Helpful Score: 2
You could say that The Black Tattoo is another of the countless good vs. evil tales where a trio of characters battle to save planet Earth from the forces of darkness. You could say that. Until you read this book.
The author's cast of characters could be any of the teenagers attending your nearby school. Charlie, the misfit, is bored with school, doesn't do homework, can't get a girlfriend, hates his life and desperately wants to be like his ultra-cool, good-looking, smart and ever-popular friend. Jack, of course, is that friend. Then there's Esme. She's trained her whole life for this mission. It has been her total focus for as long as she can remember. Just think of Lara Croft in Tomb Raider and you've got the talents, skills and finesse of Esme.
The author draws the reader into this story through his integration of vividly described action scenes, fantastical settings, realistic characters, and quick pacing. As the main characters are deeply involved in surface issues, they are also dealing privately with individual issues of ethics, morality and loyalty. They must each deal with their own personal demons regarding these issues in order to be ready to accomplish the task at hand. Cleverly, the author provokes the reader's contemplation of these issues as well.
Join Charlie, Jack and Esme as they battle inner demons, interpersonal relationship issues, and the battle of their lives. Together they must go to the very depths of hell to save planet Earth from total destruction. You won't want to miss it!
Happy reading!
The author's cast of characters could be any of the teenagers attending your nearby school. Charlie, the misfit, is bored with school, doesn't do homework, can't get a girlfriend, hates his life and desperately wants to be like his ultra-cool, good-looking, smart and ever-popular friend. Jack, of course, is that friend. Then there's Esme. She's trained her whole life for this mission. It has been her total focus for as long as she can remember. Just think of Lara Croft in Tomb Raider and you've got the talents, skills and finesse of Esme.
The author draws the reader into this story through his integration of vividly described action scenes, fantastical settings, realistic characters, and quick pacing. As the main characters are deeply involved in surface issues, they are also dealing privately with individual issues of ethics, morality and loyalty. They must each deal with their own personal demons regarding these issues in order to be ready to accomplish the task at hand. Cleverly, the author provokes the reader's contemplation of these issues as well.
Join Charlie, Jack and Esme as they battle inner demons, interpersonal relationship issues, and the battle of their lives. Together they must go to the very depths of hell to save planet Earth from total destruction. You won't want to miss it!
Happy reading!
I liked this book alot... It was weird, but i like weird books.... With so much that was going on in this book, The main thing i liked was the to friends, they always got each others back :)
Helpful Score: 1
This book was okay just not as good as most of the paranormal books that are out there today.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book but TIM-DEFENDER OF THE EARTH by enthoven is better
One of the best books I've listened to in awhile. Definitely worth a listen to or a read.
I really enjoyed this book.
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
Jack Ferrell wishes he would have listened to his instincts, to have made his friend, Charlie, turn away. But since Charlie was already having a bad time, what with his dad leaving, he went along with it.
He met Nick, a guy who just casually asked if the boys wanted to take a test that they supposedly were fit for. Without hesitation, Charlie accepted, making Nick lead them to the beautiful Esme. Turns out Nick is part of a brotherhood that had to look after a demon that was captured, making sure that it didn't escape. Unfortunately, they weren't successful, since one of their members betrayed them and let the demon take over his body.
Which means Charlie and Jack were their new recruits.
Even though Charlie was showing great progress, developing powers, and getting close to defeating the demon, something unexpected happens and he lands himself in Hell.
Jack then finds himself in Hell, too, even though he would rather be somewhere, anywhere else. It is the perfect opportunity to save his friend. At least he has Esme by his side, but can he save Charlie before the demon fully controls him -- or will this be a battle both boys will lose?
THE BLACK TATTOO isn't only creative but also adventurous and gripping. Every page is full of detail, causing the reader to feel like they are on the adventure with Jack, which is a scary thought. Sam Enthoven is in a league of his own, and definitely knows how to create a thriller that would be a blockbuster hit.
Jack Ferrell wishes he would have listened to his instincts, to have made his friend, Charlie, turn away. But since Charlie was already having a bad time, what with his dad leaving, he went along with it.
He met Nick, a guy who just casually asked if the boys wanted to take a test that they supposedly were fit for. Without hesitation, Charlie accepted, making Nick lead them to the beautiful Esme. Turns out Nick is part of a brotherhood that had to look after a demon that was captured, making sure that it didn't escape. Unfortunately, they weren't successful, since one of their members betrayed them and let the demon take over his body.
Which means Charlie and Jack were their new recruits.
Even though Charlie was showing great progress, developing powers, and getting close to defeating the demon, something unexpected happens and he lands himself in Hell.
Jack then finds himself in Hell, too, even though he would rather be somewhere, anywhere else. It is the perfect opportunity to save his friend. At least he has Esme by his side, but can he save Charlie before the demon fully controls him -- or will this be a battle both boys will lose?
THE BLACK TATTOO isn't only creative but also adventurous and gripping. Every page is full of detail, causing the reader to feel like they are on the adventure with Jack, which is a scary thought. Sam Enthoven is in a league of his own, and definitely knows how to create a thriller that would be a blockbuster hit.
Review from Booklist:
A fight to save the world from an evil presence; magical creatures; and three teen protagonists (two boys and girl) . . . : sound familiar? Esme has trained all her life to help her father and the Brotherhood defeat the Scourge, an evil entity that plans to end the world. Charlie gains superpowers as he becomes host to the Scourge, which manifests itself as a shifting black tattoo. Charlie's friend Jack becomes an unwitting, unskilled participant in the battle against the evil. Campy humor enlivens the sometimes cliched events, which move between London and Hell through a portal located in a pub. Esme's martial arts and sword-wielding skills provide plenty of action, and a wide range of intriguing creatures populates the story: floating sharks; blood-sucking, meal-vomiting bats; and giant spiders--sometimes serving as gladiator adversaries in Hell. Adventure and invention abound, but tighter plotting would have improved the story. The epilogue sets the stage for a sequel. Cindy Dobrez
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
A fight to save the world from an evil presence; magical creatures; and three teen protagonists (two boys and girl) . . . : sound familiar? Esme has trained all her life to help her father and the Brotherhood defeat the Scourge, an evil entity that plans to end the world. Charlie gains superpowers as he becomes host to the Scourge, which manifests itself as a shifting black tattoo. Charlie's friend Jack becomes an unwitting, unskilled participant in the battle against the evil. Campy humor enlivens the sometimes cliched events, which move between London and Hell through a portal located in a pub. Esme's martial arts and sword-wielding skills provide plenty of action, and a wide range of intriguing creatures populates the story: floating sharks; blood-sucking, meal-vomiting bats; and giant spiders--sometimes serving as gladiator adversaries in Hell. Adventure and invention abound, but tighter plotting would have improved the story. The epilogue sets the stage for a sequel. Cindy Dobrez
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
