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A Legacy of Ink #1
Drawn in Ash
The Dynasty claims to be a veritable paradise where a multitude of races live in peace and harmony. Everys knows better. The Dynasty has been broken since it was founded, with the human nobility oppressing many of the peoples they’ve brutally conquered, including her own. As an illegal mage, for Everys to stand up to the injustice would mean risking her life, so she hides in a rundown corner of the capital city, content to live in obscurity. But then she is brought to the palace and forced to marry Kind Narius, the descendant of the tyrant who destroyed her people’s homeland. Maybe this is the chance she’s been waiting for to make things right.
Due to sacred law, Narius has to be married for his reign to be legitimate. He can’t marry the woman he actually loves, so he has to settle for another. Unfortunately, the young woman he chose seems determined to cause him nothing but trouble.
Thrown together by circumstances they can’t control, Everys and Narius must set aside old grudges and painful legacies to forge an uneasy partnership before the Dynasty’s enemies destroy everything they hold dear.
Due to sacred law, Narius has to be married for his reign to be legitimate. He can’t marry the woman he actually loves, so he has to settle for another. Unfortunately, the young woman he chose seems determined to cause him nothing but trouble.
Thrown together by circumstances they can’t control, Everys and Narius must set aside old grudges and painful legacies to forge an uneasy partnership before the Dynasty’s enemies destroy everything they hold dear.
537 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 29, 2022
This book was a treat! Imagine a main character like Esther from the Bible living in a world like Star Wars, and you’ll have a good idea of what to expect.
John W. Otte has done an astounding job of building an authentic world filled with a variety of fascinating cultures (the race of sentient trees were my favorite!), intriguing magic (hinted at in the title), and political intrigue (anyone want to marry a king?). Within this science fantasy backdrop, Otte writes a captivating story filled with thoughtful and emotionally powerful characters and a slow burn romance that kept me glued to the page—it’s the sort of book you can’t put down. I loved Everys and Narius and so many others and found the story gripping. Drawn in Ash is a must-read for both fans of sci-fi and dystopian fantasy. I can’t wait to put this book on my shelf and to read the next book in the series. I must know what happens to these characters next! How long must I wait?
John W. Otte has done an astounding job of building an authentic world filled with a variety of fascinating cultures (the race of sentient trees were my favorite!), intriguing magic (hinted at in the title), and political intrigue (anyone want to marry a king?). Within this science fantasy backdrop, Otte writes a captivating story filled with thoughtful and emotionally powerful characters and a slow burn romance that kept me glued to the page—it’s the sort of book you can’t put down. I loved Everys and Narius and so many others and found the story gripping. Drawn in Ash is a must-read for both fans of sci-fi and dystopian fantasy. I can’t wait to put this book on my shelf and to read the next book in the series. I must know what happens to these characters next! How long must I wait?
April 15, 2022
Just over a decade ago, I was getting my start as a book critic and came across this little Christian spec-fic publisher that was just getting started called Marcher Lord Press. One of their early titles was a YA superhero novel about a teenager with superpowers struggling to fit in, solve crime, and win a reality show competition called America’s Next Superhero. It was fun and fresh—think The Incredibles meets Sky High with Christian themes—and I was hooked. I followed Otte’s career as it progressed but, when Marcher Lord Press was bought out and became Enclave Publishing, Otte’s writing career stalled. It’s been a few years, but he’s back and he’s used his time away well, inventing a rich, layered, multifaceted world with engaging characters, a nuanced theme, and a plot that will make your head spin.
At first, Drawn in Ash appears to just be a sci-fi take on the biblical Esther story. King Narius is in need of a new queen and, unbeknownst to her, Everys the Siporian has been chosen for reasons political and strategic. Overnight, she goes from being a poverty-stricken woman of a conquered people group to queen of the Dynasty. The first quarter of the book follows this journey, as Everys struggles with this sudden change of lifestyle and the realization that she’s intended in some ways to be only a ceremonial figurehead. It’s when she chooses to use her new power to shake up the establishment that things begin to be fun.
King Narius turns out to be much more complex and thoughtful than Everys originally perceives. As the young king of a large Dynasty, Narius is forced to balance keeping peace within a kingdom that encompasses many races and beings and continuing the expected legacy of conquering and expanding. War and conquest have created the Dynasty, but now it is killing it and Narius is desperate to find a way to forge a new type of empire. Together with Everys, they begin to do the impossible. But upsetting the status quo can awaken the most terrible enemies.
I don’t want to give too much away because every page of this book is a gift. Otte crafts his world to perfection. His magical system and how that plays out through the book is captivating in its simplicity and weighty in its symbolism. He builds the foundation for a larger world that will be explored in future books, dropping in just enough background to ground the story without being overwhelming in exposition. Set aside a good chunk of time for this book, because you’ll find yourself lost in the story. No lie, as I write this review, I keep finding myself referring to the book to check a plot line or the spelling of a name and I get caught up in the story again, reading to the end of the chapter.
You could read Drawn in Ash purely as entertainment and it would be an enjoyable, compelling ride. But slow down just enough and you’ll see how Otte has drawn from our current cultural moment, using both a futuristic setting and ancient biblical symbolism, to show how all of human history is caught up in the issues facing Everys, Narius, and the world in which they live. It's about America. It’s about ancient Babylon. It’s about race relations, reparations, colonialism, and community. It’s about war and peace, religion and politics, diplomacy and radicalism.
Otte balances all of these themes perfectly, weaving them into a cohesive narrative tapestry—a true work of art that undergirds the action and mythology of the story. John Otte has created a fully-realized world that mirrors our own, allowing us to explore all of these difficult topics in a fresh way that’s free from the familiarity and bias of reality. That’s what the very best fiction does. It allows to explore reality in ways we can’t explore within reality. We think, we learn, we grow in this fictional world, then we return to our reality with a new perspective.
Drawn in Ash is absolutely captivating—the best sci-fi I’ve read in a long time. The only thing I have to compare it with in terms of philosophical and moral worldbuilding is Orson Scott Card’s Enderverse. Of course, only one book in that might be a premature comment, but not since Xenocide had I closed a book and reflected so long on the novel’s moral premise. From the first page to the last, John Otte had me entranced. I don’t know where the story is going, but I’m in it to the very end.
At first, Drawn in Ash appears to just be a sci-fi take on the biblical Esther story. King Narius is in need of a new queen and, unbeknownst to her, Everys the Siporian has been chosen for reasons political and strategic. Overnight, she goes from being a poverty-stricken woman of a conquered people group to queen of the Dynasty. The first quarter of the book follows this journey, as Everys struggles with this sudden change of lifestyle and the realization that she’s intended in some ways to be only a ceremonial figurehead. It’s when she chooses to use her new power to shake up the establishment that things begin to be fun.
King Narius turns out to be much more complex and thoughtful than Everys originally perceives. As the young king of a large Dynasty, Narius is forced to balance keeping peace within a kingdom that encompasses many races and beings and continuing the expected legacy of conquering and expanding. War and conquest have created the Dynasty, but now it is killing it and Narius is desperate to find a way to forge a new type of empire. Together with Everys, they begin to do the impossible. But upsetting the status quo can awaken the most terrible enemies.
I don’t want to give too much away because every page of this book is a gift. Otte crafts his world to perfection. His magical system and how that plays out through the book is captivating in its simplicity and weighty in its symbolism. He builds the foundation for a larger world that will be explored in future books, dropping in just enough background to ground the story without being overwhelming in exposition. Set aside a good chunk of time for this book, because you’ll find yourself lost in the story. No lie, as I write this review, I keep finding myself referring to the book to check a plot line or the spelling of a name and I get caught up in the story again, reading to the end of the chapter.
