Rating: 4.82 out of 5

Okay, I need to scream about this novel because I am absolute emotional wreckage. When I first saw "Ink-Mage," I was like, "Writing? Sounds kinda boring," but I was SO wrong. This is literally one of the most aesthetic and heartbreaking stories I have ever read.

First of all, Kaito is such a mood. He starts off so broken and sad, renouncing his magic because of his mom, and you just want to hug him. But then he meets Yuki—who is a spirit of a hairpin (yes, a HAIRPIN, and she's still the best girl ever)—and their dynamic is everything. The way they are described as "Ink and Ice" is so poetic it hurts. It’s not your typical flashy magic battles; it’s Kaito writing kanji like "Truth" or "Light" in the air, and the way Epti describes the ink glowing and flowing? It feels like watching a Ghibli movie in your head.

The villain, Mr. Kage, and his creepy Kage Corp are honestly terrifying because they treat spirits like batteries. It’s such a good commentary on greed, but I was too busy stressing out about Kaito and Yuki running for their lives. The training arc in the ancient forest of Yakushima was my favorite part. It was so peaceful and spiritual, and seeing Kaito finally connect with his grandfather’s legacy and learn the "Primal Seal" made me feel so proud of him.

But we have to talk about the ending. Chapter 27?? I am not okay. I saw the comments warning me, but I still wasn't ready. I don't want to spoil it too much, but the sacrifice... my heart shattered. The final chapter, "A New Harmony," was beautiful but in that painful, bittersweet way where you're smiling through tears. Kaito finding peace and feeling that "winter morning" presence even though he's alone? Stop, I can't handle it.

The writing is a little heavy on the philosophy sometimes, but it makes the magic feel so real. If you want a story that is unique, visually stunning, and will make you sob at the end, you have to read this. 4.82/5, would get my heart broken by a calligrapher again.