Garden of Ink and Ancient Stone

by N.Z. Nasser

Ysadora is the daughter of a calligrapher in a world where writing has become a lost art. Her elderly father shuns his coveted skill, but she doesn't ask him why. After her mother’s disappearance, they shy away from conflict. Each day, they tend to their bookshop. Each night, after her father retires to bed, Ysadora reads from a forbidden shelf in the cellar.

When her father vanishes during a wild winter storm, Ysadora finds spilt indigo ink on the icy ground and a message written in what could only be his hand. A message that tells her to stay away from the dark forest. A message that tells her to run.

Alone and distraught, Ysadora tracks her way into the forest, towards a bewitching land she thought existed only in stories. In the faerie realm, calligraphy skills are not only highly prized but dangerous. Ysadora meets Zephyr, whose cruel allure proves more perilous than any fae magic. If she is to save her father, she might very well lose her heart.

Garden of Ink and Ancient Stone is the first novel in a new romantasy series, Ink of the Fae. If you are a fan of wild worlds, deadly secrets, strong heroines and the swoon-worthy heroes who love them, this book is for you.

Genres: Fantasy, Amazon, Fae

502 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2024

About the author

N. Z. Nasser is a writer of paranormal women's fiction. Her stories are about women who change the world, filled with magic and rooted in friendship. A lover of barefoot walks along the beach, she is glad to have left behind her career in the civil service and to never wear heels again. Whether she is writing in her garden office or wrangling laundry, she is happiest with a cup of tea at her side. She lives in London with her husband, three children, two cats and a fox-mad dog.

Reviews

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED This Storyline. 4.25 Stars!⭐️😍🪶🪲
Garden of Ink and Ancient Stone:
Ink of the Fae, Book #1
By: N.Z Nasser

This is a fabulous new fantasy story with wonderful world building, a magical system that I hadn't read about before, and although it has tropes in it, they were thoroughly incorporated and felt completely necessary.😍

The mfc, Ysadora, is a good, fairly strong-willed, and brave person, especially considering how out of her depth she is! She's been lied to and betrayed. When she meets the mercenaries, I think those connections really help her!😉

Zephyr, the mmc, is absolutely delicious!🥵 I loved his character, his depth, and his heart!😍 Ok, he's not perfect, but he's trying.😆

The best friend and mercenaries were such an integral part of what made this story so enjoyable. Her parents weren't the best, but her Dad's heart was in the right place!❤️

If this had an audiobook, I would've marked it higher. I really struggle to read without listening to an audio at the same time.😔

I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next!💥

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ysadora is met with a strange woman who her father bought an elixir they both took to keep feeling well. This visit, the woman dumps the elixir into a potted plant. That night when her father does not return from the evil forest, she heads there to find her father. Entering the forest the unknown magic inside her merges she almost dies. She is saved by three people bring her into faerie where she meets Zephyr. They fall in love and to save her father puts them in danger for their lives. A gripping journey into the dark forest where twists and turns bring unexpected action.

[SuperMommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series by N.Z. Nasser is amazing! Ysa, who believes she is human, unexpectedly discovers that she is fae. Landing herself in the Fae realm in search of her missing father, Ysa's hidden powers unveil and Ysa's journey of self-discovery of her magic rapidly advances. Will the mercenary Zephyr that turned her world upside down prove to be man of her heart? This beautifully, uniquely written story has powerful women, dragons, intrigue, Fae, and a whole lot more. Highly recommend this story!

[Lisa Venerussi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! I have read all of Nasser’s other work, and have enjoyed the books, but this! Nasser journeys into high fantasy in a spectacular way. Her world-building is wonderful, her characters multi-faceted and complex, and her storyline was so compelling that I had trouble stopping reading. And I did need to stop because this book is WONDERFULLY long: my grateful thanks for not breaking up this story into multiple books! (As an avid reader, this has become my new pet hate.) Welcome, Welcome, Ms. Nasser, to the elevated ranks of wonderful epic high fantasy writers. Please keep coming back!

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was a marvelous story. It was a page turner and the suspense was incredible intense of a thriller. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. The chemistry between these characters was spicy hot and with a hint of sexual attraction. It was action packed of emotions and madness and chaos. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[nintoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I’m limp with awe… this is a wonderful book, with ups and downs, twists and turns, love and betrayal, and everything in between. Chapter 31 especially resonated deeply within me; I was ugly-crying so hard I had to make a cup of tea just to regain my composure and continue reading! Brava, Ms Nasser, I’m going to dive straight into book 2, as I can’t wait to see what you’ve got planned next for Ysa!

[Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written, but at times it felt overly dense—so wordy that I could only take it in small doses. I usually read 2–3 books a week, yet this one took me an entire week on its own. The pacing was uneven: the first 10% drew me in, but then it slowed to a crawl until about 37%. It picked up again midway, only for the final 10% to feel rushed. The romance element also felt a bit weak. Overall, it was a good read, but not one that leaves me eager to jump straight into book two.

[Chris Fracisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

Its a whole new magical world. Torn with inner fighting but filled with magic that is growing with those returning to Faerie and help the world heal and become new with a deep love between a calligraphers daughter and a prince of the realm. Can't wait for book two!

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot and great writing.

The characters as well as the magic system were nicely portrayed. Definitely waiting for Book 2 of the series.

[Mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story and a great example of finishing the story you're telling while leaving enough strings undone that people want to read the next book. I really appreciate that.

[Sometimes · Rating 3 out of 5]

IDK maybe it's just me but I found the FMC annoying and childish. The Mary Sue vibes were off the charts and I just couldn't go on.

[Cathy Hatrock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

Clever and inventive. But I was disappointed in the graphic sex. I will not read additional books due to this unexpected addition to a captivating tale.

[Grace]

30%

[SuperMommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series by N.Z. Nasser is amazing! Ysa, who believes she is human, unexpectedly discovers that she is fae. Landing herself in the Fae realm in search of her missing father, Ysa's hidden powers unveil and Ysa's journey of self-discovery of her magic rapidly advances. Will the mercenary Zephyr that turned her world upside down prove to be man of her heart? This beautifully, uniquely written story has powerful women, dragons, intrigue, Fae, and a whole lot more. Highly recommend this story!

[nintoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I’m limp with awe… this is a wonderful book, with ups and downs, twists and turns, love and betrayal, and everything in between. Chapter 31 especially resonated deeply within me; I was ugly-crying so hard I had to make a cup of tea just to regain my composure and continue reading! Brava, Ms Nasser, I’m going to dive straight into book 2, as I can’t wait to see what you’ve got planned next for Ysa!