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Whispers of Ink and Starlight: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 1 Apr 26A spellbinding tale of forbidden love and the power of words, where a girl must choose between the life written for her and the future she dares to imagine.
In a small Georgia town, Nelle’s life has been carefully scripted by her creator and captor, the reclusive author Wallace Quill. Born from ink and imagination, every breath she takes is dictated by his pen. But on a star-studded Fourth of July night, she meets James—a young man with dreams as vivid as the fireworks above them—and suddenly, the unwritten becomes possible.
As Nelle and James fall deeply in love, they embark on a breathtaking journey across Europe, each new experience a defiant stroke against the words that bind her. But freedom has a price. With every mile they travel, the ink in Nelle’s veins threatens to rewrite their story. In a world where every moment could be her last, Nelle and James must fight to write their own happily ever after—before the final page turns.
In a small Georgia town, Nelle’s life has been carefully scripted by her creator and captor, the reclusive author Wallace Quill. Born from ink and imagination, every breath she takes is dictated by his pen. But on a star-studded Fourth of July night, she meets James—a young man with dreams as vivid as the fireworks above them—and suddenly, the unwritten becomes possible.
As Nelle and James fall deeply in love, they embark on a breathtaking journey across Europe, each new experience a defiant stroke against the words that bind her. But freedom has a price. With every mile they travel, the ink in Nelle’s veins threatens to rewrite their story. In a world where every moment could be her last, Nelle and James must fight to write their own happily ever after—before the final page turns.
315 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 1, 2026
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426 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 26, 2025
Thank you to the publisher Lake Union Publishing for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Nelle is not human she is a girl made from ink and the imagination of reclusive author Wallace Quill, Nelle’s every move is mapped by the ink in her blood and Quill’s pen. One evening on 4th July Quill lets her out of the house for a rare outing by herself, Nelle meets James and the two fall in love. James helps Nelle escape Quill and the two set off travelling across America and Europe. The ink in Nelle’s blood carries unescapable dangers and as the hidden secrets about Nelle’s creation come to light she faces an impossible choice.
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book so I had to read it to find out what it was about, this book was a little bit slow to start but once it gets going we get multiple reveals about Nelle’s history. I can understand why Quill kept Nelle isolated as there are inherent dangers in being what she is but however I don’t agree with his methods as he was very cruel to her. I really liked James as I thought he was really relatable but I struggled to warm up to Nelle as I think she is quite selfish and self centred, this is apparent in the way she treats James. Overall I enjoyed this book, I thought it was very unique and I really enjoyed it.
Nelle is not human she is a girl made from ink and the imagination of reclusive author Wallace Quill, Nelle’s every move is mapped by the ink in her blood and Quill’s pen. One evening on 4th July Quill lets her out of the house for a rare outing by herself, Nelle meets James and the two fall in love. James helps Nelle escape Quill and the two set off travelling across America and Europe. The ink in Nelle’s blood carries unescapable dangers and as the hidden secrets about Nelle’s creation come to light she faces an impossible choice.
I was intrigued by the blurb for this book so I had to read it to find out what it was about, this book was a little bit slow to start but once it gets going we get multiple reveals about Nelle’s history. I can understand why Quill kept Nelle isolated as there are inherent dangers in being what she is but however I don’t agree with his methods as he was very cruel to her. I really liked James as I thought he was really relatable but I struggled to warm up to Nelle as I think she is quite selfish and self centred, this is apparent in the way she treats James. Overall I enjoyed this book, I thought it was very unique and I really enjoyed it.
October 5, 2025
Got my ARCs and just finished reading this book for (probably) the last time in a while.
I can confidently say it’s my favorite book I have read all year.
peace out
garrett
I can confidently say it’s my favorite book I have read all year.
peace out
garrett
December 13, 2023
As soon as I saw that this was inspired by the album evermore, Normal people, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and Scotland I immediately went to read the first two chapters that are out right now and they’re amazing. Only issue is I wish there was more
October 24, 2025
This was an odd duck of a book. It's overly long, the ending is understandable but disappointing, and the character who doesn't have ink in his veins is oddly as sheltered and naive or more even, than the one who was housebound for 20 years.
Like "Ink Blood Sister Scribe" this book hinges on written magic, in this case Nelle bleeds ink which is used to animate her. She can feel pain but heals any injury including being cut for her 'ink'. She can think for herself but needs someone to write that she leave the room in order to actually do so.
James is a college student, premed but he really wants to be a writer. He lives in a small town but dreams of joining cousin Jessie in New York City. The two meet at a 4th of July picnic and become fast friends even though she lives in the creepy Quill house. Very quickly Nelle shares her secret with James who is too besotted to care about Nelle's odd 'life'.
Eventually they go on the run - Nelle wants to see the world and James doesn't want to think about going back to med school or trying to tell his parents that he doesn't want to be a doctor. Now James must write for Nelle and they must test the limits of her freedom.
After several stops on the way, they finally make it to New York and James is HOME. He feels it with his whole heart. But eventually he agrees that he promised Nelle the world and Paris is next. When the summer is over, he won't go back to school, he'll find a way to work and live in NYC, surely Nelle will understand.
They are clearly attracted to each other, but James puts the breaks on over and over again to the point that I started to think they were going to give us a coming out story but finally after Nelle makes several first moves, they eventually have a physical relationship and apparently, he's great at it so...?
They have a couple creepy run ins with Quill and Nelle is finally pushed to her limits, taking a chance on her life, to discover how much he lied and manipulated her. James and Nelle go to Scotland where they find Quill's mother who tells Nelle the truth of her life and condition. Quill shows up again but this time he is ready to end his life. He like Nelle is written into the world and he is ready to write himself out of it. Nelle learns that she can not only write for herself, if she focuses, she can think herself into motion. She can even manifest objects.
The writing and the story danced between feeling like a YA but then there was tons of drinking and vivid sex scenes. There was violence and scenes of pastoral idylls. They swung between being utterly naive and stupid to being canny and intelligent. The book was wildly disjointed and that was even after accepting the premise that Nelle was written into the world with ink in her veins.
This was a 3.5 stars book. The ending leaves it open for a possible second book, but I wouldn't rush for it.
Like "Ink Blood Sister Scribe" this book hinges on written magic, in this case Nelle bleeds ink which is used to animate her. She can feel pain but heals any injury including being cut for her 'ink'. She can think for herself but needs someone to write that she leave the room in order to actually do so.
James is a college student, premed but he really wants to be a writer. He lives in a small town but dreams of joining cousin Jessie in New York City. The two meet at a 4th of July picnic and become fast friends even though she lives in the creepy Quill house. Very quickly Nelle shares her secret with James who is too besotted to care about Nelle's odd 'life'.
Eventually they go on the run - Nelle wants to see the world and James doesn't want to think about going back to med school or trying to tell his parents that he doesn't want to be a doctor. Now James must write for Nelle and they must test the limits of her freedom.
After several stops on the way, they finally make it to New York and James is HOME. He feels it with his whole heart. But eventually he agrees that he promised Nelle the world and Paris is next. When the summer is over, he won't go back to school, he'll find a way to work and live in NYC, surely Nelle will understand.
They are clearly attracted to each other, but James puts the breaks on over and over again to the point that I started to think they were going to give us a coming out story but finally after Nelle makes several first moves, they eventually have a physical relationship and apparently, he's great at it so...?
They have a couple creepy run ins with Quill and Nelle is finally pushed to her limits, taking a chance on her life, to discover how much he lied and manipulated her. James and Nelle go to Scotland where they find Quill's mother who tells Nelle the truth of her life and condition. Quill shows up again but this time he is ready to end his life. He like Nelle is written into the world and he is ready to write himself out of it. Nelle learns that she can not only write for herself, if she focuses, she can think herself into motion. She can even manifest objects.
The writing and the story danced between feeling like a YA but then there was tons of drinking and vivid sex scenes. There was violence and scenes of pastoral idylls. They swung between being utterly naive and stupid to being canny and intelligent. The book was wildly disjointed and that was even after accepting the premise that Nelle was written into the world with ink in her veins.
This was a 3.5 stars book. The ending leaves it open for a possible second book, but I wouldn't rush for it.
February 18, 2024
Read as part of an internship with Triada US. No spoilers! but I just went back to my reader’s report and realised that I referred to James as a sKINNY LEGEND?? This is why we edit before we submit, kids.
@ anybody who hasn’t read this : I guess when it comes out you should race to get a copy, because the main character is a “skinny legend”?
Anyywhoo if you like Invisible Life of Addie LaRue then you’ll like this. If you like reading then you’ll like this. If you like when words are on a page then you’ll like this. Source: Dude trust me.
Fascinating. When this book comes out I’m going to buy 73 copies to make up for the emotional turmoil I put Brent through with the words “skinny legend”.
@ anybody who hasn’t read this : I guess when it comes out you should race to get a copy, because the main character is a “skinny legend”?
Anyywhoo if you like Invisible Life of Addie LaRue then you’ll like this. If you like reading then you’ll like this. If you like when words are on a page then you’ll like this. Source: Dude trust me.
Fascinating. When this book comes out I’m going to buy 73 copies to make up for the emotional turmoil I put Brent through with the words “skinny legend”.
November 13, 2025
4.5/5 - Garrett has clearly grown as a writer. From DOL to now, I can see the growth in his story telling and prose. I was lucky to read the early draft 6 years ago and I’m so grateful I received an arc of the final draft. This book was beautiful and an escapism from the world. I think Garrett crafted a unique story that, since I know him personally, is dear to his heart, vulnerable, and true to who he is. I can feel Garrett in these lines and know this is his most deepest and personal book yet. I’m so proud of how far he has come to finally having a published book. I’m so excited to see where he goes from here!
December 5, 2023
Garrett released the first two chapters and they were incredible! Garrett has such a special talent with words his words almost feel like a hug! Someone needs to publish this book!!! ✈️💜
August 24, 2025
Simply put, Whispers of Ink and Starlight is a captivating, timeless read that pairs well with a warm coffee. Garrett weaves magical elements into the known world in a way that provokes thought about how we make decisions.
When their stories already seem written for them, James and Nelle journey to help each other find themselves and chart their own paths. From Lincoln to New York, to Paris (my personal favorite), Edinburgh, and beyond, romance and suspense fill the pages. Their relationship is beautifully youthful, whimsical and authentic. And Garrett certainly delivers when it comes to smut!
By the end of the pages, you’ll find yourself in tears, thinking about the lyrics to Coney Island, specifically, “And I’m sitting on a bench in Coney Island wondering where did my baby go?”
I could never recommend this book enough and certainly can’t wait to read more of Garrett’s future works.
When their stories already seem written for them, James and Nelle journey to help each other find themselves and chart their own paths. From Lincoln to New York, to Paris (my personal favorite), Edinburgh, and beyond, romance and suspense fill the pages. Their relationship is beautifully youthful, whimsical and authentic. And Garrett certainly delivers when it comes to smut!
By the end of the pages, you’ll find yourself in tears, thinking about the lyrics to Coney Island, specifically, “And I’m sitting on a bench in Coney Island wondering where did my baby go?”
I could never recommend this book enough and certainly can’t wait to read more of Garrett’s future works.
October 22, 2025
3.75⭐A VERY original story of pain, love, trauma, adventure, and magic. This book nails what it is like being lost in your 20s. If Disney's Jack and Sally were in our world, I believe this would be their journey.
I'm left with a lot of questions about the decisions the characters made..but I think a reread might help me see a different perspective.
Can we also take a moment to appreciate honest intimate scenes👏🙏
I'm left with a lot of questions about the decisions the characters made..but I think a reread might help me see a different perspective.
Can we also take a moment to appreciate honest intimate scenes👏🙏
January 12, 2024
I need this book now.
October 30, 2025
A stunning book filled with love, suspense with the hope and sadness of young love.
It's very difficult to write a review for a book that is, to me, a perfect read.
No notes, just read it, and be swept up in the journey.
It's very difficult to write a review for a book that is, to me, a perfect read.
No notes, just read it, and be swept up in the journey.
Want to read
October 19, 2025"inspired by evermore, normal people, and addie larue"
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews