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Ink
His studio has become his refuge and his prison—a place of boundless imagination and isolation. Brian Archer, creator of a series of successful graphic novels about a vengeful supernatural being called “The Highwayman,” has become a recluse after the adoration of a female fan turned to rage and violence.
But all that changes when he meets a renowned and beautiful illustrator, A.J. Hart, who carries emotional scars of her own. Their work together is fueled by the unrequited passion they share and a mysterious bottle of black ink that arrives one day at Brian’s doorstep.
The impossibly dark liquid has mystical properties, making their characters appear so real they eventually come to life, reigning terror on those who mean them harm and if not stopped—threatens to unleash an apocalypse on all mankind. Brian must break free of his self-imposed exile and solve the mystery that allowed these terrible creatures into the world.
But all that changes when he meets a renowned and beautiful illustrator, A.J. Hart, who carries emotional scars of her own. Their work together is fueled by the unrequited passion they share and a mysterious bottle of black ink that arrives one day at Brian’s doorstep.
The impossibly dark liquid has mystical properties, making their characters appear so real they eventually come to life, reigning terror on those who mean them harm and if not stopped—threatens to unleash an apocalypse on all mankind. Brian must break free of his self-imposed exile and solve the mystery that allowed these terrible creatures into the world.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Glenn Benest
1 book5 followersGlenn Benest lives in Glendale, California, along with his adorable puppy, Milton, so named after the renowned English poet. He’s an award-winning screenwriter and producer with seven produced feature and television movie credits. He has been a professional writer his entire career.
“Like the protagonist in our novel, I was a late bloomer when it came to reading, but when I got the hang of it, I spent many hours in the library, devouring everything I could get my hands on: Batman, westerns, sports books even pulp magazines.
I also started writing poetry when I was in high school, then transitioned to the theatre at Harvard, where I realized I had to go for my dream. I quickly moved to Los Angeles where I got my master of fine arts degree at U.C.L.A., but soon realized I couldn’t make a living writing stage plays.”
Glenn began to write screenplays and by the age of thirty wrote two films for acclaimed horror director Wes Craven.
“I think I’ve written in every genre imaginable, including romance, thrillers, mystery, comedy, and drama. Writing fiction has been my latest endeavor, although INK combines two genres that have always fascinated me – paranormal romance and horror.”
Glenn and his writing partner Dale Pitman met in one of Mr. Benest’s screenwriting workshops and quickly discovered they shared a passion for comic books and the supernatural.
This is their first novel.
“Like the protagonist in our novel, I was a late bloomer when it came to reading, but when I got the hang of it, I spent many hours in the library, devouring everything I could get my hands on: Batman, westerns, sports books even pulp magazines.
I also started writing poetry when I was in high school, then transitioned to the theatre at Harvard, where I realized I had to go for my dream. I quickly moved to Los Angeles where I got my master of fine arts degree at U.C.L.A., but soon realized I couldn’t make a living writing stage plays.”
Glenn began to write screenplays and by the age of thirty wrote two films for acclaimed horror director Wes Craven.
“I think I’ve written in every genre imaginable, including romance, thrillers, mystery, comedy, and drama. Writing fiction has been my latest endeavor, although INK combines two genres that have always fascinated me – paranormal romance and horror.”
Glenn and his writing partner Dale Pitman met in one of Mr. Benest’s screenwriting workshops and quickly discovered they shared a passion for comic books and the supernatural.
This is their first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 21, 2015
The creator of graphic novels becomes the object of an enamored stalker and his home becomes his both his refuge and his prison. Brian Archer creates supernatural characters, some good, some evil. His world is dark, edgy and it is said he brings his characters to life, could it be possible that he truly has? Only his faithful dog, Deke, knows what Brian is dealing with, knows fact from fiction, but is his protection enough to save Brian’s fragile mind?
Thanks to meeting the woman who is saving his soul, making him face his fears and the world, Brian is learning to live again, to leave his self-imposed prison. But has A.J. angered his stalker or perhaps his characters?
Ink by Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman digs through the murk of a dark psychological thriller and strips our senses bare as we watch the horrors that play out in Brian’s life. Are they real or perceived? Has Brian’s mind finally crossed the veil between reality and fiction or has he given life to the characters he has created? There is more going on than meets the eye…
With more twists than a dried grape vine, this tale will take you through the dark corners of the human mind, and the dark alleys of intrigue and evil machinations. Will we be returned to sanity with answers to our questions or will we be left wanting more? Do you like mysteries that make your skin crawl? Do you like the big build up to the meat of the story before starting that dizzying spiral to the end? Take a look at Ink.
I received this review copy from Glenn Benest in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 8, 2015
Publisher: Larry Czerwonka Company
ISBN-13: 9780692336182
Genre: Intrigue/Thriller
Paperback: 326 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For More Reviews, Promotions and all things Books visit: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Thanks to meeting the woman who is saving his soul, making him face his fears and the world, Brian is learning to live again, to leave his self-imposed prison. But has A.J. angered his stalker or perhaps his characters?
Ink by Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman digs through the murk of a dark psychological thriller and strips our senses bare as we watch the horrors that play out in Brian’s life. Are they real or perceived? Has Brian’s mind finally crossed the veil between reality and fiction or has he given life to the characters he has created? There is more going on than meets the eye…
With more twists than a dried grape vine, this tale will take you through the dark corners of the human mind, and the dark alleys of intrigue and evil machinations. Will we be returned to sanity with answers to our questions or will we be left wanting more? Do you like mysteries that make your skin crawl? Do you like the big build up to the meat of the story before starting that dizzying spiral to the end? Take a look at Ink.
I received this review copy from Glenn Benest in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 8, 2015
Publisher: Larry Czerwonka Company
ISBN-13: 9780692336182
Genre: Intrigue/Thriller
Paperback: 326 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For More Reviews, Promotions and all things Books visit: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 12, 2015
**I was given this book with an honest review.**
I have to admit, this is my very first review for a book directly from the author himself. Usually, I can never make time for this especially with my long list of to-be-read books and of course my slow reading habit. Honestly, I really wanted to pick one up and try it. So, here goes... INK by Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman.
You'll know it when books are able you make you submerge yourself in their world with just a split second. I would never have captured myself if it weren't for the good story plot, moreover the writing in this book is exceptionally easy to grab hold of your attention through out!
There are reasons why I'm able to relate with all the characters in this book, it is because they have invested in good character development! Even when you're able to gauge that some characters are secondary in nature, you still have a soft spot for them. This is like watching a TV series, where you think they are not important, and BAM!, you know them well enough to even want them gone. That's how good this book has to offer.
Story plot was fantastic! The repercussion of being a famous graphic novel artist was very well explored with great depths. Subsequently, both the authors depicts that there-will-always-a-price-to-pay-for-fame incredibly well that you can even feel it in your bones. I will never understand what fame is until how this book explains it in specific detail on how traumatizing it can be in which I would definitely stay away from.
The suspense was really good that it gets my adrenaline pumping! As horrific as this might sound, the more characters being introduced the greater the suspense. Lastly, I would assume that the pacing of the book would be to everyone's liking and reading enjoyment. Trust me, it does not bore at all.
Some might ask, "Would you continue on with the series?" -- My answer: "Of course I would!"
And there's one thing I might add, the author did not tell me that there will be A SEQUEL!!! Oh come on!!! How could he?
Seriously guys, give this a try. It's like a breath of fresh air.
My Blogspot Review
July 3, 2015
★★★★★+ "HOLY FREAKIN CRAP!" Stars.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
The start of the book totally makes me think of Riders On The Storm by The Doors
My brain is in total fangirl mode right now. I love love LOOOOVE this book!
I really love how this book started off. It really drew me in, I wasn't expecting what I saw in the start of chapter one, honestly. I think that twist was brilliant.
It's one of those read in one sitting kind of books because the author just keeps you so enthralled, you don't want to put it down because you just KNOW you'll end up missing something, but it is also one of those books where you have to force yourself to slow down and reread the whole page again because you read it so fast your brain didn't even have time to pickup what you just read.
I know some people might not like some of the Point Of View switching (I normally don't) but in this case? LOOOOVED it! It was so great to get to see from so many sides and get what the other characters were thinking.
Liiiiike, oh, say.... Deke. (I seriously love Deke. I mean really, can a dog be any more adorable!?) you get to know what's on his mind! How awesome is that!? (That's a new one for me, so please ignore my excitement if you have see that before; but think about it.... was the one you read really as good as Deke? Probably not. haha.)
Now lets see the take on the good verses the bad guys here... Whoa. What's a work more intense than love? Because I don't think love covers this. Everything about this is perfect. The great details literally left me going "Whoa!" "What?!" "HOLY CRAP!" aaaaand "duuuuuuude" probably so much more in all truth. Goodness knows I stopped reading a few times just to reread my favorite parts then read then again aloud to my sister.
I love the take on how Brian takes his fans. That they aren't just "fans" but they are also his friends. It's like they know what it's like to be a fan and NOTHING makes someone feel more special than when someone they look up to remembers who they are and talks to them one on one like Brian does. Even when he was around people he didn't talk to and was unfamiliar with them, he still took the time to be nice to them and answer questions, ect.
Friedlander on the other hand, really makes me mad he (to me) is pushy and arrogant. He knows everything Brian has gone through and doesn't care, he just keeps pushing. Even at the meet/greet thing, when Brian was actually happy about meeting the head of his fan club, the Asshat just cuts him off and goes on about all the money they will make. What a douche! and lets not forget when he pulls the "you you you what about your sister? our kids" or whatever. I just sat there for probably a good 5 minutes just like "Are. You. Really. Serious." I would throat punch him if given a chance, really.
If I could rate this book more than 5 stars, I would because it deserves it! I really recommend this book. It's horror, it's mystery, it's suspense, it's a lot of things. And because I received this book in return for a honest review, I really do plan on going out and buying the actual book, it was just THAT amazing to me.
I can't wait for book two!
The newly titled nobleman kicks and claws as I hold him, vice-like, then dangle him a hundred feet above St. Patrick's Cathedral.
He screams with unholy dread: "God's blood, let me go, I beseech thee!"
Oh my gosh I'm laughing so freakin hard. You dummy, you are 100 feet above the Cathedral! You want him to let you go? You WANT to die? LMBO!
"Hello, old friend," she calls to me, licking the gore from her face. "If you like, keep the carcass, I have the soul!"
...Excuss me while I -
Ya know, ya hear a good bit about the stalker fans... but what she taped to his car? Really? ... man, I would have vomited too!
I can see him running from Belinda like "HOLY HELL!"
I received this book in return for an honest review.
The start of the book totally makes me think of Riders On The Storm by The Doors
My brain is in total fangirl mode right now. I love love LOOOOVE this book!
I really love how this book started off. It really drew me in, I wasn't expecting what I saw in the start of chapter one, honestly. I think that twist was brilliant.
It's one of those read in one sitting kind of books because the author just keeps you so enthralled, you don't want to put it down because you just KNOW you'll end up missing something, but it is also one of those books where you have to force yourself to slow down and reread the whole page again because you read it so fast your brain didn't even have time to pickup what you just read.
I know some people might not like some of the Point Of View switching (I normally don't) but in this case? LOOOOVED it! It was so great to get to see from so many sides and get what the other characters were thinking.
Liiiiike, oh, say.... Deke. (I seriously love Deke. I mean really, can a dog be any more adorable!?) you get to know what's on his mind! How awesome is that!? (That's a new one for me, so please ignore my excitement if you have see that before; but think about it.... was the one you read really as good as Deke? Probably not. haha.)
Now lets see the take on the good verses the bad guys here... Whoa. What's a work more intense than love? Because I don't think love covers this. Everything about this is perfect. The great details literally left me going "Whoa!" "What?!" "HOLY CRAP!" aaaaand "duuuuuuude" probably so much more in all truth. Goodness knows I stopped reading a few times just to reread my favorite parts then read then again aloud to my sister.
I love the take on how Brian takes his fans. That they aren't just "fans" but they are also his friends. It's like they know what it's like to be a fan and NOTHING makes someone feel more special than when someone they look up to remembers who they are and talks to them one on one like Brian does. Even when he was around people he didn't talk to and was unfamiliar with them, he still took the time to be nice to them and answer questions, ect.
Friedlander on the other hand, really makes me mad he (to me) is pushy and arrogant. He knows everything Brian has gone through and doesn't care, he just keeps pushing. Even at the meet/greet thing, when Brian was actually happy about meeting the head of his fan club, the Asshat just cuts him off and goes on about all the money they will make. What a douche! and lets not forget when he pulls the "you you you what about your sister? our kids" or whatever. I just sat there for probably a good 5 minutes just like "Are. You. Really. Serious." I would throat punch him if given a chance, really.
If I could rate this book more than 5 stars, I would because it deserves it! I really recommend this book. It's horror, it's mystery, it's suspense, it's a lot of things. And because I received this book in return for a honest review, I really do plan on going out and buying the actual book, it was just THAT amazing to me.
I can't wait for book two!
The newly titled nobleman kicks and claws as I hold him, vice-like, then dangle him a hundred feet above St. Patrick's Cathedral.
He screams with unholy dread: "God's blood, let me go, I beseech thee!"
Oh my gosh I'm laughing so freakin hard. You dummy, you are 100 feet above the Cathedral! You want him to let you go? You WANT to die? LMBO!
"Hello, old friend," she calls to me, licking the gore from her face. "If you like, keep the carcass, I have the soul!"
...Excuss me while I -
Ya know, ya hear a good bit about the stalker fans... but what she taped to his car? Really? ... man, I would have vomited too!
I can see him running from Belinda like "HOLY HELL!"
July 7, 2015
Review: INK by Glenn Benest & Dale Pitman Published by: The Larry Czerwonka Company (15th July 2015)
ISBN: 978-0692336182
Source: Author
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
His studio has become his refuge and his prison—a place of boundless imagination and isolation. Brian Archer, creator of a series of successful graphic novels about a vengeful supernatural being called “The Highwayman,” has become a recluse after the adoration of a female fan turned to rage and violence.
But all that changes when he meets a renowned and beautiful illustrator, A.J. Hart, who carries emotional scars of her own. Their work together is fueled by the unrequited passion they share and a mysterious bottle of black ink that arrives one day at Brian’s doorstep. The impossibly dark liquid has mystical properties, making their characters appear so real they eventually come to life, reigning terror on those who mean them harm and if not stopped—threatens to unleash an apocalypse on all mankind. Brian must break free of his self-imposed exile and solve the mystery that allowed these terrible creatures into the world.
My Review:
When author Glenn Benest asked me to read and review INK, I was really not expecting such a thrilling rollercoaster ride! The prologue is mysteriously haunting, and it drew me into The Highwayman's dark and treacherous world in an instant.
What happened next was a complete surprise. Tortured writer Brian Archer is a fantastic and intriguing character, whose experiences have made him the person he is today; a recluse. He only leaves the house with his lawyer (and brother-in-law) and with his faithful german shepherd, Deke.
A chance meeting brings Archer into contact with beautiful illustrator A.J. Hart, and together they work on The Highwayman's next mission, A.J. breathing new life into the vengeful character. As their working relationship develops, it's lovely to see how their feelings for one another grow. The little nuances of their friendship are expertly written and very touching.
As the story continues to build, other forces come into play.. With twists and turns on every page, this is a novel I simply couldn't put down. It had me reading into the early hours, desperately turning the pages and trying to figure out what would happen next.
I devoured the story, I simply couldn't get enough. I cannot praise this book highly enough! If you want a thrilling read that keeps you up all night and makes you feel every emotion, buy INK!
Pre-order INK here!
ISBN: 978-0692336182
Source: Author
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
His studio has become his refuge and his prison—a place of boundless imagination and isolation. Brian Archer, creator of a series of successful graphic novels about a vengeful supernatural being called “The Highwayman,” has become a recluse after the adoration of a female fan turned to rage and violence.
But all that changes when he meets a renowned and beautiful illustrator, A.J. Hart, who carries emotional scars of her own. Their work together is fueled by the unrequited passion they share and a mysterious bottle of black ink that arrives one day at Brian’s doorstep. The impossibly dark liquid has mystical properties, making their characters appear so real they eventually come to life, reigning terror on those who mean them harm and if not stopped—threatens to unleash an apocalypse on all mankind. Brian must break free of his self-imposed exile and solve the mystery that allowed these terrible creatures into the world.
My Review:
When author Glenn Benest asked me to read and review INK, I was really not expecting such a thrilling rollercoaster ride! The prologue is mysteriously haunting, and it drew me into The Highwayman's dark and treacherous world in an instant.
What happened next was a complete surprise. Tortured writer Brian Archer is a fantastic and intriguing character, whose experiences have made him the person he is today; a recluse. He only leaves the house with his lawyer (and brother-in-law) and with his faithful german shepherd, Deke.
A chance meeting brings Archer into contact with beautiful illustrator A.J. Hart, and together they work on The Highwayman's next mission, A.J. breathing new life into the vengeful character. As their working relationship develops, it's lovely to see how their feelings for one another grow. The little nuances of their friendship are expertly written and very touching.
As the story continues to build, other forces come into play.. With twists and turns on every page, this is a novel I simply couldn't put down. It had me reading into the early hours, desperately turning the pages and trying to figure out what would happen next.
I devoured the story, I simply couldn't get enough. I cannot praise this book highly enough! If you want a thrilling read that keeps you up all night and makes you feel every emotion, buy INK!
Pre-order INK here!
July 8, 2015
Published by: The Larry Czerwonka Company (15th July 2015)
ISBN: 978-0692336182
Source: Author
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
His studio has become his refuge and his prison—a place of boundless imagination and isolation. Brian Archer, creator of a series of successful graphic novels about a vengeful supernatural being called “The Highwayman,” has become a recluse after the adoration of a female fan turned to rage and violence.
But all that changes when he meets a renowned and beautiful illustrator, A.J. Hart, who carries emotional scars of her own. Their work together is fueled by the unrequited passion they share and a mysterious bottle of black ink that arrives one day at Brian’s doorstep.
The impossibly dark liquid has mystical properties, making their characters appear so real they eventually come to life, reigning terror on those who mean them harm and if not stopped—threatens to unleash an apocalypse on all mankind. Brian must break free of his self-imposed exile and solve the mystery that allowed these terrible creatures into the world.
My Review:
When author Glenn Benest asked me to read and review INK, I was really not expecting such a thrilling rollercoaster ride! The prologue is mysteriously haunting, and it drew me into The Highwayman's dark and treacherous world in an instant.
What happened next was a complete surprise. Tortured writer Brian Archer is a fantastic and intriguing character, whose experiences have made him the person he is today; a recluse. He only leaves the house with his lawyer (and brother-in-law) and with his faithful german shepherd, Deke.
A chance meeting brings Archer into contact with beautiful illustrator A.J. Hart, and together they work on The Highwayman's next mission, A.J. breathing new life into the vengeful character. As their working relationship develops, it's lovely to see how their feelings for one another grow. The little nuances of their friendship are expertly written and very touching.
As the story continues to build, other forces come into play.. With twists and turns on every page, this is a novel I simply couldn't put down. It had me reading into the early hours, desperately turning the pages and trying to figure out what would happen next.
I devoured the story, I simply couldn't get enough. I cannot praise this book highly enough! If you want a thrilling read that keeps you up all night and makes you feel every emotion, buy INK!
ISBN: 978-0692336182
Source: Author
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
His studio has become his refuge and his prison—a place of boundless imagination and isolation. Brian Archer, creator of a series of successful graphic novels about a vengeful supernatural being called “The Highwayman,” has become a recluse after the adoration of a female fan turned to rage and violence.
But all that changes when he meets a renowned and beautiful illustrator, A.J. Hart, who carries emotional scars of her own. Their work together is fueled by the unrequited passion they share and a mysterious bottle of black ink that arrives one day at Brian’s doorstep.
The impossibly dark liquid has mystical properties, making their characters appear so real they eventually come to life, reigning terror on those who mean them harm and if not stopped—threatens to unleash an apocalypse on all mankind. Brian must break free of his self-imposed exile and solve the mystery that allowed these terrible creatures into the world.
My Review:
When author Glenn Benest asked me to read and review INK, I was really not expecting such a thrilling rollercoaster ride! The prologue is mysteriously haunting, and it drew me into The Highwayman's dark and treacherous world in an instant.
What happened next was a complete surprise. Tortured writer Brian Archer is a fantastic and intriguing character, whose experiences have made him the person he is today; a recluse. He only leaves the house with his lawyer (and brother-in-law) and with his faithful german shepherd, Deke.
A chance meeting brings Archer into contact with beautiful illustrator A.J. Hart, and together they work on The Highwayman's next mission, A.J. breathing new life into the vengeful character. As their working relationship develops, it's lovely to see how their feelings for one another grow. The little nuances of their friendship are expertly written and very touching.
As the story continues to build, other forces come into play.. With twists and turns on every page, this is a novel I simply couldn't put down. It had me reading into the early hours, desperately turning the pages and trying to figure out what would happen next.
I devoured the story, I simply couldn't get enough. I cannot praise this book highly enough! If you want a thrilling read that keeps you up all night and makes you feel every emotion, buy INK!
June 14, 2015
Full review/Цялото ревю - click, click
After-read thoughts:
Two things you have to know before reading the book - this is not a stand alone novel, and in this volume, the supernatural element is rather more subtle than the impression you may have got from the GR blurb.
With this in mind, I don't see how you can not love the book. I wasn't aware of some of it, and still loved it.
INK here is almost equal parts psycho thriller and very sweet love story, with a touch of paranormal in the end and a promise for more in the future. For most of it, the book was maybe a bit slow, but made up for it with very neat story telling and great character depth. The latter actually ended being one of my favourite aspects of the book. Brian has been through lot, ever since his childhood, and even more lately. I observed with great interest his reactions, the interpretations of social anxiety or p.t.s.d. and how he was managing. Brian was so full of kindness and I really loved him (and he reminded me of the mentioned before other author-character I am fond of, Seth).
When I was starting this book, I couldn't imagine that I would extend the reccomendation to the fans of sweet and adorkable romance, but here it is. The relationship between Brian and A.J. was indeed very cute and bit clumsy and shy at times, which made me love it even more. Brian's connection with his fans was also great, even after all he's been through - and as mentioned in the pre-read part, it kind of gives you the "one of us, one of us" feeling, especially if you got that little nerd living in you.
However, if you're into it for the monsters climbing out of the novel pages, beware things were a bit slow on this front. True, there are chapters telling the story of The Highwayman of the graphic volumes, but 3/4 through the story all we got were only subtle mentionings of something paranormal in the back. Quite honest, at this part I was getting bit bored and wondered if it was all actually only in Brian's head. What I thought would be the inception of the action was covered in the last chapter. The book was dealing more with the past and present real life problems of the characters.
At this point, and nearing the end of the book, I wondered about the rating I'd give INK and wether I should
round it off to 4 or 5 stars. I favoured the higher rating because - wait for it, I was saving the best bit for last - we have dog's POV. Deke, Brian's shepherd was as much a main character of the book as any of the humans and he was awesome! Many episodes, especially Brian's struggling and the supernatural appearances were told via his eyes, which was one of the coolest story telling decisions I've stumbled upon lately.
So I gave INK 5 stars for the deft writing, great character building and interesting, albeit bit stalling at places, story and will be looking forward to what The Highwayman will do next, once on the clear.
~~~
Следпрочитно:
Преди да започнете книга трябва да знаете две неща - с които аз не бях, когато отворих - това е първият том от бъдеща поредица, и свръхестественият елемент е по-деликатно представен, отколкото човек може да предположи, четейки Гуудрийдс анотацията. Имайки това предвид, не виждам какво ще ви попречи да заобичате книгата. Аз се гмурнах без да знам тези подробности, и пак ми хареса много.
"МАСТИЛО" е в почти равни половини психо трилър и много сладка любовна история, с по-силно представен фантастичен елемент към края и обещание за повече в следващия том. На места действието се развиваше бавно, но за реванш начинът, по който бе разказано, бе много приятен и героите бяха изградени в дълбочина. Последното бе едно от любимите ми неща в книгата. Брайън е преминал през много, още от детство, та чак досега. С голям интерес четох как са представени социалната фобия и посттравматичния стрес и как той се справяше с тях. Брайн беше супер миличък и бе невъзможно да не го заобичам (мъничко ми напомни на гореспоменатия Сет).
Когато започвах книгата, и през ум не ми минаваше, че по-късно ще я препоръчвам и на феновете на онзи тип очарователни конфузни любовни истории, за които го има терминът adorkable. Отношенията на Брайън с Ей Джей напредваха бавно, и двамата бяха супер сладки заедно. Взаимоотношенията, които Брайън поддържаше с феновете си също ме спечелиха - особено на фона на всичко, което беше преживял.
Обаче, ако си на път да избереш да четеш "МАСТИЛО", в очакване на чудовища, които да изпълзят от втора глава, ще те разочаровам. На този фронт нещата се развиват по-бавно. Истина е, че има постоянен фантастичен елемент в главите, които разказват случващото се в книгите за супергероя, но в по-голямат част те остават отделени от реалността. 3/4 от книгата преминават със само загатвания и предчувствия за нещо наистина случващо се. Признавам си, че по едно време ми доскуча и се зачудих дали всичко случващо се не е само в главата на Брайън. Това, което мислех, че ще е завръзка, съдейки от анотацията, се оказа по-скоро заключение и прелюдия към следващата част на историята. Имаше момент, когато се чудех дали дам четири или пет звезди. Кое помогна да натежи оценката към пет ли? Пазех най-хубавото за края на ревюто.
Имаме кучешка гледна точка. Да, знам, върховно е! Дийк, овчарката на Брайън е пълноправен персонаж като всички хора и много епизоди виждаме през неговите очи, особено свръхестествените епизоди, и емоционалните преживявания на стопанина му. Това трябва да бе най-готиния прийом, на който съм попадала напоследък. И как да не му дадеш пет звезди!
Е да, получи си ги също и заради увлекателното писани, психологическата дълбочина на персонажите и интересната - макар и бавна на места - история. Краят беше много силен и наистина ми се ще да разбера какво ще направят героите от комикса вече на свобода.
After-read thoughts:
Two things you have to know before reading the book - this is not a stand alone novel, and in this volume, the supernatural element is rather more subtle than the impression you may have got from the GR blurb.
With this in mind, I don't see how you can not love the book. I wasn't aware of some of it, and still loved it.
INK here is almost equal parts psycho thriller and very sweet love story, with a touch of paranormal in the end and a promise for more in the future. For most of it, the book was maybe a bit slow, but made up for it with very neat story telling and great character depth. The latter actually ended being one of my favourite aspects of the book. Brian has been through lot, ever since his childhood, and even more lately. I observed with great interest his reactions, the interpretations of social anxiety or p.t.s.d. and how he was managing. Brian was so full of kindness and I really loved him (and he reminded me of the mentioned before other author-character I am fond of, Seth).
When I was starting this book, I couldn't imagine that I would extend the reccomendation to the fans of sweet and adorkable romance, but here it is. The relationship between Brian and A.J. was indeed very cute and bit clumsy and shy at times, which made me love it even more. Brian's connection with his fans was also great, even after all he's been through - and as mentioned in the pre-read part, it kind of gives you the "one of us, one of us" feeling, especially if you got that little nerd living in you.
However, if you're into it for the monsters climbing out of the novel pages, beware things were a bit slow on this front. True, there are chapters telling the story of The Highwayman of the graphic volumes, but 3/4 through the story all we got were only subtle mentionings of something paranormal in the back. Quite honest, at this part I was getting bit bored and wondered if it was all actually only in Brian's head. What I thought would be the inception of the action was covered in the last chapter. The book was dealing more with the past and present real life problems of the characters.
At this point, and nearing the end of the book, I wondered about the rating I'd give INK and wether I should
round it off to 4 or 5 stars. I favoured the higher rating because - wait for it, I was saving the best bit for last - we have dog's POV. Deke, Brian's shepherd was as much a main character of the book as any of the humans and he was awesome! Many episodes, especially Brian's struggling and the supernatural appearances were told via his eyes, which was one of the coolest story telling decisions I've stumbled upon lately.
So I gave INK 5 stars for the deft writing, great character building and interesting, albeit bit stalling at places, story and will be looking forward to what The Highwayman will do next, once on the clear.
~~~
Следпрочитно:
Преди да започнете книга трябва да знаете две неща - с които аз не бях, когато отворих - това е първият том от бъдеща поредица, и свръхестественият елемент е по-деликатно представен, отколкото човек може да предположи, четейки Гуудрийдс анотацията. Имайки това предвид, не виждам какво ще ви попречи да заобичате книгата. Аз се гмурнах без да знам тези подробности, и пак ми хареса много.
"МАСТИЛО" е в почти равни половини психо трилър и много сладка любовна история, с по-силно представен фантастичен елемент към края и обещание за повече в следващия том. На места действието се развиваше бавно, но за реванш начинът, по който бе разказано, бе много приятен и героите бяха изградени в дълбочина. Последното бе едно от любимите ми неща в книгата. Брайън е преминал през много, още от детство, та чак досега. С голям интерес четох как са представени социалната фобия и посттравматичния стрес и как той се справяше с тях. Брайн беше супер миличък и бе невъзможно да не го заобичам (мъничко ми напомни на гореспоменатия Сет).
Когато започвах книгата, и през ум не ми минаваше, че по-късно ще я препоръчвам и на феновете на онзи тип очарователни конфузни любовни истории, за които го има терминът adorkable. Отношенията на Брайън с Ей Джей напредваха бавно, и двамата бяха супер сладки заедно. Взаимоотношенията, които Брайън поддържаше с феновете си също ме спечелиха - особено на фона на всичко, което беше преживял.
Обаче, ако си на път да избереш да четеш "МАСТИЛО", в очакване на чудовища, които да изпълзят от втора глава, ще те разочаровам. На този фронт нещата се развиват по-бавно. Истина е, че има постоянен фантастичен елемент в главите, които разказват случващото се в книгите за супергероя, но в по-голямат част те остават отделени от реалността. 3/4 от книгата преминават със само загатвания и предчувствия за нещо наистина случващо се. Признавам си, че по едно време ми доскуча и се зачудих дали всичко случващо се не е само в главата на Брайън. Това, което мислех, че ще е завръзка, съдейки от анотацията, се оказа по-скоро заключение и прелюдия към следващата част на историята. Имаше момент, когато се чудех дали дам четири или пет звезди. Кое помогна да натежи оценката към пет ли? Пазех най-хубавото за края на ревюто.
Имаме кучешка гледна точка. Да, знам, върховно е! Дийк, овчарката на Брайън е пълноправен персонаж като всички хора и много епизоди виждаме през неговите очи, особено свръхестествените епизоди, и емоционалните преживявания на стопанина му. Това трябва да бе най-готиния прийом, на който съм попадала напоследък. И как да не му дадеш пет звезди!
Е да, получи си ги също и заради увлекателното писани, психологическата дълбочина на персонажите и интересната - макар и бавна на места - история. Краят беше много силен и наистина ми се ще да разбера какво ще направят героите от комикса вече на свобода.
January 4, 2016
Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman’s Ink is a paranormal romance…and a horror novel…and a work of dark fantasy…and, overall, a piece that transcends categorization. There truly is something for everyone here. I was initially drawn to this book because of the interesting premise: Brian Archer, a famous graphic novelist struggling with agoraphobia, falls in love with fellow artist, A.J. Hart, and they begin to collaborate, their work enhanced and their characters brought to life (literally) by a mysterious black ink that is delivered to Brian’s door one day—but there is more depth to the story than I originally anticipated.
I was momentarily thrown at the beginning, as the novel opens up with a first person account, dictated by a character known as The Highwayman. He is a spectral creature, often referred to as “The Wraith,” who helps the recently murdered exact vengeance upon their killers. The voice of The Highwayman is hypnotizing. He is so honest about his pain it is difficult not to feel for him. He has no memory of who he was when he was alive or if his current purgatorial existence will ever end. He is a servant to the recently murdered, carrying a heavy sense of loss and futility. By the end of the first chapter, I was ready to follow The Highwayman as he carried out his bloody duties.
But chapter two takes us into Brian Archer’s studio, and we learn that what we have been reading is a chapter from Archer’s most recent graphic novel. My disorientation was short-lived, however, as Brian has a great deal in common with his fictional counter-part, The Highwayman, and his sense of isolation and longing for love is just as intense and sympathetic. The authors’ prose is smooth and clear as they describe Archer’s lonely predicament, his will to change and embrace life, and the crippling fear that keeps him inside, tucked away from the world. There is a great deal of energy and anticipation in these early chapters.
Archer completes his novel and meets his future lover, A.J. Hart, at one of his own book signings. He has spent the better part of the evening hyperventilating in the bathroom, and Hart sees the panic on his face and leads him outside, away from the crowd of leering fans. They hit it off, and from here, the love story begins.
The love story is where the novel loses me a little. Not because it’s poorly written. It’s not. But because the tension drops off. Archer is finally happy. He’s not struggling for anything. He and Hart have begun working together and she is slowly curing him of his agoraphobia. The mysterious ink has arrived, and it has certainly given their artwork a noticeably lifelike glint, but they acknowledge this quickly and move on with their romance. I kept wondering when the ink was going to come into play, but the middle section of the book is used more to develop Archer and Hart’s relationship. For a chunk of the novel, it feels like Archer has all he wants, based on what we know of his character up to that point. Aside from Hart’s jealous ex making the occasional appearance, there is no sense that anything of note is on the horizon. I knew there was some crazy, paranormal joo joo on the horizon based on the book’s description, but I didn’t feel it layered throughout this middle section of the story.
But then I realized this was the authors laying out a nice pretty carpet for me to stand on so that they could then yank it out from under me. I don’t want to spoil the story, but the final third of the novel picks back up with a vengeance. And, honestly, the middle section, the thoroughly developed love story, feeds the final chapters. The love between Archer and Hart is intense. By the time the story takes its dark turn, there’s no denying that. And you’re right there with Archer as his character grows and rises to a new, incredible destiny. He is weighted down by his former, heavy heart, but a new, scrambling hope moves him forward. We’re left there at the end of the novel, with the promise of a sequel to come.
I found this to be an impressive novel. It is at turns exciting, heartbreaking, and even inspiring. It deals with every day, human dilemmas, but lets them play out in a fantastical and often bloody adventure that promises to be the first installment of a successful series.
I was momentarily thrown at the beginning, as the novel opens up with a first person account, dictated by a character known as The Highwayman. He is a spectral creature, often referred to as “The Wraith,” who helps the recently murdered exact vengeance upon their killers. The voice of The Highwayman is hypnotizing. He is so honest about his pain it is difficult not to feel for him. He has no memory of who he was when he was alive or if his current purgatorial existence will ever end. He is a servant to the recently murdered, carrying a heavy sense of loss and futility. By the end of the first chapter, I was ready to follow The Highwayman as he carried out his bloody duties.
But chapter two takes us into Brian Archer’s studio, and we learn that what we have been reading is a chapter from Archer’s most recent graphic novel. My disorientation was short-lived, however, as Brian has a great deal in common with his fictional counter-part, The Highwayman, and his sense of isolation and longing for love is just as intense and sympathetic. The authors’ prose is smooth and clear as they describe Archer’s lonely predicament, his will to change and embrace life, and the crippling fear that keeps him inside, tucked away from the world. There is a great deal of energy and anticipation in these early chapters.
Archer completes his novel and meets his future lover, A.J. Hart, at one of his own book signings. He has spent the better part of the evening hyperventilating in the bathroom, and Hart sees the panic on his face and leads him outside, away from the crowd of leering fans. They hit it off, and from here, the love story begins.
The love story is where the novel loses me a little. Not because it’s poorly written. It’s not. But because the tension drops off. Archer is finally happy. He’s not struggling for anything. He and Hart have begun working together and she is slowly curing him of his agoraphobia. The mysterious ink has arrived, and it has certainly given their artwork a noticeably lifelike glint, but they acknowledge this quickly and move on with their romance. I kept wondering when the ink was going to come into play, but the middle section of the book is used more to develop Archer and Hart’s relationship. For a chunk of the novel, it feels like Archer has all he wants, based on what we know of his character up to that point. Aside from Hart’s jealous ex making the occasional appearance, there is no sense that anything of note is on the horizon. I knew there was some crazy, paranormal joo joo on the horizon based on the book’s description, but I didn’t feel it layered throughout this middle section of the story.
But then I realized this was the authors laying out a nice pretty carpet for me to stand on so that they could then yank it out from under me. I don’t want to spoil the story, but the final third of the novel picks back up with a vengeance. And, honestly, the middle section, the thoroughly developed love story, feeds the final chapters. The love between Archer and Hart is intense. By the time the story takes its dark turn, there’s no denying that. And you’re right there with Archer as his character grows and rises to a new, incredible destiny. He is weighted down by his former, heavy heart, but a new, scrambling hope moves him forward. We’re left there at the end of the novel, with the promise of a sequel to come.
I found this to be an impressive novel. It is at turns exciting, heartbreaking, and even inspiring. It deals with every day, human dilemmas, but lets them play out in a fantastical and often bloody adventure that promises to be the first installment of a successful series.
August 1, 2015
Brian is the creator of a series of popular graphic novels starring a character named the highwayman. The Highwayman is a supernatural being who comes to earth when a person is unjustly killed and his motive is to help the victim get the revenge they desire. Success for Brian came with a price, after being continuously stalked by an obsessive fan, he became a prisoner in his own home.
This all changes though when he is talked into going to a convention and meets a female illustrator named A.J. Hart. A.J. has demons of her own but the two hit it off and decide to collaborate on a project. One day a mysterious bottle of ink arrives on Brian’s doorstep, they use the ink and it starts to bring their creations to life. They now have to stop the creatures they created from destroying everything in their path and bringing on the apocalypse.
First thing I thought when I read the description for Ink by Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman was that it was a great idea for a book. There is a lot going on in this story, we have a love story between the two artists, we have the highwayman’s story from the graphic novel and an apocalypse story in the real world. There is almost too much going on here, Ink is a mixed bag, the characters are all interesting. This includes Brian’s dog who has a big part in the story, I can’t say I’ve read to many books that focused on the dog’s viewpoint, but this one does.
While I loved the characters the story was slow-moving and the sub plot of the Highwayman didn’t really interest me even though I did like the character. I got the impression while reading the Highwayman’s story that the author just threw it in because it was important to show what kind of book that Brian and A.J was writing. Every time we cut away to the Highwayman I found myself being bored and just wanting to get back to Brian and A.J.’s story. That being said I did enjoy hearing the reasons why Brian created the Highwayman.
The best part of this book is the love story between A.J. and Brian and this is coming from a person who doesn’t like love stories. When you hear what they’ve gone through in their lives you can’t help but root for them and you get to see how the two of them working together makes them better people. There are some great horrifying moments in this book such as when Brian’s obsessed fan sneaks up on him in a dark theater and again in a parking garage. Then what really tops it off so well was when the fan says why she is doing what she is doing.
This book has its share of scary moment but best of all it works as psychological horror by getting into how A.J. and Brian are effected by their stalkers. One good scene that was in this book that really showed how Brian was affected by his obsessed fan was when we see him making an elaborate meal for two and then find out that no one is joining him and he is eating alone. Another part of this book I loved was when Brian was reading letters from his fans and you see how caring for his fans affects his life. While I have to say I had my issues with Ink, it was pretty good and I look forward to more from these two writers.
This all changes though when he is talked into going to a convention and meets a female illustrator named A.J. Hart. A.J. has demons of her own but the two hit it off and decide to collaborate on a project. One day a mysterious bottle of ink arrives on Brian’s doorstep, they use the ink and it starts to bring their creations to life. They now have to stop the creatures they created from destroying everything in their path and bringing on the apocalypse.
First thing I thought when I read the description for Ink by Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman was that it was a great idea for a book. There is a lot going on in this story, we have a love story between the two artists, we have the highwayman’s story from the graphic novel and an apocalypse story in the real world. There is almost too much going on here, Ink is a mixed bag, the characters are all interesting. This includes Brian’s dog who has a big part in the story, I can’t say I’ve read to many books that focused on the dog’s viewpoint, but this one does.
While I loved the characters the story was slow-moving and the sub plot of the Highwayman didn’t really interest me even though I did like the character. I got the impression while reading the Highwayman’s story that the author just threw it in because it was important to show what kind of book that Brian and A.J was writing. Every time we cut away to the Highwayman I found myself being bored and just wanting to get back to Brian and A.J.’s story. That being said I did enjoy hearing the reasons why Brian created the Highwayman.
The best part of this book is the love story between A.J. and Brian and this is coming from a person who doesn’t like love stories. When you hear what they’ve gone through in their lives you can’t help but root for them and you get to see how the two of them working together makes them better people. There are some great horrifying moments in this book such as when Brian’s obsessed fan sneaks up on him in a dark theater and again in a parking garage. Then what really tops it off so well was when the fan says why she is doing what she is doing.
This book has its share of scary moment but best of all it works as psychological horror by getting into how A.J. and Brian are effected by their stalkers. One good scene that was in this book that really showed how Brian was affected by his obsessed fan was when we see him making an elaborate meal for two and then find out that no one is joining him and he is eating alone. Another part of this book I loved was when Brian was reading letters from his fans and you see how caring for his fans affects his life. While I have to say I had my issues with Ink, it was pretty good and I look forward to more from these two writers.