You could read Drawn in Ash purely as entertainment and it would be an enjoyable, compelling ride. But slow down just enough and you’ll see how Otte has drawn from our current cultural moment, using both a futuristic setting and ancient biblical symbolism, to show how all of human history is caught up in the issues facing Everys, Narius, and the world in which they live. It's about America. It’s about ancient Babylon. It’s about race relations, reparations, colonialism, and community. It’s about war and peace, religion and politics, diplomacy and radicalism.
Otte balances all of these themes perfectly, weaving them into a cohesive narrative tapestry—a true work of art that undergirds the action and mythology of the story. John Otte has created a fully-realized world that mirrors our own, allowing us to explore all of these difficult topics in a fresh way that’s free from the familiarity and bias of reality. That’s what the very best fiction does. It allows to explore reality in ways we can’t explore within reality. We think, we learn, we grow in this fictional world, then we return to our reality with a new perspective.
Drawn in Ash is absolutely captivating—the best sci-fi I’ve read in a long time. The only thing I have to compare it with in terms of philosophical and moral worldbuilding is Orson Scott Card’s Enderverse. Of course, only one book in that might be a premature comment, but not since Xenocide had I closed a book and reflected so long on the novel’s moral premise. From the first page to the last, John Otte had me entranced. I don’t know where the story is going, but I’m in it to the very end.
February 19, 2022
I had the huge pleasure of editing this book last year, and it is still one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. The story was so utterly captivating and the characters so relatable and lifelike. Cannot wait to read it again!!
May 4, 2023
Her understanding and acceptance of her history is the key to saving her enemies future. How much will each one risk when they find themselves at a crossroad? Can hope and love overcome bitterness? Can a war driven Dynasty move toward peaceful prosperity?
This book was fabulous. With hints of the book of Esther at play, Drawn in Ash was so well written and intensely creative. I couldn’t put it down, but I also didn’t want it to end. I’m sure I’ll think of more to say later, but for now I’ll pull out my copy of Every Moment Holy and read the “Lament upon the Finishing of a Beloved Book,” because the overarching themes of this novel have reminded me that the stories are true.
This book was fabulous. With hints of the book of Esther at play, Drawn in Ash was so well written and intensely creative. I couldn’t put it down, but I also didn’t want it to end. I’m sure I’ll think of more to say later, but for now I’ll pull out my copy of Every Moment Holy and read the “Lament upon the Finishing of a Beloved Book,” because the overarching themes of this novel have reminded me that the stories are true.
Read
August 5, 2023Because when you think romance, you think John Otte
October 17, 2022
I had the privilege of beta reading this last year, and I’m excited to give it another go-through once my schedule clears up!
I think Otte explores a lot of themes that sorely need consideration in the faith/speculative fiction venn diagram, and he issues a pretty solid slow burn to boot. :)
From what I remember, it’s absolute treat for the imagination, with fantastic world building and some excellent cinnamon-roll style characters you’ll come to care for.
I think Otte explores a lot of themes that sorely need consideration in the faith/speculative fiction venn diagram, and he issues a pretty solid slow burn to boot. :)
From what I remember, it’s absolute treat for the imagination, with fantastic world building and some excellent cinnamon-roll style characters you’ll come to care for.
October 25, 2023
Worldbuilding - good. Characters - okay. It was an okay book, just not my favorite.
Content:
Violence, mild romance.
Age appropriateness:
14/15 & up
Content:
Violence, mild romance.
Age appropriateness:
14/15 & up
October 29, 2022
Well, I had a hard time putting this one down. John creates memorable, wonderfully imperfect characters that bring such a sense of real-life humanity to a sci-fi/fantasy world. He has a keen ability to weave a story that keeps you moving from one scene to the next, with just enough to make you wonder how it's all going to come together...and, like I said, I struggled putting it down. Get it. Enjoy it.
December 31, 2023
I had the privilege of reading an early draft of this book, and getting to watch its publication journey was so neat! Drawn in Ash is an amazing, thought-provoking story, and I can't wait to see what comes next for Everys and Narius!
October 27, 2022
I just finished this book and while it isn’t my typical type of book, I couldn’t put it down.
It’s fantasy with a hint of romance.
I enjoyed reading these characters get to know each other.
The world created in this book is creative and unique and I can’t wait to see what happens in it next!
It’s fantasy with a hint of romance.
I enjoyed reading these characters get to know each other.
The world created in this book is creative and unique and I can’t wait to see what happens in it next!
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March 16, 2023I love this book. So much. I had the opportunity to beta read it a few years ago, and reading the final version now has reminded me just how much I love this book. The characters are great and the plot is engaging. But even more, it's a shining example of a retelling done right. There is so much depth of theme that I noticed goes deeper in the second reading, and I'm just so thrilled that this book exists, and that I even got to help it along.
October 8, 2023
This book, for me, has a snowball effect. Slow start but gained in size and speed all the way till the end. Fourteen pages from the end, I exclaimed that there was no way there would be a resolution and resigned myself to wait for book two. To my surprise, it all wrapped up very satisfactorily while leaving the door wide open for the adventure to continue.
A precious reviewer described this as Esther (of the Bible) meets Star Wars. That seems an apt description. I was expecting a more recognizable Esther retelling, which this wasn't, but glimmers of how that story influenced this one are apparent if you look for them. I'd add a third comparison title. The magic in this story felt very much like that of Brandon Sanderson's The Rythmatist.
For those wondering about the romance, while I would consider this story to lead with adventure and political intrigue, the love story was a very enjoyable and intriguing slow burn. We start with a very, very surprised bride and a reluctant groom and a marriage in name alone and by the end.... well. You'll have to read it. 😉
Romance, Language, and Violence were all at a PG level. Violence was by far the element carried the farthest and, depending on how it was depicted in movie form, could be considered PG-13. But in written form it was present in a non graphic manner.
The female lead belongs to a people who are supposed to serve the Singularity (a fantasy version of the Judeo-Christian God). Many of her people, including herself, have let the old ways slip and doubt the Singularity's favor on them. Through the story, she begins to wonder if it's their own shortcomings that have caused the separation.
Other fantasy religions are present.
A precious reviewer described this as Esther (of the Bible) meets Star Wars. That seems an apt description. I was expecting a more recognizable Esther retelling, which this wasn't, but glimmers of how that story influenced this one are apparent if you look for them. I'd add a third comparison title. The magic in this story felt very much like that of Brandon Sanderson's The Rythmatist.
For those wondering about the romance, while I would consider this story to lead with adventure and political intrigue, the love story was a very enjoyable and intriguing slow burn. We start with a very, very surprised bride and a reluctant groom and a marriage in name alone and by the end.... well. You'll have to read it. 😉
Romance, Language, and Violence were all at a PG level. Violence was by far the element carried the farthest and, depending on how it was depicted in movie form, could be considered PG-13. But in written form it was present in a non graphic manner.
The female lead belongs to a people who are supposed to serve the Singularity (a fantasy version of the Judeo-Christian God). Many of her people, including herself, have let the old ways slip and doubt the Singularity's favor on them. Through the story, she begins to wonder if it's their own shortcomings that have caused the separation.
Other fantasy religions are present.
August 9, 2023
I do enjoy a good slow-burn romance, but I had a hard time deeply connecting with the main POV characters, amidst some other minor story elements that I also disliked. Glad I tried it, but I don’t think I would continue to a second book.
September 23, 2023
Excellent science fiction story by a nice guy!
November 11, 2023
I took a huge risk and bought not only this book, but the sequel in a Kickstarter campaign. It’s always a risk because I usually stop reading books due to content or disinterest, but I found myself pleasantly surprised. I love Esther retellings, but when I saw an Esther retelling that was in a Science Fantasy setting, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
I could not put this book down. I had to for work and an actual night’s sleep, but I would read chapters at every waking moment I could. The plot, the characters, and the world building painted a beautiful masterpiece of political intrigue, religious matters, and slow-burn romance. It wraps up beautifully, feeling finished, yet leaving room for some unsettled matters that will be covered in the next book.
I am so glad that I have the sequel and can start reading immediately.
I could not put this book down. I had to for work and an actual night’s sleep, but I would read chapters at every waking moment I could. The plot, the characters, and the world building painted a beautiful masterpiece of political intrigue, religious matters, and slow-burn romance. It wraps up beautifully, feeling finished, yet leaving room for some unsettled matters that will be covered in the next book.
I am so glad that I have the sequel and can start reading immediately.
July 24, 2025
Chawna Schroeder and her dad recommended this series to me and I will definitely take their advice on any book recs from here on out!
I'm also glad her dad convinced me to buy the entire trilogy immediately. Second book, here I come!
I'm also glad her dad convinced me to buy the entire trilogy immediately. Second book, here I come!
September 26, 2023
My New 2nd Favorite Fantasy Novel!
Christopher Stasheff's SAINT VIDICON TO THE RESCUE is still my #1, but DRAWN IN ASH is a resounding #2 as of 2023! Hey, FAILSTATE was in the top, and I was part of your Release Team for THE HIVE, but this has my heart screaming for MORE! Readers, if you also LOVE the characters with depth you can feel, strength of heart that makes you want to protect them yourself, and changes in attitude and feelings that show the kind of Mercy, Grace, and Love that God Almighty of Creation gives through Jesus Christ even in Speculative Fiction characters for that purpose to help you find HIM in your world like you can in each fictional one, then ASH us for you too! Otte, I WANT MORE SOON!!! I'm now an award-winning Author too, so GIMME MORE ASH! 🥰
Tonja Condray Klein, FINALIST in 2023 Global Book Awards for my "Rebirth of Eirinth" Novel Series Book 2, TREADING THE PATH! 💖 & 🙏🏻's from TK 😉
Christopher Stasheff's SAINT VIDICON TO THE RESCUE is still my #1, but DRAWN IN ASH is a resounding #2 as of 2023! Hey, FAILSTATE was in the top, and I was part of your Release Team for THE HIVE, but this has my heart screaming for MORE! Readers, if you also LOVE the characters with depth you can feel, strength of heart that makes you want to protect them yourself, and changes in attitude and feelings that show the kind of Mercy, Grace, and Love that God Almighty of Creation gives through Jesus Christ even in Speculative Fiction characters for that purpose to help you find HIM in your world like you can in each fictional one, then ASH us for you too! Otte, I WANT MORE SOON!!! I'm now an award-winning Author too, so GIMME MORE ASH! 🥰
Tonja Condray Klein, FINALIST in 2023 Global Book Awards for my "Rebirth of Eirinth" Novel Series Book 2, TREADING THE PATH! 💖 & 🙏🏻's from TK 😉
May 18, 2023
When you think John Otte, you think Romance! At least, the last time I heard John Otte speak at a writer’s conference, he said that as a joke. And now, he’s actually written a romance, haha.
It’s not sappy, icky romance, though. That’s more a sub-plot. This is actually a retelling of the story of Esther from the OT Bible and takes place on a fantasy world. Quite imaginative, engaging and entertaining.
It’s not sappy, icky romance, though. That’s more a sub-plot. This is actually a retelling of the story of Esther from the OT Bible and takes place on a fantasy world. Quite imaginative, engaging and entertaining.
August 19, 2023
Oh wow. I literally could not put this book down. It had Queen Esther vibes in the first chapter but was NOT a just a simple retelling. I loved Everys and King Narius, Redtale, Quartus and I feel like there may be more of a story to tell.
Description was super - so much so that I found a few "holes" in the story - but not enough to ruin it!
Probably will fall in one of my top 3 for books read in 2023.
Description was super - so much so that I found a few "holes" in the story - but not enough to ruin it!
Probably will fall in one of my top 3 for books read in 2023.
September 16, 2023
Could not put it down!! Can't wait for the sequel!!
March 10, 2026
Drawn in Ash, the first installment in the A Legacy of Ink series by John W. Otte, is a compelling fantasy novel that blends political intrigue, personal struggle, and reluctant partnership within a divided empire.
The story unfolds within the Dynasty, a vast empire that outwardly claims to be a peaceful union of diverse races living in harmony. In reality, the society is deeply fractured. Human nobility maintains control over many conquered peoples, creating an environment of inequality and quiet resentment. Among those affected is Everys, a young woman whose people were devastated by the very system that now rules the land.
Everys lives cautiously on the margins of the capital city, hiding both her identity and her abilities. As an illegal mage, simply existing is dangerous enough, and openly challenging the injustices of the Dynasty would almost certainly cost her life. She has accepted a life of obscurity until her fate suddenly changes when she is summoned to the palace and forced into an unexpected political marriage.
Her husband is King Narius, the descendant of the tyrant responsible for destroying her homeland. The arrangement is not one either of them truly wants. Due to sacred law, Narius must marry to legitimize his rule, even though the woman he loves cannot fulfill that role. Choosing Everys appears at first to be a convenient solution, but he soon discovers that his new queen is far from compliant.
For Everys, the marriage represents something very different. Rather than simply surviving within the empire, she now finds herself closer than ever to the seat of power that shaped her people’s suffering. The forced union may be the very opportunity she has been waiting for to challenge the legacy of oppression and injustice.
As the two navigate their uneasy partnership, old grievances, political pressures, and growing external threats force them to reconsider their assumptions about each other. The future of the Dynasty may ultimately depend on whether they can overcome the painful histories that stand between them.
Blending elements of fantasy, political drama, and slow-building romance, Drawn in Ash explores themes of power, reconciliation, and the possibility of change in a broken system. With complex characters and a world shaped by conflict and history, the novel sets the stage for a larger story about rebuilding trust and redefining legacy.
The story unfolds within the Dynasty, a vast empire that outwardly claims to be a peaceful union of diverse races living in harmony. In reality, the society is deeply fractured. Human nobility maintains control over many conquered peoples, creating an environment of inequality and quiet resentment. Among those affected is Everys, a young woman whose people were devastated by the very system that now rules the land.
Everys lives cautiously on the margins of the capital city, hiding both her identity and her abilities. As an illegal mage, simply existing is dangerous enough, and openly challenging the injustices of the Dynasty would almost certainly cost her life. She has accepted a life of obscurity until her fate suddenly changes when she is summoned to the palace and forced into an unexpected political marriage.
Her husband is King Narius, the descendant of the tyrant responsible for destroying her homeland. The arrangement is not one either of them truly wants. Due to sacred law, Narius must marry to legitimize his rule, even though the woman he loves cannot fulfill that role. Choosing Everys appears at first to be a convenient solution, but he soon discovers that his new queen is far from compliant.
For Everys, the marriage represents something very different. Rather than simply surviving within the empire, she now finds herself closer than ever to the seat of power that shaped her people’s suffering. The forced union may be the very opportunity she has been waiting for to challenge the legacy of oppression and injustice.
As the two navigate their uneasy partnership, old grievances, political pressures, and growing external threats force them to reconsider their assumptions about each other. The future of the Dynasty may ultimately depend on whether they can overcome the painful histories that stand between them.
Blending elements of fantasy, political drama, and slow-building romance, Drawn in Ash explores themes of power, reconciliation, and the possibility of change in a broken system. With complex characters and a world shaped by conflict and history, the novel sets the stage for a larger story about rebuilding trust and redefining legacy.
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February 28, 2026The Singularity opposes those who are proud and haughty. Those who misuse His gifts to glorify themselves; those who overlook the needy, the oppressed, those who have nothing. Return to His way before He casts you down and reminds you who you are.
I'd heard this pitched as a speculative take on the Book of Esther, but I saw only a very superficial resemblance (not a complaint; just an observation). There's a queen forced into marriage after the departure of the old queen, and the new queen serves a meal or two, but that's pretty much it. Neither of the protagonists resemble their Biblical counterparts--there's a very spunky (maybe even reckless) queen who gladly breaks protocol and a good-hearted, self-controlled, level-headed king who wants what's best for his kingdom, even if it goes against what he's been taught.
It has the tech of sci-fi, but it reads perhaps more like fantasy to me. There's a rich world with many cultures, several races, and political intrigue. It also features a slow-burn romance, but the intrigue and politics took the center stage for me. Yes, I did want the couple to be together, but I didn't personally feel passionate about their chemistry.
This is marketed as a Christian book, and that's fair, though I think many non-Christians, and maybe even some people who aren't fond of Christianity, would be OK with the Christian-type fantasy religion in this book (see the quote at the top). And frankly, even though I'm not personally into even fantasy spellcasting, the magic here was cool. I was also pleasantly surprised to see a Christian book criticize aspects of Colonialism like plundering conquered people's treasures and hiding them away. I think this book could show a lot of people a point of view they never considered.
This is the first in a trilogy (?), but it stands alone fine. Recommended to anyone who likes the idea of political intrigue in a sci-fi world, who doesn't despise romance (but who also doesn't NEED a book to have passionate romance), and who and doesn't want a close retelling of the Book of Esther.
I'd heard this pitched as a speculative take on the Book of Esther, but I saw only a very superficial resemblance (not a complaint; just an observation). There's a queen forced into marriage after the departure of the old queen, and the new queen serves a meal or two, but that's pretty much it. Neither of the protagonists resemble their Biblical counterparts--there's a very spunky (maybe even reckless) queen who gladly breaks protocol and a good-hearted, self-controlled, level-headed king who wants what's best for his kingdom, even if it goes against what he's been taught.
It has the tech of sci-fi, but it reads perhaps more like fantasy to me. There's a rich world with many cultures, several races, and political intrigue. It also features a slow-burn romance, but the intrigue and politics took the center stage for me. Yes, I did want the couple to be together, but I didn't personally feel passionate about their chemistry.
This is marketed as a Christian book, and that's fair, though I think many non-Christians, and maybe even some people who aren't fond of Christianity, would be OK with the Christian-type fantasy religion in this book (see the quote at the top). And frankly, even though I'm not personally into even fantasy spellcasting, the magic here was cool. I was also pleasantly surprised to see a Christian book criticize aspects of Colonialism like plundering conquered people's treasures and hiding them away. I think this book could show a lot of people a point of view they never considered.
This is the first in a trilogy (?), but it stands alone fine. Recommended to anyone who likes the idea of political intrigue in a sci-fi world, who doesn't despise romance (but who also doesn't NEED a book to have passionate romance), and who and doesn't want a close retelling of the Book of Esther.
December 21, 2023
Adventure, betrayal, and romance
The magic system, story world, and plot are all awesome. I really loved Narius and Everys. They seem like opposites at first but are drawn to each other in a believable way. Both main characters grow and learn from each other and from the challenges they face. Some of the minor characters like Redtale and Trule won me over as well. I loved the mixture of fantasy and science fiction. The different creatures were interesting too. Imagine a lizard-like scenscent being who is quiet, shy, and easily flustered and wants to serve her queen to the best of her ability. John does a wonderful job of bringing all these characters to life with an imagination stirring background.
The romance is clean, and the violence is minimal, nothing gratuitous but only what is necessary to move the story forward.
Congratulations on a great story, John!
The magic system, story world, and plot are all awesome. I really loved Narius and Everys. They seem like opposites at first but are drawn to each other in a believable way. Both main characters grow and learn from each other and from the challenges they face. Some of the minor characters like Redtale and Trule won me over as well. I loved the mixture of fantasy and science fiction. The different creatures were interesting too. Imagine a lizard-like scenscent being who is quiet, shy, and easily flustered and wants to serve her queen to the best of her ability. John does a wonderful job of bringing all these characters to life with an imagination stirring background.
The romance is clean, and the violence is minimal, nothing gratuitous but only what is necessary to move the story forward.
Congratulations on a great story, John!
