I'm just throwing that out there.
I suspected this after reading Wicked Lovely, the first in her dark faery YA series, but it was reenforced (tenfold) in Ink Exchange.
More than just a wonderful plot, Marr gives readers incredible visuals that not only evoke intense (dark) emotion, but also explode with sensory detail. Ink Exchange is all about taste - and every page left me starving for more.
Leslie is living a rough life, slave to her delinquent and dangerous brother and dismissed by her absent father. She hides her secrets and shame beneath false bravado, surviving by pushing forward, working towards a brighter future. Part of that transformation for her means getting inked.
But when Leslie selects her tattoo, she is pulled into a very dark - and sensual - faery underworld.
Two faeries have chosen her, each with their own grip on her mortality. And their attention changes Leslie's life forever. Her senses, once numb, are awakened. She is filled with unexplained longing and can taste - yes, taste - every emotion. The salty brine of anger, the sweet cinnamon flavour of jealousy.
Marr's use of sensory detail is second only (in my opinion) to Patrick Suskind's Perfume, where scent is explored with immaculate (and jealousy-inspiring) precision.
As with Wicked Lovely, Marr has created a strong female protagonist. I loved her.
Strangely, I also grew to love each of Leslie's potential suitors - so much so my heart ached wondering how she would ever choose.
Ink Exchange is beautifully written and wonderfully paced. I'm now on the hunt for the third book in this series. And Melissa Marr has securely planted herself among my list of favourite authors.
The Book In My Bag Today: Broken, Kelley Armstrong
Ooh, looks like I might have to just pick up her books!
ReplyDeletehttp://writersally.blogspot.com/2010/08/supporting-writing-show-arc-alert.html
I'm envious you have time to read.
ReplyDeletesigh. Lucky ducky :-) xo
Sounds like a good book to go and get lost in..hmm not a bad idea at all.
Highly recommended, AA :-)
ReplyDeleteJamie - I've learned to MAKE time to read, even if it's a few pages a day. I'm way behind on my goal, but I know that when I do not read, I also do not write. Vicious circle. xo
Great review. I haven't read any of her books. I'm going to have to do that!
ReplyDeleteI loved Wicked Lovely. I own Ink Exchange and can't wait to read it. And Perfume was wonderful! The sensory detail in it was amazing.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne - one of the characters reminds me a bit of Tally, edgy and alternative. I can't say enough about it.
ReplyDeleteMadeia - I love finding other readers who enjoyed Perfume. Such a brilliant book. I think Ink Exchange is better than Wicked Lovely. I'm itching to read the third in the series but MUST finish what I am currently reading.
I haven't read any Melissa Marr yet but I've heard quite a bit about 'Wicket Lovely' so I need to add these to my 'to be ordered' list. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant review Dawn
ReplyDelete