August 1, 2015
Brian is the creator of a series of popular graphic novels starring a character named the highwayman. The Highwayman is a supernatural being who comes to earth when a person is unjustly killed and his motive is to help the victim get the revenge they desire. Success for Brian came with a price, after being continuously stalked by an obsessive fan, he became a prisoner in his own home.
This all changes though when he is talked into going to a convention and meets a female illustrator named A.J. Hart. A.J. has demons of her own but the two hit it off and decide to collaborate on a project. One day a mysterious bottle of ink arrives on Brian’s doorstep, they use the ink and it starts to bring their creations to life. They now have to stop the creatures they created from destroying everything in their path and bringing on the apocalypse.
First thing I thought when I read the description for Ink by Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman was that it was a great idea for a book. There is a lot going on in this story, we have a love story between the two artists, we have the highwayman’s story from the graphic novel and an apocalypse story in the real world. There is almost too much going on here, Ink is a mixed bag, the characters are all interesting. This includes Brian’s dog who has a big part in the story, I can’t say I’ve read to many books that focused on the dog’s viewpoint, but this one does.
While I loved the characters the story was slow-moving and the sub plot of the Highwayman didn’t really interest me even though I did like the character. I got the impression while reading the Highwayman’s story that the author just threw it in because it was important to show what kind of book that Brian and A.J was writing. Every time we cut away to the Highwayman I found myself being bored and just wanting to get back to Brian and A.J.’s story. That being said I did enjoy hearing the reasons why Brian created the Highwayman.
The best part of this book is the love story between A.J. and Brian and this is coming from a person who doesn’t like love stories. When you hear what they’ve gone through in their lives you can’t help but root for them and you get to see how the two of them working together makes them better people. There are some great horrifying moments in this book such as when Brian’s obsessed fan sneaks up on him in a dark theater and again in a parking garage. Then what really tops it off so well was when the fan says why she is doing what she is doing.
This book has its share of scary moment but best of all it works as psychological horror by getting into how A.J. and Brian are effected by their stalkers. One good scene that was in this book that really showed how Brian was affected by his obsessed fan was when we see him making an elaborate meal for two and then find out that no one is joining him and he is eating alone. Another part of this book I loved was when Brian was reading letters from his fans and you see how caring for his fans affects his life. While I have to say I had my issues with Ink, it was pretty good and I look forward to more from these two writers.
This all changes though when he is talked into going to a convention and meets a female illustrator named A.J. Hart. A.J. has demons of her own but the two hit it off and decide to collaborate on a project. One day a mysterious bottle of ink arrives on Brian’s doorstep, they use the ink and it starts to bring their creations to life. They now have to stop the creatures they created from destroying everything in their path and bringing on the apocalypse.
First thing I thought when I read the description for Ink by Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman was that it was a great idea for a book. There is a lot going on in this story, we have a love story between the two artists, we have the highwayman’s story from the graphic novel and an apocalypse story in the real world. There is almost too much going on here, Ink is a mixed bag, the characters are all interesting. This includes Brian’s dog who has a big part in the story, I can’t say I’ve read to many books that focused on the dog’s viewpoint, but this one does.
While I loved the characters the story was slow-moving and the sub plot of the Highwayman didn’t really interest me even though I did like the character. I got the impression while reading the Highwayman’s story that the author just threw it in because it was important to show what kind of book that Brian and A.J was writing. Every time we cut away to the Highwayman I found myself being bored and just wanting to get back to Brian and A.J.’s story. That being said I did enjoy hearing the reasons why Brian created the Highwayman.
The best part of this book is the love story between A.J. and Brian and this is coming from a person who doesn’t like love stories. When you hear what they’ve gone through in their lives you can’t help but root for them and you get to see how the two of them working together makes them better people. There are some great horrifying moments in this book such as when Brian’s obsessed fan sneaks up on him in a dark theater and again in a parking garage. Then what really tops it off so well was when the fan says why she is doing what she is doing.
This book has its share of scary moment but best of all it works as psychological horror by getting into how A.J. and Brian are effected by their stalkers. One good scene that was in this book that really showed how Brian was affected by his obsessed fan was when we see him making an elaborate meal for two and then find out that no one is joining him and he is eating alone. Another part of this book I loved was when Brian was reading letters from his fans and you see how caring for his fans affects his life. While I have to say I had my issues with Ink, it was pretty good and I look forward to more from these two writers.
September 28, 2015
Originally posted here: https://heatherreviews.wordpress.com/...
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The blurb for this book sounded so promising that I was instantly hooked and felt like I needed to read this book so I could find out what happened. Although it didn’t work out the way I had thought it would, it was still a fantastic, interesting read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Brian Archer is the acclaimed author of The Highwayman graphic novel series but ever since an incident with a crazed woman who turned into his stalker, Archer has been a recluse living in his apartment with his dog, Deke, and working on the latest instalment of the series. When he finally ventures out to a book signing, he meets the beautiful A.J. Hart, who helps him to escape his crushing anxiety and start coming out of his shell again. But their work together has dangerous undercurrents and their work is more alive than it seems.
I liked the idea behind this story, the magical ink that brings the characters of the graphic novel to life. I had expected it to happen early on and then the author having to battle a way to destroy his character again, that isn’t what happened though. What did happen was more of a love story than I had really wanted and for a while I almost set the book aside because of it, but then the action exploded and there was kidnapping, the crazy stalker was still lurking around, and constant threats.
The story is dark, a lot darker than I had anticipated, and I was taken by surprise a few times. Everything went to hell really quickly once the pace picked up and it never really slowed down again.
Archer’s constant battle with his anxieties and insecurities was well portrayed most of the time – how quickly he gets over it when he meets A.J. was a bit of an issue for me – and I felt that it worked so well with the way the events happened.
I had thought, at first, that there were too many little plots going on to really keep on top of things, but they all intertwined incredibly well and concluded brilliantly. The main thing that had gotten me intrigued in the story – the character from the graphic novel coming to life – was actually a very small part of the story, I felt, compared to the romance.
There were alternate chapters from the Highwayman’s point of view that I actually enjoyed more than the Archer chapters. I wish there had been a few more of them, but they complimented the main chapters well and helped to bring the character to life long before he entered the human world.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. When the action kicked in, I flew through it, taken along for the crazy ride that Archer went on. The characters were all interesting people and I enjoyed their journeys throughout. This is a great read for fans of mysteries, paranormals, and action.
______________________
The blurb for this book sounded so promising that I was instantly hooked and felt like I needed to read this book so I could find out what happened. Although it didn’t work out the way I had thought it would, it was still a fantastic, interesting read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Brian Archer is the acclaimed author of The Highwayman graphic novel series but ever since an incident with a crazed woman who turned into his stalker, Archer has been a recluse living in his apartment with his dog, Deke, and working on the latest instalment of the series. When he finally ventures out to a book signing, he meets the beautiful A.J. Hart, who helps him to escape his crushing anxiety and start coming out of his shell again. But their work together has dangerous undercurrents and their work is more alive than it seems.
I liked the idea behind this story, the magical ink that brings the characters of the graphic novel to life. I had expected it to happen early on and then the author having to battle a way to destroy his character again, that isn’t what happened though. What did happen was more of a love story than I had really wanted and for a while I almost set the book aside because of it, but then the action exploded and there was kidnapping, the crazy stalker was still lurking around, and constant threats.
The story is dark, a lot darker than I had anticipated, and I was taken by surprise a few times. Everything went to hell really quickly once the pace picked up and it never really slowed down again.
Archer’s constant battle with his anxieties and insecurities was well portrayed most of the time – how quickly he gets over it when he meets A.J. was a bit of an issue for me – and I felt that it worked so well with the way the events happened.
I had thought, at first, that there were too many little plots going on to really keep on top of things, but they all intertwined incredibly well and concluded brilliantly. The main thing that had gotten me intrigued in the story – the character from the graphic novel coming to life – was actually a very small part of the story, I felt, compared to the romance.
There were alternate chapters from the Highwayman’s point of view that I actually enjoyed more than the Archer chapters. I wish there had been a few more of them, but they complimented the main chapters well and helped to bring the character to life long before he entered the human world.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. When the action kicked in, I flew through it, taken along for the crazy ride that Archer went on. The characters were all interesting people and I enjoyed their journeys throughout. This is a great read for fans of mysteries, paranormals, and action.
June 28, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
INK is unlike any book I have ever read before. My expectations were totally wrong. I originally thought the idea about a graphic novelist bringing his character to life was reminiscent of a Criminal Minds episode called “True Night,” albeit a paranormal version of that. I was wrong on so many counts.
For most of INK, it is a story of discovering love and dealing with agoraphobia. There are earlier scenes told from the perspective of Brian’s character, The Highwayman, but I interpreted those as telling the reader what Brian was writing about in his new graphic novel. It did not seem paranormal at all. The only thing that didn’t seem natural was the appearance of the ink that made the drawings appear alive on the paper. However, that could have just been a trick of the eye. Well, it wasn’t. It was a foreshadowing of what was to come much later in the book.
It felt like I was reading two different books. By the last quarter of the book, it had gone from being dramatic to horrific. The story moves very slowly in the first half of the book. There is a lot of backstory that is dumped on the reader in huge chunks. There isn’t even a hint of a story goal for the main character until six chapters have passed. By chapter seven, there still isn’t any sign that this is going to be a paranormal or horror novel, except when it switches to the point of view of Brian’s dog or when they think they see something move on the paper. Still, that’s not that exciting and there’s nothing that makes me suspend disbelief. It isn’t until 70% of the novel that it becomes paranormal. But, when it switches, it does so with a bang. That’s why I felt like I was reading two different books.
Based on the latter part of the book, it’s a good horror story about a character coming to life. Based on earlier parts of the book, it’s a good story about stalkers, agoraphobia, and finding love. As a whole, it doesn’t do much for me. However, I did enjoy the characterization and found Brian to be an endearing character.
If you looking for a thrill ride, I would say to skip INK. If you want a book that is more about a journey of surviving hardship and grief than about scaring the crap out of you, you should give this book a try. I give it four stars for likable characters, believable psychology, and a heart-wrenching love story.
INK is unlike any book I have ever read before. My expectations were totally wrong. I originally thought the idea about a graphic novelist bringing his character to life was reminiscent of a Criminal Minds episode called “True Night,” albeit a paranormal version of that. I was wrong on so many counts.
For most of INK, it is a story of discovering love and dealing with agoraphobia. There are earlier scenes told from the perspective of Brian’s character, The Highwayman, but I interpreted those as telling the reader what Brian was writing about in his new graphic novel. It did not seem paranormal at all. The only thing that didn’t seem natural was the appearance of the ink that made the drawings appear alive on the paper. However, that could have just been a trick of the eye. Well, it wasn’t. It was a foreshadowing of what was to come much later in the book.
It felt like I was reading two different books. By the last quarter of the book, it had gone from being dramatic to horrific. The story moves very slowly in the first half of the book. There is a lot of backstory that is dumped on the reader in huge chunks. There isn’t even a hint of a story goal for the main character until six chapters have passed. By chapter seven, there still isn’t any sign that this is going to be a paranormal or horror novel, except when it switches to the point of view of Brian’s dog or when they think they see something move on the paper. Still, that’s not that exciting and there’s nothing that makes me suspend disbelief. It isn’t until 70% of the novel that it becomes paranormal. But, when it switches, it does so with a bang. That’s why I felt like I was reading two different books.
Based on the latter part of the book, it’s a good horror story about a character coming to life. Based on earlier parts of the book, it’s a good story about stalkers, agoraphobia, and finding love. As a whole, it doesn’t do much for me. However, I did enjoy the characterization and found Brian to be an endearing character.
If you looking for a thrill ride, I would say to skip INK. If you want a book that is more about a journey of surviving hardship and grief than about scaring the crap out of you, you should give this book a try. I give it four stars for likable characters, believable psychology, and a heart-wrenching love story.
September 14, 2015
According to Horror Writers Association guidelines, I need to mention that this book was offered for review, and that I found the time to actually read it. I wish thank the authors for giving me the opportunity, as I feel it is an honor to have a book offered to read free of charge, in hopes of a review and publicity. I just wish I had the time to read all the submissions that arrive, but its just not possible. Anyway, with legal requirements and etiquette settled. on to what I thought of the book.
First, I will say my review will contain mild spoilers, so for those who don't want to take the chance, the bottom line is I liked it, but didn't love it, and I do recommend it for fans of thrillers with horror and supernatural overtones. And if you like comic art and fandom, even better.
Ok, now for the spoiler section. There were several instances where I found myself confused by the point of view of the narrative, meaning various characters told the story from various points of view, both first and third person, with no real structure or clue to alert me to these switches. Even the dog has first person streams of consciousness that I found strange and unsettling. Through the course of the book, the reason for this was hinted at, so I won't beat the authors up too badly on that score. My biggest issue with the narrative was its pacing, which was just uneven enough to keep me from enjoying the ride. The building supernatural angle was unfortunately kept on the sidelines, giving time to build characters' story, but a more measured, smooth transition through this into the big reveal would have helped to keep me riveted. Things I did like were the sections that built the supernatural ink angle and its effects on the narrative, and the cutaways into the alternate universe of the artist's mind, which made for interesting highlights along the way. Of course, at the end it was revealed that this was the first novel of a series, which explains some of the slow build, but didn't make the journey any more fulfilling. Overall, my takaway from this level is that the authors need experience and practice, which I will not fault them for. Everyone starts somewhere, and doing the job with purpose is how one improves. I have high hopes that the future work of these authors will be better and better, and we will enjoy their efforts.
First, I will say my review will contain mild spoilers, so for those who don't want to take the chance, the bottom line is I liked it, but didn't love it, and I do recommend it for fans of thrillers with horror and supernatural overtones. And if you like comic art and fandom, even better.
Ok, now for the spoiler section. There were several instances where I found myself confused by the point of view of the narrative, meaning various characters told the story from various points of view, both first and third person, with no real structure or clue to alert me to these switches. Even the dog has first person streams of consciousness that I found strange and unsettling. Through the course of the book, the reason for this was hinted at, so I won't beat the authors up too badly on that score. My biggest issue with the narrative was its pacing, which was just uneven enough to keep me from enjoying the ride. The building supernatural angle was unfortunately kept on the sidelines, giving time to build characters' story, but a more measured, smooth transition through this into the big reveal would have helped to keep me riveted. Things I did like were the sections that built the supernatural ink angle and its effects on the narrative, and the cutaways into the alternate universe of the artist's mind, which made for interesting highlights along the way. Of course, at the end it was revealed that this was the first novel of a series, which explains some of the slow build, but didn't make the journey any more fulfilling. Overall, my takaway from this level is that the authors need experience and practice, which I will not fault them for. Everyone starts somewhere, and doing the job with purpose is how one improves. I have high hopes that the future work of these authors will be better and better, and we will enjoy their efforts.
January 17, 2016
A Unique Grimdark Surprise that is Worth your Time
I am not a huge fan of comics or graphic novels, and I tend to stay away from superhero novels, but this story intrigued me, so I downloaded Ink, and I am so glad I did. One of the authors described this as a blend of horror and supernatural romance, but I think it is incredibly good grimdark that tells a thumping good tale.
With a complex, flawed protagonist who has been the victim of violence and stalking, Brian, the author of the graphic novels that featuring the Highwayman, is a wonderful character, as is his guardian dog Deke. This story has is both character and plot driven, making you care about the characters while the pages fly by with tight, serpentine plotting and highly imaginative action. There will clearly be a sequel, as so many story arcs are waiting to be developed, and yet it stands as a complete and satisfying novel on its own.
The story includes action, romance, and supernatural elements. The three items that stand out for me are the joy of creation of Brian and A. J. as they jointly create the artwork for the Highwayman, the realistic human relationships ( both healthy and twisted ) and the supernatural forces that permeate the story.
If you are a fan of comics or graphic novels, this book is a natural buy. If you are an artist or writer, you will want to read it for its clear and true description of the creation of art and the extrapolation into new and exciting directions. If you love paranormal and urban fantasy, this is a unique and imaginative offering you shouldn't miss.
The only downside, is that the beginning of the novel is weird and while providing set up for the remaining novel, doesn't seem to be written by the same authors. Rather awkwardly overwritten, it almost made me DNF the book, but I kept reading and 98% of the book is a gem. Perseverance paid off.
I will definitely be reading the sequel.
I am not a huge fan of comics or graphic novels, and I tend to stay away from superhero novels, but this story intrigued me, so I downloaded Ink, and I am so glad I did. One of the authors described this as a blend of horror and supernatural romance, but I think it is incredibly good grimdark that tells a thumping good tale.
With a complex, flawed protagonist who has been the victim of violence and stalking, Brian, the author of the graphic novels that featuring the Highwayman, is a wonderful character, as is his guardian dog Deke. This story has is both character and plot driven, making you care about the characters while the pages fly by with tight, serpentine plotting and highly imaginative action. There will clearly be a sequel, as so many story arcs are waiting to be developed, and yet it stands as a complete and satisfying novel on its own.
The story includes action, romance, and supernatural elements. The three items that stand out for me are the joy of creation of Brian and A. J. as they jointly create the artwork for the Highwayman, the realistic human relationships ( both healthy and twisted ) and the supernatural forces that permeate the story.
If you are a fan of comics or graphic novels, this book is a natural buy. If you are an artist or writer, you will want to read it for its clear and true description of the creation of art and the extrapolation into new and exciting directions. If you love paranormal and urban fantasy, this is a unique and imaginative offering you shouldn't miss.
The only downside, is that the beginning of the novel is weird and while providing set up for the remaining novel, doesn't seem to be written by the same authors. Rather awkwardly overwritten, it almost made me DNF the book, but I kept reading and 98% of the book is a gem. Perseverance paid off.
I will definitely be reading the sequel.
July 8, 2015
This is one of my recent faves because, not only is the story exciting and mysterious, the characters are epic!
No, it's not a creature-feature story where you scream from page one because someone was chopped to pieces. It's a grim story about justice and injustice.
You'll meet Brian Archer and AJ Hart and your heart will go out to them, especially the ending where I DID NOT EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN! I was caught by surprise - and it wasn't even a OMGJSGDHS surprise. It was the My Heart is Broken Why? Why? WHY?! kind.
Plus, Archer's characters coming alive is super geeky and exciting. The Highwayman - the dark hero who comes with blazing guns and black longcoat. Sigh.
from The Book Tales:
Graphic novelist Brian Archer is a bit world-weary, finding solace in his simple studio, with his dog Deke being his sole companion. His brainchild, The Highwayman is a commercial success, so much so that the mania surrounding the phantom justice-deliverer has driven Archer to isolation and loneliness.
But when he meets talented illustrator AJ Hart, Brian feels that he can be happy again – he’s found a kindred spirit, a similarly wounded soul. But the arrival of a mysterious bottle of black ink brings to life past traumas, forgotten fears, and the supernatural.
No, it's not a creature-feature story where you scream from page one because someone was chopped to pieces. It's a grim story about justice and injustice.
You'll meet Brian Archer and AJ Hart and your heart will go out to them, especially the ending where I DID NOT EXPECT IT TO HAPPEN! I was caught by surprise - and it wasn't even a OMGJSGDHS surprise. It was the My Heart is Broken Why? Why? WHY?! kind.
Plus, Archer's characters coming alive is super geeky and exciting. The Highwayman - the dark hero who comes with blazing guns and black longcoat. Sigh.
from The Book Tales:
Graphic novelist Brian Archer is a bit world-weary, finding solace in his simple studio, with his dog Deke being his sole companion. His brainchild, The Highwayman is a commercial success, so much so that the mania surrounding the phantom justice-deliverer has driven Archer to isolation and loneliness.
But when he meets talented illustrator AJ Hart, Brian feels that he can be happy again – he’s found a kindred spirit, a similarly wounded soul. But the arrival of a mysterious bottle of black ink brings to life past traumas, forgotten fears, and the supernatural.
November 3, 2015
Brian Archer(author illustrator) creates his own brand of 'boogieman" with a highly successful series of graphic novels, featuring the Highwayman. You'd think because he's rich, famous and handsome his life would be perfect - but, far from it. He suffers from PTSD brought on by a crazy female fan who tries to love him to death with a knife. Deke, the family dog plays an interesting roll when his panic attacks get real rough. As fate would have it Brian meets AJ, the one girl who can make his dreams come true. Together they join forces to create a new volume of the Highwayman by using a mysterious bottle of ink that was left for him. But when they do... Brains Boogieman is let loose into the real world. I don't want to give away too much because the story just gets more interesting and intense. It builds chapter by chapter to the end. This is not your typical horror story. Its way more than that. I read INK in two evenings and found it hard to put down. Very entertaining, excellent writing, with uniquely compelling characters and an ending that will have your mind spinning. I can easily see this as a story line as a miniseries or movie. I loved it. Highly recommended!
August 4, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and thought the character development was solid, to often authors add to many characters and never take the time to build a proper foundation but that is not the case here.
I judge a book by how I feel as read it and at points in this book I actually had goose bumps on my arms, a good stalking scene should do that and this book did not disappoint.
I also like when an author allows us to create our own image of the lead characters and my image of A.J. in the early stages was much different then the picture painted later in the book. I even started a discussion to see if others had the same impression, for me I think I would of even preferred if we never found out her hair color!
The fact that I was engrossed enough by this story to have the images of the characters engrained in my brain leads me to give this a 5 star rating. I hope to see more books by Glenn and hope this story line continues. BTW I imagined A.J. as a mocca skinned, petite, athletic and very sexy young lady with long frizzy hair.
Go figure!
Brian
I judge a book by how I feel as read it and at points in this book I actually had goose bumps on my arms, a good stalking scene should do that and this book did not disappoint.
I also like when an author allows us to create our own image of the lead characters and my image of A.J. in the early stages was much different then the picture painted later in the book. I even started a discussion to see if others had the same impression, for me I think I would of even preferred if we never found out her hair color!
The fact that I was engrossed enough by this story to have the images of the characters engrained in my brain leads me to give this a 5 star rating. I hope to see more books by Glenn and hope this story line continues. BTW I imagined A.J. as a mocca skinned, petite, athletic and very sexy young lady with long frizzy hair.
Go figure!
Brian
Read
October 4, 2015Just finished the fabulous new book by Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman, Ink. It was such a fun read. It usually takes me months to complete a book as I'm not the fastest reader in the world. I like to absorb every word. But, I finished Ink in three days. Almost a record for me. It started off with an intriguing prologue, and then flipped my expectations upside down. Every twist and turn delivered a new and interesting surprise. I couldn't wait to turn the page. I don't want to reveal too much, as you must read it to fully grasp the world that Benest and Pitman created, but suffice to say, the writing was crisp and inventive, the characters full-bodied, the plot unexpected and, at times, unnerving, and the dialogue was realistic and smart. Overall, I was impressed, to say the least, that this debut novel was so professionally executed. Kudos to Benest and Pitman for a slam dunk right out of the gate. Can't wait to read the next in the series...
July 15, 2015
This is an incredibly imaginative tale that reels you in on the first page and only gets more and more engaging through the final page. Expertly crafted by a powerhouse author duo, the book blends gripping suspense, heartfelt romance and supernatural action into a story unlike anything I've read before. The justice-dealing entity known as The Highwayman is a truly original, haunting specter worthy of a place among horror's finest figures. I couldn't put the final third of this book down as the line between Brian Archer's reality and The Highwayman's supernatural realm finally collide in the most exciting, unexpected way. I can't wait for these authors to continue the story and put more INK on the page.
October 3, 2015
Screenwriters Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman have delivered a breakout novel using all their skills to tell an unforgettable story. INK is indelible. It captivates readers and leaves them longing for more. A perfect genre blender with touches of: thriller, mystery, paranormal, romance, and horror. These two fearlessly brave writers have blended genres, taken real risks, and they have poured their souls and craft onto the page to create a visceral, romantic, terrifying and heartbreakingly feast for the reader. INK is utterly unique and a standout. I love it! I can't wait for the next book!
August 25, 2015
A fascinating project: Benest seeks to translate the raw punch of the graphic novel into prose and I think he succeeds. It is a dark and troubling story of love, fear and extreme violence in which the line between objective reality, inner torment and a possible parallel universe becomes increasingly blurred and eventually vanishes. I read it in two evenings, so I was obviously very engaged. I await more from his pen.
September 5, 2015
Oh my goodness this book was unlike anything I've ever read before! Brian is a unique character, a loner who writes horror graphic novels, when unbeknownst to him, his designs start to come to life. This book combines the romance story of Brian and AJ with a complex paranormal twist. There are elements of fear, violence and distress. It's an exciting, fast paced read and it's simply amazing!
July 23, 2015
Even during the second reading, I couldn't turn pages fast enough. It was that exciting and suspenseful. Congrats to Glenn Benest and Dale Pitman on creating a fine novel. I hope to see it on the screen, someday.
August 22, 2015
I love this book. The writing is dark, threatening, yet funny and hopeful. Original, creative and alive. I don't know what's real anymore. Must read it again. And again. And again!
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