Angel's Ink: The Asylum Tales
“A lot of fun, with a whole new take on the dark urban fantasy. Bright and breezy, with fascinating characters, and a background with hidden depths. Drake puts the ink in incredible.”
—Simon R. Green
“Angel’s Ink is an other-earthly blend of magic and technology in the best tradition of urban fantasy that refused to let me go. The continuing Asylum Tales promise to be intriguing and wildly inventive.”
—Kim Harrison
“Gritty, authentic and fast-paced! This urban fantasy series rocks!”
—J.R. Ward
The superstars of urban fantasy agree—Angel’s Ink, the first book in Jocelyn Drake’s Asylum Tales is a winner! Genre fans who know—and love—Drake’s phenomenal, New York Times bestselling Dark Days novels will be blown away by this dark and seductive new series. Meet Gage, a magical tattoo artist trying to remain hidden and alive in a world where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires mingle freely with humans, and warlocks and witches rule the roost with merciless cruelty. Angel’s Ink indelibly marks the beginning of something phenomenal and every reader whose tastes run to the supernatural—those who can’t wait to sink their teeth into the latest Patricia Briggs, Carrie Vaughn, Kelley Armstrong, or Jim Butcher—will want to fly with this Angel.
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Community Reviews
Angel's Ink (The Asylum Tales #1)
by Jocelynn Drake
Introduction
What if Rachel Morgan (Kim Harrisonâs The Hollows) and Harry Dresden (Jim Butcherâs Dresden Files) made sweet, sweet love and had a baby who became a tattoo artist? This series hits many of those notes and still manages to be original.
Genre
Urban Fantasy; adult themes and sexual situations, but nothing explicit
Narration
First person, past tense as told by the main character Gage
Characters
Gage - owner of The Asylum Tattoo Parlor, a powerful warlock in hiding
Gideon - the warlock in charge of monitoring Gage
Bronx - troll & tattoo artist working for Gage
Tribe - elf (disguised as a human) tattoo artist working for Gage
Sophie - witch cursed to remain in the form of a cat
Sparks - tattoo artist who taught Gage
Simon - Gageâs former warlock master
Reave - dark elf and local mob boss
Chang - Gageâs source for rare objects and ingredients
Setting
An alternate version of our modern world; recognizable city names, but a different history with magic and supernatural creatures
Theme
Self-preservation vs doing the right thing
Plot
Gage appears to be a humble tattoo artist and potion stirrer, but heâs actually a powerful warlock in a world ruled by the cruel Ivory Towers, where he had been apprenticed. The Witches and Warlocks of this world are far more powerful than other creatures and are universally hated. Gage (not his real name) was taken as a child because of his innate magic talent. Unable to embrace the harsh cutthroat culture of the Towers, he fought his mentor and was allowed to leave â so long as he refrained from all magic except in self-defense. Given how ruthless the witches are, it was surprising they allowed him to live. He is constantly monitored by a council appointed warlock named Gideon.
About the Author
Jocelynn Drake is the author of the long running vampire series Dark Days. Angel's Ink is the first novel in a new series, Asylum Tales. Find out more at:
Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/1080585.Jocelynn_Drake
Or the authorâs website : http://jocelynndrake.com
My Opinion
When the story opens, Gage is supposedly keeping himself off the radar of the counsel as he runs his tattoo shop, Asylum, with his co-workers Trixie and Bronx. Trixie is an elf in disguise as a human. Thanks to Gageâs anti-glamour spell on his shop, he knows exactly what she is, if not who or why she is hiding, and he is head-over-heels in love with her. Sadly, we really donât get to know Gage or Trixie, and their romance is rather weak. There are others, less close to Gage, that we get to know better. Sophie, the witch turned talking cat, is by far my favorite character.
There are many subplots (no less than five!) in this action-packed series debut. The title comes from a dying girl who comes into the shop asking for an angel-wings tattoo to help her feel she might be forgiven her sins. (Whatever those may be. Weâre never told.) Gage rashly uses a very powerful artifact in his ink â an angel feather â when he tattoos her.
This subplot serves as a catalyst for others and introduces us to Gageâs nearly fatal flaws. He is incredibly reckless for someone in hiding, and heâs a sucker for hopeless cases. He constantly uses magic he is prohibited to use. He is monitored after all, and he should expect to be hauled before the council and executed. Why that doesnât happen is explained in part, but his recklessness is not. The other half of that plot hole is the way he avoids using magic in situations where he clearly should be allowed to defend himself. Itâs a clumsy way, I assume, of keeping him always in trouble.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, despite those flaws, for its fresh ideas and interesting characters. Having read the second book, I can say the story telling gets better.
I give it fours stars for being a solid introduction to an unusual take on urban fantasy.
by Jocelynn Drake
Introduction
What if Rachel Morgan (Kim Harrisonâs The Hollows) and Harry Dresden (Jim Butcherâs Dresden Files) made sweet, sweet love and had a baby who became a tattoo artist? This series hits many of those notes and still manages to be original.
Genre
Urban Fantasy; adult themes and sexual situations, but nothing explicit
Narration
First person, past tense as told by the main character Gage
Characters
Gage - owner of The Asylum Tattoo Parlor, a powerful warlock in hiding
Gideon - the warlock in charge of monitoring Gage
Bronx - troll & tattoo artist working for Gage
Tribe - elf (disguised as a human) tattoo artist working for Gage
Sophie - witch cursed to remain in the form of a cat
Sparks - tattoo artist who taught Gage
Simon - Gageâs former warlock master
Reave - dark elf and local mob boss
Chang - Gageâs source for rare objects and ingredients
Setting
An alternate version of our modern world; recognizable city names, but a different history with magic and supernatural creatures
Theme
Self-preservation vs doing the right thing
Plot
Gage appears to be a humble tattoo artist and potion stirrer, but heâs actually a powerful warlock in a world ruled by the cruel Ivory Towers, where he had been apprenticed. The Witches and Warlocks of this world are far more powerful than other creatures and are universally hated. Gage (not his real name) was taken as a child because of his innate magic talent. Unable to embrace the harsh cutthroat culture of the Towers, he fought his mentor and was allowed to leave â so long as he refrained from all magic except in self-defense. Given how ruthless the witches are, it was surprising they allowed him to live. He is constantly monitored by a council appointed warlock named Gideon.
About the Author
Jocelynn Drake is the author of the long running vampire series Dark Days. Angel's Ink is the first novel in a new series, Asylum Tales. Find out more at:
Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/1080585.Jocelynn_Drake
Or the authorâs website : http://jocelynndrake.com
My Opinion
When the story opens, Gage is supposedly keeping himself off the radar of the counsel as he runs his tattoo shop, Asylum, with his co-workers Trixie and Bronx. Trixie is an elf in disguise as a human. Thanks to Gageâs anti-glamour spell on his shop, he knows exactly what she is, if not who or why she is hiding, and he is head-over-heels in love with her. Sadly, we really donât get to know Gage or Trixie, and their romance is rather weak. There are others, less close to Gage, that we get to know better. Sophie, the witch turned talking cat, is by far my favorite character.
There are many subplots (no less than five!) in this action-packed series debut. The title comes from a dying girl who comes into the shop asking for an angel-wings tattoo to help her feel she might be forgiven her sins. (Whatever those may be. Weâre never told.) Gage rashly uses a very powerful artifact in his ink â an angel feather â when he tattoos her.
This subplot serves as a catalyst for others and introduces us to Gageâs nearly fatal flaws. He is incredibly reckless for someone in hiding, and heâs a sucker for hopeless cases. He constantly uses magic he is prohibited to use. He is monitored after all, and he should expect to be hauled before the council and executed. Why that doesnât happen is explained in part, but his recklessness is not. The other half of that plot hole is the way he avoids using magic in situations where he clearly should be allowed to defend himself. Itâs a clumsy way, I assume, of keeping him always in trouble.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, despite those flaws, for its fresh ideas and interesting characters. Having read the second book, I can say the story telling gets better.
I give it fours stars for being a solid introduction to an unusual take on urban fantasy.
Angel's Ink (The Asylum Tales #1)
by Jocelynn Drake
Introduction
What if Rachel Morgan (Kim Harrisonâs The Hollows) and Harry Dresden (Jim Butcherâs Dresden Files) made sweet, sweet love and had a baby who became a tattoo artist? This series hits many of those notes and still manages to be original.
Genre
Urban Fantasy; adult themes and sexual situations, but nothing explicit
Narration
First person, past tense as told by the main character Gage
Characters
Gage - owner of The Asylum Tattoo Parlor, a powerful warlock in hiding
Gideon - the warlock in charge of monitoring Gage
Bronx - troll & tattoo artist working for Gage
Tribe - elf (disguised as a human) tattoo artist working for Gage
Sophie - witch cursed to remain in the form of a cat
Sparks - tattoo artist who taught Gage
Simon - Gageâs former warlock master
Reave - dark elf and local mob boss
Chang - Gageâs source for rare objects and ingredients
Setting
An alternate version of our modern world; recognizable city names, but a different history with magic and supernatural creatures
Theme
Self-preservation vs doing the right thing
Plot
Gage appears to be a humble tattoo artist and potion stirrer, but heâs actually a powerful warlock in a world ruled by the cruel Ivory Towers, where he had been apprenticed. The Witches and Warlocks of this world are far more powerful than other creatures and are universally hated. Gage (not his real name) was taken as a child because of his innate magic talent. Unable to embrace the harsh cutthroat culture of the Towers, he fought his mentor and was allowed to leave â so long as he refrained from all magic except in self-defense. Given how ruthless the witches are, it was surprising they allowed him to live. He is constantly monitored by a council appointed warlock named Gideon.
About the Author
Jocelynn Drake is the author of the long running vampire series Dark Days. Angel's Ink is the first novel in a new series, Asylum Tales. Find out more at:
Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/1080585.Jocelynn_Drake
Or the authorâs website : http://jocelynndrake.com
My Opinion
When the story opens, Gage is supposedly keeping himself off the radar of the counsel as he runs his tattoo shop, Asylum, with his co-workers Trixie and Bronx. Trixie is an elf in disguise as a human. Thanks to Gageâs anti-glamour spell on his shop, he knows exactly what she is, if not who or why she is hiding, and he is head-over-heels in love with her. Sadly, we really donât get to know Gage or Trixie, and their romance is rather weak. There are others, less close to Gage, that we get to know better. Sophie, the witch turned talking cat, is by far my favorite character.
There are many subplots (no less than five!) in this action-packed series debut. The title comes from a dying girl who comes into the shop asking for an angel-wings tattoo to help her feel she might be forgiven her sins. (Whatever those may be. Weâre never told.) Gage rashly uses a very powerful artifact in his ink â an angel feather â when he tattoos her.
This subplot serves as a catalyst for others and introduces us to Gageâs nearly fatal flaws. He is incredibly reckless for someone in hiding, and heâs a sucker for hopeless cases. He constantly uses magic he is prohibited to use. He is monitored after all, and he should expect to be hauled before the council and executed. Why that doesnât happen is explained in part, but his recklessness is not. The other half of that plot hole is the way he avoids using magic in situations where he clearly should be allowed to defend himself. Itâs a clumsy way, I assume, of keeping him always in trouble.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, despite those flaws, for its fresh ideas and interesting characters. Having read the second book, I can say the story telling gets better.
I give it fours stars for being a solid introduction to an unusual take on urban fantasy.
by Jocelynn Drake
Introduction
What if Rachel Morgan (Kim Harrisonâs The Hollows) and Harry Dresden (Jim Butcherâs Dresden Files) made sweet, sweet love and had a baby who became a tattoo artist? This series hits many of those notes and still manages to be original.
Genre
Urban Fantasy; adult themes and sexual situations, but nothing explicit
Narration
First person, past tense as told by the main character Gage
Characters
Gage - owner of The Asylum Tattoo Parlor, a powerful warlock in hiding
Gideon - the warlock in charge of monitoring Gage
Bronx - troll & tattoo artist working for Gage
Tribe - elf (disguised as a human) tattoo artist working for Gage
Sophie - witch cursed to remain in the form of a cat
Sparks - tattoo artist who taught Gage
Simon - Gageâs former warlock master
Reave - dark elf and local mob boss
Chang - Gageâs source for rare objects and ingredients
Setting
An alternate version of our modern world; recognizable city names, but a different history with magic and supernatural creatures
Theme
Self-preservation vs doing the right thing
Plot
Gage appears to be a humble tattoo artist and potion stirrer, but heâs actually a powerful warlock in a world ruled by the cruel Ivory Towers, where he had been apprenticed. The Witches and Warlocks of this world are far more powerful than other creatures and are universally hated. Gage (not his real name) was taken as a child because of his innate magic talent. Unable to embrace the harsh cutthroat culture of the Towers, he fought his mentor and was allowed to leave â so long as he refrained from all magic except in self-defense. Given how ruthless the witches are, it was surprising they allowed him to live. He is constantly monitored by a council appointed warlock named Gideon.
About the Author
Jocelynn Drake is the author of the long running vampire series Dark Days. Angel's Ink is the first novel in a new series, Asylum Tales. Find out more at:
Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/1080585.Jocelynn_Drake
Or the authorâs website : http://jocelynndrake.com
My Opinion
When the story opens, Gage is supposedly keeping himself off the radar of the counsel as he runs his tattoo shop, Asylum, with his co-workers Trixie and Bronx. Trixie is an elf in disguise as a human. Thanks to Gageâs anti-glamour spell on his shop, he knows exactly what she is, if not who or why she is hiding, and he is head-over-heels in love with her. Sadly, we really donât get to know Gage or Trixie, and their romance is rather weak. There are others, less close to Gage, that we get to know better. Sophie, the witch turned talking cat, is by far my favorite character.
There are many subplots (no less than five!) in this action-packed series debut. The title comes from a dying girl who comes into the shop asking for an angel-wings tattoo to help her feel she might be forgiven her sins. (Whatever those may be. Weâre never told.) Gage rashly uses a very powerful artifact in his ink â an angel feather â when he tattoos her.
This subplot serves as a catalyst for others and introduces us to Gageâs nearly fatal flaws. He is incredibly reckless for someone in hiding, and heâs a sucker for hopeless cases. He constantly uses magic he is prohibited to use. He is monitored after all, and he should expect to be hauled before the council and executed. Why that doesnât happen is explained in part, but his recklessness is not. The other half of that plot hole is the way he avoids using magic in situations where he clearly should be allowed to defend himself. Itâs a clumsy way, I assume, of keeping him always in trouble.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, despite those flaws, for its fresh ideas and interesting characters. Having read the second book, I can say the story telling gets better.
I give it fours stars for being a solid introduction to an unusual take on urban fantasy.
Angel's Ink (The Asylum Tales #1)
by Jocelynn Drake
Introduction
What if Rachel Morgan (Kim Harrisonâs The Hollows) and Harry Dresden (Jim Butcherâs Dresden Files) made sweet, sweet love and had a baby who became a tattoo artist? This series hits many of those notes and still manages to be original.
Genre
Urban Fantasy; adult themes and sexual situations, but nothing explicit
Narration
First person, past tense as told by the main character Gage
Characters
Gage - owner of The Asylum Tattoo Parlor, a powerful warlock in hiding
Gideon - the warlock in charge of monitoring Gage
Bronx - troll & tattoo artist working for Gage
Tribe - elf (disguised as a human) tattoo artist working for Gage
Sophie - witch cursed to remain in the form of a cat
Sparks - tattoo artist who taught Gage
Simon - Gageâs former warlock master
Reave - dark elf and local mob boss
Chang - Gageâs source for rare objects and ingredients
Setting
An alternate version of our modern world; recognizable city names, but a different history with magic and supernatural creatures
Theme
Self-preservation vs doing the right thing
Plot
Gage appears to be a humble tattoo artist and potion stirrer, but heâs actually a powerful warlock in a world ruled by the cruel Ivory Towers, where he had been apprenticed. The Witches and Warlocks of this world are far more powerful than other creatures and are universally hated. Gage (not his real name) was taken as a child because of his innate magic talent. Unable to embrace the harsh cutthroat culture of the Towers, he fought his mentor and was allowed to leave â so long as he refrained from all magic except in self-defense. Given how ruthless the witches are, it was surprising they allowed him to live. He is constantly monitored by a council appointed warlock named Gideon.
About the Author
Jocelynn Drake is the author of the long running vampire series Dark Days. Angel's Ink is the first novel in a new series, Asylum Tales. Find out more at:
Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/1080585.Jocelynn_Drake
Or the authorâs website : http://jocelynndrake.com
My Opinion
When the story opens, Gage is supposedly keeping himself off the radar of the counsel as he runs his tattoo shop, Asylum, with his co-workers Trixie and Bronx. Trixie is an elf in disguise as a human. Thanks to Gageâs anti-glamour spell on his shop, he knows exactly what she is, if not who or why she is hiding, and he is head-over-heels in love with her. Sadly, we really donât get to know Gage or Trixie, and their romance is rather weak. There are others, less close to Gage, that we get to know better. Sophie, the witch turned talking cat, is by far my favorite character.
There are many subplots (no less than five!) in this action-packed series debut. The title comes from a dying girl who comes into the shop asking for an angel-wings tattoo to help her feel she might be forgiven her sins. (Whatever those may be. Weâre never told.) Gage rashly uses a very powerful artifact in his ink â an angel feather â when he tattoos her.
This subplot serves as a catalyst for others and introduces us to Gageâs nearly fatal flaws. He is incredibly reckless for someone in hiding, and heâs a sucker for hopeless cases. He constantly uses magic he is prohibited to use. He is monitored after all, and he should expect to be hauled before the council and executed. Why that doesnât happen is explained in part, but his recklessness is not. The other half of that plot hole is the way he avoids using magic in situations where he clearly should be allowed to defend himself. Itâs a clumsy way, I assume, of keeping him always in trouble.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, despite those flaws, for its fresh ideas and interesting characters. Having read the second book, I can say the story telling gets better.
I give it fours stars for being a solid introduction to an unusual take on urban fantasy.
by Jocelynn Drake
Introduction
What if Rachel Morgan (Kim Harrisonâs The Hollows) and Harry Dresden (Jim Butcherâs Dresden Files) made sweet, sweet love and had a baby who became a tattoo artist? This series hits many of those notes and still manages to be original.
Genre
Urban Fantasy; adult themes and sexual situations, but nothing explicit
Narration
First person, past tense as told by the main character Gage
Characters
Gage - owner of The Asylum Tattoo Parlor, a powerful warlock in hiding
Gideon - the warlock in charge of monitoring Gage
Bronx - troll & tattoo artist working for Gage
Tribe - elf (disguised as a human) tattoo artist working for Gage
Sophie - witch cursed to remain in the form of a cat
Sparks - tattoo artist who taught Gage
Simon - Gageâs former warlock master
Reave - dark elf and local mob boss
Chang - Gageâs source for rare objects and ingredients
Setting
An alternate version of our modern world; recognizable city names, but a different history with magic and supernatural creatures
Theme
Self-preservation vs doing the right thing
Plot
Gage appears to be a humble tattoo artist and potion stirrer, but heâs actually a powerful warlock in a world ruled by the cruel Ivory Towers, where he had been apprenticed. The Witches and Warlocks of this world are far more powerful than other creatures and are universally hated. Gage (not his real name) was taken as a child because of his innate magic talent. Unable to embrace the harsh cutthroat culture of the Towers, he fought his mentor and was allowed to leave â so long as he refrained from all magic except in self-defense. Given how ruthless the witches are, it was surprising they allowed him to live. He is constantly monitored by a council appointed warlock named Gideon.
About the Author
Jocelynn Drake is the author of the long running vampire series Dark Days. Angel's Ink is the first novel in a new series, Asylum Tales. Find out more at:
Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/author/show/1080585.Jocelynn_Drake
Or the authorâs website : http://jocelynndrake.com
My Opinion
When the story opens, Gage is supposedly keeping himself off the radar of the counsel as he runs his tattoo shop, Asylum, with his co-workers Trixie and Bronx. Trixie is an elf in disguise as a human. Thanks to Gageâs anti-glamour spell on his shop, he knows exactly what she is, if not who or why she is hiding, and he is head-over-heels in love with her. Sadly, we really donât get to know Gage or Trixie, and their romance is rather weak. There are others, less close to Gage, that we get to know better. Sophie, the witch turned talking cat, is by far my favorite character.
There are many subplots (no less than five!) in this action-packed series debut. The title comes from a dying girl who comes into the shop asking for an angel-wings tattoo to help her feel she might be forgiven her sins. (Whatever those may be. Weâre never told.) Gage rashly uses a very powerful artifact in his ink â an angel feather â when he tattoos her.
This subplot serves as a catalyst for others and introduces us to Gageâs nearly fatal flaws. He is incredibly reckless for someone in hiding, and heâs a sucker for hopeless cases. He constantly uses magic he is prohibited to use. He is monitored after all, and he should expect to be hauled before the council and executed. Why that doesnât happen is explained in part, but his recklessness is not. The other half of that plot hole is the way he avoids using magic in situations where he clearly should be allowed to defend himself. Itâs a clumsy way, I assume, of keeping him always in trouble.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, despite those flaws, for its fresh ideas and interesting characters. Having read the second book, I can say the story telling gets better.
I give it fours stars for being a solid introduction to an unusual take on urban fantasy.
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