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Inheritance of Ink: a Tale of Tenebra
The biggest mysteries are those of the heart.
As a rhetoric and debate professor at the kingdom’s best (and only) university, Nelius has never met a problem he can’t solve with logic and reason—until the day he’s accused of stealing a priceless artifact. Banned from campus and desperate to reclaim his honor and save his career before his debts come due, he’ll do anything to prove his innocence. Even if it means working with an unreliable scrolls and chronicles professor…
Seraphine has one last chance to prove she’s capable of handling the grueling schedule of a professor. If she can impress the headmaster with her historical research, perhaps she’ll finally shake her unfair reputation for being unambitious and unreliable. But when the most crucial document to her studies is suddenly stolen, she’ll have to forge new alliances and face old foes.
When the investigation uncovers a conspiracy buried in the city’s dark history, Nelius and Seraphine are thrust into a web of lies that will force them to rethink everything they once believed about those they trust—and about each other, proving that the biggest mysteries are those of the heart.
As a rhetoric and debate professor at the kingdom’s best (and only) university, Nelius has never met a problem he can’t solve with logic and reason—until the day he’s accused of stealing a priceless artifact. Banned from campus and desperate to reclaim his honor and save his career before his debts come due, he’ll do anything to prove his innocence. Even if it means working with an unreliable scrolls and chronicles professor…
Seraphine has one last chance to prove she’s capable of handling the grueling schedule of a professor. If she can impress the headmaster with her historical research, perhaps she’ll finally shake her unfair reputation for being unambitious and unreliable. But when the most crucial document to her studies is suddenly stolen, she’ll have to forge new alliances and face old foes.
When the investigation uncovers a conspiracy buried in the city’s dark history, Nelius and Seraphine are thrust into a web of lies that will force them to rethink everything they once believed about those they trust—and about each other, proving that the biggest mysteries are those of the heart.
- GenresFantasy
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2025
51 people want to read
About the author
Grace Soto
4 books52 followersGrace Soto is a Christian writer on a mission to fuse faith with fantasy and speak the truth above the lies. Growing up in a house filled with stories, her passion for relatable characters, satisfying arcs, immersive worlds, and heart-warming relationships spills into everything she writes.
Learn more about Grace and get her complete series, the Tiding Bearer Trilogy, at www.writesofgrace.com. (And when you visit, take advantage of the FREE preview of chapters 1-3 of Gift of the Tiding Bearer.) Follow her on Instagram and YouTube @writesofgrace to stay up to date on all the latest news from Tenebra!
Learn more about Grace and get her complete series, the Tiding Bearer Trilogy, at www.writesofgrace.com. (And when you visit, take advantage of the FREE preview of chapters 1-3 of Gift of the Tiding Bearer.) Follow her on Instagram and YouTube @writesofgrace to stay up to date on all the latest news from Tenebra!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 23, 2025
First of all the title 10/10
It definitely embodies the academia, mystery, cozy feeling that the author is going for. When I found out that we would be getting a backstory for bestboi Errol's parents I was so down.
Other than the cozy academia setting (loved seeing Spreadfeather again!) and the small yet memorable cast of charactes was how Grace handled writing chronic illnesses.
For Nelius I truly believe he is autistic-coded, whether its his stimming mannerisms, difficulty interacting with people or topic of interests that he loses himself in. Though not confirmed, it was one of the nicest ways being on the spectrum could be brought to page.
For Seraphina.. my beautiful brave girl. As a person suffering from chronic illness that affects my memory, this was the first time ever seeing a character struggle, prevail, struggle and live with it. Because yes, it wasn't used as a plot device or when convenient (or inconvenient) but a great representation all around.
Grace has a giftb with words that genuinly makes you feel like your there, watching it unfold with you in it.
If you havn't yet, give her trilogy a try! Best Christian fantasy has to offer!
It definitely embodies the academia, mystery, cozy feeling that the author is going for. When I found out that we would be getting a backstory for bestboi Errol's parents I was so down.
Other than the cozy academia setting (loved seeing Spreadfeather again!) and the small yet memorable cast of charactes was how Grace handled writing chronic illnesses.
For Nelius I truly believe he is autistic-coded, whether its his stimming mannerisms, difficulty interacting with people or topic of interests that he loses himself in. Though not confirmed, it was one of the nicest ways being on the spectrum could be brought to page.
For Seraphina.. my beautiful brave girl. As a person suffering from chronic illness that affects my memory, this was the first time ever seeing a character struggle, prevail, struggle and live with it. Because yes, it wasn't used as a plot device or when convenient (or inconvenient) but a great representation all around.
Grace has a giftb with words that genuinly makes you feel like your there, watching it unfold with you in it.
If you havn't yet, give her trilogy a try! Best Christian fantasy has to offer!
August 1, 2025
It’s been a long time since I have enjoyed a dark academia book. This book reminded me my love for dark academia and grew love for Cozy Fantasy. The world that the writer has created is also splendid and would make the great fore fathers of fantasy proud. I recommend this book to all who enjoy what I have listened above.
August 26, 2025
This was a fantastic light academia read! If you like the mystery-solving professors from Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries, you will love this. I was fully immersed in the world this author built and the writing was lovely. The art embedded throughout was really fun and such a nice touch!
July 17, 2025
This book was such a fun read. I loved getting to know these characters. Nelius was such a fun character. I identified with him and grew to really love him. And Seraphine was so sweet. I liked the cozy but also mysterious atmosphere. I could hardly put it down once I started reading it and there were a lot of fun surprises along the way. It was full of adventure and mystery. The little easter-egg surprise at the end was sooooooo satisfying. I loved how this book added to the world of Tenebra and expanded it in ways that felt coherent and realistic. I love Grace's worldbuilding and style. Her books carry a tender gospel message that is genuine and solid. I enjoyed this one very much. I know my kids are going to enjoy another journey into this world. It can be read alone, but also pairs wonderfully with the Tiding Bearer series, making that one so much richer and fuller in retrospect.
August 15, 2025
I knew I would love this book from the first chapter, and I only grew more fond of it as I went on! This book had so many of my favorite things: an academic setting, a mystery to solve, well-rounded characters who are both likeable and flawed, interesting side characters, a well-done villain, great scene descriptions, faith themes, riddles, and (last but not least) an adorable romance between characters who are both willing to sacrifice for each other. Such a fun, cozy book that I know I would happily read again.
I highly recommend this book and am excited to read the rest of Grace's stories!
I highly recommend this book and am excited to read the rest of Grace's stories!
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August 4, 2025| Author Note |
I got the idea to write an academic mystery after visiting my illustrator / bestie Jess Cantrell at the college campus where she teaches art, but even though it started as a simple side project for me to tackle during NaNoWriMo, it become so much more.
I wrote this story as a tribute to the ones who bear their burdens alone because they're afraid of judgement, or of wearing out their loved ones, and for those who bear the burdens of those they love and find honor and joy in doing so. I've been learning a lot about these themes in my personal life as I recover from the severe burn-out in my day job (nursing), and I wanted a story that would gently nudge people who may feel the same as me towards healing.
I hope when you finish Inheritance of Ink, you will take the first step towards healing, whatever that may be for you. I hope you'll open your heart to the help and love of those who care for you, and, most of all, I hope you'll finally start to accept the truth about our Heavenly Father: That He loves us, and has a perfect plan to end suffering and grief forever.
| Content Guide |
• Grief recovery, death of a parent (adult child)
• Some brief violence with limited blood /injuries. Nothing graphic.
• Kisses-and-pining romance only (nothing explicit)
• Fantasy swearing and insults
I got the idea to write an academic mystery after visiting my illustrator / bestie Jess Cantrell at the college campus where she teaches art, but even though it started as a simple side project for me to tackle during NaNoWriMo, it become so much more.
I wrote this story as a tribute to the ones who bear their burdens alone because they're afraid of judgement, or of wearing out their loved ones, and for those who bear the burdens of those they love and find honor and joy in doing so. I've been learning a lot about these themes in my personal life as I recover from the severe burn-out in my day job (nursing), and I wanted a story that would gently nudge people who may feel the same as me towards healing.
I hope when you finish Inheritance of Ink, you will take the first step towards healing, whatever that may be for you. I hope you'll open your heart to the help and love of those who care for you, and, most of all, I hope you'll finally start to accept the truth about our Heavenly Father: That He loves us, and has a perfect plan to end suffering and grief forever.
| Content Guide |
• Grief recovery, death of a parent (adult child)
• Some brief violence with limited blood /injuries. Nothing graphic.
• Kisses-and-pining romance only (nothing explicit)
• Fantasy swearing and insults
September 11, 2025
Fantasy isn’t usually my genre, but Inheritance of Ink completely won me over. The chronic illness representation was so tender and true! I teared up twice just from feeling seen. I loved the characters, the sweet romance, and the thread of adventure that kept me turning pages. Grace Soto’s writing is crisp, beautiful, and so enjoyable… now I want to collect all of her books!
June 24, 2025
As an early fan of the Tiding Bearer Trilogy, I was thrilled to find out that another story was in the works! I'm a huge sucker for prequels (looking at you, Revenge of the Sith), and I'm also a massive sucker for academics, so in a way or two or three or four, this book felt tailor-made for me.
First, I adore the characters. Both Nelius and Seraphine really embody the early-career professor: the anxiety, the determination to prove themselves, the sheer rage from dealing with a student who's really grinding your gears... I'm all too familiar with the major highs and lows of academia, and these two feel like real people, especially in their interactions with each other. Unsurprisingly, the supporting cast also feel very real and believable; they fit the most common archetypes you can expect to find on a college campus.
Second, the actual prose is fantastic. I've been slogging through some pretty joyless reads recently and this one hits the nail on the head for plot, pacing, and writing style. It hits all the necessary beats and offers cool worldbuilding/background information in a way that feels informative and also entertaining. It expands on the lore set out in the main trilogy in a very natural way.
Third, MASSIVE fan of the more mature tone. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the TBT trilogy, it's definitely geared to a YA audience. I think Soto did a great job of approaching a different genre geared towards the NA audience without it becoming tacky and tropey. The mystery is fun and engaging, and the romance is very Pride-and-Prejudice-esque. It delivers very well on its promises.
All in all, I'm very picky about my books, to the point of literally being unable to enjoy a lot of stories. That being said, I highly recommend this one -- the highest praise I can offer a story!
First, I adore the characters. Both Nelius and Seraphine really embody the early-career professor: the anxiety, the determination to prove themselves, the sheer rage from dealing with a student who's really grinding your gears... I'm all too familiar with the major highs and lows of academia, and these two feel like real people, especially in their interactions with each other. Unsurprisingly, the supporting cast also feel very real and believable; they fit the most common archetypes you can expect to find on a college campus.
Second, the actual prose is fantastic. I've been slogging through some pretty joyless reads recently and this one hits the nail on the head for plot, pacing, and writing style. It hits all the necessary beats and offers cool worldbuilding/background information in a way that feels informative and also entertaining. It expands on the lore set out in the main trilogy in a very natural way.
Third, MASSIVE fan of the more mature tone. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the TBT trilogy, it's definitely geared to a YA audience. I think Soto did a great job of approaching a different genre geared towards the NA audience without it becoming tacky and tropey. The mystery is fun and engaging, and the romance is very Pride-and-Prejudice-esque. It delivers very well on its promises.
All in all, I'm very picky about my books, to the point of literally being unable to enjoy a lot of stories. That being said, I highly recommend this one -- the highest praise I can offer a story!
July 29, 2025
I was a beta reader for this book, so keep that in mind as I have not read the finished product (yet).
I am not a cozy fantasy person, but I was invested in this book because of the intricate-but not overly complex-worldbuilding and endearing characters. I have a chronic illness, and so does the fmc. Seraphine was written incredibly well, and I feel that her illness is very accurate (ofc we all have different experiences even people with the same illness). I even cried because the author managed to capture the feelings so well. The romance and mystery are well balanced and well fleshed out.
If you are looking for a low stakes but well paced and fun fantasy read, I think you will love this book.
It also reminded me a lot of C.S Lewis and Jane Austen. :)
I am not a cozy fantasy person, but I was invested in this book because of the intricate-but not overly complex-worldbuilding and endearing characters. I have a chronic illness, and so does the fmc. Seraphine was written incredibly well, and I feel that her illness is very accurate (ofc we all have different experiences even people with the same illness). I even cried because the author managed to capture the feelings so well. The romance and mystery are well balanced and well fleshed out.
If you are looking for a low stakes but well paced and fun fantasy read, I think you will love this book.
It also reminded me a lot of C.S Lewis and Jane Austen. :)
June 23, 2025
This book was amazing!! I usually don't like "cozy" books because they tend to feel boring and slow, but this one had plenty going on and the mystery aspect kept me locked in. The attention to detail with the characters was outstanding. Each character was fleshed out so well, and the two main characters especially are incredibly relatable. The chronic illness rep was touching and realistic. I highly recommend this book!
July 22, 2025
4.5/5 stars!
This book!
It was so sweet, and I having read the Tiding Bearer trilogy, I was so excited to visit this world again! It did not disappoint! The romance was swoon worthy, the plot was so fun, and the representation of chronic illness was absolutely fantastic.
If you are looking for a cozy academia mystery, look no further.
I will say, I wish that there was more magic. This book didn't really have any. That was still really good and I would absolutely recommend!
This book!
It was so sweet, and I having read the Tiding Bearer trilogy, I was so excited to visit this world again! It did not disappoint! The romance was swoon worthy, the plot was so fun, and the representation of chronic illness was absolutely fantastic.
If you are looking for a cozy academia mystery, look no further.
I will say, I wish that there was more magic. This book didn't really have any. That was still really good and I would absolutely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews