Ink Becomes Blood

by Ina Harrington

Some secrets are meant to be kept. Others you have no choice.

With the mystery of Eleanor's murder solved, Rose’s new life is all set to begin. New friends, new emotions, and new experiences await her as she continues her first year at Banecroft University.

But the gruesome death of yet another student puts all of that on hold, and Rose once again finds herself at the heart of a deadlier plot before Val's injuries have even had a chance to heal.

The curiosity of a mage cannot be sated, and with a secret society to explore, magic to learn, and a world of monsters, werewolves, and worse to uncover, Rose has no end of questions to feed hers.

Chief among them:

What evil stalks the Wychwood Forest?

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

516 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 26, 2026

About the author

Ina Harrington is a Bulgarian-born urban fantasy author who loves blending real-world drama with magic and just the right touch of horror. Though she studied English formally, she credits Cartoon Network with teaching her some of the most important bits. She’s largely self-taught in everything else – from programming and web design to writing.

Now, she lives in the UK with her amazing husband and a very needy, spoiled, and handsome cat who’s pretty sure he runs the place. Ina is always eager to learn something new – except when it comes to saying no to her cat’s demands.

Ina also hates writing bios, but is no stranger to talking in third person.

Reviews

[Katies_bookish_adventure]

I loved Death Becomes Her and I was very excited to read the next book in the Death’s Legacy series Ink Becomes Blood. I loved this book, I missed these found family friendships so much and being reintroduced to them again felt like receiving a big warm hug. Dawn is truly the bestest of friends. I love her bubbly & loyal personality. I felt like Dawn and Rose really brought out the best in each other. It was touching to see them stick up for one another and have each other’s backs.

I loved seeing more of Val and Rose, it’s a slow, slow burn romance but it’s so worth it. They have so many moments with romantic tension and the banter between them is giggle inducing. Even after my read I still have some quotes and scenes of them that come to mind that makes me smile. Some of my favorites scenes were ones where they were protective of each other, I also loved to see the subtle moments/actions that the both of them had that showed how strongly they feel for each other. I absolutely adore Val and Rose even more in this book, these two compliment each other perfectly, and their connection is written so beautifully.

Ink Becomes Blood does a good mix of focusing on its characters and its plot/mystery. I liked seeing Rose learn more about her abilities and it was nice to see her become more confident in herself overtime. I enjoyed the new blend of fantasy, mystery, and horror elements that this installment brought to the series. The fantasy creatures and abilities are interesting to read about, the mystery is a solid slow burn kind of mystery that brought an entertaining suspense with some added character tensions, and the horror elements blended into all these themes nicely adding some vivid gore and an extra air of suspension.

Overall, I’m so excited to see more from this series. I feel so strongly for many of the characters, especially Rose, Val, and Dawn. This series just has so many solid loveable friendships and beautifully growing relationships. I love, love Val & Rose so much and I’m already imaging Val as the perfect book boyfriend.

One of my favorite quotes in here that hit me rather unexpectedly is: It was easy to forget how much you missed someone until you heard their voice, saw their face, and shared all the little things that had occurred in your absence. This hit deep in many ways for me. Thank you the author for my complimentary review copy.

[Crystal Robinson]

Raven’s Archive Entry // 002

📜🐦‍⬛ Ink Becomes Blood by Ina Harrington 🐦‍⬛📜

⭐⭐⭐⭐¼
I went into this series expecting the magical fantasy, but what I wasn't expecting was how much it would give me cozy vibes while still being surprisingly dark. The way the events and deaths happen is very unsettling, but somehow the experience of the whole mystery, and her interactions felt warm and comforting.

I enjoyed experiencing magic through someone who is still discovering what she and others can do rather than already knowing all the rules. I also feel the frustration and isolation that she has had to endure while having these powers and it being illegal to be taught about them.

I adore her friend, who is just a breath of fresh air. She is strong and supporting. I find it upsetting that the main character doesn’t feel like she can share all of her life with her, she still doesn’t share her physical situations with her friend whom I feel could help her organize her thoughts, and how to react. But then again, that is a very realistic situation. Their friendship is what truly makes this story feel warm and cozy to me.

All throughout the story, the darkness was surmountable by characters and their coziness, and I enjoyed being with them.

These two books are unique and mysterious stories with a touch of dark, and I hope to read more from this world.

📜 Final verdict: 4.25 stars.
A unique dark academia mystery with a protagonist that is just learning her powers and is starting to accept herself as she is. Her best friend is someone we all should have had growing up.

