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Ink #1
Red
The needle buzzed. The nightmare began.
Strapped to a gurney, Edsel watched in horror as they started to tattoo him bright red from the tips of his toes to the top of his head. No piece of skin would be left unmarked.
The Ink.
They were over-confident; he escaped. Only to be chased across the ravaged city as he tried to get home to Kathy before it was too late.
She was dead.
Kathy. Dear sweet Kathy. The only beautiful thing left in a world gone rogue after The Lethargy almost obliterated humanity. They'd taken her; taken everything away from him.
He would have his revenge.
Strapped to a gurney, Edsel watched in horror as they started to tattoo him bright red from the tips of his toes to the top of his head. No piece of skin would be left unmarked.
The Ink.
They were over-confident; he escaped. Only to be chased across the ravaged city as he tried to get home to Kathy before it was too late.
She was dead.
Kathy. Dear sweet Kathy. The only beautiful thing left in a world gone rogue after The Lethargy almost obliterated humanity. They'd taken her; taken everything away from him.
He would have his revenge.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2015
14 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Al K. Line
84 books186 followersAl K. Line is a British author who lives in rural England with his wife, son, and dogs.
When asked to describe himself for this bio all we got was the following:
"Who am I? Degrees, jobs, living in other countries, fighting squirrels, cuddling monkeys, amused by penguins, all the usual stuff."
When asked to describe himself for this bio all we got was the following:
"Who am I? Degrees, jobs, living in other countries, fighting squirrels, cuddling monkeys, amused by penguins, all the usual stuff."
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 19, 2016
INK: Red follows the story of Edsel (don’t call him ED) through a world approximately 7 years into the global plague known as “The Lethargy”. Kidnapped by The Church of the Eventuals, a religious cult of sorts, he is forced to undergo “the Ink” which consists of tattooing every exposed centimeter of skin a bright red hue. Edsel manages to escape before his inking is complete and returns home only to find his beloved Kathy murdered by the church’s fanatical followers. Wracked with grief, guilt and rage at what he has endured and lost along the way, Edsel sets off to seek his revenge on the Bishop and tattooists who have ravaged his body and murdered his Kathy.
Along the way, Edsel encounters a young boy named Aiden and an older man named Bob, who is himself afflicted with a form of The Lethargy but hides his affliction in order to assist Edsel in his efforts. Together they form an unlikely bond on a quest to seek a measure of retribution against the Church and their followers.
It should be noted that while this book is set in the same world as Al’s “Commorancy” series it appears to be a separate storyline that happens to take place during the same time. While The Commorancy and concepts such as being “Awoken”, “The Noise” and “The Void” are all mentioned they are adequately explained within this story-line so you don’t feel like you’ve missed anything by not having read the other series.
Overall, this book was a very fast paced read with more than its share of cringe worthy moments as Edsel’s condition is described in detail. While the ending was to be expected, there also was an unexpected twist that had me yelling “WHAT!” at my kindle. Overall I very much enjoyed this book and an looking forward to reading the next two books in the series.
Along the way, Edsel encounters a young boy named Aiden and an older man named Bob, who is himself afflicted with a form of The Lethargy but hides his affliction in order to assist Edsel in his efforts. Together they form an unlikely bond on a quest to seek a measure of retribution against the Church and their followers.
It should be noted that while this book is set in the same world as Al’s “Commorancy” series it appears to be a separate storyline that happens to take place during the same time. While The Commorancy and concepts such as being “Awoken”, “The Noise” and “The Void” are all mentioned they are adequately explained within this story-line so you don’t feel like you’ve missed anything by not having read the other series.
Overall, this book was a very fast paced read with more than its share of cringe worthy moments as Edsel’s condition is described in detail. While the ending was to be expected, there also was an unexpected twist that had me yelling “WHAT!” at my kindle. Overall I very much enjoyed this book and an looking forward to reading the next two books in the series.
