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The Ink Eater
Not yet published
Expected 16 Aug 26"The Ink Eater" is a gothic romantic tragedy exploring the foundations of freedom, identity, and the battle with generational trauma.
Baird Cardall is perfectly content with never leaving the manor. For over 200 years, he's written and eaten thousands of stories, keeping the house alive and pleased as its vessel—alone, codependent, and devoted.
Until one of his stories escapes.
Hemming is a shapeshifter written into existence to keep Baird company. Gorgeous, part ink, and infuriatingly desirable, his mere presence is a disruption. Having broken away from his story, he causes harm to the manor—and thus, to Baird. And, yet, the magnetic pull between them is undeniable, even as Hemming digs up the ugliest parts of Baird's past.
But the house wants Hemming dead. It’s awfully hungry, and it won’t stop demanding until its cravings are satisfied. As his bond to the manor grows more hostile, Baird must choose between protecting all he has lived for—or destroying it for good.
Baird Cardall is perfectly content with never leaving the manor. For over 200 years, he's written and eaten thousands of stories, keeping the house alive and pleased as its vessel—alone, codependent, and devoted.
Until one of his stories escapes.
Hemming is a shapeshifter written into existence to keep Baird company. Gorgeous, part ink, and infuriatingly desirable, his mere presence is a disruption. Having broken away from his story, he causes harm to the manor—and thus, to Baird. And, yet, the magnetic pull between them is undeniable, even as Hemming digs up the ugliest parts of Baird's past.
But the house wants Hemming dead. It’s awfully hungry, and it won’t stop demanding until its cravings are satisfied. As his bond to the manor grows more hostile, Baird must choose between protecting all he has lived for—or destroying it for good.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 16, 2026
About the author
Alice G. Brooks
2 books26 followersAlice G. Brooks, formerly published under Alice Brooks, is a sapphic indie author writing LGBTQIA+ fiction, often focused on dark themes. When they’re not writing, they enjoy hiking, videogames, rewatching the same shows over and over again, and reading queer books.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Alice G. Brooks for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐ rounded up to 5 for GoodReads. I will raise the rating at a later date if this book stays with me
CW: I advise checking the content warnings for this one if needed.
Explicit |
Moderate |
Mild |
CWs provided by the author
My chosen soundtrack(s): Family Tree (Intro) - Ethel Cain | Angel - Sevdaliza | I am my home - vines
Representation
╰┈➤ Asexual Gay MMC
╰┈➤ Undefined Queer MMC
╰┈➤ MLM dynamic
╰┈➤ Disability rep through MC;
╰┈➤ Mental health rep through MC;
Themes
Fulfilling (familial) legacy/duty, control/predictability/order or the lack thereof, loneliness, co-dependency, generational trauma, the cycle of abuse (and the inability/ability to break it), instrumental childbearing motivation, repression, self-denial, conditioning, coercive control, agency/(bodily)autonomy or the lack thereof, hunger/want/need, insatiability.
Tropes/What to expect
❥ Gothic
❥ Sentient house
❥ Conditional immortality
❥ Living weapon adjacent
❥ Generational trauma/abuse
❥ Rigid/fearful 'immortal' X free spirited shapeshifter
❥ Forced proximity
❥ Touch starvation
What I liked/loved
✧ The setting, though officially set in modern times, doesn't read as such, which I am grateful for. The story mostly takes place at Cardall Manor. An estate figuratively frozen in time since the 18th century.
✧ Unique premise/concept. I mean, there is a generational curse that binds son, after son, after son, generation after generation, to a sentient house that is ravenous for stories. Which leaves each curse-bearer to write and consume stories endlessly, unable to satiate this ever-pressing hunger, for the curse-bearer's well-being is linked to that of the manor and vice versa. Throw in the concept of a conditional immortal wishing a once-star now shapeshifter companion into existence, and you get something pretty special.
✧ The overall mood is gothic yet still whimsical, grungy but with moments of levity.
✧ The prose is mostly lyrical while still accessible, yet at times switches to a blunt tone. Specifically, when delivering hard reality checks. I personally appreciated the conversations on abuse being more matter-of-fact than poetic. It felt respectful to the horrifying truth of abuse.
✧ Meaningful representation
✵ I love that this book has an asexual MC. I personally believe that shouldn't be something rare, but still is. Baird being gay and ace isn't just a footnote or a diversity checkmark. It's a huge part of his character, history, development and an important aspect to the plot.
✵ Though not as crucial to the plot as Baird's queerness, there is some disability representation, and aspects that can be relatable to people who deal with chronic pain.
✧ Baird is a layered and complex MC with a believable character arc. It's established quite early on that Baird likes control, order and predictability, or at least that is what his life has been shaped into.
He is tightly wound, repressing aspects of himself and stuck in years of living the same day but he is definitely perfectly fine, right? Yeah for sure.... Definitely....
Baird reminds me a little of a ticking time bomb, a bucket waiting to spill, a match itching to spark aflame, which makes him a compelling character to share a headspace with.
✧ Exploration of (generational) trauma/abuse and its glorification/normalisation. As well as complex parental and sibling dynamics, diving into guilt, envy, jealousy and measured worth.
✵ Living weapon, one of my favourite tropes!! Though Baird is not exactly a weapon, he was made/born to fulfil a role and serve as a tool, and as such has been reduced to something non-human. His whole being is abated to being a curse-bearer and is thus dehumanised to a certain degree.
✵ Exploration of (bodily) autonomy, specifically the lack of it, which was extremely well written and explored on both a figurative and literal level.
It touches on learned helplessness; how keeping someone in a tightly controlled environment can lead to a lack of basic, social and survival skills, making it even harder to break away from such systems.
It also highlights how people who are always controlled, curated, and lack agency tend to look for that sense of control elsewhere.
✵ Break the Believer trope, complex and intriguing to read about, specifically when
✵ Baird is not a perfect victim, and I will praise any piece of media that grants this type of nuanced representation.
✵ Exploration of the cycle of abuse
✧ Sentient house, my beloved!!! Don't we all love it when a house is a character of its own? I don't think I've read a book before where a house had such a loud, influential and imposing voice as in 'The Ink Eater'. I just loved how big their presence was. Which brings me to my next point.
✧ The convolution of the house's demands and Baird's feelings. These two characters were way more intrinsically bound than I had expected, and it made for a truly intriguing, complex, toxic, co-dependent dynamic.
✧ There is a somewhat dual timeline storytelling due to the journal entries we get to read that Baird has written in the past, which I loved!! They give a lot of context.
✧ The short stories Baird writes are almost folkloric. It reminded me a bit of Don't let the forest in in the way they can be read as just that, stories, or analysed for what they represent/symbolise.
✧ Exploration of physical and non-physical pain through a multitude of facets
✵ Enforced and inherited/generational pain
✵ Pain as something familiar, constant and at times comforting.
✵ Self-chosen pain. When pain is constantly 'happening' to someone, it can be a relief to choose pain on one's own. This act of autonomy renders someone an active rather than a passive participant in these situations. I love how the author explored this nuanced aspect of searching for control in a harmful situation.
✵ Normalisation/minimisation of pain
✧ Consumption/hunger as a metaphor. A powerful symbolism through which connection, want and need are explored. Though not exactly , there is something adjacent happening here which I know all of us freaks are fascinated with.
✧ Character-driven, emotion-focused with a high-stakes plot.
✧ Great for people who love CG Drews. There are some aspects of 'The Ink Eater', like intense yearning, complex dynamics, gothic vibes, exploration of trauma and dark whimsy, that I think would entice CG Drews enthusiasts.
✧ Thank god the love interest was not just barely 18, like many other books tend to do when the MC is immortal. I can't express how relieved I was when I found out the other MC was something ancient as well. Thank you, Alice G Brooks, for not doing that to your readers!
✧ The ending , and for that, I loved it.
What I didn't like/felt lacklustre about
✦ Some aspects of the romance weren't really my thing, which doesn't mean it's bad! It might be more of a personal preference.
✵ The change in pacing.
TLDR; Though the way the romance was written was believable from a character's standpoint, the pacing of the relationship towards the last third of the book wasn't my favourite.
✦ This book didn't really read as horror to me, which I didn't mind. I had just expected something different. Once again, this could just be a personal thing. I honestly might be desensitised after all the insane horror I've read, so really do take this with a grain of salt. It still delivers an enticing dark, moody and gothic atmosphere and is definitely something horror-adjacent though!
Conclusion/Notes
I was extremely excited for this gothic tragedy, and I'm glad to conclude that it definitely delivered!
'The Ink Eater' is an amazing, atmospheric, layered and Intricate exploration of familial legacies, enforced roles, generational trauma, the cycle of abuse, otherness and (bodily) autonomy.
Its relatability and immersiveness aren't diminished by its uniquely crafted fantasy setting. It only elevates these real-life emotions and dynamics. The characters in this world, though not exactly human (since a conditional immortal MC, sometimes-wind-sometimes-fox shapeshifter and a sentient house are defintly not the poster image of 'human) are still able to embody a human rawness. This book unveils how humans are flawed, at times awful, destructive, toxic and yet also capable of love, change and tenderness.
With its release date set in August of this year, this is the perfect read to pick up just in time for spooky season. I highly recommend it!
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Want to buddy read this book now or in the future? You can do so on Storygraph.
Follow me on Spotify for specific reading playlists like this one: 📚 This Connection Is Muddled With Rot | Overview of all playlists
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐ rounded up to 5 for GoodReads. I will raise the rating at a later date if this book stays with me
CW: I advise checking the content warnings for this one if needed.
Explicit |
Moderate |
Mild |
CWs provided by the author
My chosen soundtrack(s): Family Tree (Intro) - Ethel Cain | Angel - Sevdaliza | I am my home - vines
"I swore to keep the manor safe," Baird whispers unhappily. "With my last breath, I will serve. I am bound to it." (...) "I don't want what it wants anymore. But I can't abandon it. I can't abandon them."
"They abandoned you."
"And I am not like them." He inhales shakily, salty tears running into the corners of his mouth. "I refuse to be."
Representation
╰┈➤ Asexual Gay MMC
╰┈➤ Undefined Queer MMC
╰┈➤ MLM dynamic
╰┈➤ Disability rep through MC;
╰┈➤ Mental health rep through MC;
Themes
Fulfilling (familial) legacy/duty, control/predictability/order or the lack thereof, loneliness, co-dependency, generational trauma, the cycle of abuse (and the inability/ability to break it), instrumental childbearing motivation, repression, self-denial, conditioning, coercive control, agency/(bodily)autonomy or the lack thereof, hunger/want/need, insatiability.
Tropes/What to expect
❥ Gothic
❥ Sentient house
❥ Conditional immortality
❥ Living weapon adjacent
❥ Generational trauma/abuse
❥ Rigid/fearful 'immortal' X free spirited shapeshifter
❥ Forced proximity
❥ Touch starvation
What I liked/loved
✧ The setting, though officially set in modern times, doesn't read as such, which I am grateful for. The story mostly takes place at Cardall Manor. An estate figuratively frozen in time since the 18th century.
✧ Unique premise/concept. I mean, there is a generational curse that binds son, after son, after son, generation after generation, to a sentient house that is ravenous for stories. Which leaves each curse-bearer to write and consume stories endlessly, unable to satiate this ever-pressing hunger, for the curse-bearer's well-being is linked to that of the manor and vice versa. Throw in the concept of a conditional immortal wishing a once-star now shapeshifter companion into existence, and you get something pretty special.
✧ The overall mood is gothic yet still whimsical, grungy but with moments of levity.
✧ The prose is mostly lyrical while still accessible, yet at times switches to a blunt tone. Specifically, when delivering hard reality checks. I personally appreciated the conversations on abuse being more matter-of-fact than poetic. It felt respectful to the horrifying truth of abuse.
✧ Meaningful representation
✵ I love that this book has an asexual MC. I personally believe that shouldn't be something rare, but still is. Baird being gay and ace isn't just a footnote or a diversity checkmark. It's a huge part of his character, history, development and an important aspect to the plot.
✵ Though not as crucial to the plot as Baird's queerness, there is some disability representation, and aspects that can be relatable to people who deal with chronic pain.
