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Tribe #1
Ink
'Gaining their ink was just the first step. Now they have to earn it.'
Christian Blake, an unruly English teenager, finds himself in a mysterious tattoo parlour in Connaught Square where he is possessed by a Rune God, Hagalaz, and given the power to harness the forces of nature. Only problem? Hagalaz doesn't like to play nice. He is the God of Disruption, and he is intent on making Christian's life a living hell.
Christian’s mentor, The Raven, pulls him from his relative comfort in London and takes him across the world to join his Tribe, a group of four unlikely teenagers with their own newly-gifted magical powers. They are tasked with taking on the forces of evil brewing across the globe: The Settlers, a growing group of aliens that have slowly integrated themselves into the mainstream of Planet Earth's politics and positions of power.
They have a dark secret, and it the Tribe's mission to discover what that is and to put a stop to it. But nothing is what it seems, for it will take much more than the powers of a few long-forgotten gods to put an end to the impending global catastrophe that threatens to destroy everything and anyone in its path.
Christian Blake, an unruly English teenager, finds himself in a mysterious tattoo parlour in Connaught Square where he is possessed by a Rune God, Hagalaz, and given the power to harness the forces of nature. Only problem? Hagalaz doesn't like to play nice. He is the God of Disruption, and he is intent on making Christian's life a living hell.
Christian’s mentor, The Raven, pulls him from his relative comfort in London and takes him across the world to join his Tribe, a group of four unlikely teenagers with their own newly-gifted magical powers. They are tasked with taking on the forces of evil brewing across the globe: The Settlers, a growing group of aliens that have slowly integrated themselves into the mainstream of Planet Earth's politics and positions of power.
They have a dark secret, and it the Tribe's mission to discover what that is and to put a stop to it. But nothing is what it seems, for it will take much more than the powers of a few long-forgotten gods to put an end to the impending global catastrophe that threatens to destroy everything and anyone in its path.
296 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2018
437 people are currently reading
1467 people want to read
About the author
Jobie Baldwin
13 books88 followersBorn on the mean streets of London, raised by witches, Jobie walked into a tattoo parlour on her eighteenth birthday and was claimed by Alectrona, goddess of the morning. Known for her ability to wake others from slumber, Alectrona turned her powers to bringing long-forgotten gods and goddesses to life through Jobie's books.
For many years, Jobie restlessly wandered the dangerous road between the Dark City and Magical Isle with only her two flesh-hounds and the laptop of purple fire for company.
Somewhere on the road, some say in Sin City - others are certain it was in the Viking Realm - she married her outlaw-biker soul mate.
Now they travel the road together. In places, the path is much overgrown, but she will not waiver from her mission until all the gods who wish to return to this dimension have successfully claimed their human hosts.
FOLLOW JOBIE:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jobiewrites
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jobiewrites
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jobiebaldwin
Books:
Ink (Tribe #1)
Flak (Tribe #2)
Shorts/Novellas:
Bloodbath (Gumshoe Gods #1)
Currently Working On:
Pre-order now, out in May 2019: Raven (Tribe #0.5, Pack #1)
For free books, exclusives, deleted scenes and more, join my newsletter: jobiebaldwin.com
For many years, Jobie restlessly wandered the dangerous road between the Dark City and Magical Isle with only her two flesh-hounds and the laptop of purple fire for company.
Somewhere on the road, some say in Sin City - others are certain it was in the Viking Realm - she married her outlaw-biker soul mate.
Now they travel the road together. In places, the path is much overgrown, but she will not waiver from her mission until all the gods who wish to return to this dimension have successfully claimed their human hosts.
FOLLOW JOBIE:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jobiewrites
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jobiewrites
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jobiebaldwin
Books:
Ink (Tribe #1)
Flak (Tribe #2)
Shorts/Novellas:
Bloodbath (Gumshoe Gods #1)
Currently Working On:
Pre-order now, out in May 2019: Raven (Tribe #0.5, Pack #1)
For free books, exclusives, deleted scenes and more, join my newsletter: jobiebaldwin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 29, 2019
Decent story.... but you can tell by the length of time it took me to finish, I wasn’t enthralled. The basic plot was interesting and I enjoyed the main character Christian. I didn’t see the need for him to have a love interest, other than he was a 16 year old, and that did slow the progression of the storyline.
*Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
*Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2019
O.kay one review as promised,
I absolutely loved this story and don't agree with some of the other critics of this book. The idea there shouldn't be a love story in it would ruin the whole thing. You can't have four teenagers all living in the same digs and nothing happening, I mean come on what teenager doesn't think with its bits😕?
Or any adult for that matter, but seriously there is something for everybody in this book =
Conspiracy theories,
Aliens,
Tattoos,
Norse God's,
And dysfunctional families
Come on what's not to like?
The list is endless...
P.S. There is a couple of prequels out (Raven, Sophie) and the second book Flak but I'm waiting for Lexy to come out this December😬
Just seen it says spring 2020 on here for Lexy but released December 2019 on kindle books???
So we will just have to wait and see who's got it right won't we ...
I absolutely loved this story and don't agree with some of the other critics of this book. The idea there shouldn't be a love story in it would ruin the whole thing. You can't have four teenagers all living in the same digs and nothing happening, I mean come on what teenager doesn't think with its bits😕?
Or any adult for that matter, but seriously there is something for everybody in this book =
Conspiracy theories,
Aliens,
Tattoos,
Norse God's,
And dysfunctional families
Come on what's not to like?
The list is endless...
P.S. There is a couple of prequels out (Raven, Sophie) and the second book Flak but I'm waiting for Lexy to come out this December😬
Just seen it says spring 2020 on here for Lexy but released December 2019 on kindle books???
So we will just have to wait and see who's got it right won't we ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2019
Unfortunately, i find myself a bit disappointed with this book. The premise was great and it started off good, but then it was rushed? I feel like I'm going fast forward through this book and nothing is making a lick of sense to me. It is my hope that this book will get a re-fresh on the gritty details that were very much missing. If it was fully developed and not rushed I would have enjoyed this immensely.
i. am. so. done. with. netgalley. right. meow.
this could have been fierce! it could have been like a motha-fucking modern day Shaman King, Vol. 1: A Shaman in Tokyo goddamnit and i'm pissed about it.
March 17, 2019
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ink is the first book of the Tribe series, written in the first person by the perspective of the main character Christian, a normal teenager, at least on the beginning of the story, and as a bunch of other stories, he’s one of the chosen ones to save the world somehow.
But this book is far from being just one more story about a teenager hero, I really like the way it was written, not even a little predictable, as I thought I would be, and the story takes ways that I couldn’t even imagine.
I love the way the author build the characters, full of details, they have deep personalities, preferences and background stories, not just the main characters, but the secondaries as well.
The only thing I would change is the way she describes the places, I wish there were more details, I am that kind of person who loves to visualize the locations and every detail, but the story is still amazing just the way it is.
This is one of my favorite books from 2019 so far and I can’t wait to read the next book of the series: Flak.
Ink is the first book of the Tribe series, written in the first person by the perspective of the main character Christian, a normal teenager, at least on the beginning of the story, and as a bunch of other stories, he’s one of the chosen ones to save the world somehow.
But this book is far from being just one more story about a teenager hero, I really like the way it was written, not even a little predictable, as I thought I would be, and the story takes ways that I couldn’t even imagine.
I love the way the author build the characters, full of details, they have deep personalities, preferences and background stories, not just the main characters, but the secondaries as well.
The only thing I would change is the way she describes the places, I wish there were more details, I am that kind of person who loves to visualize the locations and every detail, but the story is still amazing just the way it is.
This is one of my favorite books from 2019 so far and I can’t wait to read the next book of the series: Flak.
October 14, 2018
3.5 stars
This is an ambitious debut novel, and pretty well executed as well. I liked the premise of ancient deities choosing human vessels. Though I wasn’t enamored with the cast (which sometimes felt a bit too large to fit cohesively into the narrative), there were a couple of characters I really liked, namely Pax and Uncle Simon. There is a romance aspect in this story which felt unnecessary in a story that could’ve easily centered around friendship and family and possibly come out stronger for it.
I liked the attempt at inclusion with Native American, Asian and African characters, though often the dialogue sounded British across the board without a touch of North American, which took away a bit. As did some of the false facts (ex. A stungun is called a Taser – they are different, though neither can knock a person unconscious, that’s all Hollywood – and revolvers don’t come with a safety). But the overall message was strong and straightforward. It plays heavily into politics, so if that’s not your thing, you’ve been warned, but that political angle gives weight to the overall message.
I liked the idea of how the Settlers came to be (no, I’m not telling you) and some of the relationships that formed throughout the book. Though I’m not sure how a series can come from this book, which felt complete aside from a cliffhanger at the end that had me wondering about a few of the worrying (in a good way) things that occurred during the book. It felt that what Baldwin aimed to bring to people’s minds and have us think about has already been addressed, so perhaps another issue is broached in book 2.
Either way, I found this to be a fun story with room for improvement and plenty of potential. I’m quite curious about character arcs, especially with the changes in the Tribe, which you’ll only learn about it if you take the time to read. Yes, that is a recommendation for those of you who like teens coming into superpowers and sticking it to the man.
This is an ambitious debut novel, and pretty well executed as well. I liked the premise of ancient deities choosing human vessels. Though I wasn’t enamored with the cast (which sometimes felt a bit too large to fit cohesively into the narrative), there were a couple of characters I really liked, namely Pax and Uncle Simon. There is a romance aspect in this story which felt unnecessary in a story that could’ve easily centered around friendship and family and possibly come out stronger for it.
I liked the attempt at inclusion with Native American, Asian and African characters, though often the dialogue sounded British across the board without a touch of North American, which took away a bit. As did some of the false facts (ex. A stungun is called a Taser – they are different, though neither can knock a person unconscious, that’s all Hollywood – and revolvers don’t come with a safety). But the overall message was strong and straightforward. It plays heavily into politics, so if that’s not your thing, you’ve been warned, but that political angle gives weight to the overall message.
I liked the idea of how the Settlers came to be (no, I’m not telling you) and some of the relationships that formed throughout the book. Though I’m not sure how a series can come from this book, which felt complete aside from a cliffhanger at the end that had me wondering about a few of the worrying (in a good way) things that occurred during the book. It felt that what Baldwin aimed to bring to people’s minds and have us think about has already been addressed, so perhaps another issue is broached in book 2.
Either way, I found this to be a fun story with room for improvement and plenty of potential. I’m quite curious about character arcs, especially with the changes in the Tribe, which you’ll only learn about it if you take the time to read. Yes, that is a recommendation for those of you who like teens coming into superpowers and sticking it to the man.
March 21, 2019
Ink, by Jobie Baldwin, is the first book in Tribe series of urban fantasy adventure superhero novels. I found this to be a uniquely enthralling fantasy read that had some interesting plot twists. A fun story with relatable characters and a quirky plot that keeps the reader entertained.
The action is set mostly in London, where a teenager named Christian is drawn into a mysterious tattoo parlor. The guy behind the counter, a native American named Raven tells Christian to stay in the center of the room and the right tattoo will choose him. The tattoo soon burns itself into Christian’s skin and gives him god-like powers.
”The tattoo is a conduit, your link to the Guide. Your tattoo symbolizes Hagalaz. We call him the Disruptor. He controls the elemental forces, the weather. He brings change, often of a catastrophic nature. I can’t wait to see what powers he has granted you.”
This happens because the Earth is in Danger to be attacked by the Settlers (aliens that have been living amongst humans for quite some time). So ancient rune gods chose suitable teenagers as vessels and together they try to save Earth. After getting chosen by Hagalaz (the god of disruption), Christian joins his “tribe” – a group of teenagers from all over the world who have been chosen by for the same purpose by different gods to a training facility where they are supposed to discover their powers, connect with their guides and train to fight together.
Read here the full review: https://www.summonfantasy.com/book-re...
The action is set mostly in London, where a teenager named Christian is drawn into a mysterious tattoo parlor. The guy behind the counter, a native American named Raven tells Christian to stay in the center of the room and the right tattoo will choose him. The tattoo soon burns itself into Christian’s skin and gives him god-like powers.
”The tattoo is a conduit, your link to the Guide. Your tattoo symbolizes Hagalaz. We call him the Disruptor. He controls the elemental forces, the weather. He brings change, often of a catastrophic nature. I can’t wait to see what powers he has granted you.”
This happens because the Earth is in Danger to be attacked by the Settlers (aliens that have been living amongst humans for quite some time). So ancient rune gods chose suitable teenagers as vessels and together they try to save Earth. After getting chosen by Hagalaz (the god of disruption), Christian joins his “tribe” – a group of teenagers from all over the world who have been chosen by for the same purpose by different gods to a training facility where they are supposed to discover their powers, connect with their guides and train to fight together.
Read here the full review: https://www.summonfantasy.com/book-re...
October 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. It's nice to read a story, partly set in London, by someone who actually knows what they're talking about and isn't shy about using slang, idioms, and local dialect too. Might be a bit difficult for non-Londoners to get all of it, but not so much I think. Also doesn't shy away from the ridiculousness of instalove, and even reffers to it. The characters are fun and the story is fairly believable. I enjoyed it. I'll definitely be reading the next one.
February 11, 2019
Superb first book in this series. Christian is a difficult teenager who wanders into a strange tattoo parlour. Keeps you intrigued.
October 3, 2018
Ink is a YA Urban Fantasy novel about a teenager, Christian Blake, who develops God-like powers. Except he doesn't know how to control said powers, and, as his mentor tries to get him under control, he wreaks havoc. This was perhaps my favorite part of the book - Christian's relationship with his "Guide" Hagalaz that lives inside of him. They don't really get along (understatement), and that's one of the major struggles he faces.
Soon he joins his "Tribe", and they are tasked with saving the world from the Settlers. I don't want to give too much away, but nothing is really what it seems as you work your way through the book. There are several twists and turns, and I was caught off-guard more than once.
If you're a fan of Neil Gaiman's "American Gods", or you love super-hero origin stories, you'll love this book. There is a bit of romance too, which I'm not a huge fan of, but it didn't take over the book like a lot of YA.
Best part is the author is supposed to have the next TWO books out in 2019. Let's hope she delivers.
Soon he joins his "Tribe", and they are tasked with saving the world from the Settlers. I don't want to give too much away, but nothing is really what it seems as you work your way through the book. There are several twists and turns, and I was caught off-guard more than once.
If you're a fan of Neil Gaiman's "American Gods", or you love super-hero origin stories, you'll love this book. There is a bit of romance too, which I'm not a huge fan of, but it didn't take over the book like a lot of YA.
Best part is the author is supposed to have the next TWO books out in 2019. Let's hope she delivers.
March 20, 2019
Ink had a great introduction, but it didn't draw me in like some fantasy novels did. The plot was an interesting concept I haven't read before. I loved how the author blended the fantastical world of God-like souls merging with mortals and the modern world as we see it today. In her story, when the world is on a downward spiral, Gods choose a host to help them save it. The threat to the world is hidden behind a group of people called settlers but the problems run deeper than the characters realize.
Once I got into the book, I thoroughly enjoyed following the characters through their adventures. The descriptors were well written, the plot flowed well. Aside from a few minor typos, I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for another fantasy type story to binge on.
Once I got into the book, I thoroughly enjoyed following the characters through their adventures. The descriptors were well written, the plot flowed well. Aside from a few minor typos, I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for another fantasy type story to binge on.
January 13, 2019
I simply can't say enough how much I loved this book! Every aspect of this book I found thrilling and exceptionally well written. Jobie introduces us to a Tribe of characters who through a mysterious tattoo, become the embodiment of Rune Gods. Christian, the embodiment of the Rune God Hagalaz, joins forces with Zack, Kia, Pax and Lexy to save humankind from the threat posed by the Settlers. Led by Raven, the Native American Hell's Angel, the Tribe must learn to use their powers, get along with their Rune Gods, and find out what is really going on with the Settlers. Follow this link for my watch my in-depth video review of INK - https://youtu.be/EBcwAdamm4U
March 25, 2019
Jobie Baldwin has created a fascinating realm - an alternative version of our own world (unless we just don't know the truth yet!) Mainly aimed at the YA market, this is an enjoyable read for any adult as well. Christian is a well-constructed anti-hero, showing the difficulties of a teenager growing/grown up in a dysfunctional family. Christian's purpose is changed forever when he stops by a store he hadn't seen before, 'Innocent Ink', and he is chosen for a higher purpose. The combination of mythology, sci-fi elements, and the environmental aspect are well interwoven to create a riveting story. I will be moving on to the next book as soon as possible!
September 27, 2018
Great book! Absolute page turner.
It manages to combine superpowers and the mystic (which I love) with an enthralling plot that keeps you guessing from beginning to end.
Can’t wait to read the next one... or maybe watch the movie because you can totally imagine that as you’re reading it.
It manages to combine superpowers and the mystic (which I love) with an enthralling plot that keeps you guessing from beginning to end.
Can’t wait to read the next one... or maybe watch the movie because you can totally imagine that as you’re reading it.
March 13, 2019
So awesone
It was so cool to find a book that I enjoyed immensely. This book is so far from the usual books I normally find and I loved every page of it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next.
It was so cool to find a book that I enjoyed immensely. This book is so far from the usual books I normally find and I loved every page of it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next.
November 7, 2018
I'd say readers age 15 and up would like this. No sexual content, but it does contain violence. I loved the story, but the ending was terrible. This ends on a cliffhanger, book two is coming soon, so be ready for that.
Christian has a genius level IQ, but does not want to excel. His parents are separated and often argue about what a disappointment he is and he make every effort to prove them right. Christian has only one friend, Ben, until he sees a ratio parlor called Mystic Ink and his curiosity makes him check it out.
So I thought this was pretty original. It has God like deities possessing teenagers through a rune tatoo, I mean that's pretty fantastical. It has aliens who turn out not to be aliens. It has time travelers from 2097 sent by Albert Einstein! This book has a bit of everything. There may even be a little romance (teen style) because it's looking like every make God (especially the crazy one, ex:Hagalaz) has a female counterpart to keep him from flipping out and causing total annihilation. These kids are chosen (not sure why it how) to save the world from the Settlers who want take over. This has some twists in that I didn't see come and they were a nice addition. There is A LOT going on and many characters, but it doesn't feel cluttered for me. I think this would probably be a YA novel and it should do extremely well. I will be watching for the second Tribe Novel that's titled, Flak.
Christian has a genius level IQ, but does not want to excel. His parents are separated and often argue about what a disappointment he is and he make every effort to prove them right. Christian has only one friend, Ben, until he sees a ratio parlor called Mystic Ink and his curiosity makes him check it out.
So I thought this was pretty original. It has God like deities possessing teenagers through a rune tatoo, I mean that's pretty fantastical. It has aliens who turn out not to be aliens. It has time travelers from 2097 sent by Albert Einstein! This book has a bit of everything. There may even be a little romance (teen style) because it's looking like every make God (especially the crazy one, ex:Hagalaz) has a female counterpart to keep him from flipping out and causing total annihilation. These kids are chosen (not sure why it how) to save the world from the Settlers who want take over. This has some twists in that I didn't see come and they were a nice addition. There is A LOT going on and many characters, but it doesn't feel cluttered for me. I think this would probably be a YA novel and it should do extremely well. I will be watching for the second Tribe Novel that's titled, Flak.
December 19, 2018
Christian is your typical teenager, he's a bit of a wild card and he just likes to have a good time. After being drawn into a tattoo parlor, he's marked and possessed by a Rune god. Hagalaz now inhabits him and like Christian, Hagalaz is very unpredictable. The man who runs the shop, Raven, has told John of the ancients, and how they are sending the Gods into mortals because the Settlers are planning something and it's up to the kids to stop them.
At the training facility, Christian meets Zack and Kai, who also possess their own Gods and slowly, over time, more tribe members are added, each with their own Gods and abilities. Now they just need to learn to work with their Gods and train to be able to master their new powers. They all grow closer as they share the excitement in learning and controlling their powers, and it would be easy to say it's all fun and games, but the Settlers have acted, and now they must come together to stop whatever might be coming.
So this was a really fun read, I loved the mystical elements that Baldwin has added. She's done a great job defining the characters and making them interesting and unique. I love how they came together to form a tribe, and how for most of them, they feel the tribe is the family they always needed. This is a great urban fantasy novel for any age, Jobie has ticked all the right boxes. I cannot wait for book 2 because I'm anxious to see what Baldwin has in store for us, very nicely done!
At the training facility, Christian meets Zack and Kai, who also possess their own Gods and slowly, over time, more tribe members are added, each with their own Gods and abilities. Now they just need to learn to work with their Gods and train to be able to master their new powers. They all grow closer as they share the excitement in learning and controlling their powers, and it would be easy to say it's all fun and games, but the Settlers have acted, and now they must come together to stop whatever might be coming.
So this was a really fun read, I loved the mystical elements that Baldwin has added. She's done a great job defining the characters and making them interesting and unique. I love how they came together to form a tribe, and how for most of them, they feel the tribe is the family they always needed. This is a great urban fantasy novel for any age, Jobie has ticked all the right boxes. I cannot wait for book 2 because I'm anxious to see what Baldwin has in store for us, very nicely done!
April 18, 2019
DFN @ 40%
Let's say it: the cover is gorgeous, and it was what captured me in the first place.
But, you know, never judge a book from its cover.
Ink might not be a bad book. But it was definitely a bad book for me. I mean, a younger, less exigent fantasy reader could probably be charmed by the story. However, the sketched worldbuilding, the flat characters and a ton of events squeezed in so few pages were too much for me to bear.
~ARC Kindly provided by Netgalley & the Publisher in exchange for my honest review~
Let's say it: the cover is gorgeous, and it was what captured me in the first place.
But, you know, never judge a book from its cover.
Ink might not be a bad book. But it was definitely a bad book for me. I mean, a younger, less exigent fantasy reader could probably be charmed by the story. However, the sketched worldbuilding, the flat characters and a ton of events squeezed in so few pages were too much for me to bear.
~ARC Kindly provided by Netgalley & the Publisher in exchange for my honest review~
February 24, 2019
I'm giving up on this... Events happen at a pace that is unbelievable even within the context of the story. No background is given on the aliens that seem to have arrived out of left field, and the main character went from rebelious teen to a dutiful foot-soldier in 2 days. All in all, there is no world-building and no character development, which makes me sad, as a story about a kid who gets a magical tattoo and fights for humanity should be something I enjoy.
April 9, 2019
A rebel, a tattoo & a group effort to save the world-not the usual run of super hero stories. This was a very entertaining read, well worth the time invested reading it & further attempts to get around Amazons new review policies to further recommend this book to more readers.
June 24, 2019
This is an awesome science fiction fantasy read for young adults. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I always try to read the books I've won or else I would not have picked this book to read. I enjoyed the story line and the cast of characters in the book. A secret tattoo shop is set in the area where a special boy or girl that has been chosen to be a super hero who can do all kinds of fantastical things as their powers. The training sessions come next. Ink are the tattoos that appear all over their bodies as their super powers emerge. How their super powers all come together to be used against the Settlers is the climax of the story. Enjoyed the book and I think young adults will also.
December 30, 2024
I want more
Fantastically written with characters that play their roles to a T. I don't think I could have been more impressed with this book
Fantastically written with characters that play their roles to a T. I don't think I could have been more impressed with this book
December 25, 2019
A pretty solid 4 out of 5 stars.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It has an original storyline - which I really liked! - with interesting characters and a (somewhat) believable dystopian sub-plot. There is a smattering of romance, however it's more of a semi-background thing, and doesn't even appear til - approximately - half way through the book. It kept my attention to the end, and enough so that I am looking forward to the next book in the series ("Flak", which the author gives a small preview at the end of the book by way of the first few pages from it).
If you like YA fiction/fantasy with a dystopian feel,. combined with action and confident personalities, then this might be the book for you!
In closing. I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway, and while a review is appreciated, it is neither requested nor required. I give this honest review of my own free will, and I wish to also thank the publisher and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read this entertaining book!!
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It has an original storyline - which I really liked! - with interesting characters and a (somewhat) believable dystopian sub-plot. There is a smattering of romance, however it's more of a semi-background thing, and doesn't even appear til - approximately - half way through the book. It kept my attention to the end, and enough so that I am looking forward to the next book in the series ("Flak", which the author gives a small preview at the end of the book by way of the first few pages from it).
If you like YA fiction/fantasy with a dystopian feel,. combined with action and confident personalities, then this might be the book for you!
In closing. I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway, and while a review is appreciated, it is neither requested nor required. I give this honest review of my own free will, and I wish to also thank the publisher and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read this entertaining book!!
October 7, 2018
This book just blew me away. I have no idea how to express myself about this book. I was dying to read this book the moment I saw it. So I did. I did not stop reading it until I was done. IT WAS AMAZING!
The whole concept is as original as it is weird and unexpected. I did not see any of it coming. So, it is Humans versus Aliens, and Rune Gods picking their champions among humans to fulfill a particular purpose in order to protect the Earth. And the plot is so much more complicated than that, and nothing is what it seems.
The author's writing is superb, and laced with sarcasm. I loved every word of it! The main character, Christian, is a lost teenager with superior intelligence and no purpose in life. Until purpose forces itself on him, and he reluctantly accepts, and becomes a part of not only something bigger, but a family as well. He grows and evolves together with the others in his little tribe.
The interactions between and among characters are interesting, entertaining, and intriguing at times. There is so much complexity in the plot, so much happening, not only within the group, but with each character separately, and then there is a big picture. The author did a great job keeping it all in check.
Then there is the environmental aspect of the story, which the author covered beautifully from several sides. And there are secrets and shocking revelations... The ending sets a scene beautifully for a sequel, and I hope from the bottom of my heart that it is coming soon. This was a great book and a great beginning of a series suitable for all readers, and I highly recommend it.
The whole concept is as original as it is weird and unexpected. I did not see any of it coming. So, it is Humans versus Aliens, and Rune Gods picking their champions among humans to fulfill a particular purpose in order to protect the Earth. And the plot is so much more complicated than that, and nothing is what it seems.
The author's writing is superb, and laced with sarcasm. I loved every word of it! The main character, Christian, is a lost teenager with superior intelligence and no purpose in life. Until purpose forces itself on him, and he reluctantly accepts, and becomes a part of not only something bigger, but a family as well. He grows and evolves together with the others in his little tribe.
The interactions between and among characters are interesting, entertaining, and intriguing at times. There is so much complexity in the plot, so much happening, not only within the group, but with each character separately, and then there is a big picture. The author did a great job keeping it all in check.
Then there is the environmental aspect of the story, which the author covered beautifully from several sides. And there are secrets and shocking revelations... The ending sets a scene beautifully for a sequel, and I hope from the bottom of my heart that it is coming soon. This was a great book and a great beginning of a series suitable for all readers, and I highly recommend it.
September 20, 2019
3.5 stars
Ink is a young adult urban fantasy story and the first book in the Tribe series.
It is narrated by Christian, an English teenager, who discovers a strange tattoo parlour. Here he finds that he’s been chosen, along with four others, to save the world. The premise is a popular one, so how will this author make it his own? The action-packed plot takes Christian and the Tribe across the world as they help fight aliens who are intent on disrupting the already unstable effects of global warming.
The author packs a lot into this book, and I admired her attempt to make the serious plight of our planet into a readable storyline. I preferred the first half of the book, where we got to know about the ancient gods and Christian. The world building was okay, not too heavy―but then more teenagers were introduced, and character building lost out to an excess of action, super-powers, technology and weapons. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-f0n
Ink is a young adult urban fantasy story and the first book in the Tribe series.
It is narrated by Christian, an English teenager, who discovers a strange tattoo parlour. Here he finds that he’s been chosen, along with four others, to save the world. The premise is a popular one, so how will this author make it his own? The action-packed plot takes Christian and the Tribe across the world as they help fight aliens who are intent on disrupting the already unstable effects of global warming.
The author packs a lot into this book, and I admired her attempt to make the serious plight of our planet into a readable storyline. I preferred the first half of the book, where we got to know about the ancient gods and Christian. The world building was okay, not too heavy―but then more teenagers were introduced, and character building lost out to an excess of action, super-powers, technology and weapons. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-f0n
did-not-finish
November 30, 2019I'm afraid I DNF'ed this one. There's just a little too much happening too fast to take it all in.
The alt-universe setting is very much like our own... Only with aliens who may or may not be able to exert some kind of mind control. Then there's Christian, a highly intelligent but lacking in wisdom British kid from a broken home (but the better-off, two-big-houses and benign neglect sort) who discovers a magical tattoo parlour. He's picked by a God to be marked, and all of a sudden he's off on a globe-trotting adventure with an odd man called Raven...
It was just a bit too much for me. I prefer getting to know the setting and characters rather than the little details of if they're wearing a Green Day or Muse t-shirt on the 337 bus today. It may appeal to the fast-n-furious YA audience, but it just didn't quite work for me.
The alt-universe setting is very much like our own... Only with aliens who may or may not be able to exert some kind of mind control. Then there's Christian, a highly intelligent but lacking in wisdom British kid from a broken home (but the better-off, two-big-houses and benign neglect sort) who discovers a magical tattoo parlour. He's picked by a God to be marked, and all of a sudden he's off on a globe-trotting adventure with an odd man called Raven...
It was just a bit too much for me. I prefer getting to know the setting and characters rather than the little details of if they're wearing a Green Day or Muse t-shirt on the 337 bus today. It may appeal to the fast-n-furious YA audience, but it just didn't quite work for me.
May 28, 2019
Ink is a novel perfect for those looking for their next YA urban fantasy novel with a unique take on control of others.
The writting was decent, a bit repetitive for my taste, and while the overall plot was interesting - moving tattoos that end up being a method for someone to be controlled by something else is not quite unique, but a really interesting thing to explore - but the writing kept taking me out of the story. Written in first person, it was just really repetitive.
A really good suspenseful fantasy novel, I think most folks would enjoy this novel, if they can get past that repetitiveness. The characters are solid and fully fleshed out and interesting.
I recommend it to fans of YA.
The writting was decent, a bit repetitive for my taste, and while the overall plot was interesting - moving tattoos that end up being a method for someone to be controlled by something else is not quite unique, but a really interesting thing to explore - but the writing kept taking me out of the story. Written in first person, it was just really repetitive.
A really good suspenseful fantasy novel, I think most folks would enjoy this novel, if they can get past that repetitiveness. The characters are solid and fully fleshed out and interesting.
I recommend it to fans of YA.
June 16, 2023
Amazing, astonishing, adequately written
This caught my eye & was a new take on the gods & how we mortals saw them. It was a riveting novel. There were some issues with spelling & certain words, I just put in the words that made sense to me. It was wickedly cool story wise. I really enjoyed it very much. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This caught my eye & was a new take on the gods & how we mortals saw them. It was a riveting novel. There were some issues with spelling & certain words, I just put in the words that made sense to me. It was wickedly cool story wise. I really enjoyed it very much. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
December 28, 2022
2.5/5
Not a bad story but it didn't keep my attention well. In fact I took like a month break from it. It's a unique idea but execution was meh. It also doesn't help that there were a number of editing issues. All in all, not the worst book I've read 🤷♀️
Not a bad story but it didn't keep my attention well. In fact I took like a month break from it. It's a unique idea but execution was meh. It also doesn't help that there were a number of editing issues. All in all, not the worst book I've read 🤷♀️
October 25, 2018
If you are looking for a fast paced fantasy adventure with great characters this is the book for you. Couldn’t put it down and now can’t wait for the next in the series. 👍
August 4, 2019
This book was okay just not interesting at all. It did not keep my interest and I tried so hard to finish this book, but I just couldn't.
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