June 27, 2016
INK: Red is a post-apocalyptic thriller, set in England about 7 or so years after a strange plague causes most of humanity to enter a comatose-like state called the Lethargy. Either quickly or slowly, this fugue-like condition causes most of civilization to expire, leaving behind a few 'evolved' humans who are Awakened to a higher consciousness, and a strange, cult-like group called the Eventuals, who have a hard-on for red Ink.
Edsel gets caught by the Eventuals and gets Inked. Every bloody inch of him, from the toes and the soles of his feet, almost up to his head. In excruciating detail, his Inking is recalled in nauseous detail. The pain. The pain. The scabs. The tearing of scabs. The hunt for clothes. The ruin of said clothes. More pain. More scabs. More blood. Mucus. Pus. Pain.
Poor Edsel. Clean socks, aloe vera gel, a few PK's. These are the things he really, really needs. Instead, he's hunted by a group of fanatical cultists, until Edsel decides that he's tired of being the victim and decides to go hunting for some Reds on his own.
I had a hard time at first with this book. Too many unanswered questions - how did Edsel escape from being strapped to a gurney and Inked in the first place? How the hell did he meet Kathy 7 years into an post-apoc nightmare? Why can't those scabs just stop ripping?
I got a sunburn yesterday, spending the day at the beach with my kids. My back was on fire, but I had some aloe vera gel. Edsel, poor sop that he is, accidentally ends up pouring a bottle of Stoli on his scabbed, tortured skin. He's like watching an episode of the Jerry Springer show.
I almost put the book down several times, but I didn't. I had to find out what could possibly happen to Edsel next? A trek through the burning desert? A plague of insects? Check. Check. The poor sad lot of Job almost doesn't compare to the suffering of his tortured skin. And, clearly, Edsel means well; he's such a good soul, befriending young boys and old lethargic men. Until he starts popping cultists in the eye with a tattoo needle. That, my friends, was worthy of a Korean horror action scene.
I absolutely LOVED the ending of this book, which made me recant my initial wayward negative thoughts about this book. Although a little clunky at the beginning, and most definitely graphic, there were two big reveals at the end that really turned me into a fan: 1). How Edsel Got Away, and 2). The Death of Kathy.
Thank you, Mr. Al. I will stay jiggy with it!
Edsel gets caught by the Eventuals and gets Inked. Every bloody inch of him, from the toes and the soles of his feet, almost up to his head. In excruciating detail, his Inking is recalled in nauseous detail. The pain. The pain. The scabs. The tearing of scabs. The hunt for clothes. The ruin of said clothes. More pain. More scabs. More blood. Mucus. Pus. Pain.
Poor Edsel. Clean socks, aloe vera gel, a few PK's. These are the things he really, really needs. Instead, he's hunted by a group of fanatical cultists, until Edsel decides that he's tired of being the victim and decides to go hunting for some Reds on his own.
I had a hard time at first with this book. Too many unanswered questions - how did Edsel escape from being strapped to a gurney and Inked in the first place? How the hell did he meet Kathy 7 years into an post-apoc nightmare? Why can't those scabs just stop ripping?
I got a sunburn yesterday, spending the day at the beach with my kids. My back was on fire, but I had some aloe vera gel. Edsel, poor sop that he is, accidentally ends up pouring a bottle of Stoli on his scabbed, tortured skin. He's like watching an episode of the Jerry Springer show.
I almost put the book down several times, but I didn't. I had to find out what could possibly happen to Edsel next? A trek through the burning desert? A plague of insects? Check. Check. The poor sad lot of Job almost doesn't compare to the suffering of his tortured skin. And, clearly, Edsel means well; he's such a good soul, befriending young boys and old lethargic men. Until he starts popping cultists in the eye with a tattoo needle. That, my friends, was worthy of a Korean horror action scene.
