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Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo

by Philippa Leathley

A fate written in ink

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A fate written in ink

On her tenth birthday, Meticulous “Metty” Jones receives a tattoo declaring her future as a murderer. After her father hides her in a remote Welsh farmhouse, his disappearance brings Aunt Magnificent and a move to New London, where Metty encounters a world of magic—and questions about the fate stamped on her hand. The story links family upheaval and a missing parent to a larger mystery involving the Black Moths. Its central tension is clear: whether a magical mark defines Metty, or whether she can shape who she becomes.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Ages 9–12 interested in fantasy adventures with magical rules and mysteries.
  • Readers who enjoy stories about family, fate, and a young protagonist facing a troubling prediction.
  • Fans of settings that contrast a remote farmhouse with a magical city.

Themes

Fate and self-determinationFamily and separationIdentityMagic and mystery

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Enter an extraordinary magical adventure about family, fate, and finding the courage to be yourself. A remarkable debut!

"One of my favorite middle grade books from recent years." --Jordan Lees, author of The Whisperwicks

"An adventure overflowing with magic, brought to life with wit and charm." --Beth Lincoln, author of The Swifts

On her tenth birthday, Meticulous Jones--known to her friends as Metty--receives her fate, as all children do, in the form of a magical tattoo on her hand. She hopes that her ink will reveal something exciting: a tattoo that will symbolize travel, or discovery, or adventure. What appears is a skull, balanced in the palm of a violet glove.

Metty's fate is to become a murderer.

Metty is swiftly hidden away by her father, Moral Jones, in a remote Welsh farmhouse, with only a miserable housekeeper (who's terrified she'll become Metty's first victim) for company. But when Moral goes missing, his sister, Aunt Magnificent, arrives to sweep Metty off to the glittering city of New London. Metty is mesmerized by the magic and enchantment she discovers there. But when she starts to hear rumors of a mysterious and dangerous organization known as the Black Moths, she wonders if they might be connected to her father's disappearance--and to her own fate. . . .

    Fizzing with atmosphere, danger, magic, and mystery, this fantasy will keep kids hooked from the start.A bold heroine and a darkly comic voice make this debut perfect for fans of Nevermoorandthe Swifts.Inkbound's world of magical ink and fate tattoos is utterly unique, yet the writing feels classic.
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Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
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Olivia

Smooth.