[Cait]

Ink Becomes Blood is the second installment in the Death’s Legacy series. If you haven’t read the first, run, don’t walk! 🏃‍♀️

This book is a bit of a change of pace; whereas book one was full-speed into plot, book two is careful world-building. Readers will learn more about the magic system, types of creatures, and magical society as a whole. What I really enjoyed from this was Rose’s childlike innocence as she learns about magic. Her inquisitive nature is contagious!

Another highlight for me was Rose and Dawn’s friendship. Dawn is SUCH a gem. She loves so big that I started to think about my own relationships through the lens that she looks at people.

Above all, the scenes with ghosts and monsters are chilling. A Halloween festival was truly the perfect backdrop for our first spooky encounter, and I was on the edge of my seat. (Please give us more monsters! 😱). It was also awesome to watch Rose gain confidence in her interactions with the dead.

Overall, Ink Becomes Blood added layers and nuance to Death Becomes Her! Definitely read this series in time for spooky season!

P.S. Richard Saint-Clair 🤢🙄

[Andi]

Oh my dear bookish besties! I had the best time reading Ink Becomes Blood. I knew I would enjoy it because of how much I liked book 1 but here in book 2 I got so much more. More spooky, more creeps and chills, more mystery, and more giggle inducing banter (Rose and Val literally make me kick my feet with joy). Plus we get lots of our beloved bestie Dawn and more Ivo who is rapidly become another of my favorites. The found family in this series will make your heart happy.

Spooky season is upon us folks. Do yourself a favor and get this series on your TBR!

[Nikki]

I enjoyed Death Becomes Her, so I was eager to get into Ink Becomes Blood! After having to investigate Eleanor’s murder, I had my fingers crossed that Rose would be able to experience a normal student life, but we know that’s not in the books for Rose. Which is fine, by me, because one of my favourite parts of Book 2 was her introduction into the secret society life! I looooved this. I knew this would open up some more excitement, particularly with her possibly unleashing some of her magic abilities, and I knew there would be a possibility of introducing some new characters that I could love or hate. Overall, the secret society aspect did not disappoint. Although, I think I would have liked to see her magic develop a little bit more. I’m obsessed with magic in stories, so I can never get enough. The secret society definitely introduced some new characters, a lot who caught my interest, so I’m interested to see which of those will hang around.

I love the paranormal aspect of this series! It’s the reason why I got into it in the first place. Poor Rose, haunted by yet another student, and I mean, she does it to herself, but “forced” to dive into that mystery. Much like the first book, the death of this student brings on a dark mystery, giving that eerie, sinister feel that I love. Of course, Rose, putting herself in harm's way had me on the edge of my seat during the most unsettling encounters, but of course I loved it.

Let me tell you there’s an evil in Wychwood Forest, and if you enjoyed the first one, I definitely think you’ll enjoy Book 2.

[Miriam]

Thank you Ina Harrington for the ARC!
I loved the first book - the characters, relationships being built, and Rose starting to discover the world of magic and better understand herself - so I was excited to read more. This sequel doesn't disappoint, rewarding the reader with fantastically immersive worldbuilding that means we are learning alongside Rose how magic, ghosts and the paranormal work. The secret mage society is captivating and brilliantly written. Harrington's characters and dialogues feel alive and real, and the world of Banecroft is endlessly fascinating. A great read to get lost in!

[EvanKnitsThings]

Thanks to the author and Rattle the Stars PR for an arc copy of this book.
In book 2 of the Death’s Legacy series Rose is just trying to have a normal college experience. Of course, that is not to be. Invited to join a secret society full of people who certainly don’t have her best interest I mind, and yet again haunted by the ghost of a dead student, Rose is just trying to figure herself out. She knows nothing about her magic or how to control it. No one will tell her the truth and she knows when they’re lying. When she starts investigating both the society and the murder will she find answers or just more questions?

I, again, found the world of Bancroft to be very interesting. The characters are layered and believable. The plot was intriguing and engaging. However, this book felt like it could have been half as long. Most of it felt like filler that didn’t add depth to either the plot or the character development. It seemed like this was just a segue to book 3 and not its own story. I just wanted more. The characters to be more fleshed out. The two plot lines to connect at all. The relationships to be explored more. Just more.

Ink Becomes Blood” is the second installment of the “Death’s Legacy” series. This is an urban fantasy set at a British university with a unique magic system, secret societies, haunting atmosphere and more! Fans of “The Ninth House” and “Supernatural” will love the “Death’s Legacy” series.

Book one, “Death Becomes Her” is AVAILABLE NOW on Kindle Unlimited, Amazon, inaharrington.com and more! “Ink Becomes Blood” will be released on September 26th

Be sure to follow Rattle the Stars PR and Ina Harrington or upcoming announcements and promotions.

🏷️ Urban Fantasy | Dark Academia (British University) | Unique Magic System | Secret Societies | Paranormal Murder Mystery | Haunting Atmosphere (Horror) | Slow-burn Romance (sub-plot, no spice) | LGBTQ+ Rep | Magic hiding in plain sight
#InaHarrington #RattleTheStarsPR #IndieAuthor #Paranormal #KindleUnlimited

[Caitlin Justice]

Thank you to Rattle the Stars PR and Ina Harrington for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ink Becomes Blood by Ina Harrington follows Rose, who, when a fellow classmate, Brad Gallagher, is brutally disemboweled by a pack of wild animals, investigates what really happened to him. After another girl is attacked in a violent and suspicious way, Val joins in to figure out who is attacking university students.
I loved this second book in the Death's Legacy series (dare I say it is better than the first one?)! The character development from Death Becomes Her was really interesting, and I loved Rose, Dawn, and Val even more than I did in book one. The mystery was different, and I was dying to know what happened and who the culprits were.
This was a great and thrilling mystery, and I can't wait for the next one to see the intertwined shenanigans that are happening!

[Mel]

Cute until, it wasn't. No, this isnt a bad thing. This is how you write a paranormal murder mystery. We are lured in with a false sense of security and then bam, grueling, gruesome with the inability to put the book down.

This is book 2 in The Death Legacy series and we get more insight to the magic and different variations of powers and ghosts. I loved the secret society. The build up of friendships, relationships, and seeing some growth in Rose, where she isn't fully scared and gaining more confidence makes it an overall satisfying read. Dawn will always be my Queen, she is everything and needs to be protected at all costs. Val is well, Val 😂 he's dealing with his own stuff and while we still don't know a lot, we are closer than we were.

4.5 ⭐️ because screw Richard Saint-Clair.

Thank you so much Ina and RTSPR for the advanced copy. 💕

[Kaylee (Faerietalesafterdark)]

I was lucky enough to recieve an Advanced copy of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

This was the perfect sequel to DBH! It had all the lore/world building that we didn't get in book 1. It still had some freaky/spooky moments which I thoroughly enjoyed, all while still having an overarching feeling of mystery and suspense. I also really enjoyed Rose and Vals character growth. Rose definitely starts to step into herself and her powers while Val learns to try and be more open and vulnerable. Dawn is still my favorite ever, and screw anyone who tries to hurt her.. I'm looking at you Richard, you bastard 👀

[Mx Phoebe]

Ink Becomes Blood is the second book in the “Death’s Legacy” series. It has secrets, magic, and cult groups. The slow-burn romance is a nice addition to the fantasy mystery.

“Thank you, Harrington Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via Rattle the Stars PR. All opinions are my own.”

[Kim]

Ina Harrington’s second book in the “Death’s Legacy series, “Ink Becomes Blood,” picks up shortly after the end of book 1. There is a new plot twist as Rose seeks answers on how her magic works, and how she can learn to control it. While book 1 (“Death Becomes Her”) has a lot of character development of those within her core group of classmates and friends, "Ink Becomes Blood" takes a different mode of storytelling which has Rose much more introspective without the witty banter included in the first book. For this reason, we follow Rose more intimately as she works with her art class and discovering how far her powers can take her. I found this book having a lower sustained intensity and action as "Death Becomes Her," but the deepness of the characters is well appreciated. We see Val more as a supporting role for Rose, and I would have loved to see more of Dawn (iykyk). There were raw moments between the three of them, and we see the strengths of their relationships. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, which I rate a 4.5 stars (for Goodreads and Amazon who have not yet adopted the half- or quarter-point scale, the 4 stars do not adequately reflect my appreciation of what "Ink Becomes Blood" has to offer).

Thank you to Rattle The Stars PR and Ina Harrington for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Booksaremyfriends93 Vanessa Duweling]

Ink Becomes Blood is the perfect book to kick off the Spooky Season with! I loved watching Rose bloom and learn more about her magic in this book! Val and Rose had me giggling with their banter, and that slowest of slow burn romance 👀 This books gives us the perfect spooky dark vibes with some mystery and secret societies, slow burn romance and the best found family! Dawn is such a doll i love her and want to be friends with her! I also liked that we got some new characters introduced! This sequel was perfect and can’t recommend it enough! Also Richard Saint-Clair is the worst🙅🏻‍♀️