Tattoo of Crimson

Jessa has always toed the line of what is proper in society. She hates participating at events and would rather tend to her plants and work on her herbalist book. Also, she is processing the realization that she is fae-touched which brings on added concerns of being discovered by The Vigil. When her friend Ibbie has been found having increased melancholy, she decides to visit the park that has been rumored to have a spectre roaming near its woods for a specific plant. Her aunt finds out that she went to the park and brought her sister’s with causing increased scrutiny of her behaviors and how she reflects on the family. After agreeing to be more active in society she goes to visit Ibbie and is told a horrible truth, she has been marked by the Crimson Tattoo Killer. Distraught at the news, she is at a crossroads of how to help her friend and hopefully lift the mark from her in time. But as she uncovers more information about this serial killer she comes closer to the Otherworld and the things that she fears may push her over the edge into madness.

This picks up shortly after the novella Whispers in the Waters and is easier to follow if you have read it but it isn’t necessary. There is lots of internal dialogue at the beginning that makes it a bit slow in spots but once the Otherworld starts to rear its head it definitely picks up. That being said, I can appreciate the author laying out all the pieces slowly and as they come together the pace picks up. You can feel the frustrations and struggles that Jessa goes through as she struggles against ‘what is appropriate for a lady’. Jade is my favorite book pet by far and I am hoping we get some more information on her in the next book. Several questions are answered in this book but just as many, if not more, take their place by time we get to the end. I am hoping for some satisfaction in the next book (which happens to come out tomorrow). Overall, this was a very satisfying read and I found a new series to keep up on.

I don’t even know where to start—such a good book! I couldn’t put it down! The plot was gripping, the mystery was intriguing, and I am left on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in the series. Tattoo of Crimson struck a perfect balance of providing satisfactory answers to the mysteries within this book, while leaving you waiting for future books to get answers to larger, looming questions. The characters also fully endeared themselves to me, and I can’t wait to see their continued development! An absolute must-read!!

I THOROUGHLY enjoyed Tattoo of Crimson. The prequel Whispers in the Waters worked as a teaser, making me curious about Jessa and her world without giving me enough time to really attach…not so here! I was hooked almost immediately. Complex characters, each with their own motives, breathtaking plot twists and glimmers of a possible romance. Jessa is no damsel to be rescued, nor is she a superwoman…she’s a real, relatable, sometimes naive, always indefatigable young woman who counts the cost and stands up to do hard things. I love Chislon’s voice, which echoes older classic styles without being dry or overly verbose. You are swept into a whole world of fae and Other creatures with a story lengthy enough to sink your teeth into and enjoy. Despite its length, it still ended too soon for me! I was left replaying favorite parts, pondering the characters, and wondering what comes next long after I finished. I can’t wait for book two!

*I received an advance copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review