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Please Note: I received an advance copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
There’s only one Al MacBharrais: Though other Scotsmen may have dramatic mustaches and a taste for fancy cocktails, Al also has a unique talent. He’s a master of ink and sigil magic. In his gifted hands, paper and pen can work wondrous spells.
But Al isn’t quite alone: He is part of a global network of sigil agents who use their powers to protect the world from mischievous gods and strange monsters. So when a fellow agent disappears under sinister circumstances in Australia, Al leaves behind the cozy pubs and cafes of Glasgow and travels to the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria to solve the mystery.
The trail to his colleague begins to pile up with bodies at alarming speed, so Al is grateful his friends have come to help—especially Nadia, his accountant who moonlights as a pit fighter. Together with a whisky-loving hobgoblin known as Buck Foi and the ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan, along with his dogs, Oberon and Starbuck, Al and Nadia will face down the wildest wonders Australia—and the supernatural world—can throw at them, and confront a legendary monster not seen in centuries.
But Al isn’t quite alone: He is part of a global network of sigil agents who use their powers to protect the world from mischievous gods and strange monsters. So when a fellow agent disappears under sinister circumstances in Australia, Al leaves behind the cozy pubs and cafes of Glasgow and travels to the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria to solve the mystery.
The trail to his colleague begins to pile up with bodies at alarming speed, so Al is grateful his friends have come to help—especially Nadia, his accountant who moonlights as a pit fighter. Together with a whisky-loving hobgoblin known as Buck Foi and the ancient Druid Atticus O’Sullivan, along with his dogs, Oberon and Starbuck, Al and Nadia will face down the wildest wonders Australia—and the supernatural world—can throw at them, and confront a legendary monster not seen in centuries.
Review:
I first became aware of author Kevin Hearne from the Iron Druid novels. I've read them all, so I was really happy that Hearne decided to keep the party going by starting a whole new series set in the same universe. Ink & Sigil introduced us to Al MacBharrais, a Sigil Agent . Since there's only one Druid left on Earth, a Sigil agent does some of the work the druids used to do.
Although this is definitely still Al's story, Atticus (along with his dogs Oberon and Starbuck) is also in this novel. Besides this, we learn much more about Al, his hobgoblin sidekick Buck Foi, and several other characters. This was a a fun novel with plenty of action and humor. I loved it.
What I Liked:
Cross Over with The Iron Druid:
I really enjoyed The Iron Druid series, so it was a real treat to have Atticus (and his dogs) back in a novel. We learn much more about how Atticus is doing since losing his arm. As usual, Atticus does something that has unintended consequences, which the Sigil Agents must deal with. I liked that Al and Atticus see each other as equals, with each one having their own strengths. There is also another character from The Iron Druid who makes an appearance. I won't spoil it for you, but it's really cool to see this person again.
Characters:
We learn much more about Al and his life prior to becoming a Sigil Agent. Al has had one tragedy after another, and he struggles not to be bitter about all that he has lost. This all stems from someone putting a curse on Al, years ago. He doesn't know who did this, or why. But he's been told the only way to break the curse is to work out whatever problem lead to it, or to kill whoever cursed him. On the one hand, he doesn't like the idea of killing anyone. But can he live with himself if he loses Buck to the curse, as well?
We also get a deeper understanding of Atticus, or Conner as he is now knows as. In the Iron Druid series, Atticus/Conner is very much a one with Nature sort of fellow. His main job as a Druid is to keep the Earth in balance. But he often winds up fighting and killing others. When he loses his arm, he firmly believes that there must be a way to get it back. After all, what's the use of having all that magical power if he can't magically regain a lost limb? This story has him rethinking that plan.
We also learn more about some supporting characters who I can see will play bigger roles in upcoming books. There's Nadia, who seems to have a lot of power for someone who's an accountant, and Gladys who's-seen-some-shite, Al's receptionist. Why does everyone know who Gladys is? And why are they being so differential to her? I know once you learn more about these people you will be eager to have them featured prominently in the next novel.
Story:
There are several Sigil Agents strewn about the world. When several of them go missing, it's up to Al and Buck to discover what happened and put things to right again. And where do the pari go to fix this mess? Australia! It's a really smart move for the author to change the scenery a bit with this next book. There's plenty about Australia, with its vast landscapes and wonderful people, to make this a great setting for an adventure.
Al and Buck must discover what has killed several hikers in a National Park, and if it will lead them to the other missing Sigil Agents. This almost becomes something of a video game, where the group must avoid obstacles and traps, as they encounter a variety of monsters. The traps become more elaborate as the story continues. All of which will lead to a final showdown with a "Big Boss" type of villain at the end.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Release Date: August 10th, 2021
Author: Kevin Hearne
Publisher: Del Rey Books
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Page Length: 304 Pages
Source: NetGalley
Format: E-Book
Recommendation: This was an adventure with many fantastic creatures. Lots of laughs along the way ensures the story doesn't take itself too seriously.
