The Inner Temple

by Kelly Barker

Sleep deprived Zoe lives in her own imagination, struggling between home and work life as a barber... finding it easier each day to slip into a world that doesn't exist. Or does it?

Hell bent on completing the story she is writing to right a wrong, she unknowingly creates a storyline so powerful, it gives the main character - a vampire queen - the means to escape off the pages and into the real world.

To secure her freedom, Ivy the vampire queen must destroy the writer. However, Zoe can’t determine what's real or what her mind has conjured. Is this all just a part of her overactive imagination? Or can she accept her gift, using it to send Ivy back to hell?

200 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2022

About the author

Kelly Barker was born in Oxford and now lives in Witney with her husband and dog, Lana. She has been a barber for over twenty years, and loves her job. However, reading and writing is her passion—a passion handed down to her by her great grandmother, Isobel O’Leary. Her short stories have featured in magazines and anthologies, and she is the author of The Inner Temple, Even the Gods Fear It, Necromantia and Breaking his House Rules.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was fine; it's a pretty quick read. As other reviewers have said, the plot and characters are there, but the writing could use some work. The opening in particular was abrupt and didn't quite make sense. I loved the ideas in the book, but I think other writers have done the "books are alive" trope better. The cover also does the book a disservice, as it is probably the least reflective piece of plot they could have used.

I'd like to thank netgalley and the publisher for the eARC I received.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read! I loved this book, i thought the story was cleverly written. Its quite a short novel which was perfect because you could get through it in 1 or 2 sittings.
Its an urban fantasy with twists and turns which I couldn't see coming.
This was a debut novel by Kelly barker, she is definitely one to keep a close eye on.
Looking forward to the sequel, which was teased at the end of the book.

[Poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had hooked from the start. It's different, quirky, and heartwarming. The story is original, and I can honestly say I haven't read anything like this before. It's about a barber/writer who unknowingly brings her stories to life. The author skillfully weaves in and out of the story within a story then brings both together towards the end of the book.

[Nancy Cumming · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very interesting! The maladaptive day dreaming is a very interesting look into the mind of the author. The MC is flawed and relatable with a fresh take on fantasy and reality!

[Charley James Lawrance · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

[Jack Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, and I genuinely cared about them and their goals.