I absolutely LOVED the ending of this book, which made me recant my initial wayward negative thoughts about this book. Although a little clunky at the beginning, and most definitely graphic, there were two big reveals at the end that really turned me into a fan: 1). How Edsel Got Away, and 2). The Death of Kathy.
Thank you, Mr. Al. I will stay jiggy with it!
November 21, 2015
Imagine a world in which most of the population has fallen victim to a mysterious condition known only as The Lethargy, growing increasingly apathetic until they slip into a living coma until they silently pass away. Now imagine that you are one of the survivors, living in a deserted and dangerous world. Welcome to the world of INK.
Edsel has been captured by a cult that calls itself The Eventuals, a group in which every member is tattooed red from head to toe. He manages to escape this painful process and make it back home, only to find that his beloved companion Kathy has been killed by the cult. Spurred by the pain of this tragedy, Edsel sets out to get his revenge.
Along the way, he meets a young boy named Aiden, who has since lost his parents to The Lethargy. Aiden is one of the people who is Awoken – individuals who have not only been able to avoid succumbing to The Lethargy, but have gained mysterious powers. Edsel and his companion set off on a journey together, fighting to survive in the post-apocalyptic world of INK.
INK starts off at a rapid pace that doesn’t let go until you finish the book. I found myself having a hard time putting the book down as I was reading. One aspect of INK that I appreciated was how the theme of revenge was handled and discussed. This book takes previous tropes in speculative fiction and melds these together to create a unique and unforgettable story. Plus, INK has a surprising little twist at the end. If you loved INK: Red, you can delve back into Edsel’s world with the next two books in the INK trilogy which continues more of Edsel’s story, and The Commorancy series, which explores this post-apocalyptic world at large.
Edsel has been captured by a cult that calls itself The Eventuals, a group in which every member is tattooed red from head to toe. He manages to escape this painful process and make it back home, only to find that his beloved companion Kathy has been killed by the cult. Spurred by the pain of this tragedy, Edsel sets out to get his revenge.
Along the way, he meets a young boy named Aiden, who has since lost his parents to The Lethargy. Aiden is one of the people who is Awoken – individuals who have not only been able to avoid succumbing to The Lethargy, but have gained mysterious powers. Edsel and his companion set off on a journey together, fighting to survive in the post-apocalyptic world of INK.
INK starts off at a rapid pace that doesn’t let go until you finish the book. I found myself having a hard time putting the book down as I was reading. One aspect of INK that I appreciated was how the theme of revenge was handled and discussed. This book takes previous tropes in speculative fiction and melds these together to create a unique and unforgettable story. Plus, INK has a surprising little twist at the end. If you loved INK: Red, you can delve back into Edsel’s world with the next two books in the INK trilogy which continues more of Edsel’s story, and The Commorancy series, which explores this post-apocalyptic world at large.
March 3, 2017
The ending
The book had a motivated character that is easily sympathized with, especially once it is read through to the very last sentence.
The book had a motivated character that is easily sympathized with, especially once it is read through to the very last sentence.
July 17, 2015
OK OK that was just uhhm WEIRD, but I loved it. The story line is great it’s the ending that turns you upside down and says WHOA what wait a minute. Oh yeah it will really get ya! Don’t even try to guess you can’t! I tried and failed miserably but it was a great read and the ending was good too like I said it’s just not your normal read at all… Edsel the main character here is being chased by the Bishop. He has few choices to do what he needs to do to survive. He wants to go back home and get Kathy but he doesn’t know if he can without leading them to her. If he does go back what will she think about him, will she even recognize him now that they have inked him for life but luckily he can still see his own face he can still be a human and still survive beyond the Bishop is trying to force him to lead. REALLY great read!!!
June 20, 2016
In post-apocalyptic world, where people are dying of The Lethargy, where you literally become too zoned out to even eat or drink, there are still a few people alive and surviving - just. Some of these survivors belong to a religious cult where believers are tattooed red. All over, every inch of skin. Ouch. One of them escapes but they don't want him to get away.
This is a very strange book and yet for most of it, an oddly compelling read. I did find the last bit began to drag a little but the twist was good. I will definitely put the sequels on my TBR list. Rating 3.5 stars.
This is a very strange book and yet for most of it, an oddly compelling read. I did find the last bit began to drag a little but the twist was good. I will definitely put the sequels on my TBR list. Rating 3.5 stars.
November 2, 2016
I didn't really get into this one and found it a bit weird. The first couple of chapters are just a guy running with constant reminders that he's hurt and it is raining. It was a bit samey. Then it was oh no Kathy's dead and the need to start running again from the bad guys...and I just didn't really want to read on. It was obvious the story wasn't appealing to my book taste so I stopped reading. Not going to pass comment on the author's actual writing or anything. It just didn't appeal to me.
July 27, 2015
A really cool take on the post-apocalypse genre. The Lethargy is an interesting but silent killer, among all the zombie and fallout novels. And of course you have your crazy religious nut jobs to add to the drama. The ink idea was super neat.
Want to read
July 11, 2015kindle
April 22, 2017
Did see that coming!
This apocalyptic story about loss, friendship and love was an easy read, with a twist at the end that left me wanting a little more! A little gory at times, but very good character development. I want INK:Black!
This apocalyptic story about loss, friendship and love was an easy read, with a twist at the end that left me wanting a little more! A little gory at times, but very good character development. I want INK:Black!
May 5, 2018
Imagine a world in which most of the population has fallen victim to a mysterious condition known only as The Lethargy, growing increasingly apathetic until they slip into a living coma until they silently pass away. Now imagine that you are one of the survivors, living in a deserted and dangerous world. Welcome to the world of INK.
Edsel has been captured by a cult that calls itself The Eventuals, a group in which every member is tattooed red from head to toe. He manages to escape this painful process and make it back home, only to find that his beloved companion Kathy has been killed by the cult. Spurred by the pain of this tragedy, Edsel sets out to get his revenge.
Along the way, he meets a young boy named Aiden, who has since lost his parents to The Lethargy. Aiden is one of the people who is Awoken – individuals who have not only been able to avoid succumbing to The Lethargy, but have gained mysterious powers. Edsel and his companion set off on a journey together, fighting to survive in the post-apocalyptic world of INK.
INK starts off at a rapid pace that doesn’t let go until you finish the book. I found myself having a hard time putting the book down as I was reading. One aspect of INK that I appreciated was how the theme of revenge was handled and discussed. This book takes previous tropes in speculative fiction and melds these together to create a unique and unforgettable story. Plus, INK has a surprising little twist at the end. If you loved INK: Red, you can delve back into Edsel’s world with the next two books in the INK trilogy which continues more of Edsel’s story, and The Commorancy series, which explores this post-apocalyptic world at large.
Edsel has been captured by a cult that calls itself The Eventuals, a group in which every member is tattooed red from head to toe. He manages to escape this painful process and make it back home, only to find that his beloved companion Kathy has been killed by the cult. Spurred by the pain of this tragedy, Edsel sets out to get his revenge.
Along the way, he meets a young boy named Aiden, who has since lost his parents to The Lethargy. Aiden is one of the people who is Awoken – individuals who have not only been able to avoid succumbing to The Lethargy, but have gained mysterious powers. Edsel and his companion set off on a journey together, fighting to survive in the post-apocalyptic world of INK.
INK starts off at a rapid pace that doesn’t let go until you finish the book. I found myself having a hard time putting the book down as I was reading. One aspect of INK that I appreciated was how the theme of revenge was handled and discussed. This book takes previous tropes in speculative fiction and melds these together to create a unique and unforgettable story. Plus, INK has a surprising little twist at the end. If you loved INK: Red, you can delve back into Edsel’s world with the next two books in the INK trilogy which continues more of Edsel’s story, and The Commorancy series, which explores this post-apocalyptic world at large.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews