Ink Exchange (Wicked Lovely, #2)

by Melissa Marr

[Suz @ Bookish Revelations]

Melissa Marr has a wonderfully delicious and wickedly lovely way of writing. Her world of faeries is richly dark, illustriously beguiling, and incredibly entrancing. It's so unique and creative, that it just leaps to life on the pages, and sucks you into the story. She doesn't fail at all to deliver memorable characters, unique surroundings, and gorgeous imagery that evokes so much power and emotion. Ink Exchange doesn't disappoint, it only elevates the Wicked Lovely series to a whole new otherworldly level, with its brilliant character and plot driven elements that make it such a worth while read.

Ink Exchange is a much smoother read, when compared to Wicked Lovely. There is more depth of emotion, heart pounding action, and sorching romance that tinge the delicate pages in sparks and ash and complication. The characters are simply rich and fantastical. The dark lush ethrealness lent to the beauty in imagery, takes readers on a magical dark ride they'll never forget. There is so much lurking in this terrifying dark world of shadows and perilous danger.

Leslie is such an amazing character, the development and growth that Marr put into her, added more depth and layers to the story. The world of "grey" is definitely a prominent element embraced in this novel, which makes it more intriguing and full of mystique appeal. Irial is such a brilliantly fleshed out and beautifully written villain, though I'm not too sure that he actually is as much of a villain as Marr would like for readers to believe. It was interesting getting to see more background on the Dark Courts, witnessing Irial's dealings with his court, and to see the past explained a good deal more where Nial was concerned. I would say that one of the most intriguing things about this novel, is the intricate and emotionally intense history that's introduced between Irial and Nial. It makes the story stronger and adds a sense of depth to it that gives it more dimension.

Melissa Marr's brilliant shining world of fey is both dark and intricate, as the characters and their surroundings. The level of emotional depth written within the pages of Ink Exchange is sure to hit readers with a sucker punch to the gut. There are twists and turns in the plot, subtle hints, and exchanges that are completely unexpected and wonderfully written. She creates this amazing atmosphere that will just leave you breathless and speechless, as you are pulled into her world. It's haunting and delirious, yet truly mesmorizing and beguiling.

The beautiful emotional points this novel drives home are what makes it such a wonderful dark, enchanting read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a darker, edgier, and more gritty look at fantasy and the world of fae. It is definitely worth the read.