INK EXCHANGE
Melissa Marr
HarperTeen
Fantasy/Romance
ISBN: 9780061214684
325 pages

Seventeen-year-old Leslie has endured tough times since her mother left her behind with her father and brother, most of which she would like to forget. Although she has made mistakes of her own, they pale in comparison to her brother Ren’s out-of-control drug abuse. When Leslie isn’t in school or waitressing to pay for college (as well as the bills her often-absent alcoholic father fails to pay), she tries to avoid her brother as much as she can.

As an escape, Leslie hangs out at Pins and Needles with tattoo artist Rabbit and his younger sisters Ani and Tish. It is there that Leslie searches for a symbol of empowerment --- the first step in claiming her own life after years of trying to keep her family together --- and tries to put behind her the horrific moment when Ren sold her in exchange for drugs, despite the nightmares that continue to plague her.

Leslie also seeks to mend her friendship with Aislinn, who has gone through some life changes of her own, one of which is a strange friendship with the new guy at their high school, Keenan, who Aislinn’s boyfriend Seth seems to tolerate. Although Leslie isn’t sure about Keenan, she finds herself attracted to his mysterious guardian and “uncle” Niall. The attraction is mutual, but Niall has to remain unavailable, since Leslie is mortal, unaware of the faery realm or that Aislinn is the new Summer Queen.

Meanwhile, Irial, the Dark King, is at a crossroads in an increasingly perilous situation. When Keenan, the Summer King, overthrew his mother Beria --- the conniving Winter Queen --- Donia, the Winter Girl, took power, forming a fragile yet peaceful alliance between the Summer and Winter courts. This new union affected all of the other fey courts, particularly the Dark Court, which relied on Biera’s power(s) for some of their own. Now, Irial must either nourish his chaotic court or risk mutiny and full-fledged war, exposing mortals to the fey world as well as the Dark Court’s secrets, destroying his followers and himself in the process. In an effort to restore control, he has already set a plan in motion that will have an intense effect on the fey and mortals.

When Leslie sees a mysterious piece of artwork, she is determined to have it as her tattoo, regardless of Rabbit’s strange reluctance. At first, Leslie feels invincible, ready to take on the world. As time passes, however, and she begins seeing --- and feeling disconnected to --- the bizarre sights and events happening around her, Leslie wonders if she is slowly losing her mind.

Already concerned about Leslie's well-being, Niall is alarmed when he hears of Irial's visit at the restaurant where Leslie works. The news brings up disturbing memories for Niall, and he realizes that he has to protect Leslie from the ruthless Dark King, despite the Summer Court's disapproval. As his feelings for Leslie grow, Niall must decide between doing the right thing and what he feels is right, regardless of the consequences.

Morality and power are major themes as readers are given an unflinching look at the (much) darker side of mortals and fey alike. A compelling companion to WICKED LOVELY, INK EXCHANGE will haunt and intrigue Melissa Marr’s many fans from beginning to end.

   --- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle

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