November 18, 2023
Why was Everys chosen as a replacement wife for King Narius? Is Narius wise in allowing his new queen to care for the poor, or is he risking rebellion and waar? And can they keep the fact that she's an illegal mage from becoming public knowledge?
"Drawn in Ink" is the first book of "A Legacy of Ink," a new series by one of my favorite authors, John Otte (pronounced Ah-tee). This new collection is more of a fantasy than his previous novels (a superhero trilogy and a two-part sci-fi series). While a different genre, it still includes Otte's great story telling and interesting characters such as his spymaster who appears out of nowhere and disappears just as suddenly, or the queen's personal guard.
I enjoyed this novel and will look forward to book two.
"Drawn in Ink" is the first book of "A Legacy of Ink," a new series by one of my favorite authors, John Otte (pronounced Ah-tee). This new collection is more of a fantasy than his previous novels (a superhero trilogy and a two-part sci-fi series). While a different genre, it still includes Otte's great story telling and interesting characters such as his spymaster who appears out of nowhere and disappears just as suddenly, or the queen's personal guard.
I enjoyed this novel and will look forward to book two.
January 19, 2024
John Otte strikes again!
I don't read this genre, YA sci-fi rarely if ever appeals to me and yet I loved this book so much!!
The characters drew me in so fast and I loved each of themans the dynamic they brought to the story.
Magic system, EPIC. Okay I don't even know how to describe how cool the magic was. I wanna break pens now 😅
Plot, tension galore. Its a romance, romance books aren't supposed to make me sweat like that but I loved it so much! Great romantic scenes and truly well done conflict and tension woven throughout the entire book. Great stuff.
(It's also John Otte so it's gonna be funny XD)
I don't read this genre, YA sci-fi rarely if ever appeals to me and yet I loved this book so much!!
The characters drew me in so fast and I loved each of themans the dynamic they brought to the story.
Magic system, EPIC. Okay I don't even know how to describe how cool the magic was. I wanna break pens now 😅
Plot, tension galore. Its a romance, romance books aren't supposed to make me sweat like that but I loved it so much! Great romantic scenes and truly well done conflict and tension woven throughout the entire book. Great stuff.
(It's also John Otte so it's gonna be funny XD)
January 2, 2023
Exciting Christian fantasy
Let me start by saying that I do not read fantasy, I read romance. I don't know what prompted me to read this book. I liked the cover. It was beautiful. Anyways, I loved the story! I loved the characters! I lived how he took the story of Esther and made it come to life. This book is a must read!
Let me start by saying that I do not read fantasy, I read romance. I don't know what prompted me to read this book. I liked the cover. It was beautiful. Anyways, I loved the story! I loved the characters! I lived how he took the story of Esther and made it come to life. This book is a must read!
January 26, 2024
Want to find your next favorite book?
Check out Drawn in Ash by John W. Otte!
I stumbled across this book as a Kickstarter project that was recommended by a friend and I'm so glad I found it!
Drawn in Ash is a science fantasy based on the Biblical story of Esther. The story is well-written and the two main characters are likable and realistic. I was really pleased with this new take on a classic tale of arranged marriage, royal intrigue, and faith.
I'm so happy I already have book 2 geared up and ready to go!
Thank you John W. Otte for a fantastic tale.
Check out Drawn in Ash by John W. Otte!
I stumbled across this book as a Kickstarter project that was recommended by a friend and I'm so glad I found it!
Drawn in Ash is a science fantasy based on the Biblical story of Esther. The story is well-written and the two main characters are likable and realistic. I was really pleased with this new take on a classic tale of arranged marriage, royal intrigue, and faith.
I'm so happy I already have book 2 geared up and ready to go!
Thank you John W. Otte for a fantastic tale.
October 16, 2024
I liked the book itself a lot more than the ending, though I'm not sure why. I guess maybe a little anticlimactic? But I enjoyed the book itself a lot!
January 24, 2025
So good. Must keep reading. Good thing the whole trilogy is out…
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