Seventeen-year-old Annie Parker has spent years clinging to the only thing her late mother left a storybook filled with tales of never-heard- of magical realms. When her father, hardened by grief, throws out everything of her mothers, the story book and her little brother Arthur are her only reminders of the life she lost.
When a thief breaks into their home and steals the book, Annie and Arthur chase him into the woods, only to discover that the realms from its pages are real. In an unexpected capture, it is uncovered that the thief is using the book to unravel the boundaries between the realms, threatening to destroy them.
When Arthur abandons her after a strangely sudden argument, Annie is forced to rely on a charming stranger who seems to know more about the realms than he admits. As she searches for her brother and the stolen book, Annie uncovers clues that suggest someone has been waiting for her arrival, and the secrets buried within her family's past may be the key to their plans.
To save Arthur, Annie must navigate dangerous realms filled with unpredictable magical creatures, decide who she can trust, and confront truths about herself that could change everything she thought she knew. But if she fails, she won't just lose the last piece of her mother, she may become the very tool that destroys the realms she is trying to save.
I want to thank the author for an ARC copy of this book, but I personally don't think this book is for me right now. I may try to pick it up again sometime in the future though!
Annie sets off on a scavenger hunt across different realms searching for answers and one VERY meaningful book, and somehow along the way we get mermaids, sirens, angels, griffins, DRAGONS, a mission to save her little brother Arthur, AND a little something something brewing with Dylan. 👀💕 Every time I thought I knew where the adventure was going, the story basically said, cute guess, try again. I genuinely could NOT put this one down. The fantasy, adventure, mystery, and sprinkle of romance had me hooked, and now I’m left with only one problem…I have to (im)patiently wait for the next book?! EXCUSE ME?! 😭😂📖
A Kingdom Written in Ink gave me major Narnia-meets-Lord-of-the-Rings vibes, and I absolutely loved it! There’s something so magical about the idea of stepping through a door and suddenly discovering an entirely new realm filled with magic you never knew existed, and this book captured that feeling so well.
I really enjoyed Bailee’s writing and thought the story was very well paced. The journey through the different realms was exciting and immersive, and I loved how creative and expansive the fantasy world was. The characters were also incredibly lovable, which made going on this adventure with them even more enjoyable.
One of my favorite parts was how the story incorporated songs, clues, and riddles throughout the journey. They were beautifully done and added even more magic and wonder to the world while making the adventure feel like something you were discovering alongside the characters.
I’m definitely looking forward to the continuation of the series! Bailee is a very talented author, and this was such a wonderful debut novel. Congratulations to her! I’m honored that I got to be a small part of its journey as an ARC reader.
I would absolutely recommend A Kingdom Written in Ink to fantasy readers who love magical worlds, lovable characters, riddles and clues, and that classic feeling of stepping into another realm and embarking on an unforgettable adventure!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
To preface, I was gifted an early ARC from Bailee and this is my honest opinion of the book!
Bailee, Bailee, Bailee, oh my goodness girl! This book was everything you promised us! I loved how immersive all of the different worlds were, and it was so cool getting to have time to explore each one!! Also, you know how much I love Crackle, she has my heart in her talons. I love the sibling dynamics you’ve portrayed, everything Annie does for Arthur, i would do for my own sister and more. Annie and Dylan have such an interesting but realistic relationship that I cannot wait to read into more, especially with the foreshadowings of his past!!! This book was so good, and it’s been so cool reading it again after being a day one fan! 😂 I cannot wait to read the next installment, especially after that cliffhanger!!
Thank you again to Bailee Killingsworth for my ARC copy!!
This book was interesting. Personally it wasn’t for me, but I really loved the sibling dynamic of Arthur and Annie! The magic system was pretty interesting in this book as well!
A Kingdom Written in Ink is a young adult portal fantasy filled with magical realms, mysterious clues, dangerous creatures, family secrets, and a sweet slow burn romance.
The story takes time to introduce Annie, her family, and the history of the realms. Once Annie entered the magical world and the adventure began, however, I became much more invested. The second half is where the story truly came alive for me.
Annie is brave, determined, and incredibly powerful, but she is also stubborn and impulsive. There were so many moments when I wanted to tell her, “Girl, please listen before you get yourself into more trouble!” Even when her decisions frustrated me, I admired her courage and how far she was willing to go for the people she loved.
I also enjoyed Annie’s relationship with her brother and the sweet, youthful connection developing between her and Dylan. Their feelings build gradually throughout the danger surrounding them, making the romance feel appropriate for the characters and the story.
The magical creatures, riddles, hidden connections, and questions about Annie’s family kept me curious. Some moments were exciting, while others were genuinely emotional and heartbreaking. The ending introduces a major new problem and leaves the story on a cliffhanger that clearly prepares readers for the next book.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy young adult portal fantasy, magical quests, sibling bonds, hidden identities, family mysteries, and slow burn romance.
Thank you to Bailee Killingsworth for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Annie travels across different realms searching for a VERY meaningful book, and somehow along the way we get mermaids, sirens, angels, griffins, DRAGONS, a mission to save her little brother Arthur, AND a little something something brewing with Dylan.
I loved how immersive all of the different worlds were, and it was so cool getting to have time to explore each one!! Also, you know how much I love Crackle, she has my heart in her talons. I love the sibling dynamics you've portrayed. Annie and Dylan have such an interesting but realistic relationship that I cannot wait to read into more, especially with the foreshadowings of his past!!!