, the author, employs storytelling that is told with multiple timelines and diverse points of view. This approach is a little confusing and had me going back to revisit earlier sections to try to understand the nuances and connections the author has woven throughout the multiple plots.
At the core of the story is Sophie, who becomes trapped in a surreal and unsettling reality, where distinctions between truth and illusion begin to dissolve. Throughout her journey, she faces a series of increasingly eerie and perplexing situations, marked by encounters with an enigmatic entity a mysterious bloodied woman whose motives and significance at first remained unclear. This character serves to deepen the intrigue, prompting important questions about Sophie’s perceptions and her relationship with the world.
Overall, Inked in Blood and Memory not only offers a chilling narrative but also prompts readers to engage with deeper themes of love, loss, the impact of past experiences and dark demonic worship.
A tangled web indeed!
January 9, 2025
This book is hard to classify with elements of horror, mystery, psychological thriller, dysfunctional families, friendship, and a bit of LGBTQ romance thrown in for good measure.
The story is told from various viewpoints, and at varying points in time, and may be a little hard to keep track of, but I found it compelling and hard to put down.
Ren is a kick-ass protagnist as she fights to find her way out of book she finds herself and to rescue her best friend Sophie from her book. Nothing is quite what it seems and it is hard to know what is real and what is not in their fight to get to the end to save Sophie's little brother Carter.
The story is told from various viewpoints, and at varying points in time, and may be a little hard to keep track of, but I found it compelling and hard to put down.
Ren is a kick-ass protagnist as she fights to find her way out of book she finds herself and to rescue her best friend Sophie from her book. Nothing is quite what it seems and it is hard to know what is real and what is not in their fight to get to the end to save Sophie's little brother Carter.
November 25, 2024
This is about a secretive multi-family cult that has gained power from a demon - for the low low price of their male children. This is the story of two estranged friends who have lost touch. When they return, they are trapped in the pages of books. With the help of a cat from one of the stories, they struggle to escape in time to save one of their brothers from their parents' clutches. This dabbles with themes of family trauma and personal growth. Sophie’s journey is enjoyable and I loved watching her grow with Ren's help.
Sophie and Ren’s reconnection is tender and bittersweet, with their budding romance adding warmth to the eerie setting. Their growth and love story feels earned, as they grapple not only with external dangers but also with their past mistakes and the complex webs of familial bonds.
Why does this remind me of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibe? Maybe it's the campy, self-aware humor with poignant moments and a dash of action-packed horror. A blend of gothic horror, campy charm, and childhood nostalgia (for me - I loved the nods to The Pagemaster, Scream, and Jumanji) that strikes an emotional chord while delivering a unique and wildly entertaining - and unique - tale. With its mix of demons, estranged friendships, and a literal fight to escape the pages of a book, this story offers a fresh take on self-aware horror.
While the premise might suggest a much darker story, Inked in Blood and Memory surprises by leaning into its lighter, more heartfelt elements without losing the gothic and horror edge. The result is a story that feels unique, satisfying, and utterly memorable.
Thanks so much to both R&R Booktours and Hidden Hollow Tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Sophie and Ren’s reconnection is tender and bittersweet, with their budding romance adding warmth to the eerie setting. Their growth and love story feels earned, as they grapple not only with external dangers but also with their past mistakes and the complex webs of familial bonds.
Why does this remind me of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibe? Maybe it's the campy, self-aware humor with poignant moments and a dash of action-packed horror. A blend of gothic horror, campy charm, and childhood nostalgia (for me - I loved the nods to The Pagemaster, Scream, and Jumanji) that strikes an emotional chord while delivering a unique and wildly entertaining - and unique - tale. With its mix of demons, estranged friendships, and a literal fight to escape the pages of a book, this story offers a fresh take on self-aware horror.
While the premise might suggest a much darker story, Inked in Blood and Memory surprises by leaning into its lighter, more heartfelt elements without losing the gothic and horror edge. The result is a story that feels unique, satisfying, and utterly memorable.
Thanks so much to both R&R Booktours and Hidden Hollow Tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
December 7, 2024
This was such an easy read for me, and before I even knew it, I was on the last page! Sophie and Ren’s connection is sweet, endearing, and a touch of bittersweet. Their love for each other and their personal growth feels real, and this helps soften the eerie setting. With the blend of emotion and heartfelt moments and the darker horror and gothic vibes, you end up getting a unique and entertaining story! This was a great read! Thank you Colored Pages Book Tours and Allison Ivy, for sharing this book with me!
November 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! A sapphic horror is for sureee a bit of me! I loved the FMC’s Sophie & Ren and their romance blossoming through this. I also thought the plot for this was super unique and fun. I really liked the writing style and would be v excited if this ends up having a sequel 👀
November 5, 2024
I meant to post this yesterday
RTC 🫣
RTC 🫣
January 6, 2025
Two girls race to escape from the horror novel that they are trapped in before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Day in this exciting sapphic fantasy horror novel.
Sophie Vanguard has spent her days holed up in her cozy cabin just the way she likes it. That is, until a mysterious girl appears on her doorstep claiming to be Sophie's childhood best friend. Ly Thi Ren bursts into Sophie's life claiming that they are both trapped inside a horror novel, and they only have a couple of hours to escape if they want a chance to escape the people that trapped them inside the insidious book in the first place.
The first couple of chapters had me a bit confused about what in the world was happening, but I soon found myself understanding the complicated cult that Sophie and Ren are trapped in and the various things that it entailed. Right away I was a bit thrown off by how nonlinear this book was in changing perspectives and jumping through time, but I soon found myself absorbed in the world and frantically turning pages to see what happened next.
Humanity tends to be drawn to the occult and find cults quite interesting, and I am certainly no exception. In this book, three families worship a demon who requires children to be sacrificed to it and traps people in books. People's devotion to cults is always so intriguing to me and time after time it shocks me that people genuinely believe that they are doing the right thing.
The majority of this book features Sophie and Ren trying to escape from the horror novel that they are stuck inside. These two have to face many different foes such as zombies, stalkers, killer teddy bears, and even alt versions of each other. Every obstacle that they faced raised the stakes and got me even more excited to see how this book would climax.
I also really appreciated the relationship between Sophie and Ren. I appreciate that they have been friends forever and that they have a complicated relation with the third member of their trio, Jeremy. The romance elements in this book weren't suffocating, but they did a great job of adding a little more lightness to this dark novel.
The ending was also very satisfying. The allusions on the last page were truly golden and they had me giggling. Getting a bit of resolution from the cult was also much appreciated and as a reader, I was left with a ton of hope for the future.
