Name: Paper and Blood
ISBN: 9781984821287

Kevin Hearne

New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hearne returns to the world of his beloved Iron Druid Chronicles in book two of a spin-off series about an eccentric master of rare magic solving an uncanny mystery in Scotland. Charming and unconventional Scottish detective Al MacBharrais returns in the second installment of the magical murder mystery series Ink & Sigil.

Book Two of the Ink and Sigil Series

Paper and Blood

'A NEW, ACTION-PACKED, ENCHANTINGLY FUN SERIES' Booklist on Ink & Sigil From New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hearne comes Paper & Blood, the second book in his hugely entertaining new Ink & Sigil series. Set in the world of the Iron Druid Chronicles, it follows Al MacBharrais - an eccentric master of magic solving uncanny mysteries in Scotland . . . Packed to the brim with mystery, magic and mayhem, the Ink & Sigil series is perfect for fans of Rivers of London and Rotherweird. Praise for the Ink & Sigil series: 'You are in for a great treat. Ink & Sigil is great escape reading, and I loved every word' Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse books 'Will transport you right in the Scottish realm of fey and fairies . . . The magic is both familiar and new, believable and extraordinary' Charlie Holmberg, author of The Paper Magician 'Vividly blends Kevin Hearne's unique take on urban fantasy with the grit of Scottish magic' Adam Christopher, author of Empire State 'Ink & Sigil is filled to the brim with the Hearne-anigans we've all grown to love. Fans of ribald humor, literary puns and the odd hobgoblin will be enchanted by this paranormal mystery' Jaye Wells, author of the Prospero's War series

Book 2 of the Ink & Sigil series

Paper & Blood

Sabetha Danes

Book 1 in this series was one of my top 10 reads from 2020, so when I received an email that book 2 was available to ARC, I squealed! This installment did not disappoint. 

From Gladys Who Has Seen Some Shite to Buck Foi, the ragtag band of hilarious characters is back to take out another problem that landed at their doorstep uninvited. It's one wizard van ride you aren't going to want to miss, unless you don't want to see some shite. Probably don't read this book, as it's full of shite to be seen. 

Kevin does a fantastic job at name dropping covid to keep the book solidly in current society, without wasting words to describe the situation. I mean we've been living it right? He also, yet again, painted a picture of the setting so perfectly I felt like I was in the bush with the characters. I love his attention to detail without info dumping. 

The development of Gladys Who Has Seen Some Shite as a character was unexpected but exactly what the world building needed. Her hilarious appearances made my anticipation for book 3 unbearable! So many questions, not enough answers with this one. I need to know, do Canadians really put maple syrup in their tea?!

This mystery takes us deeper into the world of sigil agents, meeting & exploring the work space of an Australian apprentice, gave so much more depth to the life of an agent, and what Al is missing out on by his apprentices continually dying. It also gives a lot more information on the other worldly creatures/people/beings that Al & gang know of. This really gives weight to how expansive the world building is, and leaves me pondering over all the potential for future books.

Many of the questions from book 1 are answered, but there are a few series long questions that will still linger after finishing book 2. I don't feel cheated by this, but glad that they will hopefully get their own book, and the attention they deserved, instead of being answered as a side quest. 

Every character in the book is well crafted, and has multiple layers to their being. I love that there aren't clear evil and good lines, but a lot gray and switching of sides potential. It gives more realistic traits to those of a different plane. He does a great job of showing that no two people are the same, and the world is full of variety without beating you over the head with it.

The sigil magic system is masterful, this book builds on book 1 and gives more rules, and short comings of its uses. I love the way it is described during battles, and pretty much everything about how it operates. The thought of parts of it being able to die out with an agents death was terrifying! (great nod to the death of a language.)

This series is riddled with life lessons, and deeper meanings. It shines light on the fact that we are all going through something, and have choices with potential to grow or wallow. I love the introspective nature of the characters, and the open communication. It is always refreshing when books don't use "if only they spoke to each other" as a way to create intense drama. 

Overall, you'll love this series if you love humorous fantasy with a wide range of fantastical characters. And good dugs, they were very good dugs, and I feel it would be a disservice if I didn't mention them in the review. 

Favorite Quotes without Spoilers:

"It's like the Spanish Inquisition, nobody expects a turtle dragon spider."

"Oi, there's a metaphor for evil, eh, MacBharrais? Industrial polluters are shitting demons in the creek. Clearcutting forests? Also shitting demons in the creek. And if ye put almond milk in ma coffee, ye're definitely shitting demons in the creek."

(view spoiler)["Ye might as well say, I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling Scots!" (hide spoiler)]

Paper and Blood Book Two of the Ink and Sigil Series