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Ink Honey Blossom
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26- GenresFantasy
416 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Liza Losada
1 book4 followers Liza Losada is an author and advanced practice nurse psychotherapist specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder and adolescent psychology. As a trained psychedelic psychotherapist, she engages in research studying the use of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of mental health disorders. She had way too much fun at her alma mater Wesleyan University where she earned a degree in literature focusing on the Victorians which greatly influenced how she thought about language, reading and pretty much everything cool. Her work is inspired by the intersection of her clinical career, her cultural background and the resilience of her patient population. When not putting her protagonists in peril, she enjoys making dioramas of fantasy worlds and personal shrines for loved ones who have lost their furry friends. Fun fact, she is obsessed with pomeranians and named her son after a librarian and a magician from Shakespear in case he ever wanted to become a rock star.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC copy of Ink Honey Blossom.
This book is a quietly thoughtful fantasy that feels like a gentle breath between heavier reads. The story isn't built around huge twists, but instead focuses on its characters, atmosphere and the questions it leaves you asking yourself long after you've finished.
One of the strongest aspects is the prose. Told from Ink's perspective, the writing has a comforting rhythm while still carrying emotional weight. Ink herself is a fascinating protagonist, particularly because of the way she seems to read the people around her almost as easily as words on a page. It gives many of the quieter moments an extra layer of meaning.
Some characters took longer to win me over than others. I initially found Key difficult to connect with, although that gradually changed as the story unfolded, even though her prose was a bit more stuttering. Little Bird was an instant favourite, and I loved the contrast between Honey's personality and her wonderfully ironic name.
The plot is fairly predictable, but that didn't stop me enjoying the journey. The recurring imagery and symbolism tie the story together beautifully, and the novel offers plenty of moments that encourage self-reflection and accepting the imperfect parts of ourselves.
After reading the author's note, I also appreciated the world-building on a much deeper level. Understanding some of the inspiration behind the story made many of its themes feel even more intentional.
If you're looking for a fantasy that's more introspective than action-packed, with lyrical writing and memorable characters, this makes for a rewarding and thoughtful read.
This book is a quietly thoughtful fantasy that feels like a gentle breath between heavier reads. The story isn't built around huge twists, but instead focuses on its characters, atmosphere and the questions it leaves you asking yourself long after you've finished.
One of the strongest aspects is the prose. Told from Ink's perspective, the writing has a comforting rhythm while still carrying emotional weight. Ink herself is a fascinating protagonist, particularly because of the way she seems to read the people around her almost as easily as words on a page. It gives many of the quieter moments an extra layer of meaning.
Some characters took longer to win me over than others. I initially found Key difficult to connect with, although that gradually changed as the story unfolded, even though her prose was a bit more stuttering. Little Bird was an instant favourite, and I loved the contrast between Honey's personality and her wonderfully ironic name.
The plot is fairly predictable, but that didn't stop me enjoying the journey. The recurring imagery and symbolism tie the story together beautifully, and the novel offers plenty of moments that encourage self-reflection and accepting the imperfect parts of ourselves.
After reading the author's note, I also appreciated the world-building on a much deeper level. Understanding some of the inspiration behind the story made many of its themes feel even more intentional.
If you're looking for a fantasy that's more introspective than action-packed, with lyrical writing and memorable characters, this makes for a rewarding and thoughtful read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ink Honey Blossom completely drew me into its world. From the first pages, I felt immersed in a setting that was vivid, detailed, and utterly convincing. Liza Losada's descriptions brought every scene to life so clearly that I could picture it unfolding around me. The worldbuilding is imaginative and creative, yet it feels grounded enough to seem real in an alternative timeline.
This is one of those books that creates tension in the best possible way. I found myself genuinely invested in the characters and anxious about what might happen next, but never in a way that felt overwhelming. The story kept me engaged from beginning to end.
One aspect I especially appreciated was that the narrative centers on girls and young women. Their experiences, choices, relationships, and growth drive the story. Rather than revolving around male characters, the focus remains firmly on the young women at its heart.
The protagonist was a particular delight. As a self-educated young woman with a fascination for words, the narrator sometimes brought to mind Adah from "The Poisonwood Bible". She often strings together clusters of related words, giving her voice a distinctive rhythm and personality that made her feel even more real.
Perhaps most importantly, the ending felt satisfying. It provided enough resolution to feel complete while still leaving room for imagination. Nothing felt rushed or forced. The story concluded at exactly the right moment, allowing the world and characters to linger in my thoughts after I finished reading.
For readers who enjoy rich worldbuilding, memorable characters, and immersive storytelling, "Ink Honey Blossom" is a wonderful read.
This is one of those books that creates tension in the best possible way. I found myself genuinely invested in the characters and anxious about what might happen next, but never in a way that felt overwhelming. The story kept me engaged from beginning to end.
One aspect I especially appreciated was that the narrative centers on girls and young women. Their experiences, choices, relationships, and growth drive the story. Rather than revolving around male characters, the focus remains firmly on the young women at its heart.
The protagonist was a particular delight. As a self-educated young woman with a fascination for words, the narrator sometimes brought to mind Adah from "The Poisonwood Bible". She often strings together clusters of related words, giving her voice a distinctive rhythm and personality that made her feel even more real.
Perhaps most importantly, the ending felt satisfying. It provided enough resolution to feel complete while still leaving room for imagination. Nothing felt rushed or forced. The story concluded at exactly the right moment, allowing the world and characters to linger in my thoughts after I finished reading.
For readers who enjoy rich worldbuilding, memorable characters, and immersive storytelling, "Ink Honey Blossom" is a wonderful read.
April 28, 2026
3.25⭐️
Many years ago, a blight spread that affected only men. To prolong their symptoms and delay their inevitable deaths, they visit special houses where a combination of a rare elixir and girls who act as dream guides helps restore them. However, the time the customers gain comes at the cost of the house girls’ lives.
This is a highly imaginative concept. Each of the house girls has a distinct guiding technique, which is marketed to attract blight-stricken clients. We follow Ink, who reads to her customers to help ease them into a dreamlike state. The descriptions of these trances feel feverish and richly detailed. I also enjoyed the close bond the girls share, as well as the exploration of their relationships and experiences.
Ink is portrayed as very witty, but she often makes questionable decisions. Combined with her tendency to repeatedly list adjectives for words she has just used, this can become frustrating and tedious. As much as I wanted to like the main character and understand her motivations, I still found her unlikable and difficult to root for at times.
Overall, this is a highly unique story that evokes a mix of admiration and critique. Although some elements didn’t fully work for me, the prose and plotline truly elevate the novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Many years ago, a blight spread that affected only men. To prolong their symptoms and delay their inevitable deaths, they visit special houses where a combination of a rare elixir and girls who act as dream guides helps restore them. However, the time the customers gain comes at the cost of the house girls’ lives.
This is a highly imaginative concept. Each of the house girls has a distinct guiding technique, which is marketed to attract blight-stricken clients. We follow Ink, who reads to her customers to help ease them into a dreamlike state. The descriptions of these trances feel feverish and richly detailed. I also enjoyed the close bond the girls share, as well as the exploration of their relationships and experiences.
Ink is portrayed as very witty, but she often makes questionable decisions. Combined with her tendency to repeatedly list adjectives for words she has just used, this can become frustrating and tedious. As much as I wanted to like the main character and understand her motivations, I still found her unlikable and difficult to root for at times.
Overall, this is a highly unique story that evokes a mix of admiration and critique. Although some elements didn’t fully work for me, the prose and plotline truly elevate the novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
May 10, 2026
3⭐️
This book had such a cool and creepy concept. The whole idea of girls being used to keep dying men alive through these trance like experiences was really dark and honestly hard to stop thinking about. The atmosphere was heavy the entire time and the Sonagachi tree was genuinely disturbing in the best way.
Ink (FMC) was definitely my favorite part of the book. She’s tough, guarded, and shaped by everything she’s been through. I really appreciated how the book explored her internal conflict between self preservation and wanting to help the other girls around her. Her resilience throughout everything she endured was heartbreaking but also made her story really compelling to follow.
My biggest issue was the pacing. The story felt really slow in some parts and a little too drawn out. There were moments where I felt like things could’ve moved faster or been explained in fewer words. I stayed interested in the world and the characters, but it definitely took me longer to get through because of that.
I did really like the ending though. It pulled me back in and left me thinking afterward. The book raises a lot of questions about exploitation, survival, sacrifice, and who gets to keep their humanity in impossible situations. Overall this was a solid read with a really unique concept
even if the pacing didn’t fully work for me.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!
This book had such a cool and creepy concept. The whole idea of girls being used to keep dying men alive through these trance like experiences was really dark and honestly hard to stop thinking about. The atmosphere was heavy the entire time and the Sonagachi tree was genuinely disturbing in the best way.
Ink (FMC) was definitely my favorite part of the book. She’s tough, guarded, and shaped by everything she’s been through. I really appreciated how the book explored her internal conflict between self preservation and wanting to help the other girls around her. Her resilience throughout everything she endured was heartbreaking but also made her story really compelling to follow.
My biggest issue was the pacing. The story felt really slow in some parts and a little too drawn out. There were moments where I felt like things could’ve moved faster or been explained in fewer words. I stayed interested in the world and the characters, but it definitely took me longer to get through because of that.
I did really like the ending though. It pulled me back in and left me thinking afterward. The book raises a lot of questions about exploitation, survival, sacrifice, and who gets to keep their humanity in impossible situations. Overall this was a solid read with a really unique concept
even if the pacing didn’t fully work for me.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A book that will leave you with questions of morality, of internal struggles, and an unsettling closeness to some very real issues plaguing society.
The concept is quite interesting. There are girls of varying specialties (Ink Girls read, Blossoms sit pretty, Bird Girls sing, etc.) yet all are trapped within Houses to cater to men dying of the Blight. They have no freedom, little choice, and yet cultivate inner strength to survive the grueling expectations placed upon their shoulders in this dystopian world.
The pacing felt a little off at times - rather slow, even for a book that is heavy on introspection and internal thoughts/dialogue. We stay focused on the main character of Ink, so we only gather glances of the other girls and characters in the story from her point of view.
This book will dwell in my mind for a while as I come to grips with answers to questions spawned from the subjects of exploitation, survival, sacrifice, and humanity.
My Takeaways:
- this concept is unique but makes me uncomfortable
- dystopian worlds always have dark themes and tend to be patriarchal
- what is your poison of choice, sir?
- what qualifies as a monster, really?
- the whole book is a swallow of bittersweet taste
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Liza Losada, and the publisher Sibylline Press for giving me an eARC to read and review!
The concept is quite interesting. There are girls of varying specialties (Ink Girls read, Blossoms sit pretty, Bird Girls sing, etc.) yet all are trapped within Houses to cater to men dying of the Blight. They have no freedom, little choice, and yet cultivate inner strength to survive the grueling expectations placed upon their shoulders in this dystopian world.
The pacing felt a little off at times - rather slow, even for a book that is heavy on introspection and internal thoughts/dialogue. We stay focused on the main character of Ink, so we only gather glances of the other girls and characters in the story from her point of view.
This book will dwell in my mind for a while as I come to grips with answers to questions spawned from the subjects of exploitation, survival, sacrifice, and humanity.
My Takeaways:
- this concept is unique but makes me uncomfortable
- dystopian worlds always have dark themes and tend to be patriarchal
- what is your poison of choice, sir?
- what qualifies as a monster, really?
- the whole book is a swallow of bittersweet taste
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Liza Losada, and the publisher Sibylline Press for giving me an eARC to read and review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm not sure what I was expecting when going into Ink Honey Blossom--I think perhaps a modern dystopian with magic woven in, but this is way more than that. If you are picking this up, hoping for an easy read with clearly/easily lovable characters and a tidy, tied with a bow plot... this one isn't for you. I don't like how NetGalley classified this as general fiction and sci-fi fantasy when it feels VERY in line with literary fiction. I genuinely hope this book finds the RIGHT readers because of that.
It's a thought-provoking commentary on the trafficking, exploitation, and the trauma that comes from it with flawed, sometimes frustrating characters.
But you know what? It's real, and it's visceral. It will make you feel things.
I do think there was pacing issues with this, the middle felt like it lingered longer than it needed to and there was almost too much interiority compared with on page action/dialogue for me, but I almost wonder if that discomfort is intentional, as a way to immerse the reader in the same feeling of claustrophobic anxiety as the House Girls. If so, then epically well done. If not, then it's a happy accident because it works.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sibylline Press, and Liza Losada for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.
It's a thought-provoking commentary on the trafficking, exploitation, and the trauma that comes from it with flawed, sometimes frustrating characters.
But you know what? It's real, and it's visceral. It will make you feel things.
I do think there was pacing issues with this, the middle felt like it lingered longer than it needed to and there was almost too much interiority compared with on page action/dialogue for me, but I almost wonder if that discomfort is intentional, as a way to immerse the reader in the same feeling of claustrophobic anxiety as the House Girls. If so, then epically well done. If not, then it's a happy accident because it works.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sibylline Press, and Liza Losada for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had an interesting concept that was built up in a natural way and didn’t feel like info-dumping. Sometimes it was a bit too descriptive and the pacing suffered. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I liked the main character and how she interacted with other side characters. This was more of a character driven book for me and that’s something I have to be in a specific mood for. I would recommend this book if you’re interested in the concept.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sibiylline Press for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sibiylline Press for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book has a cool and creepy premise, and I thought the author did a great job pulling us into the world of this book. The characters are complex and I found the setting to be immersive, at times almost oppressive, which seemed like the author's intent. The Sona trips that are central to the story are also intriguing and provide provocative ways to dive into back story and character motivations. Super interesting and captivating read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Such an interesting premise, I just wished we did something with it. The world building was overwhelming and ultimately underutilized. In this society, the girls are understandably dehumanized, but unfortunately they weren’t really humanized for us, either.
Thank you Sibylline Press for the review copy.
Thank you Sibylline Press for the review copy.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews