Genres: Fantasy, Gaslamp Fantasy, Fantasy Mystery | Release Date: 17 January 2023 | Series: Blood of the Fae | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 578 | Indie Author | Review
“Don’t get overconfident. And never trust Otherkind.”
Sarah Chislon
Overview:
A huge thank you goes to Book Sirens and Sarah Chislon for letting me review a copy of Tattoo of Crimson! This gaslamp fantasy is full of twists and turns, featuring powerful fae and an overzealous guardian cat. How could I pass that up?!
Hemmed in by social and familial expectations, Jessa is a young herbalist who is scared that she’s going mad. Haunted by ‘fae-touch’, Jessa spends all of her time searching for a cure to this affliction. But when her mentor’s marked with a crimson tattoo by a serial killer, Jessa will stop at nothing to find the culprit… Even if that means she needs to harness her growing fae abilities. Will Jessa be able to save the people she loves? Is there any such thing as a ‘good’ fae? And when all is said and done, can an untraceable killer actually be brought to justice?
Happiness Boost:
I’m just putting it out there… I want more!! Sarah has written a truly magical gaslamp fantasy, and this story flows *so* well! With a rich background immersing the reader in something akin to the Victorian period, the setting completely enhances the mystery and intrigue within Tattoo of Crimson. But honestly, that’s just the first ingredient of this delicious, *sumptuous* tale about fighting for love and independence.
There are multiple characters within this fantasy whom I adore. And even the ones who annoy me no end, like Aunt Melisina? It makes the story incredibly fun! I was aching for Jessa to find her independence, to throw off the constraints her family have put on her. And when she decides she’s the one who needs to stop a killer… There is no holding her back. Our young herbalist is a feisty force to be reckoned with, along with her faithful cat, Jade. Who doesn’t love a story like that? Break social convention and be happy, dear Jessa! Even if that means hunting a serial killer and dodging fae madness.
Lord Riven of Elmsford is a high fae we can never truly be sure of… But that’s got to be a happiness boost, because who wants a story with two dimensional characters? I sure don’t! Sarah has given us bookworms a hero we can love, even if his reasons are murky. Combine that with a vain sylph and Jessa’s kit-isne… Well, it’s a hodgepodge group who are determined to stop the Crimson Tattoo Killer. And that really is the best kind.
Downside:
No downside for me! There is a slight cliffhanger at the end of Tattoo of Crimson, but this is basically to set the reader up with a new question/direction for the sequel. And I’m all for that!
Final Thoughts:
Tattoo of Crimson by indie author Sarah Chislon is a glorious gaslamp fantasy, full of murder, fae and restrictive social conventions. This story really is for anyone who loves murder mystery, fantasy and historical fiction… Because it’s the best of all three worlds! I’m so glad I didn’t go past this beautiful tale, and can’t wait for the second book! Love what you’ve heard from my review? Click on any of the links below and get yourself a copy of this amazing gaslamp fantasy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order Tattoo of Crimson via these links:
