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Ink Born #3
Ink Bound
I can’t shake the feeling that there’s a noose tightening around my neck.
Fein is pushing me further into the criminal underground with each passing day. I’m supposed to be helping free slaves. It’s a noble cause, but every step I take is one step further from tattoo magician and one step closer to something else. Something darker.
The ink network is playing games I want no part of, and there’s a bounty out for the ink magician.
I never wanted to a hero, but I fear I have no choice.
Fein is pushing me further into the criminal underground with each passing day. I’m supposed to be helping free slaves. It’s a noble cause, but every step I take is one step further from tattoo magician and one step closer to something else. Something darker.
The ink network is playing games I want no part of, and there’s a bounty out for the ink magician.
I never wanted to a hero, but I fear I have no choice.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2017
46 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Holly Evans
35Ìýbooks272ÌýfollowersHolly Evans is an urban fantasy author with an unhealthy fascination with blades, a deep love of hellhounds, and would love one day to wake up as a fae. When she isn't wrangling rogue characters and trying to tame her muse, she's researching shiny new ninja moves. During her spare time she fights crime and rights wrongs on the streets of County Kerry.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 25, 2018
This author continues to deliver book after book of incredible paranormal fantasy! With each book she weaves and expands the incredible world that she has created. I love so many of these people, so many of them feel like family at this point. Keirn and Dacian are beyond amazing and there are so many fascinating people in these books that there are many many series worth of stories for the author to bring to life. I love it when I discover an author who writes so well that reading becomes something more... more like breathing the story in and living it. I am amazed sometimes by the speed of my reading how effortless it becomes! I also love the fact that the author's books center on chosen families, composed of people who have been hurt and rejected by their own or by society. I will never get enough of reading Ms, Evans books and once I finish everything she has published I will pounce on every new book she releases. She is defintely one of my top ten favorite fantasy authors!
March 13, 2018
Good follow up! Great series!
Ink Bound by Holly Evans is a terrific series. Great fantasy, action, has shifters, magicians, magic tattoos, elves, and other creatures. In this book our magically tattooist and friends are trying to save captive would-be slaves. If you have a thing against LBGTQ, don't read because the main characters are gay and the romance is very touching in all three books. If you still have a problem with it in this day and age, get a life. This book has action, magic, wonderful fantasy, great characters, excellent dialogue, and romance. Great job.
Ink Bound by Holly Evans is a terrific series. Great fantasy, action, has shifters, magicians, magic tattoos, elves, and other creatures. In this book our magically tattooist and friends are trying to save captive would-be slaves. If you have a thing against LBGTQ, don't read because the main characters are gay and the romance is very touching in all three books. If you still have a problem with it in this day and age, get a life. This book has action, magic, wonderful fantasy, great characters, excellent dialogue, and romance. Great job.
September 15, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
While I am really enjoying this series, I am glad that I decided to read the whole series back to back. I think the wait to find out what happened would drive me crazy. Like the other two books in the series, the book’s conflict is concluded but the overall series conflict is left open ended.
So far I am really liking the world that this author has created and I love all the characters in this series. Even the mysterious Fein. I like that Dacian is coming into his powers more and more and his relationship with Keirn is coming along nicely. All in all, a really good book and a good addition to the series.
While I am really enjoying this series, I am glad that I decided to read the whole series back to back. I think the wait to find out what happened would drive me crazy. Like the other two books in the series, the book’s conflict is concluded but the overall series conflict is left open ended.
So far I am really liking the world that this author has created and I love all the characters in this series. Even the mysterious Fein. I like that Dacian is coming into his powers more and more and his relationship with Keirn is coming along nicely. All in all, a really good book and a good addition to the series.
September 29, 2018
Ink Bound follows Dacian, the ink magician, as he is dragged ever-deeper into the criminal magical underworld of Prague. Despite the insistence of several of his friends that Fein is more than a crime lord, Dacian has doubts about how involved he wants to be in Fein’s activities, and the choices he’s forced into to help shut down a ring of blood tattooists doesn’t do anything to lay those doubts to rest. When he ends up the bound owner of a wolf feral, Dacian gets a rude awakening to the status of ferals in the magical community, and begins to understand a little more of Fein’s position.
The Ink Born series is a wonderful showcase for author Holly Evans’s talent for utterly plausible world-building. With a fascinatingly original range of magical skills and manifestations, Ink Bound can in no way be categorised as just another urban fantasy adventure, but rather creates its own template. The development of the character of Dacian through this series is also a pleasure to follow. I did find that this book dragged the notion of other magical networks having their own equivalents to Dacian tantalisingly under the reader’s nose and then essentially deep-sixed it; a shame, as it opened up some interesting possibilities. However, aside from that minor frustration, this book is technically flawless and a highly enjoyable read.
Reviewed for .
The Ink Born series is a wonderful showcase for author Holly Evans’s talent for utterly plausible world-building. With a fascinatingly original range of magical skills and manifestations, Ink Bound can in no way be categorised as just another urban fantasy adventure, but rather creates its own template. The development of the character of Dacian through this series is also a pleasure to follow. I did find that this book dragged the notion of other magical networks having their own equivalents to Dacian tantalisingly under the reader’s nose and then essentially deep-sixed it; a shame, as it opened up some interesting possibilities. However, aside from that minor frustration, this book is technically flawless and a highly enjoyable read.
Reviewed for .
October 16, 2017
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Like the previous books in the series, I found this latest installment of the Ink Born series to be an enjoyable read. Dacian has found himself in some bad situations before but none that make him so uncomfortable as what he finds himself dealing with in this newest book. Trying to do the right thing, he finds himself being drawn deeper into the criminal underworld as he’s enlisted once more by Fein, this time to help unravel a slavery racket but things prove to be more complicated than expected…and more dangerous.
There were a lot of things to like about this book; the new characters I’d come to really like from the previous installment were back in this one so I was more than happy to see them again. Keirn and Dacian also finally seem to get their acts together which, after the events of the last book, I was more than happy to see! The story itself was well done; I liked how things were more complicated than everyone first believed as that led to a more interesting story (in my opinion). Fein also went from a character that I borderline couldn’t stand to one I actually kind of liked by the end, which I never expected to happen. The best part of the story was, however, Dacian’s interactions with the ink network. Things have become more complicated there as well but that has also opened up new ways for him to interact and use it. (The ending of the book was a great example of this and I’m excited to see what happens with that in the future!)
Aside from all the things I liked about the book, there were a few minor things I didn’t care for like Dacian’s ex showing up (since I never really liked him to begin with) but, honestly, that really pales in comparison to the rest of the story. Overall this was a really good continuation of the series and I’m looking forward to book four. If you haven’t read this series but enjoy urban fantasy, I totally recommend you check these books out. They do need to be read in order though since each book builds on the one before it.
Like the previous books in the series, I found this latest installment of the Ink Born series to be an enjoyable read. Dacian has found himself in some bad situations before but none that make him so uncomfortable as what he finds himself dealing with in this newest book. Trying to do the right thing, he finds himself being drawn deeper into the criminal underworld as he’s enlisted once more by Fein, this time to help unravel a slavery racket but things prove to be more complicated than expected…and more dangerous.
There were a lot of things to like about this book; the new characters I’d come to really like from the previous installment were back in this one so I was more than happy to see them again. Keirn and Dacian also finally seem to get their acts together which, after the events of the last book, I was more than happy to see! The story itself was well done; I liked how things were more complicated than everyone first believed as that led to a more interesting story (in my opinion). Fein also went from a character that I borderline couldn’t stand to one I actually kind of liked by the end, which I never expected to happen. The best part of the story was, however, Dacian’s interactions with the ink network. Things have become more complicated there as well but that has also opened up new ways for him to interact and use it. (The ending of the book was a great example of this and I’m excited to see what happens with that in the future!)
Aside from all the things I liked about the book, there were a few minor things I didn’t care for like Dacian’s ex showing up (since I never really liked him to begin with) but, honestly, that really pales in comparison to the rest of the story. Overall this was a really good continuation of the series and I’m looking forward to book four. If you haven’t read this series but enjoy urban fantasy, I totally recommend you check these books out. They do need to be read in order though since each book builds on the one before it.
November 1, 2017
MUCH better then the last book! Dacian and Keirn were still the best characters in the series by a long margin but Vyx and Tala are also good. I still hated literally everyone else and their actions and comments to and about Dacian were just over the top and not something that anyone would do to someone they were meant to consider a friend.Overall i give this book 7/10 and i am much looking forward to the next book in the series and that is a HUGE improvement from the last book but i am glad i continued the story.
February 3, 2018
I received this book from the author for an honest opinion.
This is book 3 of the ink magic series that I have dipped my toes into and the series just gets better. I love the authors imagination and how the charcaters are developing and new relationships that are forming. As per usual in each of these books the ink network is in trouble again and its down to Dacian and his motley crew to come to the rescue but who is in control at the end of the day, Dacian or the ink network which is gradually starting to consume Dacian and urge him to more extreme measures. I like this story world as the author just paints the picture with the descriptive words. A must read to those that love fantasy, can't wait to see what happens in book 4.
This is book 3 of the ink magic series that I have dipped my toes into and the series just gets better. I love the authors imagination and how the charcaters are developing and new relationships that are forming. As per usual in each of these books the ink network is in trouble again and its down to Dacian and his motley crew to come to the rescue but who is in control at the end of the day, Dacian or the ink network which is gradually starting to consume Dacian and urge him to more extreme measures. I like this story world as the author just paints the picture with the descriptive words. A must read to those that love fantasy, can't wait to see what happens in book 4.
January 20, 2018
Absolute magic! Love this series. Interested to see what comes next. Wonder if we will see more of Leona?
5 stars
5 stars
August 21, 2018
Love this author's work
August 5, 2017
I waited around and eagerly looked for my copy of this new release of the "Ink Born" series. It was as good as I anticipated. Dacian is still under obligation to Fein. He is being pushed further into the world of crime as he infiltrates a club in order to help fein and his cohorts, Caiden, Luca and Shadow, to save the paranormals who are being taken as slaves. In order not to give up his cover, he winds up with a slave of his own, Tala a savage, frightened young feral wolf. Bound to each other by magic tattoos, Dacian struggles to accept this has happened to him. Keirn becomes more withdrawn, more paranormals are being taken as slave more than before and Dacian infiltrates deeper into the crime world where he doesn't want to be and the "Ink network has been pushing him in ways that he doesn't understand or want to be. Life in other words for Dacian is becoming something he doesn't want. Aw..w..w for the good life. The author has left us clues about the next one in this series and I hope I am correct. Good read. Need to read all of the books to understand what is happening in the next one. Author left the group of fighters with a HFN.
January 17, 2019
This is the third book in the ink series it's about a young ink master and the people around him
I'm really enjoying this series I love the characters Dacian seem to pull people too him that help.him become what he needs to be including Isa . Now Cadien is a bitch I don't like his attitude like he's better than Dacien and the fact that he and Isa are together is not surprising they were attracted to each other when they first meant . If you ask me they where probably together soon after Dacien left but just didn't know how to tell Dacien . I knew that Isa was gonna break up with Dacien when he put off coming and than he kept excepting more job's . But that's alright because Dacien is with the person who he should have been with from start his beloved elf and that's how it should be .
I'm really enjoying this series I love the characters Dacian seem to pull people too him that help.him become what he needs to be including Isa . Now Cadien is a bitch I don't like his attitude like he's better than Dacien and the fact that he and Isa are together is not surprising they were attracted to each other when they first meant . If you ask me they where probably together soon after Dacien left but just didn't know how to tell Dacien . I knew that Isa was gonna break up with Dacien when he put off coming and than he kept excepting more job's . But that's alright because Dacien is with the person who he should have been with from start his beloved elf and that's how it should be .
November 10, 2020
Dacian is a hypocrite and a slacker
So I’m still having problems understanding Dacian’s attitude about his own abilities. It’s clear that he has capabilities, as the ink network’s ambassador, that no one else has. He refuses to refine, hone, practice, or in any way strengthen himself, but throws the mother of all temper tantrums when the network, and his allies, need him to be more than he’s allowed himself to be. In book 1, this was an interesting twist of a character trait, in book 3 it’s irresponsible, reckless, and irritating. Why can’t we see this character have any significant growth? Why do we have to listen to his whining all the time when he doesn’t put in any effort to figure out what his abilities and limits are? He gets all pissy about the ink network using him, but he does the exact same thing to the network.
So I’m still having problems understanding Dacian’s attitude about his own abilities. It’s clear that he has capabilities, as the ink network’s ambassador, that no one else has. He refuses to refine, hone, practice, or in any way strengthen himself, but throws the mother of all temper tantrums when the network, and his allies, need him to be more than he’s allowed himself to be. In book 1, this was an interesting twist of a character trait, in book 3 it’s irresponsible, reckless, and irritating. Why can’t we see this character have any significant growth? Why do we have to listen to his whining all the time when he doesn’t put in any effort to figure out what his abilities and limits are? He gets all pissy about the ink network using him, but he does the exact same thing to the network.
October 31, 2017
“I never wanted to a hero, but I fear I have no choice.�
That pretty much sums it up. Our hero, Dacian, is being forced to mature into someone truly great as he works to free slaves and learns more and more about how to deal with the ink network. Fein (oh Fein you wilt elf, I adore you) plays an increasing role as he pushes Dacian to do all of this, and to get more ensnared by the criminal underground. A story full of action and emotional growth. It’s a heady mix and one I highly recommend.
If you’re a newcomer to this series I strongly urge you to start at book 1, the truly excellent Stolen Ink, to find out exactly what “ink magic� is and how it works, and to be able to follow a pretty wonderful set of characters and watch them develop.
That pretty much sums it up. Our hero, Dacian, is being forced to mature into someone truly great as he works to free slaves and learns more and more about how to deal with the ink network. Fein (oh Fein you wilt elf, I adore you) plays an increasing role as he pushes Dacian to do all of this, and to get more ensnared by the criminal underground. A story full of action and emotional growth. It’s a heady mix and one I highly recommend.
If you’re a newcomer to this series I strongly urge you to start at book 1, the truly excellent Stolen Ink, to find out exactly what “ink magic� is and how it works, and to be able to follow a pretty wonderful set of characters and watch them develop.
August 24, 2017
I'm truly amazed at how this world is coming along. There is so much going on that is fantastic. Never a second of boredom and each and every character adds so much to the whole!!! Dacian is still trying to wrangle the Ink Network and finding his place in the current life that they're living. He doesn't want to be so involved, but he's a hero whether he likes it or not. Getting so involved in the underground criminal element makes him so uncomfortable, thank goodness he and Keirn finally (and I say finally) get together. They ground each other perfectly. Another incredible addition to a world that is truly magical. Can't wait to see what Holly has in store for us in book 4!!
November 7, 2017
4.5 with debate on which way to go. I went with 4 stars, but I liked this one much better than the 2nd. I definitely feel at least the 2nd book, if not the 1st two, need to be read before reading this one. Once again, It is really hard to review and give any evidence without spoilers. I was surprised by some twists and not others. The world is still very interesting and unique. The overall story arc was moved forward nicely. I loved the return of a character from the first story and the addition of a new ambassador. The growth of the characters was true and interesting.
I will definitely read the 4th installment of this series.
I will definitely read the 4th installment of this series.
March 2, 2019
Book 3 and the goodies keep coming
I’ve really enjoyed these books, the characters are strong, clear and feel like friends. The created world is full to overflowing with creatures, myths, legends, fantasy of all genres. Which could be superfluous but actually add depth and strength to the whole series, hedgewitches and blood vines; incubus; pixies; elves; werewolves, magic of every kind, alchemy, elemental. They all contribute to a world tapestry of delightful reading through a series of plots and action adventure that seem to open more of the world whilst negotiating relationships, love stories and intrigue.
Love it. Thank You
I’ve really enjoyed these books, the characters are strong, clear and feel like friends. The created world is full to overflowing with creatures, myths, legends, fantasy of all genres. Which could be superfluous but actually add depth and strength to the whole series, hedgewitches and blood vines; incubus; pixies; elves; werewolves, magic of every kind, alchemy, elemental. They all contribute to a world tapestry of delightful reading through a series of plots and action adventure that seem to open more of the world whilst negotiating relationships, love stories and intrigue.
Love it. Thank You
August 6, 2017
I like these books and the world the author has created but I can't seem to like the main character. He was presented as a sort of bad-assed tattoo artist but he's a big wimp with no backbone who's constantly used and pushed around by those around him specially his so called friends and his "lover" and I use the word loosely since instead of supporting him he manipulates him. I keep reading with the hope that one day he show them how powerful he is so they can all piss their pants.
March 23, 2018
I didn't enjoy this one as well as the previous ones. I think part of the problem is that a new character is added with there already lot of characters. I also wasn't interested in Dacien going further into the criminal underworld. He didn't get to use his magic as much instead spends time helping Tala and going a little undercover work. It brings out the issue of where the line is in doing bad stuff but there wasn't alot of time spent on the path.
August 4, 2017
Amazing
This book was amazing. I waited 2 months for it to come out. This was a wonderfully driven story. The author has a way with words and character development unlike most I have seen. I can not wait to see what she comes up with next. I hope there will be another few books in this series, even if there isn't, it was wonderful. I just simply couldn't put it down.
This book was amazing. I waited 2 months for it to come out. This was a wonderfully driven story. The author has a way with words and character development unlike most I have seen. I can not wait to see what she comes up with next. I hope there will be another few books in this series, even if there isn't, it was wonderful. I just simply couldn't put it down.
January 24, 2018
From Magnolia Reviews: Three Petals
I would recommend this series just based on the intricacy of the magic systems, but I have to say the overall plot held my interest too. I did have some issues with how the emotional state of the main character was written.
Read the full review on Maggie's website:
I would recommend this series just based on the intricacy of the magic systems, but I have to say the overall plot held my interest too. I did have some issues with how the emotional state of the main character was written.
Read the full review on Maggie's website:
January 26, 2018
Delightful series
Each of the entries in this series just get better. Dacian and his growing group of Ink World friends are poised on the brink of a nasty criminal underworld dealing in slavery and abuse of beings with weaker magic. It is going to take some soul searching and maybe getting a bit dirty to make a difference. Great characters!
Each of the entries in this series just get better. Dacian and his growing group of Ink World friends are poised on the brink of a nasty criminal underworld dealing in slavery and abuse of beings with weaker magic. It is going to take some soul searching and maybe getting a bit dirty to make a difference. Great characters!
August 19, 2017
A whole new magic!
Tattoo magic mixing with other networks of magic! Kick ass shifters and feral folk as well. Holly Evans has created a new urban landscape to delve into. You won't want it to end.
Tattoo magic mixing with other networks of magic! Kick ass shifters and feral folk as well. Holly Evans has created a new urban landscape to delve into. You won't want it to end.
August 13, 2017
Needing more. I am so hooked on this series. Great book.
September 30, 2017
Didn't like it.
I think that the main character is flat, annoying, and useless. Who is the hero of this series? The author needs classes in character development and storytelling.
I think that the main character is flat, annoying, and useless. Who is the hero of this series? The author needs classes in character development and storytelling.
October 4, 2017
Edge of my seat
I can't wait to get more from this ink series. I am in love with these characters so much it hurts.
I can't wait to get more from this ink series. I am in love with these characters so much it hurts.
January 7, 2018
Did not like this. Took me months to finish, and I just do not care about any of the characters (let alone the 'plot', such as it is.)
January 23, 2019
Twisted in the Ink
Ms Evans does it again. Gripping read, likeable characters, and amazing magic. Book four is on my the list. Is it on yours?
Ms Evans does it again. Gripping read, likeable characters, and amazing magic. Book four is on my the list. Is it on yours?
December 23, 2020
Ó˥♥Ó˥♥½
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