Before I end this review, I want to comment on how pretty this book is. It was self-published, which allowed the author to adorn it with some pretty cool designs. From the end pages, to the chapter headers, to the random images scattered throughout the book, this novel is filled with pretty illustrations that accompany the book wonderfully.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with "Inked in Blood and Memory." As a reader, the concept of getting stuck inside a book was really fun and I found the fact that the majority of this story revolved around a cult made it quite interesting. The thriller-esque nature of this book was also nailed quite wonderfully. The fact that this book was told in so many perspectives also added to the creepy nature of this novel. I would be quite intrigued to see what else Ivy has penned, because I found this book to be unique, creepy, and filled to the brim with thrilling moments that kept me rapidly turning the pages.
Sophie Vanguard has spent her days holed up in her cozy cabin just the way she likes it. That is, until a mysterious girl appears on her doorstep claiming to be Sophie's childhood best friend. Ly Thi Ren bursts into Sophie's life claiming that they are both trapped inside a horror novel, and they only have a couple of hours to escape if they want a chance to escape the people that trapped them inside the insidious book in the first place.
The first couple of chapters had me a bit confused about what in the world was happening, but I soon found myself understanding the complicated cult that Sophie and Ren are trapped in and the various things that it entailed. Right away I was a bit thrown off by how nonlinear this book was in changing perspectives and jumping through time, but I soon found myself absorbed in the world and frantically turning pages to see what happened next.
Humanity tends to be drawn to the occult and find cults quite interesting, and I am certainly no exception. In this book, three families worship a demon who requires children to be sacrificed to it and traps people in books. People's devotion to cults is always so intriguing to me and time after time it shocks me that people genuinely believe that they are doing the right thing.
The majority of this book features Sophie and Ren trying to escape from the horror novel that they are stuck inside. These two have to face many different foes such as zombies, stalkers, killer teddy bears, and even alt versions of each other. Every obstacle that they faced raised the stakes and got me even more excited to see how this book would climax.
I also really appreciated the relationship between Sophie and Ren. I appreciate that they have been friends forever and that they have a complicated relation with the third member of their trio, Jeremy. The romance elements in this book weren't suffocating, but they did a great job of adding a little more lightness to this dark novel.
The ending was also very satisfying. The allusions on the last page were truly golden and they had me giggling. Getting a bit of resolution from the cult was also much appreciated and as a reader, I was left with a ton of hope for the future.
Before I end this review, I want to comment on how pretty this book is. It was self-published, which allowed the author to adorn it with some pretty cool designs. From the end pages, to the chapter headers, to the random images scattered throughout the book, this novel is filled with pretty illustrations that accompany the book wonderfully.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with "Inked in Blood and Memory." As a reader, the concept of getting stuck inside a book was really fun and I found the fact that the majority of this story revolved around a cult made it quite interesting. The thriller-esque nature of this book was also nailed quite wonderfully. The fact that this book was told in so many perspectives also added to the creepy nature of this novel. I would be quite intrigued to see what else Ivy has penned, because I found this book to be unique, creepy, and filled to the brim with thrilling moments that kept me rapidly turning the pages.
November 22, 2024
“You know, when a beautiful, bleeding woman shows up at your door, it’s common courtesy to let her in…”
Alright, babes, imagine this: you retreat to a cozy cabin, ready for some ✨ main character energy ✨, only for your peace to be violently hijacked by creepy blue flowers, sinister whispers, and a journal that won’t stop writing itself.
Enter Sophie Vanguard’s life, where the vibes are spooky, the danger is real, and—oh yeah—she might be trapped in a book. Mood ruined.
The Setup: Sophie’s quiet cabin getaway gets flipped upside down when a literal goddess of chaos (the blood-soaked, beautiful Ren) shows up, claiming they’re stuck in a story. Casual, right?
Meanwhile, their childhood friend Jeremy is back from beyond the void (no biggie—just some light cult sacrifice trauma), and he’s bringing the kind of grudges only demons can stir.
Oh, and did I mention Sophie’s baby brother might be next on the demonic chopping block? Let’s just say there’s a lot happening.
The Horror: From murderous teddy bears 🐻🔪 to cursed journal entries and a viciously unhinged demon cult, this story doesn’t just keep you on the edge of your seat—it throws you off it.
It’s fast-paced, wild, and filled with moments where you’ll be screaming, “What the ACTUAL hell is going on?!” in the best way.🔥
The Romance: Sophie and Ren’s estranged-friends-to-lovers energy? 🖤 Chef’s kiss. Their connection is tender, fiery, and yes, sometimes wildly inconvenient (like, maybe save the make-out session for when you’re NOT running for your lives?). But honestly, the sapphic vibes add such a delicious layer of emotional depth that balances all the blood, gore, and chaos.
The Vibes: ✨ Grown-up Pagemaster, but make it deadly. ✨ “Let’s save my baby brother while battling murderous teddy bears.” ✨ Blue flowers will haunt your dreams forever.
What I LOVED:
🖤The gothic, splatterpunk aesthetic? PERFECTION.
🖤The twists? Kept me guessing till the very end.
🖤The writing? Sharp, chilling, and sprinkled with just enough sass to keep me obsessed.
🖤The quotes? Unforgettable. (“You never forget your first ritual sacrifice…” ICONIC. 👏)
What I Needed More Of: Honestly, nothing. But if murderous teddy bears ever get their own spin-off, I’ll be pre-ordering immediately.✔️
Final Thoughts: Inked in Blood and Memory is everything you didn’t know you needed: sapphic romance, twisted cult drama, and a survival story you can’t stop reading. It’s eerie, it’s emotional, and it’s exactly the kind of dark academia chaos your TBR deserves. Just make sure to sleep with the lights on—and maybe rethink those cabin retreats. 😉
Alright, babes, imagine this: you retreat to a cozy cabin, ready for some ✨ main character energy ✨, only for your peace to be violently hijacked by creepy blue flowers, sinister whispers, and a journal that won’t stop writing itself.
Enter Sophie Vanguard’s life, where the vibes are spooky, the danger is real, and—oh yeah—she might be trapped in a book. Mood ruined.
The Setup: Sophie’s quiet cabin getaway gets flipped upside down when a literal goddess of chaos (the blood-soaked, beautiful Ren) shows up, claiming they’re stuck in a story. Casual, right?
Meanwhile, their childhood friend Jeremy is back from beyond the void (no biggie—just some light cult sacrifice trauma), and he’s bringing the kind of grudges only demons can stir.
Oh, and did I mention Sophie’s baby brother might be next on the demonic chopping block? Let’s just say there’s a lot happening.
The Horror: From murderous teddy bears 🐻🔪 to cursed journal entries and a viciously unhinged demon cult, this story doesn’t just keep you on the edge of your seat—it throws you off it.
It’s fast-paced, wild, and filled with moments where you’ll be screaming, “What the ACTUAL hell is going on?!” in the best way.🔥
The Romance: Sophie and Ren’s estranged-friends-to-lovers energy? 🖤 Chef’s kiss. Their connection is tender, fiery, and yes, sometimes wildly inconvenient (like, maybe save the make-out session for when you’re NOT running for your lives?). But honestly, the sapphic vibes add such a delicious layer of emotional depth that balances all the blood, gore, and chaos.
The Vibes: ✨ Grown-up Pagemaster, but make it deadly. ✨ “Let’s save my baby brother while battling murderous teddy bears.” ✨ Blue flowers will haunt your dreams forever.
What I LOVED:
🖤The gothic, splatterpunk aesthetic? PERFECTION.
🖤The twists? Kept me guessing till the very end.
🖤The writing? Sharp, chilling, and sprinkled with just enough sass to keep me obsessed.
🖤The quotes? Unforgettable. (“You never forget your first ritual sacrifice…” ICONIC. 👏)
What I Needed More Of: Honestly, nothing. But if murderous teddy bears ever get their own spin-off, I’ll be pre-ordering immediately.✔️
Final Thoughts: Inked in Blood and Memory is everything you didn’t know you needed: sapphic romance, twisted cult drama, and a survival story you can’t stop reading. It’s eerie, it’s emotional, and it’s exactly the kind of dark academia chaos your TBR deserves. Just make sure to sleep with the lights on—and maybe rethink those cabin retreats. 😉
January 8, 2025
Alison Ivy’s Inked in Blood and Memory is a haunting, kaleidoscopic journey into the blurred lines between fiction and reality, trauma and healing, and love and fear. Equal parts gothic horror, splatterpunk, and self-aware fantasy, the novel defies genre conventions, delivering a reading experience that is both visceral and thought-provoking.
At the heart of the story is Sophie Vanguard, a recluse seeking solitude in her remote winter cabin. Her plans for peace are shattered when blue flowers begin appearing in inexplicable places, accompanied by ghostly whispers and eerie repetitions in her journal. Ivy crafts Sophie with incredible depth, portraying her as a woman weighed down by isolation and grief, yet driven by a stubborn will to uncover the truth. Her voice is raw and real, grounding the reader in her growing sense of unease.
The arrival of Ly Thi Ren marks a dramatic shift in tone and stakes. Ren, eccentric, bloodied, and strangely familiar, asserts that they are trapped inside a book. It’s a premise that feels both surreal and deeply unsettling, and Ivy leans into this tension with masterful precision. As Sophie and Ren navigate their nightmarish reality, the novel plunges into a metafictional spiral where truths become malleable, and nothing is as it seems.
Ivy’s prose is lush and evocative, painting vivid, unsettling images while maintaining a dreamlike quality that perfectly suits the novel’s shifting realities. The use of horror elements—ghostly apparitions, cryptic journal entries, and sudden bursts of visceral violence—keeps readers on edge, while the romantic tension between Sophie and Ren provides a surprising layer of warmth amidst the chaos.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its thematic depth. Beneath the surface horror lies a poignant exploration of shared family trauma and the ways it binds and breaks people. Sophie and Ren’s journey is as much about survival as it is about confronting the past and reclaiming agency over their stories. Ivy handles these heavy themes with sensitivity and care, weaving them seamlessly into the fabric of the narrative.
The genre-blending nature of Inked in Blood and Memory might not appeal to everyone, particularly readers who prefer their horror straightforward. But for those willing to embrace its bold narrative experiments, the book offers a richly rewarding experience.
Alison Ivy has delivered a fiercely original and deeply affecting tale that lingers long after the final page. For fans of LGBTQ+ horror, metafiction, and gothic tales drenched in blood and beauty, Inked in Blood and Memory is a must-read.
At the heart of the story is Sophie Vanguard, a recluse seeking solitude in her remote winter cabin. Her plans for peace are shattered when blue flowers begin appearing in inexplicable places, accompanied by ghostly whispers and eerie repetitions in her journal. Ivy crafts Sophie with incredible depth, portraying her as a woman weighed down by isolation and grief, yet driven by a stubborn will to uncover the truth. Her voice is raw and real, grounding the reader in her growing sense of unease.
The arrival of Ly Thi Ren marks a dramatic shift in tone and stakes. Ren, eccentric, bloodied, and strangely familiar, asserts that they are trapped inside a book. It’s a premise that feels both surreal and deeply unsettling, and Ivy leans into this tension with masterful precision. As Sophie and Ren navigate their nightmarish reality, the novel plunges into a metafictional spiral where truths become malleable, and nothing is as it seems.
Ivy’s prose is lush and evocative, painting vivid, unsettling images while maintaining a dreamlike quality that perfectly suits the novel’s shifting realities. The use of horror elements—ghostly apparitions, cryptic journal entries, and sudden bursts of visceral violence—keeps readers on edge, while the romantic tension between Sophie and Ren provides a surprising layer of warmth amidst the chaos.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its thematic depth. Beneath the surface horror lies a poignant exploration of shared family trauma and the ways it binds and breaks people. Sophie and Ren’s journey is as much about survival as it is about confronting the past and reclaiming agency over their stories. Ivy handles these heavy themes with sensitivity and care, weaving them seamlessly into the fabric of the narrative.
The genre-blending nature of Inked in Blood and Memory might not appeal to everyone, particularly readers who prefer their horror straightforward. But for those willing to embrace its bold narrative experiments, the book offers a richly rewarding experience.
Alison Ivy has delivered a fiercely original and deeply affecting tale that lingers long after the final page. For fans of LGBTQ+ horror, metafiction, and gothic tales drenched in blood and beauty, Inked in Blood and Memory is a must-read.
November 3, 2024
(3.00)
Rounded to 3 stars. I was so incredibly confused throughout the whole book. The first chapter was clear and immediately threw you into the world and I thought I got it… but I didn’t.
At first I thought it was smart writing, making it so confusing (it is a horror after all, we’re meant to not know what’s gonna happen), but then I quickly realised it was due to the big disconnect between reader and characters that left me so confused + the timeline jumps.
We kept jumping through timelines very quickly. I think there was a 12 years ago (the sacrifice), 6 years ago (Carter was born), 6 months ago (they got put in the book) and the presence (trying to get out of the book). This was then combined with other characters jumping in as POV (Jeremy and the devil dude) that then each also went between these time frames. Clearly, it was confusing as hell.
At 60% I still had absolutely no idea who Ren was even though it was a 50/50 narration between her and Sophie. I think it was due to the timeline jumps, because any time we got a flashback of her she was in a different phase of her life and seemed like a completely different person. Sophie was more constant, I liked her but I feel as if the shift from insecure wallflower to sudden post-apocalyptic badass was done way too swiftly. I felt disconnected from them both in the end.
The dynamic between Sophie en Ren was cute (with the nicknames mostly). Very straightforward. I didn’t really get why they never got together before because it seemed very clear to me they liked each other. Then suddenly they switched the relationship, why had Ren never done that before? She’s depicted as quite impulsive and had always felt attracted to Sophie. But they were still enjoyable.
All in all, the plot was very interesting but the execution wasn’t great. The pacing was strange, timeline jumps left me confused (in the wrong way), some decision making made no sense and I was confused (the parent situations frustrated the shit out of me). Characters were cute together but it just fell a bit flat. It was a quick and easy read, so if you’re looking for some interesting plot (there were some cool fantasy-esque themes) to read in one night, this is an okay book. If you’re looking for a more realistic and interesting plotting with character dynamics, this book isn’t it.
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for approving me for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rounded to 3 stars. I was so incredibly confused throughout the whole book. The first chapter was clear and immediately threw you into the world and I thought I got it… but I didn’t.
At first I thought it was smart writing, making it so confusing (it is a horror after all, we’re meant to not know what’s gonna happen), but then I quickly realised it was due to the big disconnect between reader and characters that left me so confused + the timeline jumps.
We kept jumping through timelines very quickly. I think there was a 12 years ago (the sacrifice), 6 years ago (Carter was born), 6 months ago (they got put in the book) and the presence (trying to get out of the book). This was then combined with other characters jumping in as POV (Jeremy and the devil dude) that then each also went between these time frames. Clearly, it was confusing as hell.
At 60% I still had absolutely no idea who Ren was even though it was a 50/50 narration between her and Sophie. I think it was due to the timeline jumps, because any time we got a flashback of her she was in a different phase of her life and seemed like a completely different person. Sophie was more constant, I liked her but I feel as if the shift from insecure wallflower to sudden post-apocalyptic badass was done way too swiftly. I felt disconnected from them both in the end.
The dynamic between Sophie en Ren was cute (with the nicknames mostly). Very straightforward. I didn’t really get why they never got together before because it seemed very clear to me they liked each other. Then suddenly they switched the relationship, why had Ren never done that before? She’s depicted as quite impulsive and had always felt attracted to Sophie. But they were still enjoyable.
All in all, the plot was very interesting but the execution wasn’t great. The pacing was strange, timeline jumps left me confused (in the wrong way), some decision making made no sense and I was confused (the parent situations frustrated the shit out of me). Characters were cute together but it just fell a bit flat. It was a quick and easy read, so if you’re looking for some interesting plot (there were some cool fantasy-esque themes) to read in one night, this is an okay book. If you’re looking for a more realistic and interesting plotting with character dynamics, this book isn’t it.
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for approving me for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
Inked in Blood and Memory by Allison Ivy is a gripping, multi-layered horror novel that pulls you into its eerie, self-aware world and doesn’t let go. The story unfolds as Sophie Vanguard’s quiet cabin retreat becomes a site of creeping dread, with chilling whispers, haunting blue flowers, and unsettling journal entries that leave her questioning reality. When the enigmatic Ly Thi Ren arrives, Sophie’s world shifts entirely, as she confronts the horrifying truth that they may be trapped in a twisted, inescapable story.
The novel deftly combines elements of gothic horror, splatterpunk, and psychological terror with a well-developed sapphic romance. I was fully immersed, devouring the book in a few days despite its mind-bending shifts in POV and timeline, which sometimes left me flipping back to keep track of the story. While this narrative complexity is the reason I couldn’t give it a full five stars, the intrigue and horror kept me so engaged that I didn’t mind re-orienting myself.
The romance between Sophie and Ren feels organic and doesn’t distract from the horror but rather complements it, adding emotional depth to the story. Ivy’s writing is brilliantly versatile, balancing disturbing, visceral descriptions with moments of tenderness that feel genuinely sweet. The pacing, fast and unrelenting, serves the horror genre well, propelling the reader through scenes that are both terrifying and poignant.
Final Thoughts: Inked in Blood and Memory delivers on its promise of a haunting, genre-blending experience, skillfully merging horror and romance with psychological tension. For fans of horror with LGBTQ+ representation and a unique, unsettling twist, this book is a must-read!
Thank you to the author and Colored Pages Book Tours for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
The novel deftly combines elements of gothic horror, splatterpunk, and psychological terror with a well-developed sapphic romance. I was fully immersed, devouring the book in a few days despite its mind-bending shifts in POV and timeline, which sometimes left me flipping back to keep track of the story. While this narrative complexity is the reason I couldn’t give it a full five stars, the intrigue and horror kept me so engaged that I didn’t mind re-orienting myself.
The romance between Sophie and Ren feels organic and doesn’t distract from the horror but rather complements it, adding emotional depth to the story. Ivy’s writing is brilliantly versatile, balancing disturbing, visceral descriptions with moments of tenderness that feel genuinely sweet. The pacing, fast and unrelenting, serves the horror genre well, propelling the reader through scenes that are both terrifying and poignant.
Final Thoughts: Inked in Blood and Memory delivers on its promise of a haunting, genre-blending experience, skillfully merging horror and romance with psychological tension. For fans of horror with LGBTQ+ representation and a unique, unsettling twist, this book is a must-read!
Thank you to the author and Colored Pages Book Tours for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 30, 2024
Inked in Blood and Memory is a dark wintery fantasy story, it has 3 POVs, Sophie, Ren, and Jeremy, childhood friends, their parents are part of a cult that sacrifices their firstborn to the demon and Jeremy is one of the sacrificed. It also has different timelines, the past when Sophie, Ren’s siblings and Jeremy's sacrifices happen and the present, when Sophie and Ren are adults, over the years, they have lost some contact, but now they are both trapped inside a book.
It is somewhat chaotic and confusing, but it helps the story. It provides more mystery and makes it a page-turner. It's fast-paced, with action. The story perfectly blends the dark winter season with mystery, but the writing style feels more magical than dark, even when the events are creepy. There is also romance, which alleviates a bit of the horror aspect of the story. The romance is lovely, but it is not the main theme either.
Sophie and Ren are a great team, both have traumas but are brave. Jeremy is not really dead, but was trapped with the demon, and now resents being abandoned and sacrificed. Together they will try to find a way out because although it is every reader's dream to travel between books, this is one where you don't want to be trapped.
Many triggers are warming, but if you want a dark and wintry story about being trapped inside a book, this one is ideal.
Read it if you like
• Sapphic Romance
• Being trapped between books
• Dark fantasy vibes
It is somewhat chaotic and confusing, but it helps the story. It provides more mystery and makes it a page-turner. It's fast-paced, with action. The story perfectly blends the dark winter season with mystery, but the writing style feels more magical than dark, even when the events are creepy. There is also romance, which alleviates a bit of the horror aspect of the story. The romance is lovely, but it is not the main theme either.
Sophie and Ren are a great team, both have traumas but are brave. Jeremy is not really dead, but was trapped with the demon, and now resents being abandoned and sacrificed. Together they will try to find a way out because although it is every reader's dream to travel between books, this is one where you don't want to be trapped.
Many triggers are warming, but if you want a dark and wintry story about being trapped inside a book, this one is ideal.
Read it if you like
• Sapphic Romance
• Being trapped between books
• Dark fantasy vibes
December 16, 2024
Inked in Blook and Memory by Allison Ivy is a great mystical story with tons of excitement throughout the book. The main characters are three friends who are all from magical families, due to their lineage making deals with a demonic being, causing the children heartache and woes throughout their lives. They learn of love and loss during their childhood and must fight for what they feel is right. The problem is their parents don't agree with allowing their daughters to go their paths, because it could jeopardize the deal that they made to have all their wishes granted, but at what cost, and is it worth it? Sophie and Ren are put through trials that cause them to question who they are what is real and what is all a part of the circumstances that they have been placed in to keep them out of the way. This story has everything, from magic and demonic beings to sacrificial ceremonies and even creepy stalkers. If you love a good book that will keep you up at night, and on the edge of your seat, then this is the book you've been looking for. It has a lot of unexpected events that will have you questioning what is happening and what might be a figment of the character's imagination. Will Ren and Sophie be able to accomplish their ultimate goal or will they be stuck forever in a mythical place where nothing is as it seems? Happy reading my friends, and beware of the scare factor in this story, it may have you jumping at creaks in the night.
@Brandy Rymer
12/2024
@Brandy Rymer
12/2024
January 5, 2025
Wow this was such a good read. I was hooked right from the start and couldn't put it down. This is a very fast paced story which has a thriller feel mixed with paranormal, magic, dysfunctional families, friendship and revenge. The story does go forwards and backwards in time showing you every aspect of the story but as it all comes together it makes an incredible read.
We start of with 3 friends Jeremy, Ren and Sophie. They are all brought together by their families expecting to have an exciting celebration but what they witness with change all their lives forever.
Fast forward and Sophia is on a retreat when she starts to notice strange things happening around her that she can't explain and when she gets a surprise visit from an old friend things get even stranger.
You see Ren arrives and basically tells her the life she is living is a lie and they need to escape the book they are in. Yeah that's right a book.
What follows is a story that has so many twists and turns that it kept me guessing. How did Ren and Sophie end up in a book? What does it mean? What happened to their families? And more importantly what happenes to their friend Jeremy.
This is a crazy story and you just know with a demon pulling the strings that things won't be easy or pretty.
This was such a gripping read that I literally couldn't put it down, every time I finished a chapter I just had to read the next. I look forward to reading more from this author.
We start of with 3 friends Jeremy, Ren and Sophie. They are all brought together by their families expecting to have an exciting celebration but what they witness with change all their lives forever.
Fast forward and Sophia is on a retreat when she starts to notice strange things happening around her that she can't explain and when she gets a surprise visit from an old friend things get even stranger.
You see Ren arrives and basically tells her the life she is living is a lie and they need to escape the book they are in. Yeah that's right a book.
What follows is a story that has so many twists and turns that it kept me guessing. How did Ren and Sophie end up in a book? What does it mean? What happened to their families? And more importantly what happenes to their friend Jeremy.
This is a crazy story and you just know with a demon pulling the strings that things won't be easy or pretty.
This was such a gripping read that I literally couldn't put it down, every time I finished a chapter I just had to read the next. I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 8, 2025
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I couldn’t be more excited to have found them! I am a diehard fan of the horror genre in general, but gothic horror is right up my alley. This is a haunting and genre-defying tale that plunges readers into a world where reality, fiction, and the supernatural collide. Our main character, Sophie Vanguard, is a reclusive woman seeking solitude at a winter cabin. She finds her peaceful retreat shattered when mysterious blue flowers appear in the most unsettling places—setting the stage for a chilling mystery. The book excels in exploring themes of trauma, self-awareness, and the complexities of memory, particularly through the lens of LGBTQ+ horror. The characters are richly developed, with Sophie’s skepticism and Ren’s cryptic nature adding layers to the plot.
With its eerie, unpredictable twists and a constant sense of unease, this is a compelling and chilling read that explores the nature of storytelling itself—and what happens when the story turns dark. This novel is perfect for fans of gothic horror, psychological thrillers, and those who enjoy a narrative that toys with reality in unsettling and profound ways. This will keep you on edge, questioning what is real and what is a creation of the mind. This dark, psychological thriller is not just a story—it is an experience that lingers long after the final page. I highly recommend this adventure and can’t wait to see more from this author!
With its eerie, unpredictable twists and a constant sense of unease, this is a compelling and chilling read that explores the nature of storytelling itself—and what happens when the story turns dark. This novel is perfect for fans of gothic horror, psychological thrillers, and those who enjoy a narrative that toys with reality in unsettling and profound ways. This will keep you on edge, questioning what is real and what is a creation of the mind. This dark, psychological thriller is not just a story—it is an experience that lingers long after the final page. I highly recommend this adventure and can’t wait to see more from this author!
Read
December 12, 2024INKED IN BLOOD AND MEMORY was a fantastic book that hit so many high notes for me. The storyline centers around a mysterious premise of being trapped within the pages of a book with very little chance to escape. The storyline centers around is dark at times, there are some light horror elements thrown in, but it has plenty of lighter, heartfelt moments that help lighten things up.
One if my favorite things to read about, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, are cults. I wasn’t expecting a cult to pop up in this book and i was delighted to stumble upon it. The cult ties in directly with the premise mentioned above and I loved how unique the overall story was.
There’s a bit of a sapphic romance thrown in, which I always love, along with some really f*cked up generational family dynamics. Both added an even deeper layer to the story and the characters themselves. All told, the fast pace, immersive world, and tense storyline made this a hard book to put down. I really enjoyed this one and will definitely pick up anything else by this author. Give this a try if you enjoy:
🌲Eat the rich
🌲”Family is complicated”
🌲Sapphic (f/f) romance
🌲Multi-POV
🌲Vietnamese MC
🌲Plus size MC
🌲Mixed race MC
🌲New Year’s Eve Horror
🌲Dark Academia
🌲Estranged friends to lovers
🌲Grownup The Pagemaster vibes
One if my favorite things to read about, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, are cults. I wasn’t expecting a cult to pop up in this book and i was delighted to stumble upon it. The cult ties in directly with the premise mentioned above and I loved how unique the overall story was.
There’s a bit of a sapphic romance thrown in, which I always love, along with some really f*cked up generational family dynamics. Both added an even deeper layer to the story and the characters themselves. All told, the fast pace, immersive world, and tense storyline made this a hard book to put down. I really enjoyed this one and will definitely pick up anything else by this author. Give this a try if you enjoy:
🌲Eat the rich
🌲”Family is complicated”
🌲Sapphic (f/f) romance
🌲Multi-POV
🌲Vietnamese MC
🌲Plus size MC
🌲Mixed race MC
🌲New Year’s Eve Horror
🌲Dark Academia
🌲Estranged friends to lovers
🌲Grownup The Pagemaster vibes
November 21, 2024
Not only is this book physically beautiful, from the cover art to the chapter art and everywhere in between, but the story is fast paced, action packed, dark and twisty ‘Pagemaster’ reimagining that had me hooked from the first chapter with a uniquely entertaining storyline and a sprinkling of sapphic romance.
This story follows three childhood friends, Ren, Sophie and Jeremy, who all grew up in a demonic cult that traded wealth and success for the first-born sons of each family. On Jeremy’s 10th birthday, as the first-born son, he is sacrificed and thought to be dead but the reality is that he has been trapped in the darkness with a demon. Thinking he has been abandoned by his friends and family, emotions run high. Fast forward 14 years later and the remaining friends, Sophie and Ren, are left to deal with the consequences of their parent’s choices and find themselves locked in a book fighting for their survival. Will they make it out, or will it consume them?
Check trigger warnings because your mental health matters and some of these topics are dark!! With that being said, some of the story hops were confusing at times but overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more from this author.
This story follows three childhood friends, Ren, Sophie and Jeremy, who all grew up in a demonic cult that traded wealth and success for the first-born sons of each family. On Jeremy’s 10th birthday, as the first-born son, he is sacrificed and thought to be dead but the reality is that he has been trapped in the darkness with a demon. Thinking he has been abandoned by his friends and family, emotions run high. Fast forward 14 years later and the remaining friends, Sophie and Ren, are left to deal with the consequences of their parent’s choices and find themselves locked in a book fighting for their survival. Will they make it out, or will it consume them?
Check trigger warnings because your mental health matters and some of these topics are dark!! With that being said, some of the story hops were confusing at times but overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more from this author.
December 5, 2024
3 – 3.5 Stars
Inked in Blood and Memory by Allison Ivy certainly had my attention right from the opening line –
‘You never forget your first ritual sacrifice. So why had I? That seems like something you’d remember. It’s not something most American families gather for.
Hey, Má. Could you pass the rau răm? Oh, and what time is the sacrifice tonight?’
From there, Ms. Ivy didn’t disappoint, delivering a tense, gory, and at times chilling horror story with plenty of mystery, suspense, psych-thriller elements, gruesome details, dysfunctional family dynamics, friendship, romance (LGBYQ+/friends-to-lovers), a time crunch, high stakes, and is told from several POV’s- which allowed me a ‘fuller’ perspective, and made for a more dynamic reading experience.
The story flashes back from the past to the present, building tension, as well as providing backstory and imparting other important details.
Sophie’s life takes a sinister direction when strange and frightening things begin to happen on her retreat. It’s not long before a blast from the past arrives, revealing that they are trapped inside a book! Things only intensify from here- making for a suspenseful read.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Allison Ivy!
Inked in Blood and Memory by Allison Ivy certainly had my attention right from the opening line –
‘You never forget your first ritual sacrifice. So why had I? That seems like something you’d remember. It’s not something most American families gather for.
Hey, Má. Could you pass the rau răm? Oh, and what time is the sacrifice tonight?’
From there, Ms. Ivy didn’t disappoint, delivering a tense, gory, and at times chilling horror story with plenty of mystery, suspense, psych-thriller elements, gruesome details, dysfunctional family dynamics, friendship, romance (LGBYQ+/friends-to-lovers), a time crunch, high stakes, and is told from several POV’s- which allowed me a ‘fuller’ perspective, and made for a more dynamic reading experience.
The story flashes back from the past to the present, building tension, as well as providing backstory and imparting other important details.
Sophie’s life takes a sinister direction when strange and frightening things begin to happen on her retreat. It’s not long before a blast from the past arrives, revealing that they are trapped inside a book! Things only intensify from here- making for a suspenseful read.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Allison Ivy!
December 7, 2024
3.75/5⭐️
Okay. I have a few things to say about this book. First I almost dnf’d but I’m glad I didn’t. I did end up liking it, but that’s why it took me longer to finish and that’s why I’m not loving it. And that’s okay.
It started off with a bang. we learn that Ren and Sophie’s parents are part of a cult that basically sold their first male born to a demon that they made a deal with.
Sophie and Ren are young and they’re left traumatized by the event. Losing their friend Jeremy when he was only 10.
Now at around the 35% mark through 60% things weren’t jiving for me. There was a lot of time jumping and while at the same time POV jumping. This was very confusing for me.
However once the cat came back onto the page at around 63% we were back to cooking.
The strain between Sophie and Ren and the sapphic attraction were great. I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom into what it should have been from the start, but, you know, trauma.
The story within the story could have worked better had there not been so much time jumping in that section I mentioned.
Nonetheless I feel people can enjoy this sapphic horror just as is.
Thank you netgalley, publisher and author for the opportunity to read this novel.
Okay. I have a few things to say about this book. First I almost dnf’d but I’m glad I didn’t. I did end up liking it, but that’s why it took me longer to finish and that’s why I’m not loving it. And that’s okay.
It started off with a bang. we learn that Ren and Sophie’s parents are part of a cult that basically sold their first male born to a demon that they made a deal with.
Sophie and Ren are young and they’re left traumatized by the event. Losing their friend Jeremy when he was only 10.
Now at around the 35% mark through 60% things weren’t jiving for me. There was a lot of time jumping and while at the same time POV jumping. This was very confusing for me.
However once the cat came back onto the page at around 63% we were back to cooking.
The strain between Sophie and Ren and the sapphic attraction were great. I enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom into what it should have been from the start, but, you know, trauma.
The story within the story could have worked better had there not been so much time jumping in that section I mentioned.
Nonetheless I feel people can enjoy this sapphic horror just as is.
Thank you netgalley, publisher and author for the opportunity to read this novel.
December 12, 2024
This was a really good read! I’m not someone who picks up thrillers, but I loved the mix of fantasy and the supernatural!
Thank you so much to Hidden Hollows Book Tours and Author Allison Ivy for providing a copy to review! It was the step out of my comfort zone that I didn’t know I needed!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
“You never forget your first ritual sacrifice.; The universe sends signs. I’ve always believed that. If I’m not a part of Sophie’s story, why is it calling to me?; “You know, when a beautiful, bleeding woman shows up at your door, it’s common courtesy to let her in or help her or something,” I say to the closed door, leaning my forehead on the cool wood.“
Psychological thriller meets fantasy and the supernatural!
🕯️Eat the rich
🕯️“Family is complicated”
🕯️Sapphic (f/f) romance
🕯️Multi-POV
🕯️Vietnamese MC
🕯️Plus size MC
🕯️Mixed race MC
🕯️New Year’s Eve Horror
🕯️Dark Academia
🕯️Estranged friends to lovers
🕯️Grownup The Pagemaster vibes
With elements of gothic horror, splatterpunk, romance, and fantasy, Inked in Blood and Memory is a self-aware LGBTQ+ horror that wraps its clutches around the reader and doesn’t let go.
🕯️Genre: New Adult LGBTQ+ Portal Horror/Fantasy
🕯️Steam Level: Romance but no sex
Thank you so much to Hidden Hollows Book Tours and Author Allison Ivy for providing a copy to review! It was the step out of my comfort zone that I didn’t know I needed!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
“You never forget your first ritual sacrifice.; The universe sends signs. I’ve always believed that. If I’m not a part of Sophie’s story, why is it calling to me?; “You know, when a beautiful, bleeding woman shows up at your door, it’s common courtesy to let her in or help her or something,” I say to the closed door, leaning my forehead on the cool wood.“
Psychological thriller meets fantasy and the supernatural!
🕯️Eat the rich
🕯️“Family is complicated”
🕯️Sapphic (f/f) romance
🕯️Multi-POV
🕯️Vietnamese MC
🕯️Plus size MC
🕯️Mixed race MC
🕯️New Year’s Eve Horror
🕯️Dark Academia
🕯️Estranged friends to lovers
🕯️Grownup The Pagemaster vibes
With elements of gothic horror, splatterpunk, romance, and fantasy, Inked in Blood and Memory is a self-aware LGBTQ+ horror that wraps its clutches around the reader and doesn’t let go.
🕯️Genre: New Adult LGBTQ+ Portal Horror/Fantasy
🕯️Steam Level: Romance but no sex
December 30, 2024
This was a unique novel with elements of both gothic horror and splatterpunk. The intriguing storyline kept me hooked and the descriptive narrative brought the characters and eerie setting vividly to life. Sophie Vanguard is a recluse who spends winter at her cabin retreat, but when blue flowers mysteriously appear everywhere she becomes unsettled. She then starts to hear chilling whispers echoing in the halls and a flower appears on her pillow. When the strangely familiar Ren appears bloodied Sophie refuses to believe her insistence that they are both trapped inside a book. As truth and lies become blurred in the land of fiction they are stuck in they begin to doubt their decisions. Sophie and Ren will either make it out alive or become mere words on a page. I like that the novel has LGBTQ+ characters and I felt engaged with Sophie and Ren, and invested in their romance. Unfortunately I found the multiple POV’s along with the multiple timelines and the multiple plot lines all rather confusing. However, the narrative is well written and the story definitely draws the reader in. As this is not my usual type of story, I think fans of this genre will probably appreciate this novel more than I did.
January 4, 2025
When Ren and Sophie were only ten years old, they were part of a ritual where their other best friend, Jeremy, was sacrificed to a demon. Fast forward to the present time, Ren realizes something is wrong. When her fiance dies she is heartbroken. A strange cat appears and Ren suddenly wakes up. This isn’t right. She doesn’t have a man, she prefers women and everyone seems to be calling her by a different name. Ren is trapped in a book. Sophie is trapped in another book and Ren decides to go and save her.
Sophie is a recluse who spends all her time reading. Suddenly blue flowers start appearing and she finds a note by someone named Mason. She starts getting paranoid. A woman named Ren appears claiming that they are childhood friends and she is stuck in a book but she doesn’t believe anything this stranger is claiming.
It makes Ren think that maybe Jeremy didn’t die and he is trapped in the book that they were reading from when he was sacrificed. It’s up to Ren to save everyone before another sacrifice is made.
This book was written in multiple POVs giving you a glimpse of everyone’s side of the story. The author wrote the novel with a very unique premise and vivid descriptions. Once started, I could not put it down!
Sophie is a recluse who spends all her time reading. Suddenly blue flowers start appearing and she finds a note by someone named Mason. She starts getting paranoid. A woman named Ren appears claiming that they are childhood friends and she is stuck in a book but she doesn’t believe anything this stranger is claiming.
It makes Ren think that maybe Jeremy didn’t die and he is trapped in the book that they were reading from when he was sacrificed. It’s up to Ren to save everyone before another sacrifice is made.
This book was written in multiple POVs giving you a glimpse of everyone’s side of the story. The author wrote the novel with a very unique premise and vivid descriptions. Once started, I could not put it down!
January 9, 2025
Sophie Vanguard is a young woman taking a week's break in a winter cabin, where she can drink tea and read to her heart's content, that is until mysterious blue flowers appear everywhere, both indoors and outdoors and she receives notes from a stranger, not to mention the whispers in the dark.
So she enters daily notes into her diary which all feel the same, that is until Ly Thi Ren enters her life, but although she seems familiar, Sophie cannot remember why however, she does feel like she can trust her, at least until she starts to spout some unbelievable stories.
Ren keeps insisting that she and Sophie are trapped in a book on a repeated cycle which Sophie is very reluctant to believe, however, her diary tells a different story, so when Ren says they have to break the cycle to escape, Sophie is terrified and she doesn't think she has the guts to try, never mind trying to remember everything she can't, so can they escape from this magical prison, or will this cycle be repeated forever? This is a horror novel with a twist where trauma, magic, amnesia and an enigmatic and familiar stranger meld into a mysteriously creepy world which hooks you in and keeps you entertained throughout.
So she enters daily notes into her diary which all feel the same, that is until Ly Thi Ren enters her life, but although she seems familiar, Sophie cannot remember why however, she does feel like she can trust her, at least until she starts to spout some unbelievable stories.
Ren keeps insisting that she and Sophie are trapped in a book on a repeated cycle which Sophie is very reluctant to believe, however, her diary tells a different story, so when Ren says they have to break the cycle to escape, Sophie is terrified and she doesn't think she has the guts to try, never mind trying to remember everything she can't, so can they escape from this magical prison, or will this cycle be repeated forever? This is a horror novel with a twist where trauma, magic, amnesia and an enigmatic and familiar stranger meld into a mysteriously creepy world which hooks you in and keeps you entertained throughout.
November 20, 2024
📖 Book Tour 🔪
Thank you to @itsallisonivy and @rrbooktours for my gifted copy of this wonderful book and having me on this tour stop!
…………………………..
Inked in Blood and Memory
By Allison Ivy
Expected to be published December 3rd 2024.
Stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️
What to expect -
💙 Sapphic Romance
💙 Alluring FMCs
💙 Left field plot twists
💙 Fast paced
💙 Page Master but make it Dark!
…………………………..
Inked in Blood and Memory had me hooked from the very first page. The idea of being stuck inside a book, reliving the same events over and over, was so intriguing—and honestly, what book lover hasn’t dreamed of living in a story? But trust me, you wouldn’t want to trade places with Sophie. What starts as a relaxing escape quickly turns into a wild and terrifying experience that keeps getting crazier with every twist.
I’d recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in since the story gets pretty dark at times. But overall, it’s a fast-paced, action-packed read that I couldn’t put down!
…………………………..
#rrbooktours #rrbtInkedinBloodandMemory #inkedinbloodandmemory #sapphichorror #sapphicbooks #horrorbookstagram #horrorbooks #fantasyhorror #lgbtqbooks #queerhorror
Thank you to @itsallisonivy and @rrbooktours for my gifted copy of this wonderful book and having me on this tour stop!
…………………………..
Inked in Blood and Memory
By Allison Ivy
Expected to be published December 3rd 2024.
Stars - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️
What to expect -
💙 Sapphic Romance
💙 Alluring FMCs
💙 Left field plot twists
💙 Fast paced
💙 Page Master but make it Dark!
…………………………..
Inked in Blood and Memory had me hooked from the very first page. The idea of being stuck inside a book, reliving the same events over and over, was so intriguing—and honestly, what book lover hasn’t dreamed of living in a story? But trust me, you wouldn’t want to trade places with Sophie. What starts as a relaxing escape quickly turns into a wild and terrifying experience that keeps getting crazier with every twist.
I’d recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in since the story gets pretty dark at times. But overall, it’s a fast-paced, action-packed read that I couldn’t put down!
…………………………..
#rrbooktours #rrbtInkedinBloodandMemory #inkedinbloodandmemory #sapphichorror #sapphicbooks #horrorbookstagram #horrorbooks #fantasyhorror #lgbtqbooks #queerhorror
December 16, 2024
This book takes you on a ride!! This book is a gothic horror romance with a twist of fantasy. I got sucked in during one of Ren's chapters, but you find yourself stuck on each character's progress pretty quick. I didn't want to put it down! Sleep, book? Sleep, book. Sleep, book! The book opens with Ren sitting with a friend, Jeremy. It's his birthday but he feels like something is off. Ren tries to reassure him that adults can be weird and that it's nothing, but then Ren over hears a conversation between the adults that has panic rising in her gut. She can feel something is wrong. The book then jumps to Herc, who is a cat that is following Ren around. You then get to meet Sophie who has lost all her memories and she's been at a secluded rental cabin for a week. She's stuck scared in her own land of fiction. Ren tries to help Sophie with the ending to her book so they can both save a child named Carter, but will they make it out in time to save him? Or will they die before they can escape the pages lies, doubt, and trauma? Such a good book. SO MUCH more happens but I don't wait to give to much away. It's a crazy ride for sure! I can't wait to read more!
December 25, 2024
I picked this up from the author at a local con, and I am really, really glad I did! It took me a few sections to catch on to the timeline changes (each section is marked with a date and time) and character POVs, but once I did, I found them an excellent storytelling tool. I really enjoyed the way the characters wove through several plots and tropes, with the overarching story taking place in the background.
There are a good number of characters, so if you don't like to keep track of who is who, you might find it hard to follow along. This is also the kind of novel (IMO) that requires some critical thinking and patience. By patience, I mean that you gain threads of information as you traverse the plot. Each piece of information is its own little island, and it isn't until the last quarter or so of the book that you can start mapping the entire story together (I imagine there is a word for this kind of mechanic, it just isn't known to me). So if a red string evidence board type plot isn't your thing, you also might not enjoy this.
All in all, I am a big fan and always appreciate any sapphic story I can add to my speculative fiction list!
There are a good number of characters, so if you don't like to keep track of who is who, you might find it hard to follow along. This is also the kind of novel (IMO) that requires some critical thinking and patience. By patience, I mean that you gain threads of information as you traverse the plot. Each piece of information is its own little island, and it isn't until the last quarter or so of the book that you can start mapping the entire story together (I imagine there is a word for this kind of mechanic, it just isn't known to me). So if a red string evidence board type plot isn't your thing, you also might not enjoy this.
All in all, I am a big fan and always appreciate any sapphic story I can add to my speculative fiction list!
January 9, 2025
Wonderful YA Horror story that takes you on a ride through several different character POV as well as a few flashback scenes. Please be aware that this book is LBGTQ+ so if that is not your cup of tea, do not read this and then leave a bad review just because of your opinion is different and not because of the actual book. This book would be absolutely amazing for older teens, young adults (even older adults) who are comfortable with horror and suspense.
There are many elements of gore, violence, psychological torment, demon cult vibes, mystery, family trauma and so much more. The story is about two friends who have lost touch but when they return, they now are stuck in between the pages of a book. There is a multi-family cult who sacrifices their first born to a demon in order to gain power. In addition to all of the horror there is a dash of sapphic romance to add warmth and love to the cold setting. The book is a combination of dealing with the past traumas while simultaneously struggling with the external dangers going on around them as well as recognizing their personal growth and healing.
There are many elements of gore, violence, psychological torment, demon cult vibes, mystery, family trauma and so much more. The story is about two friends who have lost touch but when they return, they now are stuck in between the pages of a book. There is a multi-family cult who sacrifices their first born to a demon in order to gain power. In addition to all of the horror there is a dash of sapphic romance to add warmth and love to the cold setting. The book is a combination of dealing with the past traumas while simultaneously struggling with the external dangers going on around them as well as recognizing their personal growth and healing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews