Overview

Meet Al MacBharrais, a gruff Glaswegian printer in his sixties—and a sigil agent who uses enchanted inks to police fae mischief in our world. When his apprentice dies in suspicious circumstances, Al and his found family (including a scene-stealing hobgoblin) dig into a trafficking plot that stains the back lanes of the city’s magic trade.

Writing & Voice

Hearne’s tone is brisk, banter-bright, and warmly Scottish without leaning on caricature. The sigil system—paper, inks, and carefully scripted glyphs—feels tactile and cleverly bounded by rules, while the dialogue snaps with pub-table wit. It’s fun first, but smart about craft and consequence.

Characters

Al is a terrific lead: wry, capable, and quietly vulnerable, especially around the curse that makes his spoken voice repellent to listeners. The supporting cast shines—dry-as-dust accountant Nadia, exuberant hobgoblin Buck Foi, and a roster of fae and mortal foils who give the story real bounce.

Themes

Aging heroes, the ethics of power, and the paperwork behind magic. The novel nudges at found family and responsibility—who safeguards the crossings, and what happens when commerce collides with the Otherworld. Beneath the jokes sits a credible moral spine.

What Worked

• Fresh magic system: inks, papers, and glyph rules make spellcasting feel hands-on.
• Glasgow texture: backstreet offices, pubs, and rain feel integral, not decorative.
• Character chemistry: Al’s team dynamic is instantly likeable and funny.

Minor Quibbles

• Quippy tone may soften some of the darker plot beats for readers craving grit.
• Early world info arrives briskly; newcomers to the Iron Druid universe may need a chapter to settle in.

Final Thoughts

Witty, warm, and briskly inventive, Ink & Sigil launches a Glasgow-set arc full of paper-and-ink magic, found family, and fae trouble—urban fantasy with real charm and craft.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)