✧ Baird is a layered and complex MC with a believable character arc. It's established quite early on that Baird likes control, order and predictability, or at least that is what his life has been shaped into.
He writes. He eats. He lives. Every day. Every month. Every year. What else really is there?
He is tightly wound, repressing aspects of himself and stuck in years of living the same day but he is definitely perfectly fine, right? Yeah for sure.... Definitely....
Baird reminds me a little of a ticking time bomb, a bucket waiting to spill, a match itching to spark aflame, which makes him a compelling character to share a headspace with.
✧ Exploration of (generational) trauma/abuse and its glorification/normalisation. As well as complex parental and sibling dynamics, diving into guilt, envy, jealousy and measured worth.
✵ Living weapon, one of my favourite tropes!! Though Baird is not exactly a weapon, he was made/born to fulfil a role and serve as a tool, and as such has been reduced to something non-human. His whole being is abated to being a curse-bearer and is thus dehumanised to a certain degree.
✵ Exploration of (bodily) autonomy, specifically the lack of it, which was extremely well written and explored on both a figurative and literal level.
It touches on learned helplessness; how keeping someone in a tightly controlled environment can lead to a lack of basic, social and survival skills, making it even harder to break away from such systems.
It also highlights how people who are always controlled, curated, and lack agency tend to look for that sense of control elsewhere.
✵ Break the Believer trope, complex and intriguing to read about, specifically when
✵ Baird is not a perfect victim, and I will praise any piece of media that grants this type of nuanced representation.
✵ Exploration of the cycle of abuse
"If you had a son, would you do the same to him?"
(...)
Baird clenches his jaw. "I don't have a son."
"But if you did, would you? "
"I-" Baird crosses his arms. "Maybe. Probably not."
"Because it hurts, (...) Because it's a terrible thing to torment those you're supposed to love."
✧ Sentient house, my beloved!!! Don't we all love it when a house is a character of its own? I don't think I've read a book before where a house had such a loud, influential and imposing voice as in 'The Ink Eater'. I just loved how big their presence was. Which brings me to my next point.
✧ The convolution of the house's demands and Baird's feelings. These two characters were way more intrinsically bound than I had expected, and it made for a truly intriguing, complex, toxic, co-dependent dynamic.
✧ There is a somewhat dual timeline storytelling due to the journal entries we get to read that Baird has written in the past, which I loved!! They give a lot of context.
✧ The short stories Baird writes are almost folkloric. It reminded me a bit of Don't let the forest in in the way they can be read as just that, stories, or analysed for what they represent/symbolise.
✧ Exploration of physical and non-physical pain through a multitude of facets
✵ Enforced and inherited/generational pain
✵ Pain as something familiar, constant and at times comforting.
✵ Self-chosen pain. When pain is constantly 'happening' to someone, it can be a relief to choose pain on one's own. This act of autonomy renders someone an active rather than a passive participant in these situations. I love how the author explored this nuanced aspect of searching for control in a harmful situation.
✵ Normalisation/minimisation of pain
✧ Consumption/hunger as a metaphor. A powerful symbolism through which connection, want and need are explored. Though not exactly , there is something adjacent happening here which I know all of us freaks are fascinated with.
He's hungry, and he wants to eat all the wrong things.
✧ Character-driven, emotion-focused with a high-stakes plot.
✧ Great for people who love CG Drews. There are some aspects of 'The Ink Eater', like intense yearning, complex dynamics, gothic vibes, exploration of trauma and dark whimsy, that I think would entice CG Drews enthusiasts.
✧ Thank god the love interest was not just barely 18, like many other books tend to do when the MC is immortal. I can't express how relieved I was when I found out the other MC was something ancient as well. Thank you, Alice G Brooks, for not doing that to your readers!
✧ The ending , and for that, I loved it.
What I didn't like/felt lacklustre about
✦ Some aspects of the romance weren't really my thing, which doesn't mean it's bad! It might be more of a personal preference.
✵ The change in pacing.
TLDR; Though the way the romance was written was believable from a character's standpoint, the pacing of the relationship towards the last third of the book wasn't my favourite.
✦ This book didn't really read as horror to me, which I didn't mind. I had just expected something different. Once again, this could just be a personal thing. I honestly might be desensitised after all the insane horror I've read, so really do take this with a grain of salt. It still delivers an enticing dark, moody and gothic atmosphere and is definitely something horror-adjacent though!
Conclusion/Notes
I was extremely excited for this gothic tragedy, and I'm glad to conclude that it definitely delivered!
'The Ink Eater' is an amazing, atmospheric, layered and Intricate exploration of familial legacies, enforced roles, generational trauma, the cycle of abuse, otherness and (bodily) autonomy.
Its relatability and immersiveness aren't diminished by its uniquely crafted fantasy setting. It only elevates these real-life emotions and dynamics. The characters in this world, though not exactly human (since a conditional immortal MC, sometimes-wind-sometimes-fox shapeshifter and a sentient house are defintly not the poster image of 'human) are still able to embody a human rawness. This book unveils how humans are flawed, at times awful, destructive, toxic and yet also capable of love, change and tenderness.
With its release date set in August of this year, this is the perfect read to pick up just in time for spooky season. I highly recommend it!
"With my last breath, I will serve."
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Want to buddy read this book now or in the future? You can do so on Storygraph.
Follow me on Spotify for specific reading playlists like this one: 📚 This Connection Is Muddled With Rot | Overview of all playlists
May 19, 2026
4,75⭐️
What was that? And I mean this in the best way possible….
I had the huge honor of reading the ARC of this and wow. Just wow.
The concept of this book is something I’ve genuinely never read before.
First of all, how do you even come up with something like this? It’s so creative and so beautifully executed. I was completely fascinated by it.
And the writing style, just like in her other book, is incredibly beautiful to read. It’s lyrical without ever feeling difficult or distant. It flows so naturally and feels so real, which made it incredibly easy to fully sink into the story from the very beginning.
I knew this story was going to hurt. It’s mentioned multiple times that this is a tragic romance, but I still was not prepared for the emotional damage this book caused me.
So at 3am, unable to sleep because I’m sick and coughing my lungs out, I also ended up crying and giving myself a runny nose on top of everything else. So thank you very much for that.
I was already physically unwell, now mentally too. Not really sure how to feel about that.
But genuinely, no matter what book you write next, Alice G. Brooks, I will buy it and I will read it.
Loved it.
So, so good.
You did absolutely amazing!!
What was that? And I mean this in the best way possible….
I had the huge honor of reading the ARC of this and wow. Just wow.
The concept of this book is something I’ve genuinely never read before.
First of all, how do you even come up with something like this? It’s so creative and so beautifully executed. I was completely fascinated by it.
And the writing style, just like in her other book, is incredibly beautiful to read. It’s lyrical without ever feeling difficult or distant. It flows so naturally and feels so real, which made it incredibly easy to fully sink into the story from the very beginning.
I knew this story was going to hurt. It’s mentioned multiple times that this is a tragic romance, but I still was not prepared for the emotional damage this book caused me.
So at 3am, unable to sleep because I’m sick and coughing my lungs out, I also ended up crying and giving myself a runny nose on top of everything else. So thank you very much for that.
I was already physically unwell, now mentally too. Not really sure how to feel about that.
But genuinely, no matter what book you write next, Alice G. Brooks, I will buy it and I will read it.
Loved it.
So, so good.
You did absolutely amazing!!
May 10, 2026
Here we go again. I want to thank Alice, per usual. This time, for accepting me into their street team and trusting me to arc read this story. This is my third time reviewing Alice's books, and my second time needing to cope with the absolute mind fuckery that I experienced with this queer and literary masterpiece. I am going to keep this as brief as possible to avoid spoiler territory.
This is everything you could want from a gothic romantic tragedy. The Cardall Manor is a haunting setting and source of trauma for the main character, Baird. It is also quite literally a shelter to many of the themes: broken families and generational trauma, lack of control, and the internalized battle of sticking to legacy and fulfilling it vs. leading a life of freedom, despite the setbacks. And when that setback is a sentient house and a curse granting conditional immortality, you can imagine the conflict Baird faces. If you're an English nerd like me and need to geek out about the usage of classic gothic elements, then this is definitely a book to pick up.
Baird and Hemming are complex and lovely, perfect foils and a couple I rooted for until the very end. Reminder here: it is a gothic romantic TRAGEDY. Alice and I will forever remind the readers that there is NOT a happy ending (technically? We can debate that after you read it. Either way, it is well composed, well paced, and an utterly perfect conclusion to the story). Regardless, these two characters are wholesome, beautiful, and tragic all wrapped in one. Baird is restrained and obedient, obsessive and desperate for control, yet failing. Hemming is free-willed and wild spirited, a fox, the wind, a shooting star, everything he wants to be and even more. He, too, has a singular purpose: to help Baird with his century-long loneliness, persistent in his efforts. He is an absolute diva on the page, a source of comedic relief despite the dark setting and themes. He is my new comfort character that must be shared with the world.
The Ink Eater? More like I ATE this book up and couldn't possibly put it down. Please check this one out so we can talk and suffer together.
This is everything you could want from a gothic romantic tragedy. The Cardall Manor is a haunting setting and source of trauma for the main character, Baird. It is also quite literally a shelter to many of the themes: broken families and generational trauma, lack of control, and the internalized battle of sticking to legacy and fulfilling it vs. leading a life of freedom, despite the setbacks. And when that setback is a sentient house and a curse granting conditional immortality, you can imagine the conflict Baird faces. If you're an English nerd like me and need to geek out about the usage of classic gothic elements, then this is definitely a book to pick up.
Baird and Hemming are complex and lovely, perfect foils and a couple I rooted for until the very end. Reminder here: it is a gothic romantic TRAGEDY. Alice and I will forever remind the readers that there is NOT a happy ending (technically? We can debate that after you read it. Either way, it is well composed, well paced, and an utterly perfect conclusion to the story). Regardless, these two characters are wholesome, beautiful, and tragic all wrapped in one. Baird is restrained and obedient, obsessive and desperate for control, yet failing. Hemming is free-willed and wild spirited, a fox, the wind, a shooting star, everything he wants to be and even more. He, too, has a singular purpose: to help Baird with his century-long loneliness, persistent in his efforts. He is an absolute diva on the page, a source of comedic relief despite the dark setting and themes. He is my new comfort character that must be shared with the world.
The Ink Eater? More like I ATE this book up and couldn't possibly put it down. Please check this one out so we can talk and suffer together.
Read
May 23, 2026 Thank you to Alice G. Brooks for the eARC
That was an interesting read. Softer and tamer than what I expected, probably in part because I read "The book eaters" a while ago and just finished "The archive of the forgotten", two books with similar ideas regarding stories consumptions, but with a greater scope than "The ink eater".
Don't get me wrong, "The ink eater" isn't bad! Simply more contained, very interiority driven in a way, leading to less moraly ambiguous choices, something gothic really loves to do, usually. It made for a less horror tinged read that I had expected, and even the tragic side read less as tragic and more as a liberation (which, I know, is somewhat of a point for the story, but tragedy have more weight for me, aside from relief, generally). As a result, the romance, which starts as a slow burn before shifting geats, is a little less impactful that I had wished for. The length of the book also plays a role in that, I think.
That being said, the book is nice. The prose carries the story well, even when the pacing is faltering a bit because of the inner thoughts. The gothic atmosphere is there, the complexity of family and how it can bound and nuture you is there. Freedom and cycle of trauma play a huge role in this story, as well creating something new for oneself, and only for that, it's an important piece of art.
That was an interesting read. Softer and tamer than what I expected, probably in part because I read "The book eaters" a while ago and just finished "The archive of the forgotten", two books with similar ideas regarding stories consumptions, but with a greater scope than "The ink eater".
Don't get me wrong, "The ink eater" isn't bad! Simply more contained, very interiority driven in a way, leading to less moraly ambiguous choices, something gothic really loves to do, usually. It made for a less horror tinged read that I had expected, and even the tragic side read less as tragic and more as a liberation (which, I know, is somewhat of a point for the story, but tragedy have more weight for me, aside from relief, generally). As a result, the romance, which starts as a slow burn before shifting geats, is a little less impactful that I had wished for. The length of the book also plays a role in that, I think.
That being said, the book is nice. The prose carries the story well, even when the pacing is faltering a bit because of the inner thoughts. The gothic atmosphere is there, the complexity of family and how it can bound and nuture you is there. Freedom and cycle of trauma play a huge role in this story, as well creating something new for oneself, and only for that, it's an important piece of art.
May 20, 2026
wowowowow Alice G Brooks you evil genius—this is INCREDIBLE.
It's the quintessential gothic tragedy, 260-something-year-old Baird is trapped in servitude of a sentient house until he produces an heir and passes the curse down. The problem? He's gay, asexual, and unwilling to continue centuries worth of abuse and neglect for the sake of a curse that's done nothing but make him miserable.
Baird is such a sweet, messed up boy and I love both the asexual representation, and the representation of gentle male characters. Men are allowed to be weak, to be soft, to be confused and scared and want to be held!! His internal monologue made me cry innumerable times, and so did the gentleness with which Hemming treated him. Hemming is equally sweet and equally messed up, and I adored watching their relationship build, even if it could never end well for them.
Brook's writing style is lyrical and atmospheric and packs SO much emotion—this is an absolute must-read for anyone who enjoys gothic works (or feeling depressed). I was getting major CG Drews vibes from the writing style as well, which I absolutely adored (who up rocking with cannibalism as an expression of love and devotion!?)
In short, I love these fucked up, obsessive, sad, soft, eldritch horror boys and in my mind palace, they're living happily in a small cottage somewhere with their dozens of pets and closets full of sweaters that Baird knitted. Thank you and goodnight.
Finally, thank you so incredibly much to Alice G. Brooks for allowing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions, as always, are my own :)
It's the quintessential gothic tragedy, 260-something-year-old Baird is trapped in servitude of a sentient house until he produces an heir and passes the curse down. The problem? He's gay, asexual, and unwilling to continue centuries worth of abuse and neglect for the sake of a curse that's done nothing but make him miserable.
Baird is such a sweet, messed up boy and I love both the asexual representation, and the representation of gentle male characters. Men are allowed to be weak, to be soft, to be confused and scared and want to be held!! His internal monologue made me cry innumerable times, and so did the gentleness with which Hemming treated him. Hemming is equally sweet and equally messed up, and I adored watching their relationship build, even if it could never end well for them.
Brook's writing style is lyrical and atmospheric and packs SO much emotion—this is an absolute must-read for anyone who enjoys gothic works (or feeling depressed). I was getting major CG Drews vibes from the writing style as well, which I absolutely adored (who up rocking with cannibalism as an expression of love and devotion!?)
In short, I love these fucked up, obsessive, sad, soft, eldritch horror boys and in my mind palace, they're living happily in a small cottage somewhere with their dozens of pets and closets full of sweaters that Baird knitted. Thank you and goodnight.
Finally, thank you so incredibly much to Alice G. Brooks for allowing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions, as always, are my own :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was the first thing Baird did as the lone heir: remove the noose around his mother’s neck, and bury his parents in the gardens. He had always known the day would eventually come, but it had made him cry anyway.
Baird has been alive for more than two hundred years now, isolated and alone in the manor he’s been tied to thanks to a generational curse passed onto him. All he eats is ink from his own stories, stories fueled by trauma his parents were... kind enough to supply him with. One day, he writes a story about a shooting star, a devoted friend that never leaves - and here comes Hemming, a shapeshifter claiming to have been written into existence. And Baird, who knew nothing but abuse and two centuries of loneliness, is suddenly confronted with genuine care and attention he craves but can’t trust.
Alas, the manor is not happy with Hemming’s presence, and won’t be satisfied until it makes Baird consume the shifter...
The Ink Eater is classified by the author as gothic romantic tragedy, and - hell yes. A love story between a cursed immortal and the manifestation of his deepest longing for connection, though ultimately, it’s about ending the centuries of generational abuse and finally choosing oneself, at all costs. The lyrical writing is lovely, paying homage to Gothic literature. I got some slight CG Drews vibes, though it’s fair to say, not as effortless.
Everything feels a bit vague, from storytelling to characterization, but I’m inclined to believe it’s intentional, giving the book this dreamy quality of a fairytale, the brothers Grimm ones. Reading it felt like trying to trap smoke between your hands - the trick is to simply stop trying, and inhale deeply.
I found the asexuality rep to be well done, the kind I can relate to as it’s close to where I am on the spectrum. Baird being completely touch-starved and sex-repulsed was a killer combo that worked for me and showed how much he needed Hemming’s gentle care and devotion.
Some minor niggles kept me from enjoying it as a 5-star experience - there was a turning point for Baird and his less-than-stellar treatment of Hemming that came a bit abruptly; I would have appreciated a more gradual shift. Some descriptions were too repetitive, especially when it comes to Hemming and his physical appearance - I didn’t need to be told more than thirteen times how beautiful he is. And lastly, Baird can’t see from one of his eyes, but that disability is rendered inconsequential because it doesn’t affect him at all, so I’m not quite sure what the point was.
Overall, The Ink Eater is a melancholic story with a big bruised heart that learned to beat strongly again, only to realize the cruel fates won’t let it. I might not have sobbed the way I expected to, but I finished with tears in my eyes and a tight throat. That short, gorgeous epilogue will live inside me rent-free for eternity, together with the two boys 🥺
Be sure to check out the CWs - it IS a tragedy!
Big thank you to Alice G. Brooks for kindly allowing me to read and review their book in advance! The Ink Eater is set to be out on 16th August 2026.
Baird has been alive for more than two hundred years now, isolated and alone in the manor he’s been tied to thanks to a generational curse passed onto him. All he eats is ink from his own stories, stories fueled by trauma his parents were... kind enough to supply him with. One day, he writes a story about a shooting star, a devoted friend that never leaves - and here comes Hemming, a shapeshifter claiming to have been written into existence. And Baird, who knew nothing but abuse and two centuries of loneliness, is suddenly confronted with genuine care and attention he craves but can’t trust.
Alas, the manor is not happy with Hemming’s presence, and won’t be satisfied until it makes Baird consume the shifter...
The Ink Eater is classified by the author as gothic romantic tragedy, and - hell yes. A love story between a cursed immortal and the manifestation of his deepest longing for connection, though ultimately, it’s about ending the centuries of generational abuse and finally choosing oneself, at all costs. The lyrical writing is lovely, paying homage to Gothic literature. I got some slight CG Drews vibes, though it’s fair to say, not as effortless.
Everything feels a bit vague, from storytelling to characterization, but I’m inclined to believe it’s intentional, giving the book this dreamy quality of a fairytale, the brothers Grimm ones. Reading it felt like trying to trap smoke between your hands - the trick is to simply stop trying, and inhale deeply.
I found the asexuality rep to be well done, the kind I can relate to as it’s close to where I am on the spectrum. Baird being completely touch-starved and sex-repulsed was a killer combo that worked for me and showed how much he needed Hemming’s gentle care and devotion.
Some minor niggles kept me from enjoying it as a 5-star experience - there was a turning point for Baird and his less-than-stellar treatment of Hemming that came a bit abruptly; I would have appreciated a more gradual shift. Some descriptions were too repetitive, especially when it comes to Hemming and his physical appearance - I didn’t need to be told more than thirteen times how beautiful he is. And lastly, Baird can’t see from one of his eyes, but that disability is rendered inconsequential because it doesn’t affect him at all, so I’m not quite sure what the point was.
Overall, The Ink Eater is a melancholic story with a big bruised heart that learned to beat strongly again, only to realize the cruel fates won’t let it. I might not have sobbed the way I expected to, but I finished with tears in my eyes and a tight throat. That short, gorgeous epilogue will live inside me rent-free for eternity, together with the two boys 🥺
Be sure to check out the CWs - it IS a tragedy!
Big thank you to Alice G. Brooks for kindly allowing me to read and review their book in advance! The Ink Eater is set to be out on 16th August 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
[HUMONGOUS thanks to the author for sending me an early copy of their book!!!!]
throughout the story, one mantra keeps on coming back: "one does what one must do"
and one absolutely must read this book asap because it is just THAT good, i had to stop myself from reading it all in one go
the story is exactly what the premise promises: baird, two-century-old kind-of-immortal guy, lives a recluse in the family mansion to which his life is tied. he eats his own stories, relating his own trauma, to survive. but when one of his stories come to life (read: a really good-looking all-sorts-of-things guy named hemming), it makes HIM want to take back control over his own life.
i was sold from the start, to be honest, and i was not at all disappointed in the way the novel turned out. i particularly loved the author's writing style; the words they used, the way the sentences flowed, it was all very gorgeous, and very immersive as well. i wasn't expecting such an "interiorised" sort of narration, but i'm a big fan of those, so that was a nice surprise! it was interesting to truly notice how baird's thought pattern evolves, especially regarding his relationship with the mansion (and with hemming, too)
it was actually a little disturbing to read so much violence, rendered in such a "normal" way since we really are inside baird's head, despite the third-person perspective. he is constantly negotiating with the manor, or his "insides", as he calls them. it felt very similar to anxiety, ocd, or any other mental illness that has a "voice". it hit very close to home and i am not ashamed to admit i cried more than a couple of times throughout my read.
luckily, baird learns overtime that it is not healthy nor loving, and he decides to put it to an end and take control, thanks to hemming—an actually healthy and loving (boy)friend. but i did also find their relationship quite disturbing at times. i was always taking into consideration the option that the manor might be right, and hemming might really want the manor and baird's destruction, for some reason or another. i was just constantly scared he might turn round and kill him or something. for that reason, i struggled to fully enjoy their love story, not because it was bad (it was actually so endearing and they both deserve the whole wide world and i WILL give it to them one way or another) but because the manor's voice was just THAT overwhelming the whole time!!
as advertised, that book is a Tragedy, with a capital T because i still want to cry thinking about the ending! i hate it so much (/pos)!! i truly had hope it wouldn't end this way, but deep down, i know it was the only one possible, all things considered.
(please read this book. i'm on my knees.)
throughout the story, one mantra keeps on coming back: "one does what one must do"
and one absolutely must read this book asap because it is just THAT good, i had to stop myself from reading it all in one go
the story is exactly what the premise promises: baird, two-century-old kind-of-immortal guy, lives a recluse in the family mansion to which his life is tied. he eats his own stories, relating his own trauma, to survive. but when one of his stories come to life (read: a really good-looking all-sorts-of-things guy named hemming), it makes HIM want to take back control over his own life.
i was sold from the start, to be honest, and i was not at all disappointed in the way the novel turned out. i particularly loved the author's writing style; the words they used, the way the sentences flowed, it was all very gorgeous, and very immersive as well. i wasn't expecting such an "interiorised" sort of narration, but i'm a big fan of those, so that was a nice surprise! it was interesting to truly notice how baird's thought pattern evolves, especially regarding his relationship with the mansion (and with hemming, too)
it was actually a little disturbing to read so much violence, rendered in such a "normal" way since we really are inside baird's head, despite the third-person perspective. he is constantly negotiating with the manor, or his "insides", as he calls them. it felt very similar to anxiety, ocd, or any other mental illness that has a "voice". it hit very close to home and i am not ashamed to admit i cried more than a couple of times throughout my read.
luckily, baird learns overtime that it is not healthy nor loving, and he decides to put it to an end and take control, thanks to hemming—an actually healthy and loving (boy)friend. but i did also find their relationship quite disturbing at times. i was always taking into consideration the option that the manor might be right, and hemming might really want the manor and baird's destruction, for some reason or another. i was just constantly scared he might turn round and kill him or something. for that reason, i struggled to fully enjoy their love story, not because it was bad (it was actually so endearing and they both deserve the whole wide world and i WILL give it to them one way or another) but because the manor's voice was just THAT overwhelming the whole time!!
as advertised, that book is a Tragedy, with a capital T because i still want to cry thinking about the ending! i hate it so much (/pos)!! i truly had hope it wouldn't end this way, but deep down, i know it was the only one possible, all things considered.
(please read this book. i'm on my knees.)
Review of advance copy
I'm dead serious when I say that I've never cried for a book — in general, it's really hard for me to cry. And yet, our amazing author did manage quite well to make me sob my eyes out for two hours straight. Insanity.
Where do I even start??? The concept of the story got me wrapped around its finger right from the start. First time applying for an ARC copy and BOOM, I have a new reason to find a therapist. A sentient house, a guy who has an arm that is, and I quote, “More scar than skin.”, and a shapeshifter that comes to life because of the latter's stories? What the hell, sure. /ref
The characters are so loveable and real and ohmygod. Baird is such a layered character — he goes through so much, and I was so happy to finally see him smile. I loved how human he was and allowed to make mistakes, such as being rude to Hemming or just being "selfish" in his own way. He pours all his soul and heart into what he does, and I've found myself relating to him quite a handful of times. Same goes for Hemming, my sweet boy, so curious about everything but especially his love; he holds Baird's hand no matter what they're going through. Such small gestures but I promise you, to a 262 years old man they mean the world and more.
Their relationship is one of a kind; depending on someone so much you actually get sick??? oh I'm so fucking done. Yes yes YES!!! PLEASE!!!!! I AM BEGGING ON MY KNEES!!!!!! I'm such a sucker for codependency, and this book portrayed it amazingly.
The quote “With my last breath, I shall serve.” haunts the whole narrative in a (and I'm not sorry for what I'm about to compare it to) Johan-Liebert-from-Monster way. You can feel it rattle in your bones in almost everything that Baird does and says, and it makes you feel as uneasy as he has felt for the past two centuries
The style is, as usual, smooth and poetic and so immersive. Alice is genuinely my favorite author, their writing is unique and captivating you will never put the book dowI, I promise; and if you do, you'll feel bad about it, even.
I read 25% of the book while skipping two hours of PE and when the bell rang I looked around and was so confused, “Where am I? Am I dead?”. Nope, Alexander, you're just sunbathing on a chair in the middle of no-fucking-where, (un)fortunately for you.
I can't wait for this book to come out. As soon as I finished my ARC copy I texted my boyfriend crying and with thousands of spelling mistakes, he got so worried and honestly as he SHOULD because this book DESTROYED me.
How do I give more than five stars? Can I give thousands of them, like the stars in the sky and in the universe?? No??? Meanies.
Where do I even start??? The concept of the story got me wrapped around its finger right from the start. First time applying for an ARC copy and BOOM, I have a new reason to find a therapist. A sentient house, a guy who has an arm that is, and I quote, “More scar than skin.”, and a shapeshifter that comes to life because of the latter's stories? What the hell, sure. /ref
The characters are so loveable and real and ohmygod. Baird is such a layered character — he goes through so much, and I was so happy to finally see him smile. I loved how human he was and allowed to make mistakes, such as being rude to Hemming or just being "selfish" in his own way. He pours all his soul and heart into what he does, and I've found myself relating to him quite a handful of times. Same goes for Hemming, my sweet boy, so curious about everything but especially his love; he holds Baird's hand no matter what they're going through. Such small gestures but I promise you, to a 262 years old man they mean the world and more.
Their relationship is one of a kind; depending on someone so much you actually get sick??? oh I'm so fucking done. Yes yes YES!!! PLEASE!!!!! I AM BEGGING ON MY KNEES!!!!!! I'm such a sucker for codependency, and this book portrayed it amazingly.
The quote “With my last breath, I shall serve.” haunts the whole narrative in a (and I'm not sorry for what I'm about to compare it to) Johan-Liebert-from-Monster way. You can feel it rattle in your bones in almost everything that Baird does and says, and it makes you feel as uneasy as he has felt for the past two centuries
The style is, as usual, smooth and poetic and so immersive. Alice is genuinely my favorite author, their writing is unique and captivating you will never put the book dowI, I promise; and if you do, you'll feel bad about it, even.
I read 25% of the book while skipping two hours of PE and when the bell rang I looked around and was so confused, “Where am I? Am I dead?”. Nope, Alexander, you're just sunbathing on a chair in the middle of no-fucking-where, (un)fortunately for you.
I can't wait for this book to come out. As soon as I finished my ARC copy I texted my boyfriend crying and with thousands of spelling mistakes, he got so worried and honestly as he SHOULD because this book DESTROYED me.
How do I give more than five stars? Can I give thousands of them, like the stars in the sky and in the universe?? No??? Meanies.
May 20, 2026
5⭐️
I loved this book. Granted, I went into it suspecting that I would just based on the summary (Sentient stories and a man who eats words? Yes, please!) But my expectations were both met and exceeded throughout my readthrough, and I couldn’t be happier for it. The story felt darkly whimsical throughout, and the ending/epilogue made me cry even though I thought I had prepared myself for a sad ending.
There are really only three major characters in this book - the MMC, his love interest, and the creepy sentient house. I loved all of them. The MMC was such an interesting character to explore and see the world through. I liked that he wasn’t a perfect character and was allowed to make mistakes and be rude and unpleasant to his love interest, as well as how he repeatedly tried to make up for those mistakes and be a better person despite everything he’d been through. The LI was fun and whimsical, and the author did a great job of making him feel both inhuman and yet still deeply relatable. The creepy sentient house was, of course, creepy, but I love evil inanimate objects so that was still a positive for me.
The story itself was great. Definitely more character driven than plot driven, but never in a way that felt like it was slow or dragging. The plot elements hit harder and mattered more because of how much time was dedicated to exploring the MMC’s thoughts and fears about the world around him and about himself.
The writing style was also really interesting - both the real-life author’s and the MMC’s. The main writing style was very easy to read and yet at times poetic in an almost blunt way, if that makes sense? It’s hard for me to describe, but it definitely works really well to set the tone of the book. And the short stories the MMC would write had a distinctly different voice to the book itself, which I think requires a lot of talent to pull off well.
TL;DR: A sad but beautiful and compelling story that is definitely worth the heartbreak. I fell in love with the characters and will be thinking about them for a long, long time.
Disclaimer: I received a free eARC of this book from the author. A review was not required in order to receive the eARC, and I am leaving one voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
I loved this book. Granted, I went into it suspecting that I would just based on the summary (Sentient stories and a man who eats words? Yes, please!) But my expectations were both met and exceeded throughout my readthrough, and I couldn’t be happier for it. The story felt darkly whimsical throughout, and the ending/epilogue made me cry even though I thought I had prepared myself for a sad ending.
There are really only three major characters in this book - the MMC, his love interest, and the creepy sentient house. I loved all of them. The MMC was such an interesting character to explore and see the world through. I liked that he wasn’t a perfect character and was allowed to make mistakes and be rude and unpleasant to his love interest, as well as how he repeatedly tried to make up for those mistakes and be a better person despite everything he’d been through. The LI was fun and whimsical, and the author did a great job of making him feel both inhuman and yet still deeply relatable. The creepy sentient house was, of course, creepy, but I love evil inanimate objects so that was still a positive for me.
The story itself was great. Definitely more character driven than plot driven, but never in a way that felt like it was slow or dragging. The plot elements hit harder and mattered more because of how much time was dedicated to exploring the MMC’s thoughts and fears about the world around him and about himself.
The writing style was also really interesting - both the real-life author’s and the MMC’s. The main writing style was very easy to read and yet at times poetic in an almost blunt way, if that makes sense? It’s hard for me to describe, but it definitely works really well to set the tone of the book. And the short stories the MMC would write had a distinctly different voice to the book itself, which I think requires a lot of talent to pull off well.
TL;DR: A sad but beautiful and compelling story that is definitely worth the heartbreak. I fell in love with the characters and will be thinking about them for a long, long time.
Disclaimer: I received a free eARC of this book from the author. A review was not required in order to receive the eARC, and I am leaving one voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Please don’t ever apologize for being happy.”
i stayed up til 1 am til 1 percent battery to read this and now im crying
THE INK EATER!!! this might be one of my favorite reads of the year??
the concept hooked me, a gothic manor that's its own character, an ink eater who serves and is the manor and writes stories to sustain it and himself, and a shapeshifter from his story... the core of the tragedy is that the ink eater is trapped in this manor and his family duty, never living for himself... the ink eater has to come to terms with his trauma and abuse and all the things denied from him
while the house wants him to eat his stories... and by consequence the shape shifter aka his only friend ever
i loved the asexual rep, a sex averse character that still craves other forms of intimacy... trapped by social and familial expectations ... and the romance between the ink eater and the shapeshifter is so sweet to the point of worship yet tragic
gothic tragedy. you will cry
doomed yaoi. very doomed
if you liked don't let the forest in... you'll love this book... similar vibes, tragedy, ace mc that pours his soul into ink
(arc copy for review)
i stayed up til 1 am til 1 percent battery to read this and now im crying
THE INK EATER!!! this might be one of my favorite reads of the year??
the concept hooked me, a gothic manor that's its own character, an ink eater who serves and is the manor and writes stories to sustain it and himself, and a shapeshifter from his story... the core of the tragedy is that the ink eater is trapped in this manor and his family duty, never living for himself... the ink eater has to come to terms with his trauma and abuse and all the things denied from him
while the house wants him to eat his stories... and by consequence the shape shifter aka his only friend ever
i loved the asexual rep, a sex averse character that still craves other forms of intimacy... trapped by social and familial expectations ... and the romance between the ink eater and the shapeshifter is so sweet to the point of worship yet tragic
gothic tragedy. you will cry
doomed yaoi. very doomed
if you liked don't let the forest in... you'll love this book... similar vibes, tragedy, ace mc that pours his soul into ink
(arc copy for review)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2026
I was so excited to receive an ARC, started reading it yesterday and finished it this morning. I’m still trying to digest the story as I sit here, and I’m not sure how I’ll return to life without these boys.
The Ink Eater is beautifully written. I love Alice’s style of writing, lovely direct prose without distracting fluff. It feels very considered and every word feels deliberate.
Her characters are so wholesome, I love Baird and Hemming both equally. The issues Baird carries were dealt with well and I enjoyed his emotional arc. Such beautiful boys.
I feel like I need to come back to this review when I’ve given myself a chance to come back to reality. A fantastic story, well done Alice.
The Ink Eater is beautifully written. I love Alice’s style of writing, lovely direct prose without distracting fluff. It feels very considered and every word feels deliberate.
Her characters are so wholesome, I love Baird and Hemming both equally. The issues Baird carries were dealt with well and I enjoyed his emotional arc. Such beautiful boys.
I feel like I need to come back to this review when I’ve given myself a chance to come back to reality. A fantastic story, well done Alice.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm at a loss for words. As soon as I finished this book, I was hit with an overwhelming sense of sadness.
The writing is very good, and the ambiguity and absurdity appear deliberate. I enjoy how the author depicts Baird's emotions (though I'm somewhat unsure how to pronounce his name), and the sudden change in the dynamic between Hemmings and Baird seems abrupt but intentional—perhaps he wanted to be kind initially, and 'his insides' held him back. The whole story feels quite bizarre, and it hits the mark of tragedy perfectly!
I appreciate that it doesn't shy away from difficult themes. Regarding the ending: once the manor forces Baird to make a choice, it’s the end; and it feels like witnessing a legacy's conclusion.
The writing is very good, and the ambiguity and absurdity appear deliberate. I enjoy how the author depicts Baird's emotions (though I'm somewhat unsure how to pronounce his name), and the sudden change in the dynamic between Hemmings and Baird seems abrupt but intentional—perhaps he wanted to be kind initially, and 'his insides' held him back. The whole story feels quite bizarre, and it hits the mark of tragedy perfectly!
I appreciate that it doesn't shy away from difficult themes. Regarding the ending: once the manor forces Baird to make a choice, it’s the end; and it feels like witnessing a legacy's conclusion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC directly from the author !
ABSOLUTE CINEMA
The characters were so interesting and loving and the whole sentient house thing was sooo cool !!!
This book is beautifuly written and I literally devoured it !
And remember people
HEMMING THE FROG IS REAL AND CANON
ABSOLUTE CINEMA
The characters were so interesting and loving and the whole sentient house thing was sooo cool !!!
This book is beautifuly written and I literally devoured it !
And remember people
HEMMING THE FROG IS REAL AND CANON
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