Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Shadow Compass

By: Philippa Leathley

Published by Storytide, 2026-01-06

Return to the world of Indie Next Pick Inkbound in this exciting sequel that finds Meticulous "Metty" Jones in a race against time to save her family from a mysterious blackmailer. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and The Swifts. Meticulous Jones knows the power of her name. Descended from the great Joneses, including the cofounder of New London, Majestic Jones, Metty also inherited the abilities that give them power over life and death. When she is recruited to enlist in the mysterious League of Shadows, a secret society for others with impressive abilities, she's hesitant. After all, why should she join another group that seemingly wants to use her for her powers, especially after her Aunt Mag all but forbids her? Then a blackmailer threatens to reveal Aunt Mag's most dangerous secret--related to her adopted charge, Sundar--and Metty sees the League as her only chance to save him. She becomes determined to complete the three initiation tasks required to join in order to gain their protection. But as the clock winds down, Metty is forced to come to terms with the consequences of magic and the limits of her powers.