Book Review: ‘Inked’ by Eric Smith

I’d like to start by saying tattoos in general are pretty freaking cool. As long as you get something with meaning. Or something funny. When you get the name of a significant other that has to somehow be changed to look like a tree after you’ve broken up? Not so cool. Not that I’m speaking from experience. No way… Just kidding. I’m really not.

In Inked, author Eric Smith takes tattoos to a whole new level of cool. You think your tattoo has meaning? What if it decided your fate?

Take a gander at the Goodreads summary:

“Tattoos once were an act of rebellion.

Now they decide your destiny the moment the magical Ink settles under your skin.

And in a world where Ink controls your fate, Caenum can’t escape soon enough. He is ready to run from his family, and his best friend Dreya, and the home he has known, just to have a chance at a choice.

But when he upsets the very Scribe scheduled to give him his Ink on his eighteenth birthday, he unwittingly sets in motion a series of events that sends the corrupt, magic-fearing government, The Citadel, after him and those he loves.

Now Caenum, Dreya, and their reluctant companion Kenzi must find their way to the Sanctuary, a secret town where those with the gift of magic are safe. Along the way, they learn the truth behind Ink, its dark origins, and why they are the only ones who can stop the Citadel.“

Advertisement

Clearly baited at the YA crowd, I was somewhat worried when I first started this novel. Over the first few chapters, it seemed as if this book was going to suffer the classic case of a brilliant idea bogged down by not-so-great execution. Characters, especially the protagonist Caenum, were making some ridiculous decisions (i.e. starting the book out by running away from everything he has as to avoid getting inked with a badass tattoo that moves). And the whole concept of the tattoos was somewhat confusing (yes, I said tattoos that move, and do much, much more).

But it isn’t long before we learn that Caenum will help anyone if need be, even when the risk is too great. And once Kenzi is introduced, with a bang I might add, our understanding of the tattoos becomes somewhat clearer.

So I figured why not stay put for the journey and see where Eric Smith takes me. And boy am I glad I did.

Inked turned out to be a book full of action, adventure, and intrigue. Our main trio, Caenum, Dreya, and Kenzi, go on one hell of a journey and face everything from a crooked mayor with a crossbow to a group of bounty hunters who will slice off your hand for looking at them the wrong way.

Each one grows as time passes, and if you started out disliking any of them in the beginning of their journey (trust me, you will), you’ll end up with fond feelings for them by the end of it (again, trust me, you will).

There are numerous twists and turns throughout, and each one is completely justified and will have you face-palming for not having seen it coming sooner.

And the tattoos. Holy mother of bacon, the tattoos. I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but just let me say, pay close attention to the word “magic” in the summary. Because while at first I simply thought they were cool, now they’re totally freaking awesome.

At the end, my only complaint was the lack of emotional attachment the characters shared with one another, and again, unjustified motivations. Either I’m a wuss for not wanting to risk my life for a stranger or Caenum is one damn heroic samaritan.

Regardless of that, over the course of Inked, I giggled, I may have come close to shedding a tear, and I found myself wanting much more. I highly recommend you pick this up once it’s released on January 20th, 2015.

Rating: 8/10 stars